th
him alone, who had heard all his counsels, who knew all his Emirs, and
moreover Slatin, the soldier and administrator, who could appreciate
all he had learned, was added with the rank of Pasha to the Staff of
the Intelligence Department. While his accurate knowledge confirmed the
belief of the Egyptian authorities that the Dervish power was declining,
his tale of 'Fire and Sword in the Soudan' increased the horror and
anger of thoughtful people in England at the cruelties of the Khalifa.
Public opinion began to veer towards the policy of re-conquest.

The year 1895 brought in a Conservative and Unionist Administration. A
Government came into office supported by a majority which was so strong
that there seemed little reason to expect a transference of power
for five or six years. Ministers were likely to be able to carry to
a definite conclusion any projects they might devise. They belonged
chiefly to that party in the State which had consistently assailed Mr.
Gladstone's Egyptian policy. Here was an opportunity of repairing the
damage done by their opponents. The comparisons that would follow such
an accomplishment were self-evident and agreeable even to anticipate.
The idea of re-conquering the Soudan presented itself indefinitely,
but not unpleasingly, alike to the Government and the people of Great
Britain. The unforeseen course of events crystallised the idea into a
policy.

On the 1st of March, 1896, the battle of Adowa was fought, and Italy at
the hands of Abyssinia sustained a crushing defeat. Two results followed
which affected other nations. First, a great blow had been struck
at European prestige in North Africa. It seemed probable that the
Abyssinian success would encourage the Dervishes to attack the Italians
at Kassala. It was possible that they might also attack the Egyptians at
Suakin or on the Wady Halfa frontier. Secondly, the value of Italy as
a factor in European politics was depreciated. The fact that her defeat
had been assisted by the arms and munitions of war which had been
supplied to the Abyssinians from French and Russian sources complicated
the situation. The Triple Alliance was concerned. The third partner had
been weakened. The balance might be restored if Great Britain would make
some open sign of sympathy.

Moreover, the expectations of the Egyptian military authorities were
soon fulfilled. The Dervishes threatened Kassala as soon as the news of
Adowa reached them, and indeed there w