THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1152, 15 March 1884, Page 1

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, March 11. The House of Commons has passed a vote of credit of half a million sterling to cover the expenses of the expedition to the Soudan. The Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of State for War, m speaking to the motion, stated that Government deemed it essential that the Red Sea ports should ha held by British forces, and added that Government accepted the full responsibility of the policy that may be pursued by the Egyptian Government during the time the British occupation lasts. March 13. General Gordon reiterates his appointment of Kebhr as Governor of Khartoum. Cairo, March 11. Telegrams are to hand from Souakim reporting that firing has been heard in the direction of Zariba, a small town eight miles from Souakim, where the 2nd battalion of the Royal High landers (42nd Foot) and the ]oth Hussars are encamped, and that the whole of the British force at Souakim has been suddenly despatched to the scene of the supposed battle. Later. Further intelligence has been received from Souakim regarding the fighting which is behoved to have commenced near Zariba. The troops dispatched from Souakim found that the firing was only due to a skirmish which had taken place with a body of Arab rebels, who had attempted to intercept the convoys despatched to the British camp at Zariba. 'I he rebels dispersed without difficulty. It is now expected that a battle between the main body of the rebels under Osman Digna and General Graham’s forces will take place to-morrow, March ]2. Latest telegrams to hand from Souakim announce (hat the whole Bri-

tish force under General Graham reached Zariba last evening, and the troops bivouaked for the night. Orders have been given for an advance to be made today at noon against Osman Digna’s position. The troops will be formed into squares, and in this order attack the rebels, who are encamped in a strong position at Tamaneb, a short march from Zariba. Later. Telegrams from Souakim report that General Graham has taken up a position a mile distant from that occupied by Osman Digna, and will commence an attack at daybreak.