Mr. Chaplin called up Mr. Gladstone, who declared that he
had never heard a motion for adjournment "more unfortunate and indiscreet," or a speech more descriptive of means of mis- chief. He confirmed a previous assurance given by Sir Charles Dilke, that means existed of supplying water to the Canal stations other than the fresh-water canal, though in face of Mr. Chaplin's indiscretion he declined to explain what those means were. He stated that in the opinion of experts it would be most difficult to do more than temporary injury to the Suez Canal from its banks, and denied that the neutralisation of the water-way would be referred to the Conference. Sir G. Elliot, a strong Conservative, very familiar with Egypt, confirmed the Premier's statements as to the supply of water and the safety of the Canal, as did also Mr. McCoan, a sound authority on such a point, who ridiculed Mr. Chaplin's speech as a col- lection of mares'-nests. Neither party, it will be observed, doubt that a temporary stoppage is possible, and, indeed, it is pal- pable that it could be effected by sinking a single vessel in the channel, an obstruction which it might take many days to remove.
