21 JULY 1894, Page 1

The Italians have taken Kassala, the chief stronghold of the

Dervishes and the town which commands the Soudan. Colonel Baratieri, the Italian Governor, was attacked by the Dervishes, repulsed them, followed up their retreat, and finally carried Kassala at the point of the bayonet. A large number of flags and cannon were taken. The Italian force, European and native, numbered some two thousand four hundred. The action was a spirited one, but may lead to trouble, for it is quite conceivable that the Abyssinians, who are very hard to beat, will resent the presence of the Italians at Kassala. If, as is alleged, the Dervishes are finally beaten, and the Soudan now lies open, a very strong pressure will be brought to bear on Egypt to resume possession of the Nile Valley up to, and even beyond, Khartoom. The Italians, some two years ago, agreed that if military considerations ever obliged them to occupy Kassala, the occupation should only be temporary.