The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-02-24
The Government Bitterly Reproached for
Neglect and Lack of Interest in the Fate
Of the Force at Khartoum.
He Wanted Relief for the Carlson, but
Did Not Need Help for Himself.
Debate in the House of Commons on the
Motion to Censure the Government
-GladstOne's Response to Northcote.
GORDON'S LETTERS.
Urgent Appeals for Assistance for Khar-
tOum,S Beleaeuered Garrison

lOum DcleaSuereO OarrlSOn.
LONDON, Feb pa number of dispatches
from Gen. Gordon to the home government in
regard to the situation of affairs at Khartoum
previous to the surrender Of that city, are pub
lished to-day. Writing in November, Gen. Cor
don declines to agree with the home authorities
that the expedition under Lord Wolseley was
for the purpose of rescuing him, but was. he
says, designed to rescue the garrison at Khar-
toum." On Sept. Is. he wrote as follows:
"How many times have I written, asking for
reinforcementsl But my letters have never
been answered The hearts of my gallant men
are weary with this long waiting for assistance
and failure to receive any words of encourage
ment which would lead them to expect help
shortly. While you eat, drink, aad rest in good
beds, we are always fighting"
1t appears from letter, dated Dec. a. that
Gordon never said, II can hold out for years."
as has been published, but, on the contrary, de-
clared food scarce, and that relief should be sent
him at once
In a letter written in December, and sent to
General Wolseley, Gordon says:
II have five steamers and nine guns at Metem-
neh awaiting your orders. | can hold out forty
days longer with ease. after that it will be diff
| told him to give you all the nforma-
ton possible. He had my journal from
Jan. 8 to Sept TO- The Mahdi is eight
miles from Khartoum. SEMINAR is all
that you are coming. My journal from
Sept. 10 to date is on board one of the steamers
which you will find at Metemneh. continue to
have occasional fights with the Arabs. 1t is ru-
mord that all Europeans with the Mahdi, includ-
ing Slatin Bey, become Mussulumans. Lupton
Bey has surrendered. / have sent out scores of
messages in all directions during the last eight
months. Do not send private letters to me; the
~sclI &c 4nN NJ -
have none, and it is no use. The Mahdi knows
everything. Take the road from Abu-klea to
Metemneh You need not fear the Mahdi Both
the Greek consul and the Austrian consul are
safe The Mahdi has captured letter from the
King of Abyssinia to me. Your expedition, as |
understand, is for the relief of the garrison of
Khartoum, which | failed to accomplish. I de-
cline to admit that it is for the rescue of me, per-
ssonally.'
luttvr dated esvpt. evntaius 1ouowrug
statements:
"We have sufficient money and provisions
here at Khartoum to last four months. At the
expiration of that period we shall be much
barrassed. The garrison at Galahat and the
people in that neighborhood are continually
fighting, and the inhabitants are opposed to the
false Mahdi. Although we wrote you it was
impossible to send COL Stewart to Berber, on
account Of many things which occurred here
we afterwards saw fit to send him, together
with the French and English consuls, in small
steamer to Dongola, to communicate with the
British commander there concerning the Sou
dan We detailed two large steamers
to accompany them to Berber. and
to keep the way clear for them
times have we written asking for reinforcement
and calling your serious attention to the Soudan,
and no answer came? Our mems hearts become
weary with delay. While you are eating and
drinking and resting in good beds, we and those
with US, our soldiers and our servants, are
watching night and day, trying to quell the
movements of the Mahd OF course you take
no interest to suppress this rebellion, the serious
consequences of which are reverse victories for
you Neglect thereof won't do. Stewart starts
in two days The reason for sending him is be-
cause you have been silent all this
while. You neglected US. We have lost
time without doing any good. If troops be sent
us, the rebellion ceases When they reach Ber-
occupations. Therefore it is hoped you will
listen to all Stewart tells you, and regard it Sc
riously. Send the troops we have asked for
without delay"
General Gordon also instructed the messenger
sent from Khartoum, Dec. H. to deliver the fol-
lowing message to Lord Wolseley
Don't scatter your troops. Bring plenty of
troops. The enemy is numerous. We still hold
Omdurman, but the Mahdis lines extend bevond
Munsho. The Mahdi, months ago. attacked
Omdurman and disabled one of our steamers,
and re disabled one of their guns. Fighting
was renewed on the south side three days later,
and the rebels were again repulsed. Come di-
rectly! Don't leave Berber in the rear. Keep
the enemy in your 'front.' and don't let rumors
of your approach spread
The letter in which Gordon declares his abil-
ity to hold out forty days is dated Nov 4, 1884.
The Blue book concerning Egypt contains a
telegram sent in September, which gives a sum-
mary of the letters sent by General Gordon on
various dates from April 81 to July 81, 1884
In these General Gordon says: 'Let the relief
expedition follow the right bank of the Nile
from Wady Halfa to Berber in the hope of sur
prising Berber. If you find'1t impossible to fol-
low the Nile route, take the Massowah- Sanket-
Kassola road l would not leave Khartoun if
could"
On August "a General Gordon wrote to the
English naval commander at Massowah:
I'VE have five months provisions and hope to
get more. Our country's role has not been very
noble in Egypt on the SoIdan."
Prince Hassan Made High Commissioner.
LONDON, Feb. 23-Among the Parliament
papers in the Egyptian Blue Book is dispatch
from Sir Evelyn Barring British consul-general
at Alexandria, dated Dec %, to Earl Granville,
in which he says Prince Hassan visited him and
expressed desire to be the new ruler Of Knar-
toum. The proposal was communicated to Gen.