[Received February 7th, 1.10 p.m].

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4707, 7 February 1884, Page 2

[Received February 7th, 1.10 p.m].

Caibo, February 6. Egyptian Cowardice. Baker Pasha telegraphs from Souakin that his assailants near Tokar numbered under a thousand. London, February 6. In the House of Commons to day, Mr Gladstone announced that the Government had ordered that measures, should immediately be taken to reinforce the Tndian Squadron at Souakin under General Hewitt with a view to the protection of that town from the land side by a force of mariners and sailors.

Caibo, February 2. Intelligence is to hand from Souakim reporting that Baker Pasha made an advance for the purpose of relieving the garrison at Tokar, but was attacked near the latter place by a strong force of Arab rebels. An engagement took place, which resulted in the defeat of the Egyptian troops with a loss of 2000 men, four Krupp guns, and a Gatling gun. Baker Pasha is now returning to Souakim with the remainder of his force, finding a further advance impossible.

February 5. Further details to hand from Souakim, regarding the defeat of Baker Pasha's force by the Arabs, show that the Egyp tian troops, of which his force largely consisted, proved utterly untrustworthy, and when called upon to advance against the enemy refused to fight, and fled ignominously. The European and Turkish detachments stood their ground, but, overpowered and outnumbered, they were cut to pieces. Much alarm was felt at Souakin at the success of the followers of El Mahdi, and a force of Marines was landed from the British war vessels lyiog off the town in order to prevent a panic occurring among the inhabitants. The defeat of Baker Pasha's troops rendered the relief of the beleaguered garrisons at Sinkat and Tokar hopeless. London, February 4.

In the House of Commons today, the Eight Hon. R. Bourke, M.P. for King's Lynn, proposed an amendment to the Addressin-Reply, stating in effect that tha policy of the Government in Egypt had proved a failure. Mr Stavely Hill, MP. for West Staffordshire, has given notice of motion for the adoption of an address to the Queen urging that the colonies should be represented in the Council of the Empire. February 5. The Sydney portion of the cargo of frozen meat ex steamship Cuzco, consist* ing of 2125 carcases of mutton, has been sold at an average of dfd to 5d per lb. The meat was in good condition. . February 6.

In view of the recent reverses sustained by the Egyptian troops under Baker Pasha, in his operations against the Arab rebels near Souakin, orders have been issued for the detention until further notice of the troop ships now on their way to India. It is not, however, known whether Government have decided to land any troops on the west coast of the Red Sea or to undertake the defence of Souakin against the rebels.

In the House of Commons yesterday afternoon the amendment proposed by Mr Bourke to the Address-in-Reply condemning the Egyptian policy of the Government was under consideration, but failed to meet with much support, and was rejected by a substantial majority prior to the dinner-hour adjournment. The Address-iu-Keply to the Queen's Speech was voted by the House of Lords without much discussion yesterday.