NEWS OF THE WEEK • T HE Government is under anew
embarrassment. The Khedive of Egypt has struck his stroke, and terminated the Anglo- French Protectorate. Moved, it is believed, by dislike to Mr. Wil- son's forthcoming budget, which was based on the suppression of the Army and. a reduction in the interest on all debts, except the preference debt, which, for some inexplicable reason, was exempted, he on Monday called the European Consuls-General together, and informed them that he could pay his coupons, that Egypt called for a national administration, and that consequently he should dismiss the European Ministers. Mr. R. Wilson and M. de Blignieres refused to resign, but nevertheless the Khedive formed a native Ministry, and has, through them, resumed the direct and absolute control of affairs. The excitement in Paris en the receipt of the news was at first violent, the Bondholders calling for immediate measures of coercion. But the diffi- culties of action are many ; the English Government is in- disposed to more expeditions ; and it is generally understood that the two Powers will only press the Sultan to remove the Khedive. It is, however, reported. that Ismail has secured himself at Constantinople, and it is most improbable that he would. have acted. without some assurance from that quarter.
