lS6 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAX.

on Stretchers, so arranged that when in position but very little motion would be felt, and three on the back seat. There were two pharmacy and surgical wagons, fitted with instruments, drugs, and medical comforts, in such a way that each article was placed in boxes and drawers, which were lettered and numbered, so that the article could be at once procured. Two wagons were provided for carrying tents, both for hospital and operating; bedding, clothes, and reserve stores; two field wagons, fitted up to carry general hospital stores ; one water-cart ; 4 saddles, with saddlery complete, twenty-six horses, with harness complete, allowing for spare sets.

These details are mentioned to show how completely the Australian contingent was provided, and how the earnest sentiments of the colonists found quick and practical expression. There could be little doubt that the ready formation of this force was regarded both at St. Petersburg and at Berlin with very serious attention, and that it was accepted as a proof that imperial federation of British possessions was immeasurably more than a theory, and went infinitely beyond a mere political expression.

It was not to be expected that the "patriotic movement," as it was named, and the provision of the contingent in so short a time on the responsibility of the ministry and while the colonial parliament was not sitting, would be accepted without some opposition.

In New South Wales and the other Australian colonies political feeling is as pronounced as it is in England and political contentions run high. It was soon evident, however, that the opposition was entirely overborne by the public sentiment, and that no attempt to carry an amendment to the resolution proposed in the legislative council approving the conduct of ministers in despatching the contingent, would be successful. Perhaps the most prominent opponent of the action of the ministry was Sir Henry Parkes, whose name may be said to have been associated with the history of the colony, and who had been premier many years before; but Sir Henry's notions seemed to be those which belonged to a high-and-dry period for which the public had little sympathy. At several meetings held in different parts of the colony for various political and public celebrations the conduct of the ministry was