A COMPARISON AND A CONTRAST.

The recent visit of Dr. Rutherford and that of Mr. John M. Robertson last year, each of them bent on the chimerical quest of collecting information with a view to teaching the authorities how best to govern Egypt, has suggested to us the idea of instituting a brief comparison between the two men, Being no Plutarch our portraiture will necessarily lack the profundity of insight and the artistry of presentation, which it is customary to associate with that prince of biographers' name.

The first point to be noted and one of the most important in its influence on character is that of race and nationality. Both are Sootsmen and both exhibit characteristic national traits, such as caution, persistency, seriousness, industry, energy and an alert and speculative intelligence in excess, perhaps, of the majority of the feebler-bodied and less robust minded "Sothrons." A further feature should be here observed. All their physical and mental activities make for combativeness, and of that quality (though the method of its manifestation differs in each) both possess their full share.

Their Political Theories

Endowed slike with no mean measure of sound and practical judgment, both are idealista in the sense that they believe in the progress of humanity and that they are destined, each in his way, to contribute his modest quota thereto. Progress for them, however, would be robbed of half its value and efficiency if it were to be alone confined to those races, which hold to-day the position of governing or dominant. Hence these gentlemen's absorbing concern in countries such as India and Egypt, where Britain has incurred towards the native population special obligations and responsibilities. Apart from former and present Government officials, few Members of Parliament have shown so keen an interest in the uplifting of the oriental as Mr. John M. Robertson and Dr. Rutherford. Aflame with altruistic sentiment, theirs is the noble desire to bridge over the dark abyss of race feeling, which is the main obstacle to the advancement of backward races. Whilst granting that wherever men exist, there is a natural clustering of social grades, they maintain that where several groupings and social ostracists are determined by race distinctions, and where racial prejudices exclude men from society for which they are personally fit, there is little hope that the victims will ever require sufficient mens! courage to shake themselves free from traces of self-questioning, self disparagement and those lower ideals which are bred in men who live in an atmosphere of contempt, however carefully it may be veiled

The political disadvantage of such exclusion is, in their view, no less serious than the social, for thereby the great democratic principles-liberty, equality and fraternity, are all denied, especially fraternity, which is the touchstone of democratic power and progress To give universal liberty is to afford every man the highest possible scope for the play and development of his personality. Equality also means exactly that ; and racial prejudice, which is itself the demand of fraternity, denies all who are prejudged exactly that liberty and equality.

The Claims of the East.

It is the conviction of Mr. Robertson and Dr. Rutherford that if ever we are to arouse India and Egypt to a more sensitive moral judgment and a deeper consciousness of the menning and dignity of national existence the barriers which separate the governed from the governing olam must first be broken down. They do not all upon these nations to express overflowing sentiments of gratitude for the benefits conferred by our rule

They would not believe in their sincerity if they were to follow the example of the American colonists who wrote to King George "I am resolved to display my unturned soul in your very face and to storm you with volleys of loyalty and love." They are obsessed by no illusion that either India or Egypt by any administration short of angelie conld over be brought to prefer alien domination to native independence The goal of their hopes is more practical. With them it is an article of faith that by cordial co-operation and sympathetic guidance the bookward races may marshal themselves for new intellectual and moral advance, and it is on their bringing their countrymen round to a full appreciation of these possibilities. -possibilities, which it is in England's own interest to foster-that their efforts are at present concentrated How far these views are well grounded, experience alone can show. At all events, this is not the occasion to criticise them though the temptation is considerable. A sense of fairness to the subjects of this sketch induced us to dwell upon the above topics somewhat at length and that must be one excuse for 40 extensive a digression.

To descend to personal details after considering questions of ethical bearing savours somewhat of an incongruity, but it is hoped that the chronicle of such details may do something besides satisfy idle curiosity in enabling judges of temperament to form a more accurate diagnosis.

Personal Traits.

Both Mr. Robertson and Mr. Rutherford are men of strong physique, the latter spare of figure, the former verging on toutness. Dr. Rutherford is Mr. Robertson's junior by about two years. Both are very frugal livers and fond of open air exercise. Dr. Ratherford in an enthusiastic golfer, who has won many medals and prizes. unlike many of their countrymen, who are worshippers at the shrine of Barchus, Mr. Robertson is almost total abstainer, whilst Dr. Rutherford is entirely so. Indeed, the latter though not a bigoted teetotaller bolds strong views as to the value of abstention on scientific grounds. Both are smokers, but in a very moderate degree. Mr. Robertson smokes more than Dr. Rutherford, who never ventures beyond an occasional cigarette. Where Dr Rother ford received a university education at Cambridge, Mr. Robertson is self taught. The Latter, however, apparently has the wider knowledge of books Not alone learned, be is the author of many volumes of literary and scientific merit. Indeed his "Introduction to English Politics" is model of research and illuminating information. His "Christianity and Mythology" is a reference library in itself upon the subjects with which it deals. His "Studies in Religions Fallary' and Letters on Reasoning" bave arouser extreme simiration Dr. Rutherford, on the other hand, perhaps by reason of his calling, possesses a superior acquaintance with meu Morus torum ridit.-be many men and many manners saw-As the poet has it. Their divergence in training betrays itself in their methods of argumentation. Mr. Robert son's writings and speeches are professorial and somewhat dogmatie, enforced always by logical statement and embellished by literary grace. Dr Rutherford, who throughout his career has ever been at close quarters not with the semblance of man but with man himself, appeals less immediately to our intelligence than to our emotions. With him there are nu sledge-hammer strokes of dialectic, no logical dilemmas, no brilliant sallies, no obvious efforts to pulverise an opponent, but a closer relation with life, a simple directness which comes home to mens' business and bosoms, Adexterous employment of the persuasive art, which stealthily converta foes into friends and by its invidious power elicits damaging admissions from an unwary and conciliated adversary. However widely we may differ from them in political creed, there is no denying that their aims are honest and their conviction sincere. Generous without ostentation, humane without haughtiness, persistent without intolerance, there are not to be found two more remarkable specimens of the peregrinating Parliamentarian than the members for Tyneside and Brenttord.

General Considerations.

Whilst pending the above slight sketch, an interesting speculation suggested itself What is likely to be the value of these fleeting visits ! In one respect they will probably be productive of but poor resalta. An acquaintance of any real value with the various political, social and economical problems, which await solution, is not to be gained by a hasty sojourn in this country, be the investigator endowed with unusual capacity for absorbing and coordinating the information be may obtain. Still less is it possible for even transcendent intellect to take in at a glance the genuine needs and desires of a nation alien to the inquirer in creed, race, tradition, language and civilisation, especially when they differ so widely in mentality as does the Oriental from the Buropean Buch a study most required for its adequate fulfillment, years of patient and Midsous labour. "A little knowledge is a dangerous thing," says the proverb, and in 10 instance is its application more apposite than in the study of foreign nations,

On the other hand, such visits are not entirely futile in that by bringing our legislation into closer contact with the man on the spot" the difficulties which beset those in Authority will be far better appreciated, whilst feelings of mutual respect, bocasioned by the collision of mind with mind, are likely to be engendered

To the Egyptians themselves such visits may conceivably be of not inconsiderable advantage. Pron personal knowledge and discussion with their trusted British friends they may gain use and guidance of great prodigal service. Kindly and sympathetic advice may teach them to distinguish between what can and cannot be achieved by them or on their behalf. Having regard to the state of British public opinion for the time being, evil and dangerous tendencies may be averted, and, in some instances, they may be weaned from cherishing false and mischievogn ideals

The following passengers left Cairo yesterday for Upper Egypt by Cook's P.S. "Cleopatra" -

Rev. and Mrs. S.C. Lowry, Mr. WH. Butler, Mrs. M J. Reddy, Mr. Gordon Forbes, Mrs. Good, Mrs. ME Cox, Miss JB Cox, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Buek, Mrs. W. W. Party, Mrs. W. M. Kingsley, Miss M Stantield Mrs M S Hawes, Mr. and Mrs. H. W Tapaing. Mr. Mrs. and Miss E Hamelin, Mr. and Mrs. HH Wills, Miss Hopkinson, Mr. and Mrs. I W Segré, Mr. and Mrs. Calderini, Lady M. Allen, Miss Allen, Mrs. J. Sharpe, Miss Gertrude Sharpe.

The following passengers left Assiout on the 25th inst. by Cook's P.8. "Rameses III" -

Dr and Mrs. M. Domony de Domony, Mr. Paul von Korfeld, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mills, Miss P Mills, Mr. and Mrs. E Iversen, Dr. and Mr. W.A. Holliday, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Irvine, Mr J. Bridson, Mr. and Mrs Norman Praser, Mr. W. J. Rees, Mr. W H . Edwards, Mr. John Edwards, Mr. W. Bdwards, Mr John Francis, Mr. Colin Corfield, Mr Silvio Calderoni, Mr. Jolio Poligno, Mr. Gus tavo Algi adati, Mr. and Mrs SS. Page, Dr. and Mrs. D. W. Fisber, Miss R. Boughton Leigh, Miss H. Marsh, Miss P. Marsh, Rev. Dr. G. 8. Bishop, Mrs. Bishop Mr. W. Hughes, Miss Hughes, Baron d'Hoogh vorst, Comte d'Espeuilles, Mrs. A. F. Arthur, Mrs. Walter S. Lee, Mrs Sydney Green, Miss D. M. Green, Mr. Rice Morgan, Dr. W. B. Mount, Mrs. B. S. White, Mr. L. G. White, Mr. and Mrs. Hagh Chisholm, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Potts, Mrs. A. M. Miller, Miss J. Hartland, Miss T. Hartland, Mr. E Hughes, Mr. E. Preston, Dr. Karl Neumann.

The following passengers leave Asiat to-day by Cook's P.S. "Tewfik" -

Mr and Mrs. Riebard Lowe, Mr. and Mr Borsdorf, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Larminie, Hon and Mrs. P. 8. Grimswade, Miss P. F. Girirawade, Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel Carrière, Hon. and Mrs Charles A. Parsons, Miss Parsons, Baron and Barones Rotsart von Hertaing, Mr. M. Merri man Miss A. Merriman

The following passengers left Cairo on the 24th inst by Cooks P.S. "Rameses the Great"

Miss K. Raticheff, Miss P. Ratichett, Mr and Mrs. E van der Zypen, Mr. and Mrs. B. Han chett, Min A. Hanchett, Mrs. H. Musgrave, Miss G. C. Kimbury, Mr A E Bradabaw, Mr. Alderman Lee J.P., Nr. Adam Twine, Mr. Barclay L Day, Miss E A Day, Miss M F Day, Miss H. B. Wilson, Miss K. B. Wilson, Mrad Mrs. W. M. N Reid, Mrs. Randle Jackson, Miss Jackson, Miss Dorothy Jackson, Miss Lougb, MN Anna M. Brock, Mrs. Chas. H. Walkinn, Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Convers, Miss K Convers, Mr and Mrs. W C. Waters, Miss Olive Waters, Mr. Cbas E Cunningham, Mrs. Lucy B. Poster, Mr. H. F. Hadden, Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Vaughan, Mr. and Ms. P. G. Bouvet, Capt. and Mrs. W. Harry Brown, Miss Brown, Master Browo, Miss JB. Foley, Mrs. M. Greer, Miss B. Greer, Miss E Greer, Mrs. Hopgood Hart, Mr. Edward Clark, Mr. Prank Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parbury, Miss Parbary, Miss N Parbury, Miss Helen Tincker, Ma and Mrs G. Randell Higgins, Miss Randell Higgins, Mr. E S. Wallas Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Verdam, Miss Vernam, Mr. and Mrs William H. Horstmann, Mr. and Mrs. M. Strauss, Mr. and Mrs Leon Fould, Miss Pould, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Haar, Mr. Max Haar, Mr ER Holmes, Mr. and Mrs. P. Rickmers.

The following passengers left for Upper Egypt on Friday by Cooks P.8. "Nefert-Ari": --

Mr. Gilbert H. Richardson, Miss E. M. Fry. Mr. Karl Bauer, Mr. Franz Schaller, Mr. Siegfried Saphier, Mr and Mrs. Schlosser, Miss Eveline Hodgson, Mrs. Norman Smith, Mr. C. Arthur Coan, Mrs. P. Coan, Miss A K Hays, Mr. J. P. Kershaw, Miss M. H. A. Simpson Miss A. Methley, Dr. and Mrs. Brown Mr. Ar thur and Mr. Percival Heywood, Miss Dorothy and Miss Brelyn Heywood, Master and Ms. Grabbam, Mr. A. Overs, Mr. and Mrs. Atkin, Mr. W. B Redfern, Mr. Mario Vicary, Mr. and Mrs. Neuman, Mrs. Wilhelmine Globoenik, Mr. G. Magnanini, Manager. Mr. Robr.

The following passengers left for Upper Erypt on Priday by Hamburg and Anglo

American 8.8 "Paritan" : | Miss Olive . Grabam, Miss Parker, Mr. C.

C. Morris, Mrs, and the Minges Wister Morris, Herr and Prau Julius Joseph, Mr. Mrs. and the Mion George bowther, Mr. and Mrs. B. 'Praby Williams, Herr and Prav Wilhelm von Zitzewitz, Mr. Natban Shoemaker, Mrs, and Miss Joel Wood, Mr. G. G. Peters, Miss Marguerite T. Wood, Col. aod Mn8. H. Hedjes, Mr. and Mrs. Socec, Mr. and Mrs. Dulac, Mr. and Miss Berner, Miss Olive Peroey Davis. Miss Mary Jeffreys.