CURRENT LIT E RATURE.
Egypt : Political, Financial, and Strategical. By Griffin W. Vyse. (W. H. Allen and Co.)—Mr. Vyse's book is full of matter, the results at which an acute and unprejudiced observer of facts in Egypt has arrived. Especially valuable are the remarks on the possible re- clamation of land from the brackish lakes and marshes which now occupy so much of the scanty area of Egypt. Here Mr. Vyse speaks from experimental knowledge. He feels sure that they might be filled up by the deposit of the Nile mud, if the river were turned into them, as it easily might be. There is a very pleasing estimate of the character of the Fellabeen, who, even if we allow a discount on Mr. Vyse's estimate, seem less spoilt by eight thousand years of slavery than might be reasonably hoped for. The great purchase of Suez-Canal shares by Lord Beaconsfield meets with strong approval. Apart from all considerations of politics, the commercial aspect of the transaction is satisfactory. They were bought five years ago for four million pounds, and now they might be sold in the market for ten millions. The upshot of Mr. Vyse's observations and previsions is a conclusion which, disguise it or put it out of sight as they will, a good many Englishmen entertain in their hearts. " The Suez Canal is the point d'appui of our hold on India. The direct control of it by England appears to all thinking Englishmen as absolutely essential, and of the highest and most vital importance. It may, for various political reasons, be delayed, but it is inevitable that, sooner or later, we MUST make the Suez Canal British property."
Previous page
