The Situation in the Soudan

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 98, 18 April 1885, Page 3

The Situation in the Soudan

The break-up of the Mahdi's force—supposing this to be completely accomplished through internal dissensions and the collapse of Osman Digna's rebellion, which isalready reported to have taken placewill not by any means finally dispose of the Soudan question. Though the rebels, by slaughtering General Gordon and the whole of the Egyptian garrisons, have relieved the British Government of its chief duty in the country, there still remains the problem of pacifying the population and securing the safety of Egypt proper against similar risings in future. Writing a few weeks ago, the military correspondent of the London "Times" said: "The crushing of Osman Digna will be a purely military operation, and the tactics of desert warfare are simple ; but as soon as the rebel chief has been finally disposed of, the native quostion will assume great importance. On j the tact and skill displayed in dealing with the friendly, the wavering, and the beaten tribas, great issues may depend. Starting from the shores of the Red Sea, a native movement in favour of order and reorganisation, and based upon confidence in the power and good faith of England, may bo developed which will materially aid us in determining the future of the Soudan. Evacuation pure and simple is now impossible." But so far as disclosed, the British policy does not contemplate anything else than I evacuation of the country — that is, the doudan is to be left independent aiid selfgoverning, the suzerainty of the Khedive being abandoned, and the native Sultans re established in their rule. It is the latter work which will require great skill, tact, and firmness to accomplish successfully ; and it is greatly to be questioned if there is now in the Soudan a British officer capable of carrying on the negotiations To ensure a satisfactory settlement of the native question in, Oie Soudan demands a demonstration of British power, coupled with kindness and forbearance, such as will be»et in the native mind a wholesome reverence and respect for us, with a desire to cultivate legitimate tradinp relations If this is kept in view at the present juncture in the parleying which . will naturally follow after British successes, the difficulties will be lessened, and permanent gpwUwtlte may to obtained*