The Bosphore Egyptienne Incident.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5141, 9 July 1885, Page 3

The Bosphore Egyptienne Incident.

The Cairo correspondent of the Times describes the suppression of the French newspaper which caused so much offence to the touchy dignitaries of Paris : —The printing office of the French newspaper Le Bosphore at Cairo was surrounded by a body of several hundred armed Egyptian police, whe» the doors were broken into with axes, and seals were put on all the presses. The suppression was executed with excellent judgment by Captain Fenwick, Commandant of the Cairo Native Police. A large crowd had gathered, and on his arrival Captain Fen wick was met by the Chancellor of the French Consulate, whose assistance Captain Fenwick politely asked. On repeated refusal, Captain Fenwick expressed his regret that he would be compelled to effect an entry by breaking the doors, and again appealed to the Consulate to assist him lo carry out the decree of the Egyptian Government without force. The Chancellor replied that he was there to oppose the execution meme par la force. Captain Fenwick, always continuing his conversation, quietly but audibly ordered the police to load. In forming the Chancellor that he accepted his protest, and would consider that he had already made a legal demonstration of resistance, Captain Fenwick proceeded to break open the doors. Some Frechroen assaulted a carpenter, but were promptly, warned by Captain Fen wick to desist. He then entered and requested the proprietor of the f stablish ment to dismiss the employes from the premises. Tbis he refused to do, but being persuaded by good humored badinage to avoid any further necessity for a display of force, consented, and seals were placed on the doors, which are guarded by a strong force of police. Great excitement prevailed, aDd the smallest error of judgment would have resulted in regrettable disturbance, but. nothing could exceed the perfect politeness and selfpossession of the young officer. The military police were at his disposal, but be declined to avail himself of their services.

The decree against the Bosphore had been in existence for over a year, but it has persisted in continual misrepresentation ever since, even announcing in leaded type that negotiations are actively progressing for the evacuation of the Soudan by the English, who are to be replaced by an army of another European Power. Its whole tone has for many months been most hostile to the English and Egyptian Governments, and has greatly added to the difficulties of the situation. In fact, it is stated that the evil produced by the year's delay in carrying out, the decree can hardly be exaggerated. [Regarding the suppression for which, it willbe remembered, the Egyptian Government eventually apologised, the London Standard says:—"The French Government is pressing the demand for reparation and apology in a very imperious fashion ; while JRubar Pasha, who acted in the matter with the assent of Sir Evelyn Baring, had appealed to the English Government to maintain and protect the rights of Egypt. We believe, states the same journal, that during the last few days there has been a constant interchange of communications between France and Russia. It is now asserted that they are now acting on a common understanding, the object of which is to put the pressure on the English Government, and to obtain both for Russia and France all that they claim in the differences which exist between them and this country."