The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-15
An Interior Motive in the Proposed
Advance ON Dongola and Osten-
sfble Relief OF Kassala.
MAHDIsTS TO BE CONQUERED
AND THEIR FERTILE LAND ADDEn
TO TIE BRITISH EMPIRE.
Action Of the Ministry Reported to
Have Been fastened by German
Intrigucs I'm the Soudan.

Copyrighted. 1885, by the Associated Press
LONDON, March H.--There is much re-
joicing In the British army at the prospect
OF another campaign in the Soudan, in spite
or past experiences with the fierce, treless
troops of the Mahdi and the recent defeat
OF the Italians by the Abyssinians. That a
British Egyptian advance on the Nile from
Wady Halfa, on Dongola, has been deter
mined on is no longer in doubt. All the
British officers of tte Egyptian army who
have been absent on leave, have been or
dered to return to their posts Immediately
and dispatch from Cairo announces that
the Connaught Rangers have already been
ordered to wady Halfa. The proposed cam
paign has been impending for year past,
although 1t is undoubtedly precipitated by
the crushing defeat of General Baratieri at
Adowa,- which, it is believed, must have a
depressing effect on the prestige of Euro
pean armies, and may, consequently. lead
to an advance northward of the Dervishes
But the real reason for the campaign now
being prepared at the British War Office
may be found in the fact that Egypt will
never be secure from attack and disaster
so long as the Mahdi's power remains un-
shattered
Although the relief of Kassala may be
the outward cause OF the British advance,
the possession of the fertile regions about
Dongoa, which furnish a wealth of sup
plies to the Khalifa, is what Great Britain
is really after. and there Is little doubt that
an attempt TO capture the Mahdi's strong
hold, Omdurman, will follow. The plan of
campaign. as submitted at the Cabinet
meeting. held yesterday, is. that five black
infantry battalions, seven Egyptian bat
taiions and a large force of artillery and cav
airy, with about one hundred British officers,
will compose the expeditionary force. The
same route that was taken in 1884 will be
followed, but, owing to the low water in
the Nile at this season, the transport of
ammunition and supplies must be by cam
els, of which a very large number will be
required. 1t is proposed to reconquer the
Soudan. province by province. Dongola will
be first taken, and then a great deal will
depend on circumstances. While the cam
paign is indorsed by the Unionists. the Lib
erals and Radical press loudly protest
against 1t.
A dispatch to the Globe from Cairo pub
lished this afternoon, says that the feast
of Ramadan ends tomorrow, and that it is
thought the Derrisnes will cause trouble
by marching northward. The dispatch adds
that much anxiety is felt in official circles
and that the military authorities have been
in consultation all day long.
A dispatch from Massowah says: 1.-The
Mangus has reviewed 100000 of his troops
in the presence Of Major Salsa, the Italian
officer. who is treating for peace with the
Abyssinians The troops marched in good
order and were wei, armed. Later the Man.
gus showed Major Salsa his quantities OF
provisions, the Italians having, some time
ago, been under the belief that the Abyssin-
ians were short of supplies In fact, it is
said that this was one of the reasons which
prompted General Baratieri to make his
disastrous advance on Tigre."
The British-Egyptian troops under orders
to proceed up the Nile in the direction
OF Dongola. will consist of eight thousand
men, All will carry arms.