46 THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

“ General Gordon’s proclamation preceded him, and immediately on his arrival he summoned the officials, thus preparing the people for some salutory

changes. He next held a levee at the Mudirieh, the entire population, even the poorest Arab being admitted. On his way between the Mudirieh and the Palace about 1,000 persons pressed forward kissing his hands and feet, and calling him ‘ Sultan,’ ‘ Father,’ and ‘ Saviour of Khordofan.’

“ General Gordon and Colonel Stewart at once opened offices in the Palace, giving to every one with a grievance admittance and a careful hearing. The Government books, recording from time immemorial the outstanding debts of the over-taxed people, were publicly burnt in front of the Palace. The kourbashes, whips, and implements for administering the bastinado from Government house were all placed on the blazing pile. The evidence of debts and the emblems of oppression perished together.

“ In the afternoon General Gordon created a Council of the local notables, all Arabs. Then he visited the hospital and arsenal. With Colonel Stewart, Coetlogon Pasha, and the English Consul he visited the prison, and found it

to be a dreadful den of misery. Two hundred wretches loaded with chains lay there. They were of all ages, boys and old men, some having never been tried, some having been proved innocent, but forgotten for over six months,

some arrested on suspicion and detained there more than three years, many merely prisoners of war, and one a woman, who had spent 15 years in the prison for a crime committed when she was a girl.

“General Gordon at once commenced to demolish this bastille. All the prisoners will be briefly examined, and if it be advisable set at liberty. Before it was dark scores of wretches had had their chains struck off, and to-day Col. Stewart is continuing this work.

“Last night the town was in a blaze of illumination, the bazaar being huno- with cloth and coloured lamps and the private houses beautifully decorated. There was even a fine display of fireworks by the negro population, who in¬ dulged in great rejoicings till midnight.

“ The people are devoted to General Gordon, whose design is to save the garrison and for ever leave the Soudan—as perforce it must be left_to the Soudanese.

“By private advices from Cairo we learn that surprise is expressed at General Gordon’s proclamation. Here the Europeans hail it with delight and agree that it is the only means of saving the lives of themselves and the garrison.

“ The Mahdi is proclaimed ruler of Kordofan, it is true ; but he is already its virtual ruler, and the official recognition of the fact will prevent his advance upon Khartoum. The slave trade is not to be interfered with ; but the Gov-