THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1169, 24 April 1884, Page 1

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Cairo, April 20. Intelligence has reached here showing that the hostility of the Arab tribes in the neighborhood of Berber is in no way diminished. An attempt was recently made by 300 refugees from Shendy to reach Berber by sailing down the Nile, but the floats were attacked and all the refugees were massacred. Despatches from the Governor of Berber have been received announcing that the town is in a most critical position, being entirely surrounded by Arab rebels. The Governor is in despair, being unable to retreat and not having received the aid which was looked for. April 22. Mr jor Sir Evelyn Baring and Genera] Graham have started for London. London, April 20. It is rumored in political circles that a general congress of the European Powers is about to be held for the purpose of deciding upon a line of action to be pursued with regard to Egyptian affairs. It has transpired that Sir Samuel Baker recently received a letter from General Gordon describing the state of affairs in the Soudan, and the position of the garrison at Khartoum. In the course of the letter General Gordon proposes, in view of the inaction which is being displayed by the British Government in the matter, that an appeal should be at once made to wealthy Englishmen and Americans to contribute towards funds for defraying the expenses of a body of Turkish troops, whose services should be engaged to cover the retreat of the Egyptian garrisons at Khartoum and other fortified towns in the Soudan. April 21. It has transpired that General Gordon has telegraphed from Khartoum to the British Government, announcing that be intends hencefoitb to act accoidiug

to his o\rn discretion as regards affairs in the Soudan.

The report current that it has been proposed to hold a Conference of European Powers to consider Egyptian affairs i« now fully confirmed. The proposal is now under consideration by the various Governments. ]t is understsod that the question of Egyptian finance will alone occupy the attention of the Conference. General Gordon has written to Sir Samuel Baker, under date Bth inst,, stating that he has provisions for five months at Khartoum, and a garrison of 500 determined men, besides 2000 rag tag. He says he is besiege 1 by the Arabs, and suggests that the plutocrats of England and America should contribute £2(>0,000 for the purpose of raising 2000 Turkish nizams (regular troops), which should be despatched to Berber under the command of Zehehr Pasha. The Governor of Berber telegraphs that his position is very critical. April 22. Sir R. C. Egerton has been appointed to replace Major Baring as British Consul-General at Cairo. The Governor of Berber, telegraphing, states that his position is quite hopeless, and that unless he is reinforced immediately he must surrender to the rebels.