New-York tribune., 1884-03-02
GENERAL GRAHAmS TICT0RY.

General GrahamS nrSt engagement WIN
Osman Digmas forces demonstrates the superb
ority of European troops, even when they are
ill-preparcd for a campaign. The English regl-
ments had been concentrated with pr6clpltate
haste, and shipped from Suez to Suakm with
meapre military stores and very littlc artillery
There WAS no time for the organization OF a
Trustworthy troop of camp-tollowers. 1reach-
erous blacks had to be enlisted for the baggage
train and cOmmssariat duty, and marching
orders were given when there was every reason to
believe that the fighting would be done on
empty stomachs, and with very little ammunl-
ton to spare. Iu advancing from Irlnkitat, the
little army Of four thousand men encountered
a horde Of fanatical soldieIy flushed with VIC
tory and swayed by religious excitement. The
detle of Teb was a battlefield from which the
cowardly Egyptians had fled panic-strlcken
before an inferior force of the enemy. 1t
offered unusual opportunities for light sAlrlnlsh
ing and similar tactics by which the warriors of
the desert are accustomed TO lure their enemies
into an ambuscade. The English troops were
led against foes who were well armed, familiar
with the ground, and commanded by Willy
General. They fought under great dlsadvan-
tages but were victorious. The Arabs displayed
desperate vaor and sullen persistence, but their
methods of warfare were poweTleSs in the lace
of the discipline, organization and courage OF
European soldiers.
This preliminary success will reassure
timorous souls in England, and relieve the
anxieties of the Ministry. How decisive this
first battle will prove III settling the affairs OF
the Soadan is now only matter of conjecture.
1t has not ended in rOut, but the rebels have
met with a disastrous repulse. Their forces
have been driven back with great loss, If they
have not been dispersed. Their camp has been
occupied by the British, and after halt over
night on the battlefield the advance on TOkar
has been resumed. This battle, if fol-
lowed by the capture of the town will 90
far TO convince the insurgents that such pres
tige as they have won in their battles with
Egyptians does not increase their chances of
success in campaign with European regl-
ments. 1t will also strengthen General Cor
don's authority at Khartoum, and add dignity
and power to his mission as a pcacemaker, who
threatens war only in bulletins and prOclama-
tons. 1t may check the advance OF the Madhl
himself, if that cautious warrior has actually
emerged from the Province OF NOrdOian. For
these reasons it is subject for regret that the
triumph of General Graham has not been more
complete even than the dispatches represent.
The spectacle of English troops fighting in a
country which is to be speedily evacuated, and
defeating the wretched Soudanese who had
risen with right on their side against an oppres-
sive and rapaciOus Government is not by any
means inspiring. 1t is to be hoped that second
battle will not be required; that the insurgents
will accept honorable terms OF peace coupled
with the rights of self-government and that
the British troops will soon be able to retire
from a pestilential district, where they are ex-
posed to an outbreak of cholera as well as wilt
ed with heat The prestige that single battle
will confer upon them Ought to suffice Foreign
military critics will not be able to assert that
the force was sent in hot haste to the Soudan
merely to scuttle out at their leisure without
finding anything TO do, much less accomplish
ing any useful purpose. Something has been
done. A battle has been fought. Why, or in
whose interest, or for what object, il may not
be easy to determine, but victory has been
won. That is glory enough for one day. though
it does not justify the inexpicabie campaign of
procrastination, vacillation, tarly action and
vengeance for which the British Government
are responsible.