A NEW VERSION OF GORDON'S DEATH.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume VII, Issue 1990, 14 May 1885, Page 2

A NEW VERSION OF GORDON'S DEATH.

The Vienna correspondent of the Daily News gives a new version of the incidents which led to the fall of Khartoum and General Gordon's death. From a Roman Catholic priest, writing from Cairo on the 2nd of March, he leams that the massacre at Khartoum was beyond description cruel. A letter from Father Yincontini, from Dongola, which a special messenger conveyed to Cairo, states that the Mahdi's relations walk about there freely, and keep him informed upon everything they ohaerve. Through these relations the fall of Khartoum was known in Dongola four days before the news reached Korti. The letter also states that the rebels made a thick coil of telegraph wires and stretched it across the river under water. Two steamers passed it, and three of the five Gordon sent had to turn back. By their return they discouraged the soldiers at Khartoum. One native Colonel said to Gordon—" Here we must starve. I will, leave Khartoum with the soldiers and steamers and fight the Mahdi in a desperate battle.' ' We will triumph or die." Gordon' agreed. The' Colonel

wont to Onidurmnn, and surrendered the army to tho Mdhdi. After that, tho rebels wont in steamers, took, the city, and imprisoned Gordon in the church. A detailed letter from a nun in Omdurman was daily expected at Cairo;' ■