The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-24
IN PARLIAMENT.
Debate on the Motion to Censure the Govern
ment's Egyptian Policy.

Debate on the Motion to Censure the Govern
ment's Egyptian Policy.
LONDON, Feb. 23.-In the House of Commons
this evening the Marquis of Harrington, Secre
tary of State for War, stated that in prepa ring
the Nile expedition, under Lord Wolseley, the
government had considered the Suakim- Berber
route impracticable He also said an advance
upon Khartoum was improbable before next au-
tumn, when the railway from Suakim to Berber
would be completed rendering that route prac
tcable
Sir Henry Tyler gave notice that he would
ask tomorrow what measures the government
had taken to prevent Herat from being captured
by coup de main
Northcote, in the presence of full house,
rose and moved the humble address of which he
gave notice on Thursday to be presented to the
Queen, representing that the course pursued by
the government in regard to Egypt and the Sou
dan has involved great sacrifice of valuable lives
and heavy expenses without any beneficial results
rendering it positively necessary to the interests
OF the British empire and the Egytian people
that the government should distinctly recognize
and take decided measures to fulfill the responsi
blilty now incumbent on them, to establish good
and stable government in Egypt and those por-
tions Of the Soudan necessary for its security.
Northcote said he was aware the making of this
motlon involved serious responsibility
assert that the government had failed
to conduct affairs in Egypt in a manner salts
factory to the public or beneficial to Egypt The
government had not taken nor was it now taking
steps to establish stable government in Egypt.
Twice last year the House of Commons had
been asked to extend credit to the government.
and many members felt bound to support the
government, although dissatisfied in their own
affairs in Egypt were conducted He
had been led to believe that satisfactory
operations were being undertaken, but so far,
his expectations had been largely if not entirely,
disappointed. The government had been com
PEELED to change entirely the military position
assumed last year, having failed to attain the
object desired. The result was due not to par
tlcular faults here and there, but to the general
spirit wherein the advisers of the crown had
conducted .la1. the matter Lcheers Northcote
and entire change takes place in the
still be our lot to fail in whatever
we may be called upon to do. While our brave
soldiers were going to Egypt, there voice
proceeding from the councils of her Majesty that
deprived the expedition of half it's strength.-a
voice of uncertainty concerning what the gov
ernment was trying to attain in Egypt. Success
was impossible unless the government distinctly
laid down what it was fighting for, and declared
determination to attain that object. The Minis
Itr = WOIUS, AlLucIlO, Implied LLaU LQ6 great
object was to make the stay of the troops in
Egypt as short as possible. Nothing was more
dangerous to the interests of England than such
a declaration. Our gallant troops occupy po-
siton which is causing much anxiety. Any talk
about withdrawing as soon as possible is calcu-
lated to dishearten and discourage the troops.
and make serious impression upon the native
chiefs who, like the Mudir of Dongola have
been loyal"
Sir Stafford referred to the gallant conduct of
Iny
proud of his courage, we have, at the same time,
feeling of shame at the mention of his name"
[Cheers from the Conservatives
Northcote quoted from General Gordons mes
sage of April 16: eff troops are not sent it will
leave upon the government the indelible disgrace
of abandoning the garrisons, with the certainty
of being compelled eventually, to smash the
MahdL" Have Lot these prophecies come to
passp asked Northcote. 'Are we sure that the
treachery was not caused or brought on by the
action of the government which weakened and
almost paralyzed Egypt!"
Northcote closed as follows: ''The country
has heard quite enough OF the policy of rescue
and retire. In fact, we have been too much
slave to phrases. The government has con-
Quoted this whole business with the fatal
drawback of having to proclaim
that its mission was only temporary
Now some distinct announcement is
demanded Is it war of vengeance or for the
purpose of attaining some useful sbject2 It
government with the fear always uppermost
that it would, by its after course, destroy the
effect of what it was doing The government
must drop the habit of evading troubles by the
adoption of few smart phrases. We are get
ting daily into deeper water, and whatever the
consequences may be, l feel compelled
to summon the House to pronounce
verdict in our case the same
as it has done on previous occasions, with the
additional experience of the value of the Min
c nd "a Of
action 1t is impossible for any government to
command success when it is dependent upon the
support OF two sections, one urging abandon
ment, the other supporting its policy of advance.
The greatest difficulty among the many Eng
land has to encounter is in the hearts of her
Majesty's ministers" (Cheers.
John Morley, Liberal, offered an amendment
to the motion of censure in favor of evacuation
of the Soudan. He refrained from expressing
an opinion on the policy of the govern.
smash the Mahdi. Mr. Morley said the
Tories were already blamable for the death
of General Gordon. through their importuning
the government with questions and preventing
compliance with General Gordon's request for
the assistance of Zebehr Pasha. Something
might still be done, he thought by negotiating
with the Mahdi, but the Soudan must be left to
the Soudanese.
MR. GLADsToNE's RESPONSE.
Mr.. Gladstone paid a tribute to the devotion
of Gen. Gordon, saying his one object in life was
to do good to all, irrespective of race, color or
creed Mr.. Gladstone repeated what Morley
had said regarding Zebehr Pasha He denied
that the government had any reason,
last year, 10 suppose Gen. Gordon was
in imminent danger. Gen. Gordon's
own dispatches, said Mr.. Gladstone, had led the
government to believe he would retreat with
the garrison southwark if possible. The gov
ernment had not wayered or swerved a hairs
breadth from its covenant to send General
Gordon assistance when necessary, and when it