THE ORIGIN OF THE SUEZ CANAL. 277 



the new aspect of affairs is open to modification or, at 

 all events, that, if you admit that the subject is one 

 deserving examination, your opinion must be based 

 upon reasons and arguments of a higher kind. It is 

 easy to understand that a time when the two govern- 

 ments of France and England ordered their agents to 

 oppose one the railway and the other the canal, each 

 of them should hold to its opinion, however unreason- 

 able it may have been. There was in that case a 

 parti pris on either side. But a great change has taken 

 place since then. The intimacy and the sincerity of 

 the alliance between the two countries does not admit 

 of this antagonism existing, especially in matters of 

 progress and of general interest which are beneficial 

 to the whole world. Consequently, the French agents, 

 far from running counter to the English agents in 

 regard to the Egyptian railway, have, as you must 

 know, cordially supported them. Surely England 

 will not cling to the remnants of an antagonism which 

 has been loyally and entirely foresworn by France. 

 The sentiments of the members of the English Cabi- 

 net are too well known for us to doubt what their 

 decision will be. Therefore, as I repeat, all that I ask of 

 you is to give an impartial consideration to the affair. 

 "Lord C. I am much obliged to you for speaking 

 to me so frankly, and what you say deserves to be 

 taken into careful consideration. You may rely upon 

 my doing as you wish, and examining the question 

 deliberately, without the slightest prejudice. 



