In many ways English influence in Egypt will be strengthened
rather than weakened by the result of the crisis. It must not be forgotten, however, that Riaz may prove a very difficult Minister to deal with, under existing circumstances. When his master was so experienced and prudent a ruler as Tewfik, it was almost impossible to avoid friction. What will it be when his Sovereign is a lad of nineteen? But though Riaz is a rigid Mahommedan of the old school, who
hates foreigners and new ideas, and is driven into a frenzy by schemes of reform, he is a perfectly honest man, a very able administrator, and a rigid economist. If, too, he proves now, as he proved when Prime Minister before, impatient of English interference, we may be sure he will not fall under French influence. It is said, however, that his reactionary ten- dencies have lately been much modified, and that during his retirement he "recognised the benefits of progress," and "showed himself more favourable to the present state of affairs." If that is so, and if he does not, as he did before, fall foul of our improvements in the administration of justice, he may prove a very good Premier. At any rate, he is not a weak Minister.
