Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-02-20
FOREIGN NEWS.
THE ENGLISH PARLIAMENT.
A Discussion OF England's Affairs in
Egypt bv Gladstone. and Other
Prominent English States.
men.

LONDON, Feb. 10
Parliament opened at o'clock this even
ing. There was no crowd in attendance. The
police allowed no one to pass the gate unless
able to show that he had right to enter
Gladstone. upon entering, was loudly
cheered. Gladstone, replying 10 certain in
terrogatlons about the governments conduct
in Egypt, replied in much the same tone as
that used by Earl Granville in the House of
Lords He added, however, that the present
situation did not allow the government to
make overtures to Ell Mahdi, because such
overtures might defeat their own object Sir
Stafford Northcote gave notice that he would
move on the earliest date possible. which he
hoped would not be further off than next
Monday, and that humble address would be
presented to Her Majesty the Queen, repre-
sentlng that the course pursued by her present
liberal government. in regard to Egypt and
the Soudan, had involved great sacrifice of
valuable lives and heavy expenses. without
any beneficial results, rendering it impera-
lively necessary to the interests of the British
Empire and Egyptian people that the govern
ment should distinctly recognize and take de-
cided measures TO fulfil the responsibility
now incumbent on them to insure good
staple government in Egypt, and in those
portions of the Soudan necessary for Egypts
security. Gladstone stated that the policy
of the government to evacuate Egypt even
tually, remained unchanged. He had done
what he could for Gen. Gordon. and was not
to be held responsible for his death.
Mr.. Gladstone said Our policy in the
Soudan is still for evacuation. The recent
events there prevented the immediate appli-
cation of this policy. The fall of Khartoum
altered in the military sense, the whole situa-
tion in the Soudan Lord Wolseley is au-
thorized to take what measures he sees fit to
overthrow the Mahdi at khartoum. No fur
ther communication will be made to the
Mahdi, any received from him will be
considered.
MIR. Gladstone, replying to a request from
Sir Stafford Southcate, said he would tom or
row name dav for the discussion of the pro-
posed vote of censure. Sir Herbert Max
well gave notice that he would move tomor-
row Tor the introduction of measure en-
powering Judges to order offenders under the
explosives act of 1888, to be fogged.
The discussion of the redistribution of
seats bill has been fixed for next Monday
Gladstone gave notice that he would move
that this bill take precedence of the motion
of censure.
In the House of Lords the government was
at once assailed by the conservatives with a
bombardment of questions concerning their
intentions in the Soudan.
Earl Granville replied that the government
had left it entirely to Lord Wolseley to de-
eide whether the British should proceed to
attack khartoum at once or delay the attack
until later day.
Earl Granville continuing, said The
finances of Egypt and the relief of Gordon,
that heroic soldier whose loss has excited the
greatest sympathy, are the prominent ques-
tons before the country. The government
had hoped to be able to soon present papers
to Parliament, to show that a complete settle
ment OF Egypts financial affairs had been
arrived at; but just when the government
were expecting to hear of meeting between
the British troops in advance under the lead
ership of Col. Sir Chas Wilson and Gen
Gordon, the dreadful news arrived that what
military strength and famine had failed to
succeed in doing had been accomplished by
treachery, and that one of the most gall ant
of soldiers was no more.
Lord Salisbury responded, and used the
following language: If the country ia not
satisfied with the governments explanation it
Will visit bitter censure upon those answera-
Bile for so fruitless policy. We do not pro-
pose to anticipate discussion which must
inevitably come later on, but we must hope
that England will not retire from Egypt
leaving no record of our presence there ex-
cept mischief done, and the bones of our sol
diers. Mr.. Cant will introduce a bill in the
House of Lords to enable the British colo
nles in Australia to organize a confederation.
Adjourned until tomorrow.