THE SOMALILAND DIFFICULTY.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 3 June 1901, Page 4

THE SOMALILAND DIFFICULTY.

Latest advices from Somaliland ananouced that preparations for a general advance of the Bomalilaiid field force were proceeding rapidly. Two companies of the first infantry corps, under Captain Phillips, 8.E., were at Odiweina, on the border of the Houts, a vast waterless desert which it requires five days to cross and where water and supplies must be carried. The second infantry corps, 500 strong, under Captatn Mac Neil, of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders; the camel corps under Captain Bruce, 8.F.A.; and the mounted infantry, under Captain Walker Hereweather, Indian Staff Corps, were converging by different routes en Buras, hoping to g»t into touch in a few days with the Mad Mullah, who wa3 reported to be in the Dolbabandi country. The Dolbabandis arc a most numerous and a powerful tribe, with splendid horses. They are full of fight, but the espenditionary force, under its experienced commander, Colonel Swayne, of the 16th Bengal Infantry, was felt to. be quite equal to all that was wanted of it.

The Mad Mullah is said by the Daily Chronicle to be only 32 years of ago, but ho exercises great iniluence over the Ogaden Somalis. He has convinced them of his divine mission. Tbo Somalis were more than ever impressed by his claims when one night in the neighbourhood of Berbera he saw in company with his faithful followers tho electric search lights of the British cruisers. The Somalis were terror-stricken, and Abdullabi (the Mad Mullah) alono remained calm. He had spent a long time at Aden, and was perfectly familar with the cause, but he an. nounced that this was the glance of God seeking out His prophet. The light considerately flashed for a moment upon the Mullah's methodic madness.