THE SOUDAN WAR.

Manawatu Times, Volume X, Issue 1192, 5 March 1884, Page 2

THE SOUDAN WAR.

Special to Press Association.

London, March 1. The troops under Major (Ten eral Graham comprising three Ib. msand infantry, one thousand cavalry, and two hundred artillery and the iNaval Brigade, with twenty light guns, advanced in the form of an oblong upon the enemy's forts, containing two Krupp gnns, and began the battle, The number of Arabs was estimated at ten thousand. They made repeated charges in detached bodies, and the marvellous bravery j of Uhindi was repeated. The forts were defended with great tenacity, but were finally stormed. The Krnpp and Gafcling guns created fearful havoc. Finally, the Arabs made a stand at El Teb, and slowly retired, after four hours' fighting, the cavalry pursuing them. The Arab loss is estimated at 1000, whilst the B itish losb 24 xm-.n killed, including 5 officers, and 140 wounded, including 18 officers, amongst, whom Colonel Bnrnaby fnl Baker Pasha are reported as severely hurt. The enthusiasm at Khartoum is subsiding, and the native troops beyond that ridicule General Gordon's proclamations. Colonel Stewart returns to the White Nile at the head of a force of 2000 Bazouks. London, March 3. Latest reports say th: t fifteen hundred lebels were killed in the late engagement. A force of two thousand irregulars from Khartoum has marched to meet the advancing rebels. The Times complains that General Graham directed the retreat from Souakim. Eeuter's Telegrams. London, March 4. In the House of Commons last night, Mr Gladstone, replying to a question, stated that General Graham had been ordered to relieve Tokar, and added that he had already (sic) successfully effected a movement. The Premier further declared that the maintenance of the security of Souakim is essential both for peace and humanity, but that the town would be abandoned when the obligation of England in connection with the Soudan had been fulfilled. Government did not propose to undertake the occupation of the Soudan by British troops, arid would not sanction any distant expedition into the interior. The sSdCarquis of Harfcington, in answer to a question, added that authority had been granted for the despatch of a British contingent to Assouarn on the Nubian frontier, if necessary.