PREPARATIONS FOR A JOURNEY TO KHARTUM. 185 ministry from parliament for the purpose of making "preparations" as distinct from " operations " for the possible despatch of an expedition to Khartum; and while Lord Northbrook went to investigate the financial condition of the country, Lord Wolseley accompanied him to examine and report on the military situation. When they reached Alexandria the reception accorded to Lord Northbrook and Lord Wolseley was enthusiastic, but it was also marked by a certain degree of ceremonial, the war-ships being drawn up in two lines on either side of the harbour to salute.

On the journey from Alexandria to Cairo General Lord Wolseley and Generals Stephenson and Dormer travelled together in a first-class carriage; Lord Northbrook and his secretary having a special saloon, in which were also Sir Evelyn Baring, Nubar Pasha, and General Egerton.

General Earle, as senior officer, introduced the various officers and native officials to Lord Northbrook, who shook hands cordially with all. On the platform were drawn up a guard of honour, consisting of fifty of the Black Watch, with their band, and an escort of the 19th Hussars, who accompanied Lord Northbrook and Sir Evelyn Baring to their residence. Lord Wolseley drove direct to the Kasr en Nuzha Palace.

There was an immense crowd at the station, and all the ministers and members of the headquarters staff were present in full uniform. General Lord Wolseley almost immediately afterwards announced that he should remain at Cairo for some time to look about him; and he took care to make himself acquainted with the details requisite for an expedition to Khartum, so that by the time that an advance by the Nile had been determined on, and before he set off for Wady Haifa on the 5th of October, every part of the river up to the second cataract was a scene of 1 usy preparation.