The intelligence of the week from Egypt is not pleasing.
The fall of the Nile has been so continuous, that the loss of revenue next year will hardly be less than a quarter of a million ; and the Dervishes are suddenly developing energy in their intermittent siege of Suakim. They attack every day and use artillery,' and though they are beaten, fear is entertained for the water- supply, and perhaps of an assault, the garrison being worn out. An Egyptian regiment has been despatched and a con- densing steamer ; but the Times' correspondent states that the Egyptian Army is exhausted, and must be increased, which in the present state of the finances is nearly impossible. It is, of course, imperative to defend Suakim, for if we do not, the Dervishes, elated at our defeat, will try to " rush" the Nile, and involve us in a great campaign, and it is not difficult to defend it with a Sikh regiment ; but the situation is most dis- agreeable. The Government is obliged to keep Egyptsolvent, lest international rights of control should revive, and with the present imperfect organisation, which combines the expensive- ness of the West with the inefficiency of the East, it cannot, do it.
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