6 JUNE 1896, Page 3

The difference between the East and the West, which we

recently discussed in connection with the work of saving life, is well illustrated by some recent occurrences in Egypt. Cholera is raging in that country. We do not believe the official figures, which are obviously intended to keep down panic, but it is admitted that tha percentage of deaths to attacks is unusual—nearly 90 per cent.—while the regular Indian average is, we are informed on good authority, 56 per cent. The authorities are doing their best to prevent the spread of the disease, but the populace rage against the sanitary officers, and, when they dare, attack them. The students of El Azhar have taken such a lead in this violence that sixty of them have been deported and the Syrian section closed, but it is significantly remarked that the Khedive agrees with the students. Of course he does, and so does -every other Mahommedan.