they will also inspire the Hajjis with the
wholesome feeling that they owe allegiance to, and can claim protection
from, an empire other than that to which the people of Arabia are
subject (the Turkish).

"The proposed help would stand in very favourable contrast to the
sufferings which the pilgrims undergo from maladministration at Mecca
and in their journey to Medina. Moreover, practically the assistance
rendered by the Government would be the most effective way of resisting
such influences as the propagandists might bring to bear upon the Hajjis
with a view to animate them with hostility to the British supremacy in
India.... I believe if the Indian Government only wished to make some
such arrangement it would pay its own way. I am absolutely certain that
it would have a disproportionately beneficial effect on the political
feelings of the Mohammedans towards British rule."

Such, or some such, is the line of action which England, looking merely
to her own interests, may, it is hoped, pursue in the next century, and
begin in this. Her Asiatic interests she must recognize to be peace and
security in Mussulman India, good-will in Egypt, and the healthy growth
of the humaner thought of Islam everywhere; and these she can only
secure by occupying the position marked out for her by Providence of
leading the Mohammedan world in its advance towards better things. The
mission is a high one, and well worthy of her acceptance, and the means
at her disposal are fully sufficient for its discharge. Nor will her
refusal, if she refuse, be without grave and immediate danger. The
Mohammedan world is roused as it has never been in its history to a
sense of its political and moral dangers, and is looking round on all
sides for a leader of whatsoever name or nation to espouse its cause. We
can hardly doubt that the position of directing so vast a force, if
abandoned by England, will be claimed by some more resolute neighbour.

The British Empire in Asia is cause of envy to the world at large, and
its prosperity has many enemies, who will certainly make the distress of
Islam an engine in their hands against it. Neglected by the power which
they hold bound to protect their interest, the Mussulmans of India will
certainly become its bitterest enemies, and though they may not
immediately be able to give effect to their hostility, the day of
embarrassment for us can hardly fail to come, and with it their
opportunity. At best the enmity of