TELEGRAMS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1137, 9 February 1884, Page 1

TELEGRAMS.

ENGLISH AND FOREIGN. London, Feb, 5. The fifth session of the present Parliament was opened to day by Royal Commission. The Royal Message was read by the Lord Chancellor. It agrees with the forecast already telegraphed, except in so far as the latter referred to Egypt, On this subject the Speech stated that the proposed withdrawal of British troops from that country has been cancelled, as a measure of precaution against the possible effects of a reverse to tbe Egyptian arms in Egypt itself. So far as the British occupation is concerned, the aim of such occupation is, the Speech adds, unchanged. Feb. 6. In view of the recent reverse sustained by the Egyptian troops under Baker Pasha, in his operations near Souakim, orders have been issued for the detention until further notice of troopships now on the way to India. It is not, however, known whether Government has decided to land any troops on the West coast of the Red Sea, or to undertake the defence of Souakim against the rebels.

In the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, the Amendment of the Hon. Mr Bourke to the Address in Reply, condemning the Egyptian policy of the Government, was under consideration, but failed to meet with support, and was rejected by a substantial majority, prior to the dinner hour adjournment. The Address in Reply to the Queen’s Speech was voted by the House of Lords without much discussion yesterday. Mr Stavely Hill, M.P. for West Staffordshire, has given notice of motion for the adoption of an Address to the Queen urging that the colonies should be represented in a Council of the Empire. It is proposed to open a subscription for the purpose of purchasing a new library to be presented to Bishop Barry in place of the one which he lost in the ship Simla. The Transvaal envoys have accepted Lord Derby’s proposal for a modification of the Transvaal frontier. Earl Granville has approved of the Suez Canal Convention. Later. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr Gladstone announced that the Government had ordered that measures should immediately be taken to reinforce the Indian squadron at Souakim, under Admiral Hewatt, with a view of protecting that town from the laud side by a force of marines and sailors.

Dr Moran, Bishop of Ossory, has been officially notified of his promotion to the Arch-Episcopal See of New South Wales, and is now awaiting the final orders from the Vatican.

On Monday morning last Biker Pasha’s force, consisting of 3600 men, engaged a force of 3000 Arabs at a place about seven miles from Trii.kitat. The Arabs exhibited the most desperate bravery, and charged the cavalry, who fled before the onslaught. The Egj ptian Artillerymen fired one round on the enemy, and then abandoned their guns. Colonel Sartorious ordered the infantry to form a square, but owing to the panic prevailing the movement was incompletely executed, and the Arabs charging into the gap left, completely routed the infantry, who threw away their anus and implored mercy. Ihe slaughter of Egyptians was terrible. The Massowah black troops alone maintained a firm resistance, and General Baker, failing to rally his forces, a general flight took place, the Arabs pursuing the fugitives until they took refuge behind the earthworks at Trinkitat. General Baker has since embarked the remnants of his array on five ships, and proceeds with them to Souakim, The enemy’ 's loss was small, but the Egyptian army lost 2000 men, and all their baggage and guns were captured. General Baker and Colonels Sartorious and Burnaby narrowly escaped being taken prisoners. Seven English and ten foreign officers are missing. The immediate result of the defeat has been massacres at Sinkat and Tokar. Gordon Pasha’s safety is doubtful, and the fall of Kba r toum is likely to follow. A force of marines h«T« been landed at Souakim. This,

further Egyptian disaster is likely to seriously damage Mr Gladstone’s credit in the coming election. . Feb. 7. In the House of Commons last night an amendment was proposed to the report on the Address in Reply, being in effect a motion for a vote of censure upon the Government for their policy in regard to affairs in the Soudan.

Five hundred sailors and marines on board the troopship Orontes have been ordered to Souakim. The. Government has also order d a transport with troops from Aden to Egyptian ports on the Gulf of Aden for garrison duties. In its issue this morning, the Daily News publishes a telegram from its correspondent in Upper Egypt stating that the tribes in the neighborhood of Korosko have revolted, and that Gordon Pasha is unable to proceed further on his journey from Korosko to Khartoum. Later. The Egyptian troops in Souakim are reported to be mutinous, and inclined to fraternise with the townpeople. A general rising is feared. The Government has absolutely refused to restore Cetewayo. The Transport Department at the Admiralty is busily engaged in preparing for the possible requirements for the conveyance ol troops. Obituary—Apheus Tod, the wellknown Parliamentary writer. Calcutta, Feb. 5. The returns of the attendance at the Exhibition show that to date half a million persons have paid for admission. As the interest in the display shows no signs of lessening, the. closing will probably be postponed tor a fortnight beyond the date originally fixed. The awards which have been declared by the various juries, have given general satisfaction to exhibitors. Cairo, Feb. 5. Intelligence is to hand from Souakim, reporting that Baker Pasha made an advance for the purpose of relieving the garrison at Tokar. but was attacked near the latter place by a strong force of Arab rebels, t n engagement took place which resulted in the defeat of ihe Egyptian troops with the loss of 2(100 men, four Krupp guns, and a Gatling gun. Baker Pasha is now returning to Souakim with the remainder of his force, finding further advance impossible. , Later, Further details to hand from Souakim, regarding the defeat of Baker Pasha’s force by the Arabs, show that the Egyptian troops, of which his force largely consisted, proved utterly untrustworthy, and when called upon to advance against the enemy refused to fight and fled ignominious'y. The European and Turkish detachments stood their ground, but were outnumbered and overpowered, and were cut to pieces. Much alarm was felt at Souakin at the success of the followers of El Mahdi, and a force of marines were landed from British war vessels lying off the town, in order to prevent a panic occuring among the inhabitants, The defeat of Baker Pasha’s troops has rendered the relief of tha beleaguered garrison at Sinkitat and Tokar hopeless. Feb. 6. Baker Pasha telegraphs from Souakim that his assailants near Tokar numbered under one thousand.

AUSTRALIAN CABLE

Sydney, Feb. 6. In the Legislative Assembly last night, Mr Wisdom tendered an apology for the part he had taken ,in the disturbance which occurred in the Chamber on the Ist inst, On the motion of the Premier, Mr Wisdom’s apology was, after some debate, accepted by the House. . Feb, 7, It is announced that it is the intention of the Government to propose some modification in the scheme of taxation set forth in the Treasurer’s Budget. It is stated that personal effects, such as furniture and wearing apparel, will be exempt from the property tax, and that the limit of exemption will be increased to £SOO. It is further stated that the tax will be fixed at a half-penny in the £, instead of a penny as proposed. MeIB"UKNE, Feb. 7. The Marchioness of Nnrmanby is row slightly better, but. is still seriously id.