The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-21
DEBATE IN THE COMMONS.
Important Statement by Colonial Sec
retary Chamberlain.

LONDON, March 20.-The under Secre-
tary OF State for Foreign Affairs Mr..
George N Curzon. answering a question In
the House Of Commons this afternoon. said
that the decision of the government TO send
British Egyptian troops 10 Dongola was
considerably influenced by a communication
from Italy relative to the prospects OF Der
wish attacks on Kassala and the effect
1t might have Egyptian interests.
The House was occupied for an hour to-
day with various questions put by Mr.. John
Morley, Sir William Harcourt and Mr.. John
Dillon regarding the expenses OF the Nile
expedition and the understanding with Italy
in regard to the steps being taken. Mr..
Morley, in his remarks on the subject.
pointed out the unfortunate nature of the
expedition decided on by the government,
saying that 1t was not only a derogation
of pledge of Great Britain that she would
not assume q protectorate over Egypt, but
was likely to withdraw from that coun-
try some of the benefits and blessings OF
the British administration Of its affairs
Mr.. Morley added that the diversion or
the funds OF the caisse for the purposes OF
England would necessarily prolong the En-
glsh occupation. ani by insisting on remain
Egypt was not strong enough to stand by
itself. Yet, he continued, the new policy 70
to impose on Egypt the duty OF governing
one OF the most difficult territories on the
earth Therefore, he asked the government
to furnish the House with full reasons for
the advance, as nothing In his opinion
showed that the Egyptian frontier was men,
aced. The government. Mr.. Morley assert
ed. was pursuing a mad and infatuated pol
icy. and ne moved a reduction OF tne vote
OF the civil service. which they were discuss
ing, by fl0o
Mr. Joseph Chamberlain. the Secretary OF
State for the Colonies. replying for the gov
arguments were tainted with preconceived
determination 10 evacuate Egypt. He pointed
out the benefits resulting TO that country
from the British occupation. saying that
for greater pride than the peaceful revolution
in Egypt. The finance had been restored. It's
administration strengthened, taxes had been
enormously reduced. irrigation had been re-
stored. and other great benefits had been
conferred on the country. All authorities. he
added, agreed that the withdrawal OF the
British troops would mean that all this work
was TO be undone. and vast majority OF
Great Britain In Egypt was not completed.
and that II would be dlshonorabie 10 leave
Egypt until Il was completed.
Great Britain. Mr.. Chamberlain insisted.
had been too sanguine in the past respect-
ing the time for the fulfilment OF pledges.
and 1t would occur 10 the majority OF the
House that she was determined 10 maintain
her troops In Egypt until her work was ac-
compiished and they could be Withdrawn in
safety The Under Secretary OF State for
Foreign Affairs and the First Lord OF the
Treasury. said Mr. Chamberlain. had al
ready explained the reasons for the advance
of the Dervishes and the state OF ferment ex-
listing previous 10 the governments decision
He then reviewed the history Of the soudaa