PARLIAMENT AND THE SOUDAN.

New Zealand Herald, Issue XXI, 15 May 1884, Page 5

PARLIAMENT AND THE SOUDAN.

THE VOTE OF CENSURE. RESULT •OP THE DIVISION. £B* ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—COPYRIGHT,I [BBTJXZB'S CABLEGRAM.J [Becelred Kay 15, X a.m.] London, May 13. The debate on Sir M. Hicks-Beach's motion of censure was continued until a late hour last night. Among those ■who spoke in support of the motion •were Messrs. Forster and Goschen. Both severely criticised the disregard of General. Gordon's despatches which had been displayed by Mr, Gladstone. The Marquis of Hartington made a

vigorous speech in defence of the Government, and said it was impossible to risk the despatch of a European expedition into the Soudan until September. He denied that the Government had disregarded General Gordon's despatches, or had neglected its duty towards him. The motion was ultimately rejected by 303 votes to 275, includingjthe Parnellite members. A Press Association message says: The Times states that the result of the division on Sir Hicks-Beach's motion does not represent the universal conviction of the country. It also characterises Mr. Gladstone's defence of the Government regardisg its policy in the. Soudan as empty and irrelevant. [SPECIAL TO PBEBS' ASSOCIATION.] [R»celT»d Ma; 18. 1.30 a.m.] FIGHTING NEAR SOUAKIM. London, May 13. . It is reported that Osman Digna has defeated the friendly tribes in the neighbourhood of Souakim. THE MAHDI'S PROGRAMME. London, May 13. El Mahdi has directed his lieutenant to capture Dongola and marea on Cairo. REPORTED DEFEAT OF GORDON. London, May 13. It is reported that Major-General Gordon made an attempt to escape from Khartoum, bat was compelled to return to the city.