WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1308, 26 February 1885, Page 1

WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, Feb. 22. There is an enormous gathering of the rebels under Osman Digna at Tamai. Messrs Pritcbard ami Morgan, of Queensland, biive promised £SOO towards the patriotic fund, and will give a similar amount annually. Feb. 23. In an article t<-day on the repeal of the Imperial Government to accept additional colonial troops, the Times stateg the reply is ungrateful, »»nd it further expresses the opinion that the aid of colonial troops will be needed. The Standard says the refusal is a distinct blunder, and characterises the reasons given for not accepting the troops as weak. An engagement has taken place in the neighborhood of El Meterrneh between the friendly Arabs and the tribe of rebel Hadendowas, when 2000 of the latter were killed. Despatches received by the Govern-

meut from General Gordon at Khartoum have been published. The last is dated December 14th, and show* that Khartoum was then reduced to the last extremity, fighting going on day and night. The city was then beseiged by the rebels on threa sides. General Gordon concludes his letter with the words " Come quickly." In his despatches dated November 4th, and received on the 14th inst., one item said he could hold out easily tor forty days, but after that there would be difficulty, He added that there were five steamers at Metenineh waiting General Wolselej's ordern. The Marquig of Salisbury has given notice in the House of Lords ot a motion censuring the Government for proposing to abandon the Sondan, and declaring such a proceeding would bo dangerous to the safety of Egypt and the British Empire. Feb. 24. In the House of Commons last night Sir Stafford Northcote proposed a vote of censure on the Government. The motion set forth that the Ministerial policy in connection with the Soudan proved resultlesp, and in his speech urged that it was imperative that a stable government should be established in that country. Mr Gladstone in reply warmly eulogised the late General Goidon, and pointed out that treason alone prevented his rescue. He demanded that the House Bhould have confidence in the policy of the Government. The debate continued till a late hour, when it wis adjourned. In the House of the Earl of Carnarvon warmly eulogised the offer of the colonies to seud troops to the Soudan. Mr Gladstone has refused to' giv* • pledge that he will establish a Government for the administration of affairs at Khartoum. Sydnet, Feb. 24-. The patriotic fund now amounts to £30,000. Objections have been urged as to the legality of the actions of the Government in despatching New Sou'h Wales troops to the Sou'an, and a petition to the Governor against the expedition is beiug prepared. DUKBDIH, Feft. 24. Messrs F. Fulton, J. Jordan, and W. Lowcay waited on the Premier today in reference to the proposal to rain a force here for service in the Soudan. They submitted to the Premier that a hundred men couli probably be got together. The Premier promised to bring the matter before his colleagues at Wellington next week, and to forward an answer. Auckland, Feb. 24. Mr A. D, Bennett's office was b"seiged by applicants this morning desiring their names to be placed on the roll of his free naval contingent. Among them were several ex-nival officers with most excellent Jischarges from tha Royal Navy, and one with special certificates on torpedo, big gunnery and marine mine work.