There can be no doubt, from the Egyptian papers, that
the Government intend, if they must, to rescue General Gordon by force ; but that they do not see why, as he was sent on a pacific mission which has partly failed, and as he possesses plenty of steamers, he should not rescue himself. The departure for the South is his own plan, and was deemed by Colonel Stewart and Vice-Consul Power so much the best, that when the General offered them the option of a retreat to Berber they preferred to accompany him. It does not appear that if he left Khartoum the garrison there would be massacred, no one having fallen at Berber ; while even the Greek merchants, it is affirmed, intend to stay and make terms with the Mahdi. While, therefore, if General Gordon stays, an expedition must be sent to his aid, it seems unjust that this country should be driven to such an enterprise, with its hazards and loss of life, when the General himself can render it needless. Of course, if we intended to conquer or even pacify the Soudan, the expedition would be a necessity ; but the Government declare nearly every time they write that they have no intention of the kind. The expedition, if sent, will be sent to rescue the General, and for that alone.
