§ MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETTasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in view of the disclosures contained in the recently-published blue books that food and ammunition are now failing at Khartoum, orders will be given to Lord Wolseley to advance with all speed for the relief of General Gordon at Khartoum?
MR. GLADSTONEFull instructions have been given to General Lord Wolseley as to the purpose of his mission; and we, having perfect confidence in his ability and skill, are very unwilling to interfere or to limit his discretion by giving him directions which might be inopportune; but preparations are actively being carried on for the purpose of enabling an advance to be made.