THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2660, 17 March 1885, Page 2

THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

[REUTERS TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. ZEBEHR PASHA AND SON REMOVED TO CYPRUS. REPORTED CAPTURE OF KASSALA BY THE REBELS, AND MASSACRE OF THE EGYPTIAN GARRISON. (Received March 17, 1.5 a.m.) Cairo, March 15. Zebehr Pasha and son, and three other prisoners have been taken by H.M.S. Iris to Cyprus. Reports are current here that Kassala has been taken by the rebels, and the Egyptian garrison massacred ; also, that a rebellion has broken out in Kordofan, and that the Mahdi has sent troops to quell it. ♦ [unpublished messages.] Cairo, February 19. A battery of light field guns is to be despatched to Souakin, for the New South Wales contingent in place of the 16-pounder guns belonging to the colony, which are considered too heavy for service in the Soudan. London, February 20. The Marquis of Haitington, Secretary of State for War, stated in reply to a question last night, that Sir Redvers Buller, with the force under his command, would probably retreat to Korti or Merawi for the present. Her Majesty the Queen has issued a proclamation prohibiting soldiers on the active list from joining the reserve forces. The proclamation also announces the embodiment of the militia in Great Britain. February 21. The Spectator to-day, writing on the colonial offers of assistance in the Sondan, says that the Victorian Government, in offering military help to England, has " heaped coals of fire" upon the head of Lord Derby. February 23. The calling out of. the reserves and the embodiment of the militia has been decided upon as a precautionary measure, in view of the troubles in the Soudan and the Russian advance upon Herat. February 24. In the House of Commons yesterday, Mr Gladstone was questioned as to the intentions of the Government with respect to the Soudan. The Premier refused to pledge the Ministry to the establishment of a stable Government at Khartoara.