NEW ERA FOR EGYPT

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 90, 16 April 1923, Page 3

NEW ERA FOR EGYPT

PRINCE FOUAD, DEMOCRAT

INSPIRATIONAL ADVOCATE OF

PROGRESS

SUPPORTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION. Whether or not wisdom and strength always come out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, the steady movement of the young in all countries hae since the war kept the adapted Biblical phrase, steadily before the world. The Fascisti of Italy, the youthful faction in Germany, the striplings of other countries have all contributed at'least a measure of success to the evolution that goes on steadily in spite of the compromises of foreign emissaries, the haggling of Prime Ministers, the compromise of middle age. In 1910 the Egyptian uprisings were put down to the restlessness of the "student" class." Those who found it to their interest to have the world consider Egypt a quiet spot and the E<"-r)tian as ideally happy with his lot were loudest in this explanation of 5 the ringing cry, "Eevpt for the Egyptian!" But it is only after the recognition of 'Eirvpt'as an independent State, says the "New York. Times," and the accession of the democratic Prince Fouad to the throne that the young of this particular country seem to have found things more to their satisfaction.

On 15th March. 1922. a royal pi-oclo-mation was issued', making public the British declaration of 28th February of the same year putting an end to the protectorate. It announced that henceforth Egypt constituted a sovereign and independent State, and that his Highness Sultan Fouad assumed the title of "Hia Majesty the King of Egypt."

In the history of Prince Fouad may perhaps be traced the inspirational evolution of the new Eiryrjt. This PrincePresident and Prince-Hector, as he was called during the years he worked for the -urjbuildino: of a national university and the development of an educational programme -which would place the young Egyptian on a par with other European intellectuals, had ever before him the memory of a long line of ancestors who had, despite long periods of discouracement, toiled and moiled on the solid foundation which the ninth sovereign of the dynasty., this same Prince Fouad, has now inherited.

This eon of the Khedive Ismail, grandeon of Ibrahim Pasha and great-erand-aon of Mohammed Ali, often called the Great, was born at Guizeh Palace, near Cairo, on 26th March. 1868. And it was almost to the day fifty-four years later that he became Kinc of that "mysterious country beside the River Nile. At the age of 10 he was sent to Europe and entered the Tudisum Institute at Geneva. This was followed by a course at the International Institute at Turin, and in 1885 he entered the 'Military Academy of that city. As Lieutenant in the 13th Regiment of Field Artillery,' Prince Fouad was Garrisoned for some time in Ik>me,' and m 1890 he was appointed Military Attache at the Ottoman Embassy at Vienna. During these years the young Prince was cordially received by many of the royal families of Europe and laid tli-e foundation for friendships which have proved of advantage to Egypt.' . " _ After holding various posts of distinction m the Egyptian army; Prince Fouad 1 resigned from the service to devote his time entirely to the scientific and intellectual development of his country. In the recognition, of that young and eager spirit which has kept 'Egypt in move or less turmoil the past dozen years, Prince Fouad showed an unusual knowledge of national characteristics—characteristics which many students of Eastern affairs seemed to have«overlooked completely in the light of later developments.

One who has worked close to and known intimately this new ruler of Egypt's surging masses and who admu;es him greatly has said of him: — A general culture of wide and varied extent; a severe training of the mind and. character; simple and engaging manners; an innate sense of duty; 'a profound_ patriotism allied to" a respect for his ancestors which is almost a religion ; a tenacity of will which is never turned aside; an intellectual curiosity always on the alert; a. gentle sympathy with people and affairs and in all circumstances ; the sense of proportion and a _ just appreciation of his rank. As King he will continue, vie may rest assured, hiß lofty and noble mission with the same Euccess—dco'ing to it his whole energy, his whole intelligence, and his whole devotion. 1 '

,It was in 1906 that a definite programme for a national university began to take Bhnpe, although for ten years prior to that date the insufficiency of the official course of instruction had troubled the progressive element in Egypt. . In June, 1908, the university, which had been opened as an institution of public utility, Prince Fouad was an indefatigable collector of gifts for his child of his dreams. Not only money but thouands of books began „to. pour into the coffers of the people's college, and along with annual donations of substantial proportions hundreds of acres of land were a,seigned in trust. Prince Fouad was the President-Rectoi- until 1913, and later became President of the University. Through the efforts of Prince Fouad the secondary schools of France and Italy in 1910, or thereabouts, opened their doors to young Egyptians of 8 to 10 years of age, who were selected and sent abroad by the University. Profflssors from the leading colleges of Europe came to give courses of lectures in Egypt. While pernaps a step ahead of his countrymmen in recognising the necessity of educating the women of Egypt alongside the men. Prince Fouad has the point of view. of civilised society. In the mother of future citizens of Egypt this ruler-professor sees an important factor in the'child's early development. From her they must receive their lirat education. It is important that she, as well as the men-folk of the family, have the education which the national University of her country now provides. In the work of the_ Egyptian University, of the Geographical Society, of the Egyptian Institute, of the Popular University, of the Society of Political Economy,, and of the Institute of Applied Biology and Acclimatisation the aim of the present sovereign is the development of a scientific and intellectual Egypt which can compete with world-famed Institutions of learning. And during his years as a constitutional monarch he was helpful in the task of improving communications, public health, and in the re-establishment of the economic equilibrium of his country. . Notable among these reforms were the covered canals which supplied the inhabitants of Mecca with pure drinking water, and the erection of a hospital with a permanent medical service. This removed an everpresent menace to health, in the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who yearly visited the Holy Cjty from all parts of Urn world.

It was during tho protectorate which resulted in such bitterness between Great Britain and Egypt that Prince Fciail set about the job'of bringing the discontented factions of his country togetnen. He summoned men of the highest character to his Court. Ho threw open tne gates of his palace, and listened sym-ipa-thetically to every one's complui/ii. And m his strenuous duties pevnuui'u. he mado trips into the country— thwugh

Lower and Uppw Egypt h» travelled— stopping in each district to ask the iifefts of the people. Prince Fouad visited schools and hospitals, and .-tan everywhere met with enthusiasm aad spontaneous response. Less than a year after the accession of Prince Fouad t-'o th» throne of his fathers the World War ended, and during this year the strict censorship of news kept the world from any knowledge of Egypt's troubles. But with_ the termination of the protectorate in March last, a new era seems to have dawned for the people along the Nile.

The matter of succession to the throne of Egypt has been worked out apparently to the satisfaction of the people. In the case of.a minor king there will not be a regent but a council of regency,, and the members of this council will- be chosen with the approval of Parliament. In this way the nation will have a more rcffective control of the powers of the Crown during the minority of a future King of' Egypt. ' ■ ■ '