1 NOVEMBER 1884, Page 2

The rumours of the week from Egypt are all unfavourable;

but there is no evidence that any of them are true. It is asserted in Cairo that Khartoum has fallen; but the officials deny it, and it is impossible that such a secret should be kept, while it is noticeable that stories of failure are always current in Alex- andria during a debate on the Address. A catastrophe might, it is thought, benefit the Tories, and the Tories might guarantee the Egyptian Debt. A rise on the Stock Exchange is the object of half the rumours circulated, especially about Lord Northbrook's opinion, which is, nevertheless, carefully con- cealed. All that is known is that Lord Northbrook has returned, that Lord Wolseley has started from Wady Halfa for Dongola, that six thousand Europeans will by Novem- ber 30th be concentrated at the latter place, and that the French Government has informed Deputies threatening interpellations upon Egypt that by mid-November it expects to be in receipt of definite propositions from London. It appears certain that the indemnities, £4,000,000, will be paid ; and that, consequently, some advance of cash is to be made from Great Britain, no local loan at reasonable rates being in any way possible.