NEW EGYPTIAN ASSEMBLY.

Colonist, Volume LVI, Issue 13421, 19 March 1914, Page 8

NEW EGYPTIAN ASSEMBLY.

The new Egyptian Legislative Assembly, which w> conspicuously marks the political development of ®gypk, was inaugurated by. the (vhedive with much brilliant ceremonuil, and amid keen, if somewhat undemonstrative, public interest. The Khedive in his inaugural speech statvd that the new Assembly realised the intentions he expressed two years ago regarding bringing the representative system more into conformity with the country's interests. He emphasised that the number of nominated members was limited to "the indispensable minimum figure which will alone ensure the representation of minorities." He drew attention to the procedure providing an exchange of views between the Government and the Assembly, by which it would be possible to have discussions conducive to cordial understanding. He advised the delegates to be circumspect and, prudent,, •so that the right of- initiation possessed hy the Assembly may have iiseful consequences." The- Khedive enjoined the Assembly to safeguard the wellbeing of every class of population, especially the small cultivators, and to pay particular attention "to everything which may foster the development ot the sources of public wealth, and especially to qiu-f-tious relating to •aricultural matters."' The mvich-looked-for day which, as the Khedive &aid, opens a now era in Egypt's modem history has come and gone," comments the London "Times." "Egyptians are now launched on a voyago v.hich, if they pilot the barge sagely and carefully, can eventually bring them to the much-desired ha-ven of extended self-government, but which by reckless steering may easily lead to tho .shipwreck of their hopes."