Soudan Affairs

Feilding Star, Volume X, Issue 73, 18 December 1888, Page 2

Soudan Affairs

By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright. (PKK UVITKO PRESS A>SOOI \F/OX > London. December 15. It is believed that Stanley and Emm Bey have been captured by tha Mahdi, and are now prisoners at Khartoum. It is stated that they are manacled, but otherwise fairly well treated. Further information from Suakim states that, in proof of the Mahdi conquering Stanley, Osman Digna has produced a cartridge which is similar to those in use by the Stanley expedition. It is estimated that the liability of the Panama Canal scheme is a billiou francs. Suakim, December 15. Replying to Lord Randolph Churchill in the House of Commons, Mr Q-osehen said the information to* hand concerning tho captives at Khartoum was so uncertain that it was impossiUo at the present, to suspend the military operations in the Soudan, or at all' events until the news had been confirmed. December 17. lt ib stated here that the Madhi, in a letter to Osman Digna, writes that the officer, in reporting the capture of Emm Bey, mentioned that the white traveller was Stanley. The natives of Suakim utterly discredit the story. AThe cavalry who reconnoitred the enemy's trenches to-day report them to be very strong, and that the followers of the rebel leader are numerous. The country is open, and free from bush. Received December 18, 12.20 p.m. London. December 17. The Government are doing their utmost to ascertain whether there is any truth in the statement of Emm Bey and Staxdey having been captured by the Madhi' s adherents. If they are convinced that Osman Digna's letter is not merely a felse boast, they propose to ascertain whether there is any hope of effecting their release by negotiations.