It is stated on good authority that the Sultan hesitates
to ratify the Anglo-Turkish Convention, the French and Russian Ambassadors persuading him that it involves a plot against his authority as Khalif, and threatening him with consequences from their hostility. As the Convention means money, the sale- able value of the Egyptian Tribute being improved under it, he will probably sign in the end; but the annoyance of Russia and France is most pronounced. The former Power declares she will not acknowledge the Convention unless concessions axe made in Bulgaria, while the latter will not acknowledge it on any terms. We shall not be sorry to see the Convention hung up, as we think waiting a more manly policy ; but if the country approves, we do not see why it should not be acted on without a European mandate. Nobody, certainly, can stop our going away. France will not seize Egypt at present, in face of the inevitable war, and she certainly will not let us reoccupy if she can help it, even if she does, for form's sake, sign the Convention. That is to say, she will not -unless we pay off the Bonds, which are still, as at the first, her grand reason for her " interest " in Egypt. The nominal reason assigned both by France and Russia for their refusal to agree, is that the reoccupation clauses involve a practical Protectorate, which is true so far as the burden is concerned. The only differ- ence is that we shall have no power to benefit the people.
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