NEWS OF THE WEEK
SINCAT has fallen, Tewfik Pasha having made a sortie, probably on the 11th inst., and been cut to pieces with his followers by Osman Digna. The British Government, however, has resolved to relieve Tokar, and by the last week of this month a -strong expedition, numbering at least 5,000 men of all arms, com- manded by General Graham, of the Engineers, will be assembled at Suakim, where it is said, on the mere rumour of the British 'advance, "the rebels are dispersing." It was at first intended to include a regiment or two of the Egyptian Army, but the Horse Guards have prohibited this, on the ground of the special promise to the men when they enlisted that they should not serve in the Soudan. It is said the officers intend to resign, but they will probably see that under the circumstances of the enlistment their honour is not attacked. General Gordon, moreover, has advanced far upon his way. He passed Berber on the 11th inst., and from thence telegraphed orders to Khartoum dismissing the Governor, and appointing Colonel Coetlogon to command. He was obeyed, and everywhere as he passes along he removes Egyptian officials, replacing them by local men, amidst the enthusiasm of the people, who are sick of their subjection to Pashas. He was never attacked in his ride from Assouan. to Berber, nobody resists his orders, and he appears entirely confident of success. In fact, it would .seem that he is carrying out the popular desire, and that the Mandi, even if he wishes it, will not be able to resist the -universal restoration of local Sondanese authority, upon which the General, in preparing his own instructions, showed himself to be bent.
