To other less powerful and more stubborn enemies he showed a greater severity.  The Mahdi’s two uncles, named respectively Abdel Kerim and Abdel Kader, were thrown chained into prison, their houses were destroyed, and their wives and other property confiscated.  The numerous persons who claimed to be of the ‘Ashraf’ found the saintly honour a burden upon earth; for, in order to keep them out of mischief, the Khalifa enjoined them to attend five times every day at the prayers in the mosque.  Eighteen months of these devotions, declares the Christian chronicler, were considered ‘the highest punishment.’ [Ohrwalder, ten years’ captivity.] Still more barbarous was the treatment meted out to the unfortunate Emir who had charge of the Treasury.  Ahmed Wad Suliman had been accustomed under the Mahdi’s mild rule to keep no public accounts, and consequently he had amassed a large fortune.  He was actively hostile to Abdullah, and proclaimed his sympathy with the Ashraf.  Whereupon the Khalifa invited him to give an account of his stewardship.  This he was, of course, unable to do.  He was then dismissed from his appointment.  His private property was taken to fill the deficiencies of the State, and the brutal population of Omdurman applauded his punishment as ‘an act of justice.’ [Slatin, fire and sword.]

Although the Khalifa might establish his authority by such atrocities, its maintenance depended on the military policy which he consistently pursued.  The terrible power of a standing army may usually be exerted by whoever can control its leaders, as a mighty engine is set in motion by the turning of a handle.  Yet to turn the handle some muscular force is necessary.  Abdullah knew that to rule the Soudan he must have a great army.  To make the great army obedient he must have another separate force; for the influences which keep European armies in subjection were not present among the Dervishes.  For some years, indeed, he was compelled to leave much to chance or the loyalty of his officers.  But latterly, when he had perfected his organisation, he became quite independent and had no need to trust anyone.  By degrees and with astonishing ability he carried out his schemes.

He invited his own tribe, the Taaisha section of the Baggara Arabs, to come and live in Omdurman.  ‘Come,’ he wrote in numerous letters to them, ‘and take possession of the lands which the Lord your God has given you.’  Allured by the hopes of wealth and wives and the promise of power, the savage herdsmen came to the number of 7,000 warriors.  Their path was made smooth and easy.  Granaries were erected along the route.  Steamers and sailing-vessels waited on the Nile.  Arrived at the capital, all were newly clothed at the expense of the State.  An entire district of the city was forcibly cleared of its inhabitants for the accommodation of the strangers.  What the generosity of the Khalifa forgot or refused, the predatory habits of