-., EGYPT AND THE SOUDAN.

has ever lived in the Soudan can escape the reflection— < What a useless possession is this land!' Few men also can stand its fearful monotony and deadly climate.

"6. Said Pasha, the viceroy before Ismail, went up to the Soudan with Count F. de Lesseps. He was so discouraged and horrified at the misery of the people that at Berber Count de Lesseps saw him throw his guns into the river, declaring that he would be no party to such oppression. It was only after the urgent solicitations of European consuls and others that he reconsidered his decision. Therefore I think her Majesty's government are fully justified in recommending the evacuation, inasmuch as the sacrifices necessary towards securing a good government would be far too onerous to admit of such an attempt being made.

Indeed, one may say it is impracticable at any cost. Her Majesty's government will now leave them as God has placed them; they are not forced to fight among themselves, and they will no longer be oppressed by men coming from lands so remote as Circassia, Kurdistan, and Anatolia.

" 7. I have requested Lieut.- colonel Stewart to write his views independent of mine on this subject. I append them to this report." This was dated Steam Ship Tanjore at sea, January 22, 1884, and the following " observations " by Colonel Stewart accompanied it: — " r. I have carefully read over General Gordon's observations, and cordially agree with what he states.

" 2. I would, however, suggest that, as far as possible, all munitions of war be destroyed on evacuation.

" 3. I quite agree with General Gordon that the Soudan is an expensive and useless possession. No one who has visited it can escape the reflection : ' What a useless possession is this land, and what a huge encumbrance on Egypt!'

" 4. Handing back the territories to the families of the dispossessed sultans is an act of justice both towards them and their people. The latter, at any rate, will no longer be at the mercy of foreign mercenaries, and if they are tyrannized over, it will be more