63 



this official has a right to veto. His power in this particular is abso- 

 lute, and he is not required to give a reason for his actions. The 

 business affairs between Egypt and Turkey are conducted by the prime 

 minister and a special commissioner from Turkey. 



Egypt has no popular government. No elections are held; hence the 

 public takes little interest in the affairs of the government. In fact, 

 public sentiment does not exist. Under the organic law of May, 1883, 

 a representative assembly is provided for, but the same act contains 

 so many restrictions that the functions of this body are entirely 

 advisory. Some of the larger towns of Egypt and the fourteen prov- 

 inces have something like local government, but, owing to the compli- 

 cated nature of the control of Egypt, privileges of this kind can not 

 be much extended. About all the advantage enjoyed by the provinces 

 or these cities is that their local councils or assem])lies may discuss 

 measures which affect their conmuuiities. The council of ministers 

 considers their recommendations when it meets, and in this way becomes 

 acquainted with public needs as nearly as the council can interpret 

 them. 



The legislative council, composed of thirty members, meets at Cairo 

 about once a month. Fourteen of the members of this council are 

 named by the government, and the government reserves the right to 

 delegate any other official to attend its meetings. Nothing can origi- 

 nate in this council, but it can examine the estimate of expenditures 

 and discuss decrees which affect internal administration. The gov- 

 ernment is not required to accept amendments made by the legislative 

 council, but the reasons for rejecting any amendment must be sub- 

 mitted in writing. 



In addition to the legislative counril, there is a body known as the 

 "general assembly.'' It is composed of the ministers of state, the thirty 

 members of the legislative council, and forty-six delegates, of whom 

 thirty-live are chosen from the fourteen provincial assemblies and 

 eleven are selected bv the g-overnment. Before this bodv can meet 

 the khedive must issue a decree calling for a session. The asseml)ly 

 should convene every two years; in practice its sessions are irregular, 

 and when it meets its sittings are short and the business coming before 

 it is of minor importance. It has no legislative privileges, but can 

 veto any measures relating to taxation. No new taxes can be imposed 

 without o])taining the consent of the general assembly. In fact, this 

 is its only real power. 



Regardless of the seemingly complicated nature of the government, 

 the lawmaking power is quite simple. After the council of ministers 

 has approved a decree it is transmitted to the khedive. It makes but 

 little difference whether he signs it or not. His power of veto can not 

 be exercised when it conflicts with the advice of the British minister. 

 As these acts or decrees originate with the ministers, and the policies 



