The French and Russian Governments continue their rather small efforts
to worry the British administrators of Egypt. On Monday, June 8th, the Mixed Tribunal, in which those Governments have the superior influence, delivered judgment against the Caisse of the Debt, decreeing that the British, German, Au stro-Hun garian, and Italian Commissioners have abused their trust in agreeing to advance £500,000 for the reconquest of Dongola. The sum not expended, £150,000, must not be spent, and the sum expended, £350,000, must be refunded with all the costs ; and the Russian and French members of the Caisse are charged with the execution of the judgment. The Caisse has a right of appeal, which has been lodged ; but it seems to be understood that the Judges in Courts of this kind act upon political motives only, and that the judgment will, almost as a matter of course, be confirmed. It does not much matter if it is, as there are believed to be other funds from which the sums required can be taken, or if not the amount necessary can be advanced by the British Government to the visible increase of its hold on Egypt ; but the whole business suggests the absurd want of logic in the present arrangements. The British Government governs Egypt, and can, if it pleases, ruin the Treasury ; but if it governs so well that there is a surplus it cannot of its own motion expend the surplus it has itself created.
Previous page
