Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-02-21
GtanStOne'S Policy.

Mr.. GLADSTONE'S statement ia the
House of Commons Thursday that the
policy of the Government TO cvacuate
Egypt eventually remained unchanged "
is ingenious, TO say the least. - Evcn-
tually" is very indefinite word, and
in view OF all the circumstances pretty
well bears out the theory that the Pre-
mier is manGuvring to get into line
with popular feeling without sacrificing
Seli-rcSpect or principle. Consistency
demanded some such statement from
him. but if it had been put in any other
form il would have been hardly less
than direct challenge to the people.
As it stands, il strongly suggests min
isteria mental reservation. which is: if
events and public sentiment will per-
nit such policy TO be carried out.
Eventual evacuation may be the theo-
reticsl policy Of the Government, but
nothing seems to be further from the
mind of the masses than practical
evacuation. IL the tone Of the English
press can be relied upon. Lord SAILS
BURY and Sir STAFFORD NORTH
COTE voiced the dominant senti-
ment-the one in terming the
policy of the Government "a fruit
less policy and the other in declaring
it imperatiyely necessary to the interests
of the British empire and the Egyptian
people that the Government should dis
tinctly recognize and take decided mes-
.sures to fulfil the responsibility now
incumbent upon them to ensure
good, stable government in Egypt
and in those portions of the Sou
dan necessary for Egypts security.
And we believe that no one recognizes
that this is the dominant sentiment
more fully than does Mr.. GLADSTONE
that no one more fully appreciates now
that vigorous policy is essential to the
maintenance Of British prestige. The
logical conclusion. therefore, is that ia
announcing the position of the Govern
ment Mr.. GLADSTONE simply entered
perfmctory protest preparatory to
submitting TO the inevitable. The
charges Of the Conservative leaders to
the contrary Notwithstanding, he can
not he held responsible for the death Of
GORDON, and direct and violent
change Of front would do injustice to 4
large element who sustained him in
what is termed his yacillstion
Another thing that initiates against
the probability of the eventual evscua-
ton policy is the fact that the railroad
from Suakim to BerberIs to be pcrma-
nent. When finished il will give the
British most desirable base of sup
plies aud put them ia rapid communica-
ton with the richest portion Of the
African continent. Above Khsrtoum.
TO which the railroad could be easily eS-
tended, the White Nile is nsvigable for
fifteen hundred miles. IL the British
taxpayers fail TO force All spen-
ing up Of the country for com
mercisl purposes-fail TO make the
Soudsn pay the cost Of pacihcstion--
such neglect will be most remarkable
exception to their wcll-known policy.
One Of the kings Of Abyssinia ii was.
we believe. who said, :. first mission
aries, then eonsuls. then armies" He
might have added, "then railroads, then
colonization, then commercial tribute.
Unless al signs 20 for nothing, il would
seem that Mr.. GLAnsToNE's eventual
evacuation policy is destined to prove
the baSeless fabric Of q dream. Eaglish
honor, English business interests, and