WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1307, 24 February 1885, Page 1

WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, Feb. 19. In the Houses or Commons and Lords to-day statements were respectively made by Earl Granville and Mr Gladstone as to the intentions of Government respecting the Soudan, They stated that the Ministerial policy was still to evacuate that country, but it was resolved that a British force should go to Khartoum to break the power of the

Mahdi. The selection of a time for the advance of the expedition was left to Lord Wolseley, but it would probably be in the autumn. Both speakers warmly recognised the beneficial influence of the offers of troops by the colonies. With regard to Egyptian finances they said the questions at issue had been honorably arranged with the Powers. In the House of Commons the Marquis of Hartington, Secretary of War, in reply to a question, slated the troops at El Metemneh, under Major-General Buller, would probably be ordered to fall back on Korli or Merawi. The War Office have requested New Soutli Wales to send a light battery to Souakim. The notice of motion given* by Sir Stafford Northcote in the House of Commons censures the resultless sacrifices of the Government necessary to establish stable government in Egypt and parts of the Soudan. Feb. 20. In the Hou«e of Commons last evening Mr Gladstone made a speech in which be soi 1 the offers of the colonies of troops for the Soudan testified to their attachment to the Throne, and would draw closer the bonds of the Empire. Lord Derby, speaking in their House of Lords, said that the country was deeply indebted to the spirit shown by the colonies, The Government had decided to accept the services of the New South Wales troops, and details were being arranged with the other colonies who bad off' red contingents. A proclamation has been issued by the Queen stopping men fnm active service joining tile Reserve ami embodying the Militia for garrison duty. The Duke of Cambridge said be rejoiced at the assistance of the colonies. Sir Stafford Northcote, speaking in the House of Commons, eulogised the gallant and spirited offers of assistance made by the colonies for the Soudan, These remarks were received by the members of the House with prolonged cheering. The offers have created a marked impression in Berlin. The Victorian Government have informed the War Department that they have a battery of artillery and a Nordenfeldt gun ready to be despatched to Souakim. Feb. 22. Sir Gerald Graham and staff and the Grenadier Guards embarked to-day for the Soudan. Cairo, Feb. 19. News is to band that Major-General Sir Herbert Stewart died on Monday last at Gakdul, fiotn injurie s received in the battle near Metemneh on the 19Ui ult. Feb. 22. The latest telegrams to band from Korli state that the enemy is harassing the British troops at Ahuklea, to winch place Sir Redvers Buller recently retired from Gubat, and it is said he will fall back on Gakdul as soon as the necessary camels arrive at Ahuklea. Sydney, Feb. 20. The Hon. W. S. Dailey, AttorneyGeneral, has replied to the Quein’s message, stating the colonists were deeply grateful:lor the same. Sir nenry Parkes and others strongly deprecate the despatch of the New South Wales contingent to the Soudan. Feb. 21. At a meeting last night in connection with the patriotic fund, the principal speakers were Sir James Marlin, Chief Justice, the Hon. Edmund Barton, Speaker of the Assembly, and Sir Jennings. Resolutions were passed confirming the objects of the meeting. The total amount subscribed now amounts to over £15,000. Preparations for the despatch of the troops are nearly compete. The day of embarkations will be observed as a holiday. Melbourne, Feb, 21. Government have.received a reply to its offer of troops for the Soudan, The Imperial Government expresses its high appreciation of the offers of Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, but they are unable to accept them; as the troops could not arrive until'too late. If, however, the operations in the Soudan are prolonged until autumn, the offers will be considered. Christchurch, Fob. 22. There is great enthusiasm among the Volunteers here in regard to proceeding to the Soudan. Several officers and men have expressed their readiness to join a New Zealand contingent if forme' 1 ; It. is calculated 200 partlydribed men could be enrolled easily. Port Chalmers, Feb. 22. The Port Chalmers Nava! Artillery have offered to proceed to the Soudan. The imm.are.principally seamen, and.it their offer is accepted they would be found very useful. Dunedin, Feb. 21. Up to noon to-day Mr Fulton had received applications from sixty persons willing to undertake service in theSoudan. One lady offered to. go. as nurse.