Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-07-19
Alexandria BOmbarded.

The bombardment of the forts at Alexandria
began early Tuesday morning, the 18th inst, and
a vigorous fire from the British fleet was kept up
until noon, at which time all the forts except one
or two inside the harbor had been silenced. The
Egyptians are reported to have fought their bat
teries with more determination than had been
expected The British casualties amounted to
five killed and twenty-seven wounded. The
Egyptian loss is unknown. On Wednesday the
bombardment of the forts at Alexandria was re-
sumed temporarily, but no response was made by
the Egyptians and a flag OF truce was hoisted at
noon A gunboat from the fleet was dispatched
to ascertain its object, when it was learned that
the military commander of the city wished to COM
municate with Admiral Seymour. The preliminary
condition for further negotiation was a de-
mand for the surrender Of the forts at the
entrance of the harbor. This was declined
An intense volume of smoke was seen issuing
from Alexandria towards nightfall, The city
had been given over to pillage. During Wednes-
day night, under cover OF flag OF truce, Arab
Bey's army abandoned the town, first releasing
the prison convcts, who set fires at various
points and then began their work Of pillage,
aided by Bedouin Arabs. The scenes of carnage
in the streets are reported to have been appalling
hundreds of Europeans and Christians having
been massacred. Four hundred fifty marines and
one hundred fifty sailors were landed from the
fleet to render whatever assistance Is possible to
the authorities. The city is totally ruined, at
least onethird Of 1t having been destroyed by
fire. The number Of persons massacred is now
placed at two thousand, and 1t is reported that
Arab Pacha ordered the burning of the city.
At the close of the week the situation was
greatly improved In many respects. Although
the fires were still unsubdued and the general
aspect OF the city was ndescribabe, the cafes
and shops were re-openng, and confidence was
gradually being restored. The marines, under
the general direction OF Admiral Seymour are
patroilipg the Streets and all marauders are sent
to headquarters for punishment. Ten Arabs have
been fogged and five were publicly shot,
four for murder and one as spy. At last ac-
counts Arab Pacha's headquarters were at Kafr el
Dwar, but he has threatened to march on Alex
andria, and an engagement with English troops
may occur at any moment The khediye has
dismissed Arab Pacha from the ministry OF war
The powers have asked Turkey to send troops to
Egypt and it Is understood that the porte will
sent, providing the occupation of Egypt is limited
to three months, with the privilege Of extending
the time should the khedive desire.
At last accounts Arab Pacha's forces were in
trenching at Kafr el Dwar and It seems evident
that he intends to give battle to his opponents,
having ordered all the available troops at Cairo to
join him at that point He AYERS that he did not
at first intend to make war, but as the powers are
determined TO force an attack he considers II best
to fight at once. At Cairo holy war has been
proclaimed, and the European residents are leav-
ing the city. Anarchy prevails in the provinces,
and iii reported that eighty Europeans have been
massacred at Mantah. The situation at Alexan-
dria is growing better hourly. The streets OF the
city are being cleared OF ruins and business will
seen be resumed. Admiral Seymour has under
taken tno restOratlOn OF ana now mas ABOUT
six thousand British troops available on shore.
England and France have agreed to jointly pro-
tect the Suez canal. Mr.. John Bright has stated
In the British house OF commons that the
sole reason Of his resignation was his inability to
concur in the Egyptian policy OF the government
The correspondent Of the Daily Telegraph says
| visited the American consulate to-day and found
1t occupied by sixty American marines and twenty
sailors with small gun, The houses around be-
ing on fire, the Americans were preparing TO
blow them up in order TO save the consulate.
How the Americans managed to get gunpowder
into the square is mystery, AZ the air Is literally
full OF sparks However, they succeeded, and
brought down the houses in the vicinity Of the
consulate and palace OF justice. So bad was the
condition OF the streets that the American ma
rines insisted on guarding us to our landing
places, many cut-throats being abroad. The
Americans are sending out parties to bury the
dead; Ths English are pumping water on the
burning houses Saturday night
about midnight we heard a great noise ON shore.
landed and found the troops getting ready TO
resist an expected attack. The English sailors
and marines were forming on the square by the
Pickering light of the burning houses. The Eng
fish sent word 10 the representatives Of other
nationalities, but all refused help except the
went aboard their vessels, but the Americans
formed up and said they would stop with the
English. On going onward II was found that
| Arabs had fired at some sailors and that false
alarm had occurred, but no enemy was discover
able, and all signs indicated that the Arabs had
disappeared