, neither can Egypt (after
the late events). I am only discussing how to get out of it in
honour and in the cheapest way (we must remember we caused its
troubles), and that way is, either by some sort of provincial
government under Zubair, or by giving it to the Turks; it is simply
a question of getting out of it with decency. The Turks are the
best solution, though most expensive. _They would keep the Soudan_:
give them L2,000,000. The next best is Zubair, with L500,000 and
L100,000 a year for two years: he will keep the Soudan for a time
(in both cases slave trade will flourish), thus you will be quiet
in Egypt, and will be able to retreat in January 1885. If you do
not do this, then be prepared for a deal of worry and danger, and
your campaign will be entirely unprofitable and devoid of prestige,
for the day after you leave Khartoum the Mahdi will walk in and say
that he drove you out."

But the Government that had refused the assistance of Zebehr for fear
of public opinion at home, were equally decided not to allow the
assistance that might be obtained from the Turks, and this time, it
must be admitted, they had more reason on their side. There were
already too many complications connected with the government of Egypt
to make it prudent to admit another possible element of discord. Earl
Granville, the Foreign Secretary, therefore telegraphed as follows:--

"Gordon should be at once informed by several messengers ... that
we do not propose to supply him with Turkish or other force for the
purpose of undertaking military expeditions, such being beyond the
scope of the commission he holds, and at variance with the pacific
policy which was the purpose of his mission to the Soudan; that, if
with this knowledge, he continues at Khartoum, he should at once
state to us the cause and intention with which he so continues."

This dispatch shows how little the powers in England actually
understood the questions at issue, or the practical working of their
own instructions. Gordon had been asked to undertake the withdrawal of
the Egyptian garrisons, and civil employes. Having accepted this duty,
he goes out, and finding the Mahdi's forces stronger than was supposed
in this country, he sends home word that the task is a far more
complicated one than the authorities in England knew of, and he
suggests other methods. His suggestions are not accepte