connection with Egypt, as with India, is in itself a source of
strength. The grasp of England upon Egypt has been strengthened twofold
by the events of the war. The joint action and ownership of the two
countries in the basin of the Upper Nile form an additional bond between
them. The command of the vital river is an irresistible weapon. The
influence of France over the native mind in Egypt has been completely
destroyed by the result of the Fashoda negotiations; and although she
still retains the legal power to meddle in and obstruct all financial
arrangements, that power, unsupported by real influence, is like a
body whence the soul has fled, which may, indeed, be an offensive
encumbrance, but must ultimately decompose and crumble into dust.

But, apart from any connection with Egypt, Britain has gained a vast
territory which, although it would be easy to exaggerate its value,
is nevertheless coveted by every Great Power in Europe. The policy
of acquiring large waterways, which has been pursued deliberately or
unconsciously by British statesmen for three centuries, has been carried
one step further; and in the valley of the Nile England may develop
a trade which, passing up and down the river and its complement the
railway, shall exchange the manufactures of the Temperate Zone for the
products of the Tropic of Cancer, and may use the north wind to drive
civilisation and prosperity to the south and the stream of the Nile to
bear wealth and commerce to the sea.

APPENDIX

TEXT OF THE SOUDAN AGREEMENT OF THE 19TH OF JANUARY, 1899, AND OF THE
DECLARATION OF THE 21ST OF MARCH, 1899

AGREEMENT BETWEEN HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT AND THE
GOVERNMENT OF HIS HIGHNESS THE KHEDIVE OF EGYPT, RELATIVE TO THE FUTURE
ADMINISTRATION OF THE SOUDAN

WHEREAS certain provinces in the Soudan which were in rebellion against
the authority of His Highness the Khedive have now been reconquered
by the joint military and financial efforts of Her Britannic Majesty's
Government and the Government of His Highness the Khedive; AND whereas
it has become necessary to decide upon a system for the administration
of and for the making of laws for the said reconquered provinces, under
which due allowance may be made for the backward and unsettled condition
of large portions thereof, and for the varying requirements of different
localities; AND whereas it is desired to give effect to the claims
which have accrued to Her