THE RELIEF OF EMIN PASHA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2286, 5 March 1887, Page 2

THE RELIEF OF EMIN PASHA.

The following telegram dated Suez, Jan. 10, appears in the. London Times Dr. Junker, who is now at Suez, says that the Consul at Zanzibar h is engaged ten soldiers who had come with him (Dr. Junker) from Uganda to return on the arrival of the next mails with letters from Emin Pasha, informing him of the intended despatch of a relief expedition. Letters through Dr. Mackay, missionary at Uganda can be sent secretly and safely to Casati, at Unyaro, and Kabrega. King Unkoro is very friendly to Emin Pasha. In Dr. Junker's opinion the eastern route (Thomson's) is probably impossible, owing to the scarcity of supplies, and the strong resistance expected at the northern part from the Baked ilango, a very warlike tribe. The whe western one (Felkin's) is doubtful, because the whole section north of Uniamwesi to Lake Mutanzige and the Albert Nyanza is absolutely unexplored country. As to the middle route. Dr. Junker is inclined partly to this route from the coast to Usukuma. But he remarks that without assistance from Mwanga, King of Uganda, it would be impossible to secure a sufficient number of boats for a large expedition to cross the Victoria Nyanza. If a peaceful settlement be impossible, the expedition must take the route of Speke and Grant along the west shore of the lake, where bananas abound. Dr. Junker accomplished this in 2(i days. On arriving at the northwestern corner of the lake, in case of trouble with Mwanga, the expedition might, the Doctor thinks, leave Uganda proper, and go to the south or middle Albert Nyanza, in Kabrega's country. Emin Pasha calculated that his ammunition would fail by the end of last yoar, but that he could hold out half a year more if not attacked by the wild tribes. No more of the Mahdi's men were seen last year. Emin feared that his troops would not remain cheerful and faithful, because the supplies were failing. All were dressed in skins. Dr. Junker says that he sent him some small supplies. In Uganda the English and French missionaries, Dr. Mackay and Pore Lourdel, are kept by Mwanga because they are useful mechanists. Emin Pasha (like Gordon) felt bound to stand by the Egyptian officers and the women and children. Delay would be serious, because the blacks may discover the failure of his ammunition, and then his position would be desperate.