16 AUGUST 1884, Page 1

Major Kitchener has reached Dongola, and gone on to Debbeh,

whence he hopes to get within two or three days' journey of Khartoum. He appears to be convinced that the Mndir of Dongola has really been loyal to the Egyptian Govern- ment, and that he is still doing all in his power to defeat the designs of the Mandi. It now seems certain that the British Government are making active preparations for an expedi- tion for the relief of General Gordon. A considerable English force is already assembled at Assonan, and steamers are to be carried over the cataracts, at high Nile. This will not be very easy work,—indeed, one such attempt has already failed,— especially if the Nile does not rise satisfactorily this year, of which some apprehension is entertained.