DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1035#0642
BY STEAM WITH INDIA. 595
of coal, and in short, every thing relating to the subject, as
numerous intrigues will, in all probability, be set on foot by
the Europeans settled in Egypt, many of whom are es-
tablished in that country in consequence of being unworthy
to live in their own: and it, will be necessary to provide as
well against the effect of their machinations as against the
whims or policy of a more influential person.
With regard to the communication with India by the
Euphrates, I shall make a few remarks, and, without wishing
to find fault with what has been suggested on this head, I
must confess that it appears to me unlikely to answer. And
indeed it is sufficient to remember the character of the
people throughout a great portion of that line, to be per-
suaded that they will constantly throw the most serious
obstacles in the way, and ultimately render it both trouble-
some and dangerous. The Arabs are not to be quieted by
force, nor can so many be gained over by money; and
indeed, if this last measure be resorted to, their demands
will never cease, and the example of one tribe will be fol-
lowed by all. But if they evince any hostile feeling, which
in all probability will happen, the injury they can do, and
the impossibility of its prevention, will then be as much felt
as the impolicy of the undertaking.
An oracle forewarned Neco,* when reopening the canal
between the Nile and the Red Sea, that he was working for
the Barbarian; and it may be fairly asked, if we establish
a communication by the Euphrates, and do succeed in re-
conciling the people of the vicinity to such an innovation,
whether we are not committing the same error as the
Egyptian Pharaoh, and indirectly labouring for our dis-
advantage ?
* Herodot. ii. 158.
THE END.
of coal, and in short, every thing relating to the subject, as
numerous intrigues will, in all probability, be set on foot by
the Europeans settled in Egypt, many of whom are es-
tablished in that country in consequence of being unworthy
to live in their own: and it, will be necessary to provide as
well against the effect of their machinations as against the
whims or policy of a more influential person.
With regard to the communication with India by the
Euphrates, I shall make a few remarks, and, without wishing
to find fault with what has been suggested on this head, I
must confess that it appears to me unlikely to answer. And
indeed it is sufficient to remember the character of the
people throughout a great portion of that line, to be per-
suaded that they will constantly throw the most serious
obstacles in the way, and ultimately render it both trouble-
some and dangerous. The Arabs are not to be quieted by
force, nor can so many be gained over by money; and
indeed, if this last measure be resorted to, their demands
will never cease, and the example of one tribe will be fol-
lowed by all. But if they evince any hostile feeling, which
in all probability will happen, the injury they can do, and
the impossibility of its prevention, will then be as much felt
as the impolicy of the undertaking.
An oracle forewarned Neco,* when reopening the canal
between the Nile and the Red Sea, that he was working for
the Barbarian; and it may be fairly asked, if we establish
a communication by the Euphrates, and do succeed in re-
conciling the people of the vicinity to such an innovation,
whether we are not committing the same error as the
Egyptian Pharaoh, and indirectly labouring for our dis-
advantage ?
* Herodot. ii. 158.
THE END.