THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1178, 17 May 1884, Page 1

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, May 13. The debate on Sir Michael IlicksBeach’s motion of censure was continued until a late hour last night. Among those who spoke in support of the motion were Messrs Forster and Goschen, both of whom severely criticised the disregard of General Gordon’s despatches which bad been displayed by Mr Gladstone. The Marquis of Hartington made a vigorous speech in defence of the Government, and said it was impossible to risk the despatch of a European expedition into the Soudan until September. Ho denied that the Government had disregarded General Gordon’s despatches, or neglected their duty towards him. The motion was ultimate!? rejected by 303 votes to 275, including the Parnellite members,

El Mahdi has directed his Lieutenant to capture Dongola and then march on Cairo. It is reported that General Gordon made an attempt to escape from Khartoum, but was compelled to return to the city. The Times says that Mr Gladstone’s defence of the Government regarding its policy in the Soudan is empty and irrelevant. May 14. It has transpired that in consequence of a threateened advance northwards of Osman Digna and the followers of the Mahdi, and with a view of allaying the consternation which has been thereby caused, the Egyptian Government recently decided 'to "despatch a portion of the Egyptian force, now stationed at Assouan, to Wady Haifa, an important military position at the second cataract on the Nile. The Imperial Government, however, vetoed the proposed 'despatch of troops. It is reported that Osman Digna has defeated the friendly natives in the neighborhood of Souakim. The Times states that the result of the division on Sir M. Hicks-Beach’s motion does not represent the universal convictions of the country.