THE FALL OF KHARTOUM. An Arabian Account of the Event.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 100, 2 May 1885, Page 6

THE FALL OF KHARTOUM. An Arabian Account of the Event.

Vienna, Feb. 24 The Arabian organ "Mubaschir" publishes the following information from Dongola :— "It is true that Khartoum full through treachery, but Faraz Pasha was not the only traitor. Ho was aided and abetted by numerous friends and agents of the Mahdi, who had been engaged in a propagandist mission in sido the town for several d.iys prior to its capture. Faraz Pasha was on duty at the western entrance, jußt oppos-ite to Omdurman, where the Mahdi's camp was situated. Fie was thus able to receive all deeerters from the eiiemy's ranks, and their members had lately increased owing to the scarcity of provisions. They were well treated in Khartoum, and at their own request were stationed at the western entiance, where they stood closest to the beBieging army, and gave no ground for complaint. On Jan. 21 Faraz Pasha reported to General Gordon that there was great distress in the Mahdi's camp and that desertions would take place by the hundred it only the fugitives could cross the White Nile in safety. Gordon there upon ordered two steamers to cruise about in front of Omdurman during the night, and to take up all deserters from the enemy's camp. The captains of the two steamers were, however, bribed by the Mahdi, and during the night of the 25th a largo number ot the Mahdi's troops was conveyed to the western entrance of Khartoum. At 5 o'clock on the morning of the 26th Faraz Paaha opened the gates to them, with the connivance of the fugitives already in the town. Such is the story of the fall of Khartoum."