ABSTRACT
As soon as Ismail had put his relations with the Canal company upon a proper basis, he devoted his attention to weakening, if not severing, the bonds which still held Egypt under vassalage to Turkey. “The experience of Muhammad Ali had shown that this severance could not be effected by force of arms,” writes Dicey; “and though there is no reason to suppose that Ismail was wanting in courage, an appeal to the God of Battles was not in accordance with his character. Knowing, however, the financial straits of the Ottoman Empire, and the venality of almost all of her public men, he came to the conclusion that he could secure by the power of the purse, what his grandfather had failed to obtain by the power of the sword.” 1
