1 AUGUST 1885, Page 2

It seems no longer doubtful that the Mahdi is actually

dead. According to the latest accounts he was taken ill on Friday, June 19th, and died on Sunday, the 21st, from small-pox. He nominated his nephew, Abdullah, as his successor, gave him his sword, and exhorted him to prosecute the crusade. But it is by no means certain that he will have the prestige needful for that purpose. According to the statement, his followers were already fighting amongst themselves ; and it seems pretty certain that there is at present no authority at the head of the anti- Christian crusade which can render it formidable as an aggressive movement.