THE GREAT BENNETT, OUR RECRUITING OFFICER.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 233, 28 February 1885, Page 12

THE GREAT BENNETT, OUR RECRUITING OFFICER.

That Avorthy genius of handicraft, Peter Birley, Avas brimming over Avith patriotism and military heroism the other night. He held an al fresco "blood and fire" meeting outside the Opera House, and Avent about enlisting all and sundry for the Soudan. Thirty-nine doughty Avarriors responded to the call, and Peter addressed them in soulstirring Avords. He told them they must either come back victorious or leave their bones in the sands of the desert. Just at this stage some of the Avarriors retired in skirmishing order round the corner. They wanted a drink to nerve themselves up for the campaign. We don't know Avhether Peter paid any bounty, or even gave the Queen's shilling to his recruits, but it is reported that the contingent is under orders to proceed to the seat of Avar. Peter remains behind to protect the city. The New York Times of the 20th December contained a special cable from London that the fact was announced on that day of M. Oliver Pain, a French journalist, being in the Mahdi's camp, and that he had organised a secret service, by which he has obtained from the French colony in Cairo neAvs of all General Wolseley's movements. Pain is a journalistic adventurer, avlio 'avrs a leading character in the Commune, and ay ho Avas sent to New Caledonia with other communists, but escaped Avith Rochfort and went to Turkey. He made the journey alone to El Mahdi's camp, Avhere he met with a warm reception as a French citizen. It is stated that the recently-circulated stories of sickness in El Mahdi's camp, and of the general disruption of his forces, whicli have reached Wolesley, have been manufactured by Pain as a decoy scheme, by Avhich the British might be led into an unsupported advance of the camel corps across the desert.