WAR IN SOUDAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2632, 12 February 1885, Page 2

WAR IN SOUDAN.

SIR CHARLES WILSON AND HIS DETACHMENTS. ATTACK BY REBELS FROM BANKS OF THE NILE. 2000 OF GORDON'S FOLLOWERS MASSACRED. CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS CONCERNING GENERAL GORDON. ASSISTANCE BY THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT. [special to press association.] London, February 5. A steamer, with Colonel Sir Charles Wilson on board, has returned from Khartoum to El Metemneb, under a heavy fire from the rebels along the banks. Sir Chas. 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 frequently tacked by the rebels from the baDks. February 6. It is reported that 200 of Gordon's followers were massacred, and the Palace at Khartoum was completely gutted by the rebels. February 8. Information from Khartoum states that the English troops, under General Gordon, approached to within 200 yards of the rebels, and that only the flags of the latter could then be seen. The batteries kept up a hot 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 fifteen days' hard fighting, while others say that two pashas betrayed General Gordon, but he is still a'live and defending Khartoum. The Observer states that Lord Wolseley has been instructed to suppress the rebellion if General Gordon is dead. The Italian Government are prewired to send 35,000 troops to the Soudan il necessary. February 9. A detachment of artillery have reinforced Gubat.