NEWS BY THE MAIL.

Southland Times, Issue 1764, 8 July 1873, Page 3

NEWS BY THE MAIL.

» Prom the announcement that Admiral dimming has been sent to Zanzibar with all his available forces, there is reason to believe that the Sultan is still obstinate in pursuing the slave trade, and that it has been determined to bring His Majesty to his senses. Signor Mario is now in London, and it is said that he will again appear on the stage. The ex-King of Spain is reported to be turning his experience in that country to account by writing a book, which will bear the title of " The History of King Amadeo," written by himself. On 12th May, a deputation from the Colonial Institute waited upon Earl Kimberley to urge upon the Government the annexation of Fiji. The rumor respecting the murder of Sir Samuel and Lady Baker proves to be utterly unfounded. An Alexandria telegram, dated 22nd April, published in the Daily Telegraph, says : — " A native merchant named Bokoor, has arrived at Khartoum from Gondokoro and the upper country, bringing direct and personal intelligence from the expedition under Sir Samuel Baker. He reports that Baker and his whole party were in security and good health at the station of Fatookra at the date of his departure. He further says that when he was at Gondokoro the messenger of Baker Pasha arrived, and in his own hearing delivered an order to the son of the King, bidding him despatch 200 additional soldiers to Fatookra. This information may be received with complete confidence." From Philadelphia we hear of fresh disasters and serious reverses to the American troops who are pursuing and attacking the Modoc Indians. It appears that a reconnoitring party, 200 strong, left the Lava-bed Camp in search of the new Modoc stronghold. On arriving at Foot Bluff, where the Modocs are supposed to be, it was announced by the skirmishers in advance that no Indians were in sight. The troops advanced to the Bluff, when suddenly the Modocs opened a severe fire, compelling the troops to seek shelter in crevices. Thence the troops were soon driven by a heavy enfilading fire from the Indians, who were not seen. The troops were unable either to advance or retreat. The wounded reaching the camp, gave an alarm, and 400 men were sent forward to effect a rescue. At the time of the last accounts the reinforcements had not relieved the ambuscaded party. About 30 Modocs were armed with Spencer carbines and breech-loading muskets. 19 soldiers have been killed, including Captain Thomas and Lieutenant Howe. 23 have been wounded, among whom are Lieutenants Harris and Wright, and many are missing. No wounded Indians could be seen anywhere. Captain Thomas in falling cheered and shouted, " Soldiers, fight to the bitter end ! " A few wounded have arrived in the camp on stretchers. A terrible accident baa occurred in Illinois. A bridge over the river, which was crowded with people witnessing a baptism, gave way, and an immense number were at once precipitated into the stream. Fifty persons are supposed to have been drowned ; and thirty- two bodies have, up to the present, been recovered — mostly women. Many persons are missing, and twenty-four are injured, several fatally.