La France states that a General of Division in Algeria,
in answer to a demand for troops for Tonquin, has already telegraphed that the Mah di's "emissaries" are proclaiming his victory, and that he -expects a general rising of North Africa. He deprecates, there- fore, the withdrawal of any troops. The first part of this intelli- gence must be false, as even quick dromedaries could not have carried " emissaries " across Libya so quickly ; but the second is probably true. The higher officers in Algeria, instructed by the officers of the Arab bureaux, who really know the natives, would be well aware that such a victory must be fol- lowed by a dangerous insurrection in North Africa. The Mahdi is connected with the Ka,diree monasteries behind Tripoli and with the fanatics of Kairwan, and they will all now rise at his signal. It is quite possible, indeed, that the Mahdes strength snay be spent in this direction, and that he may try to found an empire in North Africa. Nothing, however, will be done quickly. There are no telegraph-wires between the monasteries and the head stations of the tribes, the stars have to be con- sulted, and the Moors have not waited half a century to count half-hours at last. Asiatics can wait, if needful, till their hair is grey.
