NEWS OF THE WEEK
'MEM latest intelligence from Khartoum is that the city is
closely invested, that General Gordon is very angry at the non- arrival of British troops, and that he intends to embrace Islamism. These foolish stories come from the Egyptian Prefect of Dongola, who is desirous of forcing a despatch of troops, and has probably heard that General Gordon might in certain emergencies proclaim himself Sultan. Great efforts are being made to communicate with Khartoum, some of which will doubt- less succeed, and then the Government will decide whether an ex- pedition should be sent. Preparations are being made for that contingency ; and it is generally understood that if the expedi- tion is resolved on it will start in July, will number 10,000 men, will be commanded by Sir John Adye, and will take the route from Suakim to Berber, being assisted over part of the way by a railway. The story of a Turkish Contingent asked for by the British Government is an invention.
