THE WAR IN EGYPT.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2591, 27 July 1882, Page 3

THE WAR IN EGYPT.

[bettteb's telegrams. I LONDON, July 24,

In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone, in reply to a question, stated that tbe expeditionary force now being dispatched to Egypt would in the first instance consist of 17,500 men, but that an additional 3000 would leave later. The Premier announced that in order to meet the extraordinary war credit for Egyptian expenditure, an additional threepence in the pound on the income tax would have to be levied during the present half-year. In the House of Lords to-day Earl Granville, Foreign Secretary, stated that Government rejoiced at the cordial agreement which existed between England and France in regard to Egypt, and hoped that Italy would join them in bringing about a settlement of the difficulty. The noble earl added, France had not decided to send an expedition into the interior of Egypt, and concluded by declaring that the European Powers generally were in favor of the action which is being taken by England in Egypt. July 25. In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone submitted a message from the Queen, informing the House that the Army Reserve has been called out for service. PARIS, July 24. It has transpired that the French Expedition to Egypt will be limited to 5000 men. It is further understood that the French Government has decided to join England solely for the protection of the Suez Canal. [N.B. —The above telegrams have been delayed in transmission to Melbourne. Telegraphic communication with that city has been interrupted by inclement weather.] ALEXANDRIA, July 24. Arabi Pasha has issued a reply to the recent proclamation of the Khedive, formally dismissing him from the position of Minister of War. Arabi's reply takes the form of a proclamation calling for a Jehad or Holy War. The cry has been taken up by the masses, who are now flocking to his standard in great numbers. A slight skirmish took place to-day near Ramleh, a village about three milos from Alexandria, between a party of British troops and some of Arabi's soldiers. The latter offered but little resistance, and Ramleh has since been occupied by the British in force. July 25.

• Intelligence is to hand that Arabi is still at Kafradowar. So far he has made no important movement from that posi-

News is to hand that a disturbance has occurred at Tanhar, in which the Europeans had been attacked and killed by the Natives. The most frightful atrocities are reported to have been committed by the Egyptians upon their victims. The British troops are now in the occupation of Ramleh, having proceeded rapidly with the work of fortifying the place, in view of the possible advance of Arabi from Kafradowar against the position. I"ARGUS" specials 1 LONDON, July 24, 2.5 p.m An engagement between the outposts of the British and Arabi's forces took place to-day at Ramleh, a village a few miles from Alexandria, on the way to Aboukir. Arabi's cavalry, when approaching the place, where shelled by the Indexible. 7.28 p.m. The 60th Rifles and a detachment of sailors occupied the village of Ramleh, and an attempt to retake the place was made by the enemy's cavalry, supported by artillery, but they were repulsed. The casualties are said to be small. It is feared that difficulty will be experienced through the enemy cutting the aqueduct which supplied Alexandria with wator. The supply to the city continues to shrink. 7.28 p.m. The Marquis of Hartington has given notice in tho House of Commons that he will at the earliest possible moment move that the House approves of India paying the whole cost of the Indian contingent dispatched to Egypt. Mr O'Donnel, Home Rule member, has intimated his intention to submit an amendment that the proposal is iniquitous. Mr Onslow will move the whole cost of the expedition be paid by Great Britain. 10 p.m.

Tho European powers decline to intervene in Egypt, or to depute any other powers to act on behalf of the European concert. Prance is holding back, and it ia not believed any reliance can be placed on her support, except providing protection of the Suez Canal. The expeditionary forces organised by Great Britain for despatch to Egypt consists of 2400 cavalry, 13,400 infantry, 1700 artillery, 3700 various, and 3110 reserve.

Earl Kimberley will euocesd Mr. Bright as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Jnly 25, 5.41 a.m. M. Preycinet has asked the French Chamber to vote nine and one-half millions of francs to enable France to join in the protection of the Canal. France will undertake the protection of the northern half of the Canal, and provide security for the remainder. It has been discovered that Ragheb Pasha, who was the trusted adviser of the Khedive, is conspiring with Arabi Pasha. His dismissal is probable. [" AGE " SPECIALS.] LONDON, July 25, 4.55 p.m. Affairs at Bamleh are quiet, and the enemy inactive. Tho Armstrong guns of the British command the line, and should an encounter take place sharp fighting is expocted. The Khedive has summoned Cherif Pasha to form a Ministry. The Suez Canal is clear. The_ rebels are joining Arabi Pasha's forces nightly.

The following messages we take from the Melbourne papers:— ~,.., The advanced section of the Liberal parly is loud in condemnation of the polioy of the Government Oil tho Egyptian question. They predict the meat eorious ooneequenoes from the ill-judged interference of Eogland in the internal affairs of and are organising meetings throughout the country to influence publio opinion and protest against tho course pursued. It is feared that an epidemic will result from the noxious exhalations caused by the large number of unbmied corpses which are to be met with in all parts of Alexandria. A famine is also antioipated. It is the intention of tho leaders of the Conservative party to move a vote of oensure on the oonduot of the Gladstone Ministry with referenoe to the affairs of Egypt. Tha Motion will be brought forward by Sir Stafford Northoote, and will condemn the j Government for having brought about the present hostilities through their vacillating oonduot in the early Bteges at the Egyptian ' difficulty.

Mr Bright's reasons for resigning offioe are not confined to disapproval of the bombardment of Alexandria. He is totally epposed to the prolonged occupation of Egypt, which he foresee! will be necessary if the rale of the Khedive is to be established by British arms. He considers that the Government, by the policy which they have instructed Admiral Seymonr to pursue, have committed themselves to a long career of bloodshed in case Turkey should refuse to interveno and compel obedienoe to Tewfik. In tendering his resignation, Mr Bright expressed great regret at severing his oonnectian with Mr Gladstone's Ministry, with whom on all points of domestic polioy he was fully in aooord, Mr Bright'a constituents at Birmingham express no surprise at the course taken by the right hoB. gentleman, which they regard as entirely consistent with the peace principles which he has always professed. The Tory party are in ecstaoies over Mr Bright's resignation, which they regard as a moat serious blow to the exiatenoe of Mr Gladstone's Ministry. The New York papers express surprise that Mr Bright should not have tendered his resignation earlier. They oaneider that he showed great inconsistency in beooming a consenting party to the bombardment of Alexandria, and that his conduct in the matter has been discreditable to his charaoter as a statesman.

The Earl of is mentioned as Mr Bright's suooessor. The Government are extremely solicitous that Lord Derby should join thorn, as they oonsider it most important to secure his support at the present junoture.

Numerous articles have appeared in the Parisian newspapers on the eutvjaot of Mr Bright's resignation. A general opinion is expressed in the various journals that Mr Bright's retirement, eoupled with that of Mr Forater, is only preliminary to the complete collapse of the Gladstone Cabinet. The excesses oommitted by the native population of Alexandria and the released convicts are now shown to be greater than was at first reported. It is stated that 2000 persons have been massacred since the bombardment oomrnenced.

Her Majesty has 6ent a message to Sir F. Beauohamp Seymour, congratulating him on the suooess whioh has attended the operations of the flaet, and thanking the offioers and men nndor his oommand for tho bravery ond skill whioh they di«played during tho boar.. bardment.