WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1311, 5 March 1885, Page 1

WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, March 2. One thousand Fenians are bring equipped in Chicago for the purpose of assisting the Mahdi in the Soudan rebellion, Cairo, March 2. Prince Hassan, the Khedive’s brother, who has been appointed Governor of the Soudan, and Commander of the Egyp-

tiau troops therein, has started for Korti.

Intelligence is to hand from Kaisala, in the Soudan, that 'the Egyptian garrison recently made a sortie from the place, when a large force of rebels waa encountered, and heavy fighting ensued. The Egyptians were finally repnWd with heavy loss, and compelled to fall back on the town.

Melbourne, March 3.

The Governor and Premier have telegraphed their congratulations and good wishes to the New South Wales troops.

Sydney, March 2,

A review of the Soudan contingent was held in Moore Park on Saturday. Fully 50,000 persons witnessed the evolutions. Special services'were held in most of the city churches yester lay in connection with the despatch of troops.

March 3,

To-day was observed as a public holiday to celebrate the deiaiture of tl 0 Soudan Contingent, 'the streets forming the line of route from the barracks to Circular Quay were lined with an immense number of spectators from all parts, forming an immense mass. All the buildings and points of vantage were crowded. The troops were escorted by 600 sailors and marines from the war ships, and ail the available local forces, accompanied by the Governor, Ministers, and official personages. The procession formed an imposing spectacle, and popular enthusiasm was unbounded. The contingent proceeded along the principal streets amid the loud cheers and good wishes of the assembled masses. Reaching the quay the men formed a hollow square, and were addressed by the Governor, who said it was the first time in the history ot the Empire of a distant colony sending at its own cost a completely equipped contingent of troops who had volunteered with an enthusiasm, of which those who witnessed it could judge. They would be greeted in Egypt by the hearty welcome from thousands of chivalrous soldiers, and the news of their exploits would be eagerly read in all parts of'the world where our flag flouts. The country, he added, charges itself with the care of their dear ones left behind. All that generosity, tenderness and gratitude could do for them would be looked upon as a labor of love by the nation. The contingent, numbering 800, then marched on board the transports, which were accompanied to the Heads by a fleet of small steamers.

Wellington, March 1

The Cabinet have considered for a lengthened period whether they should offer a contingent for the boudan. They finally came to the conclusion that they would not be justified in accepting such a responsibility, without the sanction of Parliament, and further, that it was not

necessary to specially summon Parliament, as no force could be despatched in time for the operations before the summer season, and in the ordinary course Parliament will have the opportunity of deciding what steps should be taken with regard to next season’* operations. The Government decided to specially thank those who hare offered assistance.