The African news Of the week is not good. The
force which is pursuing the Sultan of Sokoto has received "a check," and, we imagine, has been brought to a standstill; while the Sultan's followers will inevitably be reinforced. No details are known yet; but we need more cavalry for North Nigeria, and have not got them. The Mullah, too, is giving more trouble. He has cut General Manning's communications between Bohotle and the sea, and in a way surrounded him. So serious is the situation in Somaliland considered that three hundred white soldiers have been ordered from Aden to Berbera ; while the Indian Government, besides sending fifteen hundred transport camels with five hundred drivers, has warned three picked native regiments for instant service. The Abyssinians are moving forward in force ; but the British difficulties in accumulating supplies are very great, mid General Manning may have to fight his way to the sea. After our usual fashion, we have underrated the strength of the Mullah, who, if he gains another victory, will be joined by swarms of Dervishes, the most formidable fighters in Africa.
