The San Francisco call., 1896-03-15

striking proof of the prosperity OF the
country under British administration.
Fighting is certain. The Mahdl has
large force at Dongola, and this Will un-
doubtedly be formidably increased before
the expedition has time to get within
striking distance. Grave fears are enter
tanned of the fighting qualities of the
Egyptian army, and the expedition will
prove severe test of its courage. 1t may
be attended by disaster.
The Anglo-Egyptian expedition has the
unstinted approval of the Conservatives
and Liberal Unionists, the hesitating sup
port of the Liberals and the fierce opposi-
ton of the Radicals. a statement relative
to the matter will be made in the House
of Commons on Monday night by the
Right Hon. George Curzon, Parliamentary
Secreta of tee Foreign Office, and will lead
to The warmest debate of the session, which
will be followed by every device of obstruc-
ton. In cleaning from official opinion it
is found that the line OF defense of the
Government will be denial that the ex-
pedition aims at reconquest of any part
of the Soudan. and statement that the
British troops will only be employed to
guard the line to Wady Halfa. while the
Egyptian troops advance to Old Dongola,
making their headquarters at Eel Ordeh
New Dongola). 1t is stated this afternoon
that the Egyptian troops will not go be-
yond Old DongoIa. Defense, not conquest,
will be the substance of the Governments
explanations.
Assurances OF this sort will deceive no.
body. According to Cairo advices the
1900 Egyptian troops who will take part
in the expedition will begin to advance
Immediately. Part of them Will march
along the Nile, while the others Will pro-
ceed in ight-draught steamers up the
river, which is now SO low that in many
places camel transport must be largely
used. Field Marshal Lord Wolseley and
General Kitchner do not seem to place
much trust in the Egyptian troops. 1t is
not expected that the Dervishes will make
a stand at El Ordeh, but in case of fight
/ ing the British troops will be ready to sup
port the Egyptians. With view to CIV
ing this support, railway will be con-
structed for 100 miles southwark from
Wady Halfa and river steamers, armed
with guns, will be stationed between the
point where the railway will terminate and
FL Ordeh. The Nile at this part of its
course is navigable for light-draught
steamers for the greater part of the year.
The British troops, if the real designs of
the Government are carried out, will ad-
vance in force up the Nile in August. A
contingent of the Indian army, chiefly
Sikhs and Ghoorkas, will, it is reported.
/ be likely to be landed at Suakin to operate
in conjunction with the Anglo Egyptian
forces and march to Berber. The London
papers have arranged to send special cor
respondents with the expedition. It is
generally conceded that the campaign will
be big undertaking, though the Govern
ment is reluctant to disclose the whole
! scheme.
simultaneously with the Dongola expe-
dition Belgian-Congo Free State force,
led by Baron Dhanis, will attack the
Dervishes on the Upper Nile. Acting with
/ the consent of the British Foreign Office.
Baron Dhanis has recruited at Lagos $50
Houssas, who have been drilled by British
officers. These natives, who are splendid
| fighters and who VIII go wherever they are
+ led without fear of danger, will join the
Belgian and Congo Free State forces. The
Congo State has chartered thirty steamers,
which will convey the expedition as far as
possible on the Congo River.