THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2672, 14 April 1885, Page 2

THE WAR IN SOUDAN.

[united peess association.] Souakist, April 1. It is reported Osman Digna has fled, his followers having deserted him. A body of British Cavalry has been despatched to reconnoitre and ascertain whether the report is correct. April 2. A cavalry force sent out yesterday to discover the whereabouts of the enemy were fired at by the Arabs near Tamai. The "New South Wales Infantry and Guards form the front face of the square. The enemy is reported to be in great force at Tamai, and have sent their women away. April 3. A force of 250 men belonging to the New South Wales Contingent has been left behind to garrison Souakin. April 4. The greatest efforts made by the British forces during the present campaign have, instead of a desperate engagement, ended merely in a slight skirmish with the enemy. Nothing decisive resulted. General Graham ordered an advance on Thursday morning upon Tamai, where Osman Digna was expected to be posted in force. Only a skirmish between the outposts took place, and though only a few New South Wales infantry were engaged, they behaved very admirably. The hottest fire of the enemy -was directed upon the ambulance, and orders had in consequence to be given to lower the flag. This diverted the enemy's fire. Tamai was entered and burnt after the Arabs were driven out. The mouutain wells wero found to be choked. The British troops returned to camp at Suakin, using the railway in course of construction. The New South Wales infantry and artillery will be employed to-morrow in the construction of the railway, which is to be completed from Suakin to the mountains in the neighborhood of Tamai with the greatest expedition. SUAKIN. Suakin, which has lately emerged from obscurity on account of its connection with the recent stirring events in Egypt, is the chief port of 'the Soudan, being distant about 100 miles from

Khartoum, and about two days and a half steam from Suez. The harbor is formed by a channel 500 yards wide, which penetrates between the main land and two islands, on one of which the town is built. The two islands are situated in a bay, which is connected with the sea by a neck of water about three-quarters of a mile Jong, and wide enough to allow two ships to pass outside the islands. The water is deep enough for ocean steamers; but the entrance is difficult, as there are no lights, and can only be approached in day time on account of the numerous coral reefs running along the coast. The town was originally confined to the island itself, but its population increasing, it extended to the mainland, with which it is connected by a causeway, on which stand the military barracks. Since the town was taken from Osmau Digna and bis rebel forces, its fortifications have been considerably strengthened, and in order to prevent any attempt being made by the rebels to retake it, two gun boats have been stationed to assist in repelling any attacks that may be made on it. The military position of the place has been described by the Times military correspondent: "The works consist of an inner continuous line of entrenchments forming the bridge head itself at a radius of about 1000 yards from the causeway; outside this at a distance of 1200 yards is a chain of redoubts. The inner line is strengthened by two forts called Fort Euryalus and Fort Carysfort. The entrenchments and other redoubts are manned by blacks, while crow's feet and other military obstacles are strewn thickly in front of them. THE ITALIAN OCCUPATION OF MASSOWAH, OFF SOUDAN. Admiral Caimi issued the following proclamation to the inhabitants of Massowah on arriving at that place : "The Italian Government, the friend of England, Turkey and Egypt, has ordered me to occupy Massowah. This order will be carried out, and the Italian flag will be hoisted by the side of the Egyptian flag. The soldiers and sailors to be landed will observe the strictest discipline, and will pay for everything they may require. Your customs and your religion will be respected. Your business will in no way be impeded, and I shall, on the contrary, be ready to afford you every assistance. The Italian Government is animated by the best intentions towards you. Treat us, therefore, as friends, for such we are, and continue following your usual occupations. You will have cause to be satisfied." GENERAL GORDON. General Gordon clearly anticipated his fate, for he wrote a uumber of farewell letters during the month of January. These were sent off in a mail bag on board the steamer, and given to George, who handed them over to Sir Charles Wilson on Jan. 21. Among the letters were one for his sister, and others for his brother, for Captain Brocklehurst, Lord Wolseley and Sir Charles Wilson. There were also five complete monthly diaries of the siege of Khartoum, narrating all the events that had taken place since Colonel Stewart left him. In his letter to Sir Charles Wilson, General Gordon wrote that he hoped, by God's will, the English would arrive in time to save him and others, but feared they would be too late; that he knew he was being betrayed, but was powerless to prevent it. His information was that Khartoum was to be surrendered on January 19 to Mahdi. He could get away if he wished to run; but he refused to go, and would remain to the last. As he would not permit himself to be taken prisoner, there was nothing left but death. " ADVANCE, AUSTRALIA!" The Daily News published the following poem just after the receipt of the news that the colonies had offered their services for the Egyptian war: Sons of the giant Ocean isle, In sport our friendly foes so long, Well England knows you, and we smile, \\ hen you outmatch us many a while. So fleet you are, so keen, and strong ! You, like that fairy people set Of old, within the circling sea, Far off from men, might well forget This elder nation's toil and fret, ° Might heed not aught save game and glee ! But what your fathers were you are, In lands the fathers never knew, 'Neath skies of alien sign and star, You rally to the English war, Your hearts are English hearts, and true! Ay, now when first the shadow falls On England, and the touch of Fate, You answer ere your Mother calls, You leave your ocean-girdled walls, And face our foemen in the gate ! A.L, J