CABLE NEWS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 63, 11 February 1884, Page 2

CABLE NEWS.

[Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright.] [Reuter’s Telegrams.] Cairo, Feb. 8. Despatches have been received from Baker Pasha stating that the disaffection among the Natives in the neighborhood of Souakim is increasing, and that the rebellion is spreading rapidly among the Desert Arabs. It is expected that an attack will be made upon Souakim, but Baker Pasha hopes to be able to defeat the enemy with the troops at his command. The despatches also state that in the recent battle near Tokar the Arabs lost 600 killed, besides wounded* Evening. The latest intelligence from Souakim states that Baker Pasha mistrusts the troops under his command at that place, and he is expected soon to be recalled to Egypt. London, Feb. 8. The telegram published by the Daily News in its issue yesterday, stating that Gordon Pasha was a captive in the hands of the rebels near Korosko, has been authentically contradicted, and the report stated to be without foundation. The statement that the Mediterranean Squadron has been ordered to rendezvous at Souakim is incorrect. The Squadron is not about to proceed to the Red Sea, but a force of 1,200 marines is to be drafted from the ships under the command of Lord John Hay for service at Souakim, and will be despatched thither at an early date. A further force of 800 marines now stationed at Portsmouth is also under orders to proceed to the same destination. Evening. Two battalions of infantry have been ordered to proceed from Aidershot to Malta and Gibraltar, where they will be held in readiness to be despatched to Souakim should their services be required. Hong Kong, Feb, 8. News has reached here from Tonquin that an engagement has been fought between the French troops and a large body of rebels in the province of Sontay, at Nambinh. The latter were completely defeated; and dispersed with considerable slaughter, the French loss being, it is stated, comparatively small.