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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6934, 7 February 1884, Page 4

Another reverse lias overtaken the Egyptian troops in the Soudan. A Cairo telegram which we print this morning stateß that intelligence has been received there from Souakim of the defeat of Baker Pasha's force, and that the Egyptians lost two thousand men, four Krupp guns, and a Gatling gun. The engagement took place near Toka, which is about forty miles, ab the crow flies, froin Souakim. It was here that Captain MoncriefF's small force was utterly annihilated on the 6th of November last, and where, about a month afterwards, another Egyptian force, sent out by the Governor of Souakim, shared a similar fate. The troops under Baker Pasha consisted of 2300 gendarmes (of whom 500 were horsemen) 1.500 black troops, and 4000 Bedouins. His staff was to include Colonel Sartorius, Lieutenant - Colonel Harrington, and Major Hervey. Majors Giles and Hoiroyd were also to accompany the expedition. Whether any of these officers have fallen it is not stated, but we should not be surprised to learn that some at least of their number are among the killed. According to last advices Baker Pasha intended to act upon the defensive, feeling the hopelessness of attempting to force his way across the country with the troops under his command. It is apparent, however, that he had changed his plans, and had commenced his advance into the interior, probably with the object of relieving Sinkat, where the position of the garrison is most critical. The serious reverse he has met with has for the present at all events, rendered his advance impossible, and he has now returned to Souakim. The situation has thus become even more grave and perplexing than it was before. With regard to the Soudan west of the Nile, no one now doubts that it must be left to the rebel tribes who now hold possession of it. There is a consensus of opinion that it lies beyond the natural boundary of the Egyptian Empire, or what should be established as the border line of the Khedive's dominion in the Soudan. But Egypt cannot,, nor has it been,proposed that she should, give up all claim to that country lying between the Red -uid

the Nile, and comprised within t , triangle of which Khartoum isth„ h " and Souakim and Mauowah th ß t P< *» Yet it is evident that if she if £ these positions she can onlv An the military assistance of, FY* This . fresh disaster, therefore 8 «- nd ' the question whether EnrinnJ now come to her aid, or whetW t- Wlll will hare to abandon what it i« „k * 7pt she is unable to hold by herself IS," 11 position is a difficult one both for p„ r® 8 and Egypt. Even in spite selves tho English Government J;®' find themselves committed to art,. ? hazardous military operations in ,' 7 Soudan by the force of • 9 stances.. They have sanctioned IT' Pasha a expedition and Gordon pjt . Mission, and having done that must either back np their action mihtary force or wipe their hand* « everything outside the borders of P™ proper. This latter alternative i» Pt doubt the one which most strong r ,, n ° mends itself to them. A British " pedition to the Soudan would a costly and perilous affair very little would be gained b v it But Buch an expedition is bv 1 means unlikely as things look »► present. British gunboats are at Soul kirn ; why not British soldiers? I 3 «. J the ne plus ultra of English interferen™! If it is, then Baker Pasha should not ha» been permitted to advance beyond it* and Gordon Pasha (who is likely 8g Jj to be murdered in the desert) shonld have been kept at home. The wort feature of the whole businesa is that th English Government do not aeemt 9 - know their own . minds, or to have an° fixed and definite policy. They drifted into Egypt, and they appear likely tn dnft into the Soudan.