THE TIMES' CORRESPONDENT AND THE KHIDIVE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 6382, 27 July 1882, Page 3

THE TIMES' CORRESPONDENT AND THE KHIDIVE.

The London Times' correspondent, writing from Cairo on 30th Hay, says :—" There is no change in the position of affairs. On questioning tho Khedive to-day as to his relations with Stainboul, ho said that the last communica tions received from the Sultan were friendly and re-assuring; but lie fully recognised what strong influences there were in the palace against him. Speaking of himself, he asked whether I had heard any single definite charge made against him. I replied, only that of being under the influence of the Powers. After begging mo to speak without fear and to mention any other matter in my mind, without regard to etiquette, he said: —' Then the ono charge made is serious, if it implies that I, an Egyptian, have sacrificed Egypt's interests. But is this so ? Does not the record of my reign show lessened taxation, more freedom from Kourbash funds, and the land increased in value ? Ido not claim these merits as mine ; except that I have never tried to thwart them. But it proves that I have never sacri need Egypt's interests. As for invoking the authority of the Porte, they have answered that themselves, When I commuted the sentence on the Circassians they blamed me for deferring to the Porte, whom they then defied. When I accepted the Joint Note, they blamed me for not deferring to the Porte, whom they now invoke. A criminal has a right to ask for evidence before he is condemned ; but as yet I have not even been charged with an offence.' I informed him that the natives believed he was afraid to leave his palace. He ordered his victoria, and with the hood down in the blazing sun drove through the crowded quarters of the town unguarded, except by two ordinaiy outriders,"

The Lords of the Admiralty have invited manufacturers of ordnance to send in plans and drawings of a new rapid firing gun or field piece, not to exceed half a ton in weight, to fire shell weighing 01b at the rate of 15 a minute, with a muzzle velocity of ISCOft. a second. This new field piece is to be used on board ourswift cruisers for boat and naval brigade work, and will supersede all light ordnance under 20----pounders.