The Mudir of Dougola has forwarded letters from General Gordon
confirming his recent telegrams, and announcing that the Arabs are no longer around Khartoum. He has made the position unpleasant for them with his steamers, and they have probably heard that the British are on their way. This intelligence is further confirmed by a despatch from the French Consul in Khartoum, and it is probable that Berber will scarcely be defended. Tinder these circumstances, Lord Wolseley has stopped the departure of further reinforcements, and has decided to quicken the movements of the Expedition. He has gone himself to Wady Halfa ; and his advance guard, now at Dongola, may enter Khartoum by the time at which the larger force was to have started. The whole business is open to some ridicule, as it would be a little absurd if the Expedition met General Gordon on his way to Dongola as a conqueror ; but the plan adopted is substantially wise. It is well to do the work completely, that is, enter Khartoum, create a Government, and convince all natives that the Mahdi neither can nor may descend the Nile. The difficulty will be to arrange all this in a sensible manner, and keep General Gordon's finger out of the pie. He is certain to want something entirely opposed to the policy of her Majesty's Government, and only obtainable by himself or a campaign. Could he not be exported to China ?
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