2 9 8 RECOLLECTIONS OF FORTY YEARS. 



be placed in the systematic vilification of the Viceroy, 

 in which certain journals have recently indulged. I 

 have quoted positive facts which show the situation 

 in its true light, and allow of Mohammed Said being 

 judged as he deserves to be judged, notwithstanding 

 errors difficult to avoid in a country the administra- 

 tion of which is not yet completely in working order. 

 I have been treated to a very significant demonstra- 

 tion from the Geographical Society of London, which, 

 as you know, is composed of very influential men. 

 First of all, I was invited to dinner by the Society at 

 their club, Lord Sheffield taking the chair. My 

 health was drunk in a toast which referred in eulo- 

 gistic terms to my efforts to bring about the piercing 

 of the Isthmus of Suez. Mr. Gladstone, a cousin of 

 the Minister,* then said, speaking in excellent French : 

 i M. de Lesseps, if in this country we have not been 

 so prompt as other nations to welcome your enter- 

 prise, it is because of our character and habits. But 

 once we are convinced, we go further and sometimes 

 show more perseverance than any of our neighbours. 

 For my own part, I entertained at first considerable 

 doubts, which are not yet entirely dissipated ; but I 

 am only too anxious to be persuaded, and I heartily 

 wish you success. 7 



" I thanked my hosts for their interest, which I 



* Note of the Translator. I leave the responsibility of the state- 

 ment as to Lord Sheffield and Mr. Gladstone being cousins to 

 M. de Lesseps. 



