THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2358, 19 March 1884, Page 2

THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION WITH KHARTOUM. OSMAN DIGNAH AGAIN. ANXIETY FOR THE SAFETY OF GOVERNOR GORDON. THE REWARDPOROSMAN DIGNAH, ALIYE OR DEAD. ADMIRAL HEWETT ORDERED TO CANCEL THE PROCLAMATION. (Received March 18, 10 pan.) Cairo, March 17. Telegraphic communication has been restored between Shendy and Khartoum. (Received March 19, 0.55 a.m.) Telegrams from Souakim state that it has been ascertained that Osman Dignah continues in active hostility to the British, and is endeavouring to reassemble a force of Arabs with a view to renewing the contest. (Received March 18, 1.20 p.m.) March 18. Although telegraphic communication is open between Shendy and Berber, and from the latter place to this city, no news has been received from Gordon of a later date than the 11th inst. Some anxiety, therefore, prevails as to the General’s safety. Latest telegrams from Souakim state that a number of Sheikha who are friendly toward Osman Dignah have publicly burned the proclamation issued by the Commander-in-Chief in Soudan, offering a reward for Osman, alive or dead. Admiral Hewett, in compliance with the request of the British Government, has ordered that the proclamation be forthwith cancelled. [special to press association.] London, March 14. Further details of the engagement state that the Arabs, by an irapetous charge, broke the square commanded by Colonel Davies, and, creating a panic, succeeded in making a temporary capture of the guns. The Cavalry, however, came to the rescue, and checking the enemy, afforded time for the brigade to be re-formed, and recaptured the guns. Col. Buller’s square proceeded without check, and captured and burnt the enemy’s camp. The Arabs have now fled to the mountains. Their loss is estimated at 3000. March 15. Major-General Graham’s force has returned to Souakim, after burning four villages and exploding vast stores of captured ammunition. The bodies of 1500 Arabs were found at the spot where the square under Colonel Davis was broken. The total British loss in killed proves to bo 120, of which number the Gihh Regiment lost thirty, and the Black Watch sixty-five including ten sergeants. The Victorian gunboat Childers is at Souakim, and may not improbably be employed for some lime as a despatch boat.

The French Government has determined to appoint an Official Resident at Obok, in Abyssinia. March 16. It is hoped that Abyssinia may be induced to withdraw the Kassala garrison. Anxiety is being felt in Cairo regarding the safety of General Gordon.