One hundred years ago
We suppose this Expedition must go to Khartoum. The Government has decided nothing, and can decide nothing, until it has heard from General Gordon what he wants, what his posi- tion is, and what his deliberate advice would be. It is abused for desiring that knowledge, but only by irresponsible critics, who will not — or at least do not — perceive that for a Government to ex- pend millions, and move an army, in order to rescue a man who may need no rescue, or may intend to rescue himself, would be a discreditable breach of the trust which every free Government ac- cepts from the people who look to it for guidance. All the Government can do until it has heard from the General is to prepare; and it is preparing strenuously, though without the hurrahing and threatening which the Times and its coadjutors think would so greatly frighten the Arabs. Still, a decision can- not be postponed for ever, and the pro- bability is that when General Gordon writes he will recommend the despatch of a strong force to Khartoum to resist the Mandi, and to form a safe centre to which the Egyptian garrisons scattered down the river can gradually be brought up. That is, we say, the reasonable pro- bability; for although General Gordon does not remain of the same mind as to his plans for a month together, still he permanently objects to defeat, and there is no evidence that unaided he can avoid one.
Spectator, 24 May 1884
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