The ex-Khedive Ismail has been interviewed by the Times Correspondent,
and has given his opinion on Egyptian affairs with his usual shrewdness. He admits that the English possess Egypt, and must retain it, but maintains that the easiest method of governing it will be through the Egyptians themselves, or rather through native functionaries, "who will be governed by the enlightened views of the English." If they are employed, and share the advantages as well as burdens of government, they will not be humiliated, and administration will be easy. The new protectors can introduce reforms which no Khedive could attempt without foreign remonstrances, and will have "a peaceful rule." A foreigner visibly at the head of the Government would ontmge religious feeling, and an Armenian would not be re- spected. As to Tewfik, he will probably intrigue against his pro- tectors, being a weak man "who, if he does not conspire himself, will be delighted to know others are conspiring." .As to the Suez Canal, it belongs to Egypt, and if a second one is cut, that will belong to Egypt also. As England rules Egypt she rules the Canal, and "in discussing its nationality, she only weakens her own case." A special position is accorded, by European respect, to M. de Lesseps, but when he passes away, the "factitious French character" of the Canal will disappear too. Ismail has brains.
