THE SOUDAN.

Thames Star, Volume XV, Issue 4737, 13 March 1884, Page 2

THE SOUDAN.

Caiko, March ll; Fighting near Souakim.

Telegrams are to hand from Souakim reporting that firing had been heard in the direction of Zariba, a small town eight miles from Souakim, where the second battalion of the Soyal Highlanders (42nd foot) and the Tenth Hussars are encamped, and that the whole force at Souakim has been suddenly despatched to the scene of the supposed battle. .

;LaTEE,

Further intelligence has been received from Souakim regarding the fighting which it was believed commenced near Zariba. The troops despatched from Souakim found that the firing was only due to a skirmish which had taken place with a body of Arab rebels who had attempted to intercept the convoys despatched to the British camp at Zariba. The rebels were dispersed without diffi« cultyV'lt is now expected that alb^ltle between the main body of the rebels under Osman Digna and General Graham's force will take place to-morrow.

(Received March 13,12 40 p.m) '.-'■■■:■ Caibo, March 12.

The Impending Battle.

The latest telegrams to hand from Souakim announce that the whole British force under General Graham reached Zariba >. last evening, and r the troops bivouacked for the night. Orders have been given for advance to be made to-day: against Osman Digna's position. The troops will be formed into two squares, and in this order will attack the rebels, who are encamped, in strong force at Tamaneb, a short march from Zariba.

[Specials to the Press Association!

London, March 10,

Mr John Hedmond, M.P., stated that any renewal by the Land League of a policy of outrage will effectually alienate Australasian sympathy.

An attempt to blowup the Exchange in Paris with dynamite has failed.

Governor Gordon advocates the employment of a British calvary force to reopen communication with Berber, while the infantry, in company with Sir E. Wood's force, operates on Wady Haifa. An emissary from the Mahdi is endeavouring to induce, the Arab tribes north of Khartoum to rise, and Governor Gordon admits the situation to be critical.

In the sculling match, Ross v. Bubear, the former won by six lengths. ! A London syndicate has been formed to despatch a steamer monthly to Tasmania, each carrying 109 emigrants. The first vessel sails on the 25th of April. The telegraph wire to. Khartoum has been cut.

The Government are unwilling that Zobehr should be entrusted with the government of Khartoum, and are anxious that General Gordon should himself re* main there. • , •

March 11

The cargo of frozen meat, tex Potosi, has realised nearly 6d per lb, but the meat is considered too fat.

Mrs Butler's (Miss Elizabeth Thompson) picture of " The 28th Regiment at Quatre Br.is," which was exhibited at the Academy in 1875, has been purchased for the Victorian National Gallery for slightly under £2000. \ - :

Lord Lyons has assured Mr Murray Smith, the Victorian Agent-General, that M. Ferry is determined to pass the Becidivists Bill. \ \ ' ;