NEWS OF THE WEEK.
GREAT alarm is felt in France as to the position of the French expeditionary force in Dahomey. There is no posi- tive evidence to justify it, and it may be utterly unfounded, but it appears to arise in this way : Colonel Dodds, in command, has penetrated to within ten miles of Abomey, the capital, defeating every force hitherto sent against him. Close by the capital, however, Behanzin and the last forces of Dahomey, including the King's guard, will make their final stand, and there is reason for a doubt whether the supplies of ammunition for the invading force are sufficient. If they are not, and the Negro porters have treacherously warned the King, Colonel Dodds and his force may be annihilated; and a rumour that he has been has already reached the coast. We should deeply regret to learn that it was true, and rather hope to hear that Colonel Dodds has made his final march as a march into space, knowing that, if he carries the "City of the Tombs," the sacred suburb, he can re establish communications. The excitement in France proceeds from a knowledge that defeat would be fatal to the Government, the electors reasoning that it would involve an expedition with regular troops,—that is, the despatch of twelve thousand conscripts, to die of dysentery and fever. French people hate these African expeditions.
