1 76 EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

to some extent the views which he entertained on this point. General Gordon said that in his opinion the danger of massacre of the garrisons was greatly exaggerated, that the power of the Mahdi was greatly exaggerated, and that it was probable that no opposition would be offered to the peaceful withdrawal of the Egyptian officials and such portions of the garrisons as might desire to leave. General Gordon further expressed his opinion that probably the greater number, even of the Egyptian population, would not desire to leave, that the greater number of the troops would probably join the Mahdi or the insurrectionary party, and that the withdrawal of such persons as it might be desirable to withdraw could be effected without any great difficulty or great risk of massacre. At the same time Sir E. Baring had asked, on behalf of the Egyptian government, that a British officer should be sent to superintend the evacuation of Khartum and the retreat of the other garrisons. It seemed to us at that time that this was a chance which we ought not to throw away, and that we should be wanting in our duty if we refused the offer of General Gordon's services, rejected the demands of Sir E. Baring and the Egyptian government, and allowed lives to be sacrificed through the known incapacity of the principal Egyptian officials of the Soudan. This was the primary object of the mission which General Gordon accepted. It is perfectly true that he thought it might be in his power to do something more — to secure the establishment of a government in the Soudan to replace the Egyptian government. The evacuation, even if it should lead to the establishment in Khartum and other places of the Mahdi or. the heads of the insurrection, was the primary object which General Gordon went out to accomplish, and which he willingly accepted.

I am not going to imitate the conduct pursued by some honourable gentlemen opposite, in condemning without further information, or in casting blame or doubt on General Gordon when his proceedings appeared to be somewhat inconsistent with the objects for which he left this country. \Ye know what was the treatment he received from honourable gentlemen opposite. No sooner was there a whisper of a proclamation which appeared