The King of Ashantee, or Chief of Coomassie, as he
is now to be called, has allowed the British Envoy to re- turn in safety to the coast,—a point on which some apprehen- sion was entertained. He has, however, rejected the ultimatum, declaring that he prefers war and is prepared for it. Mr. Chamberlain will have, therefore, as his first task, to organise an expedition to Coomassie, and we have little doubt that he will be both expeditious and energetic. He will have the assistance of Lord Wolseley, who knows both the country and the enemy, and our only fear is lest both should underrate the fighting to be encountered. The mother of the Chief, who directs his counsels, has, it is believed, accumulated a good stock of arms, his tribe will be fighting to recover their ascendency, and he may have some European advice. It will be risky to leave the advance wholly to the West Indian regiments, or to dispense with a battery of Maxim guns. We ought, too, when peace is arranged, to have one large fortified kraal near, or even in, Coomassie under the Resident's direct and sole authority. The fugitives who will collect there will form the most trustworthy of possible defenders.
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