The Future of Palestine. By 13. Walker. (Nisbet.)—Mr. Walker gives
us, by way of introduction, an interesting account of the German colony of Haifa, near Carmel. Wo quite agree with him in thinking that this shows what may be done with Palestine. A country that has been under Moslem rule for twelve centuries and under Turkish rule for four will not be restored in a year or two ; but there is evidence enough to show the latent possibility. But we doubt whether Mr. Walker's suggestion of European action comes within the domain of practical politics. Our experience of the "European concert " does not encourage us to be very hopeful about a scheme according to which "ono of the Groat Powers, by previous under- standing with the rest," is to seize the occasion of wrong-doing on the part of Turkey, and take possession of the country, holding it in trust for ten years, and making such improvements as she thinks fit. Nor does the alternative by which the Sews are Co buy the country from the Porte, for some such trifle us fifty millions, commend itself to our reason. Unfortunately, the Jews who have the millions do not want to go back to Palestine. They prefer London and Paris. And the poorer class has for the most part an absolute aversion to the manual labour by which, in any scheme for the settlement of Palestine, they must live.
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