27 JULY 1889, Page 1

NEWS OF THE WEEK.

THE military situation on the Nile is better than it was a week ago. It is now certain, if ever uncertain, that the Dervishes have been sent by the Khartoum Khalifa, and conse- quently that they are not bands detached by El Senoussi, who is so powerful south of Tripoli and Tunis. Although the Khalifa's lieutenant, Wad-el-N'Jumi, was hit so hard at Arguin, he has contrived to descend upon Abu Simbel ; there he halts at the wells, waiting for a fresh body on the march down the left bank of the Nile. The time gained has enabled the Egyptian authorities to push a British brigade up to Assouan, bring a black battalion from Kosseir, and strengthen the Egyptian troops, chiefly black, who hold the river-line above Korosko as far as Toski. The invading chief, who has referred General Grenfell to the Khalifa, intends to press on ; and in a few days it is probable that the invaders will have to make good their assumption, if they can, on the field of battle.