Egypt Under British Rule.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 1521, 5 July 1898, Page 3

Egypt Under British Rule.

Lord Cromer has issued his annual report upon the condition of Egypt, and it is a most interesting and most satisfactory document. It has been the custom of Englishmen to point to India as the most marvellous illustration ot successful administration under the British flag, and as setting forth more completely than any other part of the Empire, the success of our Civil Service. But even India has been excelled by the splendid administrative results obtained in The revenue is increasing, though the taxes are less by 20 per cent, than they were in 1881. Great schemes are on foot for the improve meat of drainage and irrigation. New railways and roads are being constructed, and the number of crimes committed during 1897 was 22 per cent, fewer than in 1896. The population since 1882 has increased by 43 per cent. One of the most astounding projects of the immediate future is the scheme which has been entrusted to Messrs A ird and Co., who have contracted to build an enormous reservoir in Upper Egypt for £2,000,000, which will be completed within rive years, and it is estimated that the first year after its construction all risk of financial failure will have been re moved. It is not the least part of Lord Cromer's success that he has at length paralysed the machinery of intrigue which France has so directly worked against us for years past in Egypt, and that the Khedive is now showing a more sympathetic attitude towards this country than he has ever done before, though he is by no means to be relied upon. In connection with this suhjecr T may mention that the cost of the Soudan expedition is set down by Lord Cromer at nearly £2,000,000. The funded debt of Egypt was reduced last year by more than £1,250,000, and there is, of course, that reserve of several millions of the Caisse which the jealously of France will not permit to be touched for the benefit of the country.— Argus correspondent.