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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6937, 11 February 1884, Page 5

We learn from our cablegrams this morning that the Egyptian question is Bgain engrossing public attention at home, to the exclusion of all other subjects. The recent affairs in the Soudan have disclosed the hollowness of the Egyptian policy of the Government, its timidity and shiftiness, and while it is being condemned on all sides, the idea of »n English protectorate is rapidly gaining favour. A motion to that effect is to be proposed in the House of Ociiimons to-morrow, when the whole Egyptian policy of the Government is to be reviewed by the leader of the Opposition. The motion of which Sir Stafford Northcote has given notice amounts to a direct vote of censure on the Ministry, and judging from the tone of the Liberal and Radical Press, there seems some likelihood of the House of Commons condemning the Government. But as such a result would be followed by the immediate dissolution of Parliament and an appeal to the country, we do not suppose that when the division comes to be taken Mr. Gladstone's supporters will have the courage to desert him.- There can be no question, however, that the Government have suffered a damaging blow. They can now only hope to retrieve their reputation, by acting with promptitude and firmness. It is clear that Egypt must be taken in hand by England, and that the supreme government of the country must be under the direct control of the British Ministry. The present uncertain arrangement which exists between the two countries is a mistake, and has proved a failure. The news from the Soudan this morning is not altogether unsatisfactory. Gordon Pasha has succeeded in crossing the Nubian desert in safety, and has reached Berber, from which place he will be able to proceed up the Nile to Khartoum. This news disposes of the rumoors of hostile tribes in the neighbourhood of Korosko, and the abandonment of his journey. He has, however, reached a part of the country which is known to be swarming with rebels, and further news of the intrepid soldier will be anxiously awaited. Baker Pasha has been recalled from Souakim, and Admiral Hewitt has been placcd in. command of the town and troops, a steo which looks as if the English Government intended to undertake operations in the Soudan. English troops, too, are also under orders to proceed to Malta to be in readiness to sail for Souakim should their services be required there. The garrison at Sinkat is on the point of surrendering to the rebels. Urgent appeals for assistance have been received at Souakim from the Governor, but it is impossible to send aid to the beleaguered city.