Lord Cromer's annual Report on the state of Egypt is
this year of very special interest. In the first place, it shows that the past year in Egypt has been one of unusual prosperity, the revenue reaching the highest figure yet recorded since the British occupation. Unfortunately, however, owing to the mortmain of internationalism, Egypt cannot take full advantage of her prosperity. Money which should be either fructifying in the pockets of the people, or else used for important public purposes, is uselessly sequestered in the Caisse de in Dette. However, owing to the purchases of Egyptian stock by the Caisse, the total of indebtedness now only stands at about £95,500,000, and there is no Floating Debt. Lord Cromer mentions, among other things, that the extraordinarily low Nile has had one good result. It has greatly facilitated, and so expedited, the work of building the dam at Amman. The facts recorded as to the Soudan are satisfactory—especially the good understanding arrived at with Abyssinia—but it will be a long time before the Soudan will pay its way. Incidentally, Lord Cromer mentions that the Khedive will visit England next slimmer, and rightly adds the assurance that he is certain to be welcomed by all classes.
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