THE SITUATION OF OUR GOVERNMENT. 1 9 glad. But although I have spoken to you quite frankly, I should be much obliged if, when you publish these remarks, you would let it be distinctly understood that I do not wish to depart again from the rule which I have mentioned."

Our government, doubtless, felt that they could only maintain the refusal to interpose for the purpose of maintaining the Egyptian rule in the Soudan by not suffering themselves to be driven either by the imperfect conclusions which had begun to influence a large proportion of the public, or by the opposition, who were constantly urging them to a course which would have resulted either in withdrawing the British troops and leaving the khedive to shift for himself in Egypt, with the probability of renewed disturbances at Cairo and other parts of the country, or in engaging in military operations which would involve active occupation of Egypt, the establishment of a British protectorate, and probably the actual administration of the affairs of the country. The persistency with which the ministry were urged both by the opposition and the public had the effect of closing their mouths, while demands for a distinct statement of their ultimate intentions were made while the course of events rendered a declaration of their future course more and more difficult if not altogether impossible. There is no need to occupy these pages with a detailed account of the proceedings in parliament which harassed the ministry, at a time, too, when the questions of the provisions of a new extension of the franchise, and a redistribution of parliamentary representation, were being keenly discussed, and the affairs of Ireland claimed earnest and unremitting attention.

On the 15th of January Mr. Chamberlain, speaking at Newcastle, declared that the government would leave neither Ireland nor Egypt to become a prey to anarchy. He maintained that in spite of all drawbacks and delays, such as the outbreak of cholera, the collapse of the Egyptian administration, and the defeat of the Egyptian forces in the Soudan, for none of which the English government were responsible, the duty of that government was clear — to fulfil the pledges already given, of leaving Egypt to the