1 MARCH 1884, Page 2

The result must be known before these words reach our

readers, and will, of course, affect the whole position in Egypt and the Soudan. If General Graham is victorious, the Mandi will lose half his prestige ; but if he is repulsed, which ought to be impossible, there will be Egypt to reconquer. It is rumoured that the Khedive is unwilling to remain in Cairo, which he believes to be unsafe, but the rumour is inconsistent with his character. Two of the Egyptian regiments officered by Euro- peans have been ordered to Amman, and left Cairo on Thursday quite obediently, and apparently most cheerful. The corre- spondents are loud in praise of the appearance of the men, but they can only be tested when they quit the railway and are at liberty to desert. They may turn out better than is expected,. as the Sincat garrison, who, however, were Nubians, did.. General Gordon, far in front in Khartoum, still reports him- self satisfied, is forwarding his Egyptians by boat to Berber,. and is sending two armed steamers up the White Nile to distribute his proclamations to the tribes, and perhaps to read them a lesson. The General is awaiting replies to his letters- to the Chiefs, but meanwhile all is quiet in Khartoum, and doubtless will remain so until the Mandi finally declares himself. There is a rumour that his forces are advancing from El Obeid by two routes, but it comes from spies, who are as likely to be emissaries as not, and anxious to spread terror, and it is entirely unconfirmed from official sources.