With Khaireddin, falls, according to one generally trust- worthy authority,
a very great scheme. An Arab and a Tunisian, he had an idea, it is said, of sacrificing the European dominions of the Sultan, and compensating him by reviving his authority over Egypt, Arabia, Tunis, Tripoli, and the whole of North Africa, the whole of which, except the strip of Algeria in which Frenchmen are really obeyed, is governed by a dominant Arab caste. To carry out this plan, it would have been neces- sary to emigrate to Asia, to shake off European influence, and to reinvigorate Mahommedanism at its centre ; and this, accord- ing to the statement, was Khaireddin's leading idea, which had its attraction even for his master, who has heard of the glories of the elder Khalifate. It might be carried out by a strong Man, but be must be a Khalif, and must have what the later Turkish Sultans have never had, the confidence of the Arabs, the ability to lead a conquering army in the field, and the strength to give equal rights to all Mahommedans. The Arabs will never yield to the ascendancy, though they may submit to the power, of a Mongol tribe, which has never claimed to be civilised, has never founded a city, and never produced a learned
man.
