The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 2, September, 1851Various
History
The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 2, September, 1851
Various
Art, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Science -- History -- Periodicals
contemplated, as there is reason to suppose they did, the utter
destruction of foreign influence, the total change of a system, under
which French and English measures alternated like whig and tory
administrations, we must candidly admit they had some very good
grounds to go upon.
The creation of the party was a long and laborious work; very likely
it was brought and kept together more by mutual discontents, ambitious
hopes, and straightforward bigotry, than by any very Machiavellian
policy. Probably Abbas Pasha really liked ram-fighting, and was a
pigeon-fancier, and did not assume these tastes, as the elder Brutus
played the fool, in order to accomplish his ends. But, however this
may be, he certainly occupied a more respectable position than his
uncle Ibrahim, whose whole ideas of the duties of government were
getting money and playing at soldiers; and than any of the other
members of this most obese and heavy-headed family. Even if it be true
that he meditated a revolt against the broken-down conqueror of Syria,
and was only withheld by fear of the European powers, this fact gives
an impression of his energy, and by no means derogates from his
character in this country. The Saids and the Ahmeds, the Ismains and
the Mustaphas, would, each and all of them, strike a blow and rid the
country of their beloved relations, if the little word _impossible_
did not stare them in the face. As it is, they are in perpetual feud
with the head of the family, and there is no end to their bickerings,
heart-burnings, jealousies, and hatreds. Abbas is haughty and
overbearing to them; they as insolent as they may be to him. Be sure
that, on all sides, direful causes of affront have been given; but
probably Abbas has been provoked by unbecoming pretensions. What else
could be expected from a set of ignorant, debauched adventurers, who
have got a temporary footing in the country, and actually talk with
the pride of an ancient respectable line of hereditary princes of
their rights, and their expectations, and their rank, and so forth!
Abbas, of course, has not the same natural influence over this unruly
brotherhood as had the ruthless old man, and his more savage immediate
successor; and probably, in attempting to exert his rightful
authority, has been betrayed into undignified squabbles. It is certain
that many members of his family have fled or retired to
Constantinople; among others, Mohammed Ali Bey, and the notorious
Hazlet Hanem. Some remarks have been made on this subject, to the
effect that Abbas is frightening away his dutiful relations by his
violent and unreasonable conduct; but if Egypt never loses two of its
natives whom it can worse spare than these, it will be fortunate.
Without further inquiry than into their character, one would be
inclined to admire and respect the man who had quarrelled with them.
Mohammed Ali is a debauched worthless lad; and Madame Nazlet cannot
have justice done to her without details into which our pen is not at
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account