["AGE" SPECIALS.]

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 98, 18 April 1885, Page 3

["AGE" SPECIALS.]

The following special cablegrams to the Melbourne " Age" give some additional details of the operations around Suakim :—

Suakim, April 1. It is rumoured that 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.

Suakim, April 2. A cavalry force sent out yesterday discovered the whereabouts of the enemy. They were fired at by Arabs near Tamai. The New' South Wales Infantry and Guards formed the front face of the square. A i force of 250 men of the New South Wales contingent has been left behind to garrison Suakim.

Suatcim, April 4. The greatest efforts made by the British forces during the present campaign have, instead of u desperate, encounter, ended in

merely a slight skirmish with the enemy. Nothing decisive resulted. General Graham ! ordered an advance on Tamai on Thursday, | where it was supposed that Osman Digna [was posted in force, but only a skirmish ! between outposts took place, and a few of the New South Wales infantry were engaged. They behaved admirably. The hottest fire of the enemy was directed on the ambulance, and orders had in consequence to be given to lower the flag, in order to divert the enemy's fire. Tamai was entered and burnt; after the Arabs had been driven to tho mountain. The wells were found choked. The British troops returned to camp at Suakim, using the railway in course of construction.

The Railway Pushed On. The New South Wales infantry and artillery will be employed to-morrow on the construction of the railway, which is to be completed from Suakim to the mountains in the neighbourhood of Tamai with the greatestjexpedition.

Turkey NeutralLondon, April 2. In tho expected event of war between Great Britain and Russia, Turkey will probably remain neutral. It is now found that Russia demands that the Afghan frontier territory under consideration shall be extended southward.

Russia Gaining Time. London, April 5. A special Cabinet meeting was held today to consider a reply received from (he Russian Government on the Afghan frontier question. It is suspected that Russia's Pacific reply and acceptance of the commission to settle the frontier difficulty is only a device to gain time, and that an attack will be made upon Herat as soon as her military preparations are more advanced. The commission appointed to settle the frontier difficulty will, it is thought, bo certain to disagree. General fears are entertained that the crisis will recur, and that war is imminent. Extensive naval and military preparations in England and India are being hurried forward with the utmost despatch. London, April s.—The. —The Commission appointed to deal with European claims in the Pacific, and prepare a scheme securing the neutrality of unannexed islands in the Pacific, have commenced their labours. It is understood that a defaulter named Goldsmid has defrauded the Queensland National Bank of £2,000.