No official information of the fall of Berber has been
re- ceived in London. Nnbar Pasha, however, believes it, the Mudir of Dongola has heard of it, and the people of Assouan are flying on account of it. Major Kitchener, in command at at Koroshko, is acting on it, his information coming from the son of the governor; and the Times' correspondent at Koroshko publishes an account so minute and probable, that it is scarcely possible it should be an invention. He gives details even of individual wounds. We have discussed elsewhere the effect which the event, if it has occurred, would have on the general situation, and rather regret the tone of Lord Harting- ton's answer of Thursday on the question of reinforcements. He said none had been asked for, and left an impression that none would be needed. There is not the least reason for hurry or alarm, the Mandi moving with Oriental slowness; but if the Govern- ment think he is not trying to advance, or can be stopped with- out a battle, they are too sanguine. The movement cannot stop of itself, for the reasons given elsewhere, and we must stop it. The true policy, therefore, is to be perfectly ready; and above all, to be clear whether, if the necessity arises, we shall defend Siont or advance from Suakim. Hesitation upon that subject, when the final advance begins, might cost us dear.
