New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-09-14
TIE BRITISH VICTORIES.


The British AIMS have been cruwned with
success. The enemy's position at Tel-el-
Kebr has been carried with extraordinary
facility, and Zagazis, the centre of the railway
system of the country, has been occupied
with comparative case. The intrenchmentS
at Tel .c-Kcbir were approached during
the night and assaulted soon after dawn.
The position seems to have been at
tackled from the north, the Highland brigade
dong the heaviest work, and within half IN
hour the stronghold was captured and
Arabs array was in full retreat with the cavalry
in pursuit. The enemy were taken by sur
prise, and the defence was weak and
spiritless. The victory was complete. large
number of guns and several thousand prison.
ers were taken, and the British losses were
unexpectedly light. Arabs forces were utterly
demoraligcd by the suddenness OF the attack
and the magnitude of the disaster. Thclretrcat
was a stampede
Tel-el-Kebir was not a position of any
natural strength, but it was the only available
point at which Notifications could be con-
structed between the isthmus and the Nile. 1t
is station on the railway thirty five miles
west of Ismailla. The main caravan road from
Kantara on the Suez Canal ana FL AIish on the
coast Westward the railway runs fifteen
miles to Zagazig, n city of 10, 900 inhabitants,
the centre of the Egyptian cotton industry.
The country between Tcl-cl-kcbir and the
Nile is Interscctcd by thousands OF irigat-
ing trenches and a great part OF 1t Is probably
under water the river now being at its height.
The main channel Of the Sweet Water Canal
DIVORCES from the railway, and passing through
Bclbays skirts the edge of the desert until
it reaches the Nile at Cairo. The Egyptians
fled to Zagazig, Arab himself escaping in
that direction. The fact that General Mae
phers0n, by Il forced march, occupied Zagazig
in the afternoon lends unusual interest to the at
tempt of The British cavalry to cut of the retreat
of the disOrganizcd horde to the south If this
has been accomplished Cairo may be saved.
Bat General Woseley will need to follow up lis
victory with extraordinary vigor and rapidity
of movement in order TO avoid the risks of
the destruction of the city. That would 5e
catastrophe which would dim the lustre of
the British arms. brilliant as it now l. after
victory at Tc-cl-Kebir and the occupation OF
Zagszag. If Cairo shares the tate Of Alexan-
dria, it Will be a source of lasting reproach TO
the stal1, the army and the English people.
The battle of Tel-el-kebir seems to have
been well planned and most CALAMITY fought.
The intrcnchments were carried at the point
of the blyonct the troops reseving their fire
until they were close at hand and then charg-
ing with n prccipitatc rush which proved
irresistible. IL was quick work and thorough.
The reputation of the British soldier stands
higher to-day for tits splendid exhibition of
valor and ntrepidity: There was no finching
anywhere along the line. The Irish regiment
shared with the Highland brigade and the
English Guards the hOnors of the engagement.
Ii is an achievement Of which the Nation
has reason to he proud. 1t viii strengthen
the position Of the Liberal Government 1t
will carry thrill of relief to Mr. Gadstonc's
anxious heart.