The Eastern Question by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Aug 3, 1882

The Eastern Question.

By Editor

It is becoming evident to all that the present trouble in Egypt opens up this question, and that the final result will be the expulsion of the Turks from Europe. Those papers that, a short time ago, made light of the trouble, as only a local matter, now think that the prospect is favorable for a general European war. Nothing decisive has been done since our last report. There is less harmony among the powers than before, and the delay has served to embolden Arabi Bey. The commander of an American vessel at Alexandria, states that fully nine-tenths of the native population of Alexandria and Cairo are in sympathy with Arabi. He has assumed the turban and robes of the descendant of the prophet, thus to take advantage of the fanaticism of his followers. It is thought also that he has received secret encouragement from the French, who have abandoned co-operation with England. One of Arabi's confidential agents was arrested, having important documents which showed that the Sultan has been for months carrying on secret communication with him. This explains why the Sultan has delayed to send troops to Egypt, as he virtually promised to do. The fact is that no one of the powers has any confidence in any other. None of them can tell just what will be for their own interests, and they make promises tentatively, intending to break them at a moment's notice.

The latest news from the interior is to the effect that the chiefs of the Bedouin tribes, who previously have favored the Khedive, have submitted to the rebels, and a perfect understanding exists between them. It is said that the Bedouins are to furnish 60,000 men, the chiefs remaining as hostages in Arabi's hands.

It is a question who will assume control of Egypt, in the event of a settlement. Turkey cannot, as she is ruled out, by her own action, rather, inaction. England protests, rather feebly, that she does not want to, neither does she want any other power to do so. It is impossible even to get definite accounts of what has been done, because dispatches are suppressed or garbled by interested parties.

Those who have read carefully the comments on the eleventh chapter of Daniel, as given in the SIGNS, recently, will understand what the driving of the Turk from Europe immediately precedes:—the standing up of Michael, and the beginning of the time of trouble. See Dan. 12:1. Of course the Sultan will delay matters as long as possible, but the end cannot be far distant. On this point we may speak with confidence, for the "sure word of prophecy" has spoken. It remains for us to watch lest that day come upon us unawares.