THE SOUDAN.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1198, 13 February 1885, Page 3

THE SOUDAN.

The following was is-ued by us as an “extra” on Saturday, the 7th inst : [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.] [from our own correspondent.] London, February 5. Telegrams are to hand from General Wolse ey stating that the Mabdi has captured Khartoum through the treachery of some of General Gordon’s followers, and that Gordon is pro ably a prisoner. Further intelligence has been received showing that Khartoum fell on the 26th January. Sir Charles Wilson, with a detachment of the Royal Sussex Regiment, anived at Khartoum by steamer from Metemneh on the 28th January. They found the city occupied by the enemy, and they forthwith retired under heavy fire from the river banks. The steamer was after-wards wrecked below Shabukli cataract. All on beard wore saved and were landed on an island, from which a steamer has been sent to rescue them. The fate of General Gordon as yet is uncertain A steamer with Colonel Sir Chailes Wilson on board, has i-eturned from Khartoum to El Metemneh, under a heavy fire from the rebels, who were posted along the banks. (Received February 6th, 7.45 p.m.) Sir Charles Wilson, finding that he could not get to Khartoum, attempted to return, but during the passage two of the steamers stranded. The crews and escort were safely landed. During the journey they were fre quently attacked by the rebels from the banks

(Through our Exchanges.) London, February 6th, The feeling of public indignation and disgust'pervading all classes of the people ngsidilng tbs iateoarriage in the Soudan is

Un paraded, Hurt in cons quence conaola have declined one ha f per cent. Profound sympathy ia > /pressed on the Continent at the f»i me of Lord Wolseiey’s expedition to rescue General Gor lon. It is reported that 2000 of Gordon's followers were massacred, nud the Palace at Khartoum was completely gutted by the rebels.

The London papers, referring to the British position in the Soudan, are unanimous in declaring that retreat is impossible. Most of the journals advise that strong reinforcements, consisting partly of Indian and native regiments, be despatched to Souakim, thence by open road to Berber. A Cabinet Council will be held to-day to consider the Soudan position. Sir C. Bilks, President of the Local Government Board, speaking at Paddington last night, announced that General Wolseley had telegraphed : “No cause for anxiety as to the position of the British troops at Gakdul and Metemneh.”

No details have come to hand regarding the capture of Khartoum, Press telegrams from the Soudan having been stopped. The Calrinet have given Lord Wolseley complete discretion, promising bira every assistance be may demand, stating that Kngland will strive to save Gordon, if living: Lord Wo’sely telegraphs to the Horse Guards that be is sending a messenger to ascertain the fate of Gordon. He also states that the Shukriyes tribes have joined the Mahdi, thereto e both sides of the Nile are now hostile. The telegram further announces that the British convoy has reached Gubat, on the road to Metemneh. February 7 hj.

Accounts to hand of Sir Charles Wilson’s expedition from Metemneh to Khartoum, state that to him the palace at the latter place appeared wrecked, and it was the ge'-eral opinion that Gordon had been killed ; but that the Mahdi’s messenger who came to Colonel Wilson with a summons to surrender, asserted that Gordon was alive. February Bth. Information from Khartoum has been received that the English troops under General Gordon (? Colonel Wilson) approached to within 200 yards of the rebels, an I that only the fl igs of the latter could then be Seen: The batteries kept up shelling, but the troops were compelled to retreat, and this was effected partly by strategy. Some of the reports state that Gordon was killed, and that there was 15 days’ hard fighting, while others say that two parties betray d General Gordon, but that he ia alive, and still defending Khartoum. The Observor states that Lord Wolseley has been instructed to suppress the rebellion if General Gordon is dead. The Dalian Government are prepared to send 35,001) troops to the Soudan if necessary. February 9th. It is stated that the Government intend to despatch reinforcements to the number of 80 ’0 to the Soudan, under the command of Major general Newdigate, and that,the force will proceed to Suakim and thence to Berber.

Lord Wotseley telegraphs that nothing is known as to the fate of Gordon, and as regards Sir Charles Wilson and party, he hj lieves they have been rescued from the Island near the Shabulti cataract. It is reported that the Cabinet have instructed L°r Wolseley that in the event of Gordon being dead, the campaign must bo continued until the rebellion is quelled. A detachment of artillery have reinforced The three battalions of the Guards under orders to proceed to the Son lan will embark at Portsmouth for Suakira direct on Saturday next. It is stated that GOO men of the Canadian Militia are coming to England to do garrison nutv in the place of the troops being despatched to Egypt. It is announced that the f flowing reinforcements have been ordered to F.gypt . 20th Hussars and three battalions of Guards from England, four battalions of in'mitry from Malta and Gibralta, and two batta* lions of infantry and a cavalry regiment from India. February 10. Lord Wo’seley doubts whether General Gordon is still defen ing the church (?) at Khartoum. Osman Pasha is massing his forces at Tamsi. Cairo, February 7th. Latest telegrams from Korti state that General Earle’s progress towards Berber is unopposed, and that steamers from Gubut are able, to patrol the river and to obtain supplies. February 9. News is to hand from Korti that the British convoy was recently attacked near Gakdul by a body of rebels numbering over 1000. Heavy fighting took place with the result that the rebels w> re repulsed after severe shelling from the Biitish guns. An Italian expedition despatched from Naples occupied Massowah on the Red Rea without resistance, but the Egyptian officials formally protested against the occupation. Rome, February 9th. The Italian Government has decided that, if requested, assistance shall be afforded England in the operations against the Mahdi.