Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-08-24

Dispatch from Suez to the London Standard
In consequence of rumOrs current at
Port Said, to the effect that Arab was
sending an expedition against the canal,
| determined to pass through it in the
Peninsular and Oriental Company's
steamer Indus, and see whether there
was any foundation for these statements.
We reached Ismailla without hearing
anything of the rebel troops; but on en-
tering the lake an officer of the Carysfort
boarded us and informed us that three
crowded trains had been seen to arrive
at station three miles from Islnailia,
each train consisting of thirteen car
riages. The Governor had fled and had
taken refuge on board Her Majesty's ship
the town, and the inhabitants were
leaving in boats. The enemy
could be plainly seen from the
tops, and appeared to -be regulars under
the command of mounted officers, who
were riding about experimenting the
pitching of the tents at the point where
they had left the train. The Lieutenant
went back to the CarysfOrt, but presently
returned with the news that fourth
train had arrived. The naval officer in
command advised our Captain to push
on through the darkness; but as we
should certainly have run aground had
we attempted it, and should then have
been at the mercy of the enemy, the
Captain would not undertake the risk.
He reqested that as the Indus had large
quantity of specie and many ladies on
board an escort should be given to US
next day. The Lieutenant went away
with the request, but returned with
the news that no escort could be granted.
He again went back to the officer in
command, but there was no issue
from the dead lock. German vessels
passing through the canal are escorted
by German gunbOats, although Germany
is taking no part in the struggle against
Arab, while the Government of England,
which is absolutely at war with him, so
hampers her naval commanders with in
structiOns that English ships, with their
valuable cargoes, are at the mercy OF the
Arabs did they choose to attack them.
At daybreak the Indus proceeded upon
its way down the canal, expecting an
attack every instant, against which it
had no means of defense whatever if
made by any cor siderable number of the
enemy. We hoped, however, that upon
the way we should meet with some gun
boats dispatched by Admiral Hewitt for
the protection of ships in the canal.
However, we reached Suez without
seeing either gunboats or enemy, and
upon our arrival $3.50 p. m.) found the
Admiral wholly ignorant that upon the
previous afternoon the enemy had
advanced and encamped within
two miles of a telegraph station. NJ de
Lesseps was upon the spot, but the gen
| eral opinion is that he would rather see
all the population upon the canal MUIR
dered than send news which might jeOp-
ardize what he calls the inviolability of
the canal. 1t is absolutely necessary that
there should be an end of the present
situation, and that the telegraph lines
should be in the hands of the naval COM
manders. Admiral Hewitt is taking
every possible precaution against an at
tack should Arab direct his troops this
way. Col. Jones has blown up the rail
way at a point two miles distant, and
will make a reconnaissance further out
tomorrow. The troops on shore sleep
with their arms beside them. Tonight the
| canal is in effect stopped until the inten-
tions of the body of troops near lsmailia
are declared. Holding, as they do, the
line of railway, they can strike at any
point between Ismailia and Suez, these
places included. The inhabitants had
begun to return, but are again leaving.
Our conduct puzzles and alarms them
for the future, as well 1t may.