The news from Somaliland is obscure. A chief who deserted
from the Mullah to the Abyssinians under General Gabriz says that the defeat of the Mullah by the Abyssinians on May 31st was more serious than was reported ; that he also suffered much in the skirmish with Colonel Plunkett, losing seven hundred and fifty men, most of whom were swept away by the Maxims; and that he has now only five thousand tribesmen with him, and one thousand nondescripts. These statements look true, but they require sifting, and, after all, they amount to little. The Abyssinians, though. victorious, have retreated for want of provisions, and the Mullah's force fluctuates from month to month, probably. even from day to day, according to his supplies and his supposed chances of victory. We must wait for intelligence as well as for success.
Previous page
