The expedition into Somaliland is to be a little delayed
and to be reduced in size. Only three thousand men are to be employed, and they will almost all be Africans, the Indian troops being "kept back," partly to strengthen Aden, where we have a dispute with the Turks, and partly to avoid the difficulties and expense of transport. Colonel Swayne has been summoned home to "consult with the Foreign Office," and the actual advance will not take place till his return six weeks hence. Meanwhile the Mullah is threatening Bohotle, and collecting riflemen. The arrangements seem weak, as we are trusting too exclusively to Africans, and should a disaster occur the whole country will be upon -us; but doubtless Lord Lansdowne has better information from the spot than news- papers can obtain. We can only hope we are not making our usual mistake of despising the enemy until he has inflicted some unexpected blow.
