We are not out of the Soudan yet by any
means. The followers of Khalif Abdullah have now massed themselves in front of the British frontier garrison in such numbers that General 'Stephenson has felt it necessary to attack their posi- tion at Giniss. He moved out of Ferket accordingly on December 30th, with 3,000 men, and attacked the place, a village of loopholed mud huts, defended by bodies of Arabs, variously estimated at from 5,000 to 12,000 men. The Arabs fought well, and once charged with their old spirit ; but they could not break through the British fire, and retreated in con- fusion. Their position was stormed, and they retreated out of pursuit. The loss on our side was slight ; but the enemy suffered so heavily that there will be at least a pause in his advance, during which General Stephenson will bring up his own force to 7,000 men. It is supposed that all this is preliminary to a great battle; but we fear no such good fortune is in store for the British troops, who will probably be wearied with incessant attacks, which they will always repulse, but without any permanent effect. The situation could hardly be worse. We cannot advance without recommencing the Soudan Campaign ; we cannot retreat without allowing all the doubtful tribes to join the enemy ; and we cannot stand still without constantly expending lives and money uselessly. A retreat which would draw the Arabs on still seems to us the wiser policy ; but the soldiers are all for standing firm, and must know their own business best.
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