New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-06
THE GRANT TO LORD hIIChENC"'
DEBATE IN THE CoMMoNs--TREATMENT OF THE
MAHDTs BODY.

MAHDrS BODY
London June 5-Lord Kitchener OF khartouih
srdar OF the Egyptian forces, arrived mere to-uay
and called upon A. j. Balfour, First Lord OF the
Treasury and Government leader in the House OF
Commons with whom the General had long IN
tervew Mr. Balfour had arranged to-day 10 make
a full explanation In the House OF commons VI
the reasons for destroying the tomb OF the Mahu
at Omdurman and the dispersal OF his remains
Mr.. Batfour In introducing the vote OF fScO TOT
"a t,ucherer in the House OF Commons to-day
said the fact that ths power of Mahdism was
crushed was due to the genius OF the man they oe-
sired to honor and reward. Continuing the Wv
eminent leader expressed the hope tnat those "iio
objected TO the policy Of the Soudan advance "ouiu
not think that reason for resisting the vote, as
such a course would be introducing politics INTO
military matters. He then dwelt with admration
on the way the sirdar had surmounted difficulties
and organized victories by his answering ana al
most superhuman industry. deserving sisha1
mark Of gratitude and honor. and he CMr. Balfour)
believed that in proposing the vote ne was only
carrying out the wishes OF the House ana the
country.
Sir uenrv Camnbell- Ra nnerrnan the opposition
leader cordially supported the motion, while ex-
pressing regret at the treatment OF the Mahdi
body which he regarded an error OF taste and
judgment.
John Morley the former Liberal Chief Secretary
for Ireland opposed the vote on the ground OF the
four replied that ne did not believe the element
of vengeance had Influenced General Kitchener In
the smallest degree pointing out that he had treat
ed the Mahdis family with the utmost considera,
ton. The removal OF the body he also SAID, had
been public. as publicity was an essential part OF
the policy debating the act. II was the hrst duty
OF the man responsible for the safety OF the men
and officers left In charge OF Omdurman to root
out the fanatical superstition which had been me
strength of Mahdism for years. Mr. Balfour admit
ted however that perhaps the renterment OF the
body might have been conducted In better man
ner.
Mr. Bafour did not refer to the incident OF the
Mahdrs head, excepting indirectly. when ne said
he conceived that there only one question
before the House. namely military merit .
In connection with his reference TO mixing poll
ties in military matters. Mr. Balfour declared that
general a merited reward because he had carried
out policy Of which they disapproved were virtu.
ally telling him and his soldiers who had raced
death that they would have not only TO obey orders,
but to know whose orders they were obeying.
Mr. Bafour added that the country whose army
concerned itself with politics was on the verge OF
military despotism.
The House voted General Lord Kitchener a grant
of f39351
Lord Kitchener General Lord Roberts of Kanda-
har and the Duke OF Marlborough were in the gal
lery OF the House OF Commons during the debate
Senator Wocott, of Colorado, and Henry White.
Secretary OF the United States Embassy. were
among those who listened TO the House of Com
mons debate on the Kitchener vote.
While speaking during the debate on the grant.
Robert Wallace, Liberal Member for Perth, was
seized with cerebral paralysis. He carried
away In ambulance, and now lies in a serious
condition,