The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-04-05
BRITAIN'S HANDS FULL.
Situation in South Africa Unsatisfac-
tory, and Dervishes Causing Trouble.

Sltuat1On In south Africa Unsatfsfac-
tory, and Dervishes Causing Trouble.
Copyright, 1896, by the Associated Press.)
LONDON, April ALI official and semi
official statements to the contrary, it is
generally admitted that the situation in
South Africa is unsatisfactory. Even the
reassuring statement made by the Secre-
tary Of State for the Colonies, Mr. Cham
berlain. has not changed the public opinion
on the subject and to-day he is openly ae-
cused of trifing with the situation and pre-
tending that the scanty forces there are
able to cope with the rebellion of the Mat
abeles and it's possible outcomes. 1t seems
beyond question that Buluwayo and Gwelo
are the only two stations in Matabeleland
which are in defensive condition and
there is strong possibility that commune
cation with these towns will shortly be
entirely cut off. Mr.. Chamberlan's disin-
c.ination to have strong reinforcements of
British troops sent to South Africa is said
to arise from his desire to do nothing which
may give color to the French and German
charge that the real object of sending the
reinforcements to South Africa is to coerce
the Beers. Then, again, the scope of the
Soudan expedition appears to be widening
and there is considerable fear in many quar-
ters that the government does not realize
the extent of the undertaking.
Experts In Dervish warfare say the Anglo
Egyptian force is inadequate to cope with
the situation, and there is acute danger that
communication with the advance guard of
the Egyptian troops will DE cut off, and that
the latter will be annihlated before 1t is
possible for the support of British troops to
arrive. 1t is urged that reinforcements Of at
least 1000 troops should be promptly sent
to Africa from India alone, and 1t Is pointed
cut that, according 10 reliable Information,
Dongola district with the evident intention
of getting behind the advancing force.
Should the march be continued and the
Suakin they will break up Osman Dlgna' 8
force and threaten the rear or the Dervisnes.
In less than a month the whole column of
the Anglo-Egyptian army which VIII push
up the Nile Will be- concentrated thirty-five
miles from Wady Halfa ready to march
upon Akasheh. The rapid progress to the
front shows that the transport arrangements
working well. Men. arms, ammunition
and stores are being conveyed over a very
difficult route without the slightest hitch.
Gen. II. II. Kitchener, the sirjar of the
Egyptian forces, win remain at Akasheh
until he succeeds in collecting MS complete
corps and cavalry viii push forward to the
nearest Dervish post at Suarda. The
Dervishes are already accommodating near
Akasheh. DR.. Lillian, the English woman
physician to the Ameer OF Afghanistan, has
a tnree-column letter in the Times detailing
q long conversation which she had with the
Amer on the criticism aroused in England
on his campaign to subjugate kafir-
istan. The Ameer contends that the
Durand treaty of 1893. which gave
Great Britain rights over the Chitral dis
trict also gave him full rights over Kafiris-
tan and he is fully determined to stand
by the treaties. regardless of the coase-
ouences. The fears of possible Russian ag-
gress;on were the immediate motive for his
action.
The Russians were within a few days
merch of Kafiristan, could have occupied
it easily, and thus would have been within
two days march of Cubal and within gum
shot of other vital positions in Afghanistan.
Dr. Hamilton warmly defends the Amer
against the charge OF wishing to extirpate
or enslave the. Kafirs. She says that, on
the contrary, the Ameer, recognizing their
splendid fighting powers, has tried to win
their loyalty, SO as to have their assistance
against Russian invasion. The letter also
gives interesting pen pictures of the slavery
Question. DR.. Hamilton thinks that no for
eigner ever had the entree into Afghan
harems as she has had, and, consequently,
she is able to certify that no Kafirs are
ensaved and that no tribe in fact, except
the Hazaras, ever reduced to slavery
nv the AfghanS.