AFFAIRS IN EGYPT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1605, 26 August 1882, Page 14

AFFAIRS IN EGYPT.

We find the following cable messages in our files of the Melbourne Age to hand by last night's mail :—

London, August 11th. The steamer Orient has arrived at Alexandria with thb Duke of Connaughfr and a detachment of English troops on boaid. The Duke of Connaught, shortly after the Orient had anchored in the harbour, landed for the purpose of paying a visit to the Khedive at the Ras El Tin Palace. The meeting between the Duke and the Viceroy was of a cordial character, the Duke taking the opportunity of assuring his Highness on the part of the Queen that the conquest of Egypt formed no part of the policy of England in sending troops to Egypt. The Duke complimented the Khedive on' the loyalty which he had shown in upholding the English alliance, which he stated ncr Majesty fully reciprocated. As soon as .the Khedive's authority was firmly re-established, and the protection of the _ Suez Canal effectually guaranteed, the British troops would be withdrawn, the object of their despatch being not conquest, but the restoration of order and confidence.

The United States Government have decided to take part in the naval protection of the Suez Canal. The arrival of a small squadron of American-men-of-war is expected shortly. The Khedive has appointed a commission to inquire into the losses sustained by the citizens of Alexandria through the destruction of their property during the recent • bombardment by the British fleet. .When all the claims have been sent in they will be verified as far as possible, and some scheme of compensation devised. The Khedive has also undertaken to compensate the European residents of Alexandria for their losses and sufferings during the massacre of tho 11th of June last.

In Tripoli, the most; eastern of the Barbary States in North Africa, the greatest sympathy is expressed among the Mahommedan population with the aims of the National party in Egypt. The people regard Ourabi Pasha as the hero of the day, and the enmity expressed towards the Europeans is so great that an out-

break against them is hourly expected. The natives are, it is reported, displaying a most menacing attitude, and a panic is commencing amongst the Europeans, August' l4th. The Sultan has for the last time summoned Ourabi Pasha to surrender^ The latter' is warned that if he neglects to obey he will be immediately proclaimed a traitor, and must take the consequences of his obstinate opposition, not only to the wishes of the Western Powers, but to the will of the Porte. M. Duclerc, the new President of the Council of Ministers, and the present Premier of France, has prohibited the lottery in aid of the sufferers by the recent massacres at AlexanThere seems little doubt but that the Suez Canal will be impeded or destroyed by Ourabi Pasha. Under these circumstances it has been determined to take decisive action in defence of the Canal. For this purpose the English fleet will co-operate with' the army in any operations which may be undertaken. The Philadelphia Land League have, been actively canvassing for subscriptions in aid of the fund which is being raised for transmission to Ourabi Pasha. The siuns already collected are stated to amount in the aggregate to BCO dollars. ■