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 occu-
pation 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 impos-
sible. 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 parlia-
mentary representation, were being keenly discussed, and the affairs of Ireland claimed earnest and unremitting attention.
On the 15th of January Mr. Chamberlain, speaking at New-
castle, 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