Sir Evelyn Baring will not, we venture to predict, be
long popular in Egypt. He is too independent of the opinion of the European Colony, which considers that in many respects it is " Europe " present on the spot. This colony is eager for the payment of the indemnities, and on the 5th inst. waited on Sir Evelyn to urge him to press the Government on the matter. Sir Evelyn refused point-blank, telling the deputation that he saw no ground for exercising pressure, and that the request came with a had grace from men who claimed immunity from local taxation, Perhaps he might have been a little gentler with advantage. He is entirely in the right, and the indemnity, though politic, is oppressive ; but as it has been granted and the awards made, the money should be paid. It must be found, sooner or later, and an indefinite delay is only cruel to the Europeans, some of whom have not exaggerated their claims, without being bene- ficial to the Egyptian Treasury. Sir Evelyn Baring scarcely ever made a blunder in India, but he often made needless enemies.
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