It is evident that the insurrection in Morocco, which was
supposed to be subdued, is as dangerous as ever. The Pre- tender has not been caught, his agents are threatening the ports, and he has captured one or two places of importance. So alarmed is the Sultan that he has abandoned his projects of "reform," that is, of introducing European customs, and has ordered all his European advisers, except his French and English military advisers, to quit the capital. He appears to be one of those weak Orientals whom the West fascinates without strengthening, and he has succeeded in making his subjects doubt whether he is a true Mahom- medan. The Treasury is empty, the Sultan spending all available cash in the purchase of scientific toys in Paris and London, and there seems a danger that his dominion may shortly be limited to his capital. The weak- ness of his rival, however, which is his want of descent from Mahommed, is incurable, and in the open country he appears unable to defeat the regular troops. The prospect, therefore, is one of anarchy, which if continued will tempt the European Powers to intervene, and thus bring about a " question " which may prove as formidable as that now rising in the Balkans. It will be well, however, for the Powers to remem- ber that the Moroccans loathe Europe and her ways, and though ill-armed, have learned in their strife of ages how to defend their hills.
