This was due to sheer misrepresentation on the part of the Italian delegates, who were both Anglophobes; and the conviction on the part of Crispi that he must fight Baring as an enemy led to protracted and obstinate contest of each point in the conditions, till finally, just as agreement had been arrived at, a dispatch from Lord Salisbury ordered the withdrawal from the negotiations, and the convention fell through, to Crispi's great annoyance.

His total miscomprehension of the large-hearted and generous ruler of Egypt was a misfortune to Italy and to Crispi, but the defect was in his temperament--a morbid tendency to suspicion of strangers characteristic of the man and in the roots of his Albanian nature.

Crispi was not a judge of men--had he been he would have avoided the friends who ruined his political career, and made friends who would have strengthened his position.

The efforts I had made to remove misunderstandings satisfied Crispi that I was really friendly to Italy and established more cordial relations between us thenceforward.

In acknowledgment of his mistaken treatment of me he conferred on me the cross of commander of the Crown of Italy.
A little later the combination was formed in the Chamber to overthrow the ministry.