THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1150, 13 March 1884, Page 1

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, March 9. Osman Tamanah is preaching a holy war. Major-General Giaham hopes to induce the friendly Arabs to block Osman’s retreat to the mountains. March 10. Governor Gordon has advocated the employment of a British Cavalry foice to re-open communication with Berber, while the Infantry, in company with Sir E. Wood’s force, operate on Wadahalfa, An emissary from the Mahdi is endeavoring to induce the Arab tribes north of Khartoum to rise, and Governor Gordon admits the situation to be critical. March 11. The telegraph wire to Khartoum has been cut. The House of Commons has passed the vote for the expense of the Souakim expedition.

The Government are unwilling that Teheber should bo entrusted with the government of Khartoum, and are anxious that General Gordon himself should remain there. Cairo. March S. A telegram to hand from Souakim states that it is expected that Massowah, a town on a small island belonging to Egypt, situate off the east coast of Abyssinia, will shortly be proclaimed free. Osman Digna, leader of the rebels in the Eastern Soudan, has refused to surrender to the British force, and has announced his determination of fighting. General Graham’s troops will advance against the rebels on Tuesday next, and it is expected a battle will then take place. Telegrams have been received from Gordon Pasha stating that he is unable to make arrangements for the relief of the garrison at Khartoum without the aid of a military force. March 10. The latest intelligence from Souakim is to the effect that a battle between General Graham’s troops and the followers of Osman Digna is expected to take place on Friday next, and that it is probable the British force will afterwards advance to Sinkat.