QI 6 Egypt
restriction of the sale of alcohol and the prohibition of
absinthe, though passed for special purposes, were
recognised as in the general interest. On the whole, the
quiet reception of these intimate interferences with the
public and private economies of Egypt was such as to
justify an assumption that the nationalist movement, if
not dead, was at least heavily dormant.
The same conclusion was suggested by the tacit
approval of the proclamation deposing the Khedive,
Abbas Hilmi, and replacing him with a Sultan, Hussein
Kamil. But in this, as a matter of fact, nationalism was
little concerned. For the Khedive, in spite of his
nationalism, was hated and feared, while the new Sultan,
who was his uncle, and the oldest prince of the family,
was popular. And if the substitution of the more dignified
title of Sultan was intended as a sop to nationalism, it
showed another misconception of that movement. For
Egyptian nationalism was hostile to any aggrandisement
of Egyptian princes on account both of their despotic
traditions and of their tendency to be dependent on
British protection.
Hussein Kamil was a man of high character and of
considerable capacity, who did his duty by those who
had promoted him. He restored the tone of the Court,
demoralised by the secret intrigues and the sinister
entourage of his predecessor. And he earned the in-
crease of the civil list from £100,000 to £150,000 for
which he stipulated. The hideous "Stambouli" buttoned
up black coat, associated with the spy systems of Abbas
Hilmi and of Abdul Hamid, was replaced by Court
uniforms gorgeous with gold lace. Ismail Sidki, an able
Nationalist Minister, was dismissed in disgrace, and
Hussein let it be known that he was going to be the
original and only " Father of the Fellaheen." Meantim^