he whole of the
Eastern Soudan, a blow will be struck against the security of
Egypt and the peace of the East, which may have fatal
consequences.

"The great evil is not at Khartoum, but at Cairo. It is the
weakness of Cairo which produces disaster in the Soudan. It is
because Hicks was not adequately supported at the first, but was
thrust forward upon an impossible enterprise by the men who had
refused him supplies when a decisive blow might have been struck,
that the Western Soudan has been sacrificed. The Eastern Soudan
may, however, be saved if there is a firm hand placed at the helm
in Egypt. Everything depends on that.

"What then, you ask, should be done? I reply, Place Nubar in
power! Nubar is the one supremely able man among Egyptian
Ministers. He is proof against foreign intrigue, and he
thoroughly understands the situation. Place him in power; support
him through thick and thin; give him a free hand; and let it be
distinctly understood that no intrigues, either on the part of
Tewfik or any of Nubar's rivals, will be allowed for a moment to
interfere with the execution of his plans. You are sure to find
that the energetic support of Nubar will, sooner or later, bring
you into collision with the Khedive; but if that Sovereign really
desires, as he says, the welfare of his country, it will be
necessary for you to protect Nubar's Administration from any
direct or indirect interference on his part. Nubar can be
depended upon: that I can guarantee. He will not take office
without knowing that he is to have his own way; but if he takes
office, it is the best security that you can have for the
restoration of order to the country. Especially is this the case
with the Soudan. Nubar should be left untrammelled by any
stipulations concerning the evacuation of Khartoum. There is no
hurry. The garrisons can hold their own at present. Let them
continue to hold on until disunion and tribal jealousies have
worked their natural results in the camp of the Mahdi. Nubar
should be free to deal with the Soudan in his own way. How he
will deal with the Soudan, of course, I cannot profess to say;
but I should imagine that he would appoint a Governor-General at
Khartoum, with full powers, and furnish him with two millions
sterling--a large sum,