THE MAHDI’S ARMY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1534, 7 May 1885, Page 2

THE MAHDI’S ARMY.

“ The Arab journal Nusret contains an interesting description of the organisation of the Mahdi’s forces,” aays the Pall Mall Gazette , “ and calls attention to the fast that Mahommed Ahmed haa adopted in all' essentials the military system of the early Calip s The tactical unit of the army is the ‘brotherhood ’ consisting of ten men, who are originally under the orders of their senior in age. Any soldier, however, who specially distinguishes himself, may be promoted to the leadership. Tea of these “ brotherhoods ” form a company at the head of which is a ferik, and ten companies form a regiment, which is commanded by an emir and his lieutenant. Every company haa its linen fltg, wjiich invariably bears ihe two crossed swords that form the military device of the Mahdi; but the color of the flags varies, each regiment having it# own, and in fact, being Known by its colors. Deads gt bravery are rewarded with a present of gold j antji any private may, by continued gallantry, raise himself to the rank of ferik, op even of emir. When the Mahdi commands in person, he is accompanied by ten emits, who opnstitute his stofF, by ten officers, act as aidea-de-oamp, and by four mounted bairak'iars, or standard bearers. These 2i immediate companions of the generalise def are alone eligible to sit on court martials and councils of war ; but the Mahdi is said to have several unofficial counsellors, and among these doubtless are the two Frenchmen, who, according to the Paris papers, have thrown m their lot with him."