The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1884-03-18
Osman Digna Defeated by the Brit
ish Near Suakim.
Again Modern Discipline Over.
comes Fanatical Bravery.

| SUAKIM, march l3.-A0Out ! O'Clock
this morning the rebels under Osman
Digna opened heavy fire on General
Graham's camp, about eleven miles dis.
tant. The British soldiers were instant
|ly alert. The men formed into squares
preparatory to receiving the attack
which was momentarilv expected. No
attack came. The rebels kept up firing
until daybreak, without drawing reply
from the British troops. The British
casualties during the night were one Of
ficer and two men wounded aud one man
killed.
At dsybreak the British troops fred q
few shells in the direction OF the rebels,
causing the enemy to retire within their
trenches leaving number of dead on
the A-ld. The rebel scouts also retired
A battle is imminent unless the enemy
retreat. The British troops maintain
excellent spirits end are eager for the
6ght.
SUAKIM. March Sat s o'clock the
revellle sounded in the British camp
eleven miles from here. After breakfast
the order to march ~as given. The men
formed into sqrare with General Gra-
bam and ststf in the centre, and oil
stores and camels.
Before half mile was covered the
hordes OF rebels who we're hidden in
trenches and pits opened Ere on the
British troops. Still the latter kept push.
ing closer and closer to the rebel quar-.
ters. never wavering and keeping the
formation steadily and accurately as on
parade. About nine the British troops
we're ordered to open FIRE on the enemy,
and lighting commenced. Probable there
were not more than 600 heads before
the British troops on the front, but hun,
dreds we're seen on each side OF the
square.
As the British advanced, the men
sprang up sometimes a. 200 yards. arm
ed with spears and brsndishing huge
shields. These charged down upon the
British ranks without hesitation at break
neck speed until the bullets laid them
low The British sto; med the works
where the rebels were 10 force The
gallant backs, with no thought of fight,
surrendered and held out their shields
and spears against the bullets and bavo-
meta until the trenches around looked
like graves. After three hours contin-
uous lighting the reba position vas ta.
ken, and Osman Digna was defeated -
The fighting was more severe than at
Teb The British loss was 10 killed
snd 100 wounded. The rebel loss isI
more than 1000 The battle commenc.
ed at nine this morning and lasted until,
noon.
LONDON, March 13.-Rsuter's dis.
patches from Soudsn says the lighting
began soon after day break the rebels
being completely routed. The report is
not believed. as special dispatches to
from other news agencies
agree with the United Press report, say
Ing that st day break the British troops
fred few shells, and thereupon large
body OF rebels who kept up q constant
firing during the night, retired within
their trenches, leaving number OF dead
on the field.
SuAKIM, March 13.-The battle be-
tween The rebels and Graham's forces
was 4 series OF desDerately close fights.
At one time during the battle a large
force Of rebels charged upon q section
Of brigade like men in6amed with das-
perate ferocity, shouting, yelling, aud
utterly headless OF death They sue
ceeded In cspturing ell the Gatlings aud
Gartiiners belonging to the brigade -
iieneral Graham Immediately ordered
hayonet charge His gallant troops
went for the enemy, and fearful hand
to hand fight ensued for the possession
Of the guns. The British finally suc.
ceeded in recapiuring them The latter
followed up their advantage and contin-
ued to press the rebels, who would not
run, and continued to retire slowly, stri-
king blow for hiow until driven beyond
their camp, when General Graham or
iered halt 0snan's camp was found
fall Of loot. The British loss was 100
men killed, many Of whom are officers.
and 30 vountied. Rebel loss. 9. 400.