DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6553#0200
APPENDIX.
121
At the same time it must be confessed, that, if the reduction of
the Pasha's power was the object in view, his army should not
have been allowed to have returned to Egypt, particularly that
large part of it, which was composed of Syrian conscripts; and,
it may be added, that the hostile disposition, which, according to
Mr. Perring's account, was manifested by the Arabs on the con-
fines of Egypt, and more especially the dreadful state of Syria
even at the present time, may well call in question the policy, as
well as the humanity, of destroying a government (which, however
oppressive, effectually provided for the tranquillity of the country)
without establishing an adequate authority in its room ; and also
of arming a population, irreconcilably divided into hostile sects
by religious opinions, and by local circumstances; and of then
turning them loose on each other, with no other control, or re-
source from anarchy and confusion, than the ferocious atrocities
of Albanian banditti, and of a half-disciplined Turkish soldiery.
The mischief, however, is done, and, unless the jealousies and dis-
cordant interests of the allies can sufficiently subside to allow of
the occupation of the country by a European force,— a circum-
stance, which would be highly satisfactory to the unfortunate
inhabitants, it will probably be found necessary to call in the
assistance of Mahomet Ali, whose military arrangements, and
vigorous determination, are well calculated to disarm the people,
and to enforce obedience; and whose authority, however de-
structive and severe, is at all events preferable to license, and to
insecurity.
Having briefly stated the opinions, which my visit to the East
induces me to entertain, I proceed to mention, that the formation
of a regular Egyptian army was first attempted in 1822, when a
corps, consisting of 5000 Mamelucs, under Mohammed Bey, and
of 20,000 Negroes, was assembled at Es Souan, in order that it
might be disciplined by Colonel Sevres, who was said to have
been an aide-de-camp to Marshal Ney, and who afterwards as-
sumed the title of Suleiman Bey.
It is stated that the instruction of the Manielucs was attended
with considerable difficulty and danger ; but that the negroes were
more tractable ; and were also strong and efficient, until, from some
cause or other, which has not been explained, they suddenly
became sickly, and were reduced to 3000 men.
As this scheme had failed, the Pasha was advised, it would
appear, by the Erench consul, through whom he obtained French
and Italian instructors, to establish a conscription, similar to that
121
At the same time it must be confessed, that, if the reduction of
the Pasha's power was the object in view, his army should not
have been allowed to have returned to Egypt, particularly that
large part of it, which was composed of Syrian conscripts; and,
it may be added, that the hostile disposition, which, according to
Mr. Perring's account, was manifested by the Arabs on the con-
fines of Egypt, and more especially the dreadful state of Syria
even at the present time, may well call in question the policy, as
well as the humanity, of destroying a government (which, however
oppressive, effectually provided for the tranquillity of the country)
without establishing an adequate authority in its room ; and also
of arming a population, irreconcilably divided into hostile sects
by religious opinions, and by local circumstances; and of then
turning them loose on each other, with no other control, or re-
source from anarchy and confusion, than the ferocious atrocities
of Albanian banditti, and of a half-disciplined Turkish soldiery.
The mischief, however, is done, and, unless the jealousies and dis-
cordant interests of the allies can sufficiently subside to allow of
the occupation of the country by a European force,— a circum-
stance, which would be highly satisfactory to the unfortunate
inhabitants, it will probably be found necessary to call in the
assistance of Mahomet Ali, whose military arrangements, and
vigorous determination, are well calculated to disarm the people,
and to enforce obedience; and whose authority, however de-
structive and severe, is at all events preferable to license, and to
insecurity.
Having briefly stated the opinions, which my visit to the East
induces me to entertain, I proceed to mention, that the formation
of a regular Egyptian army was first attempted in 1822, when a
corps, consisting of 5000 Mamelucs, under Mohammed Bey, and
of 20,000 Negroes, was assembled at Es Souan, in order that it
might be disciplined by Colonel Sevres, who was said to have
been an aide-de-camp to Marshal Ney, and who afterwards as-
sumed the title of Suleiman Bey.
It is stated that the instruction of the Manielucs was attended
with considerable difficulty and danger ; but that the negroes were
more tractable ; and were also strong and efficient, until, from some
cause or other, which has not been explained, they suddenly
became sickly, and were reduced to 3000 men.
As this scheme had failed, the Pasha was advised, it would
appear, by the Erench consul, through whom he obtained French
and Italian instructors, to establish a conscription, similar to that