New-York tribune., 1884-02-26
THE WAR AGAINST Ell MAHDI.
REFUGEES BRINGING NEWS FROM ToKAR.
SPY BRUTALLY TREATED BY REBELs-AcTIVlIf
OF THE PROPHETS FORCES.


OF THE PROPHETS FORCES.
SUAKIM, Feb. 25.-Scattered refugees continue 10
arrive here from Tokar One who has just come IN,
reports that he fell in with rebel with whom lie
was acquainted. The rebel told him that the inten-
tion to put all the garrison at Tokar to death'
except the gulneTs after the surrender, notwlth-
standing the promises that had been made spy
sent TO friendly tribe brings back word that the
rebels had attacked the tribe and taken seventy
three prisoners and 100 grain-laden camels.
THE SURRENDER AN UNCERTAINTY.
Another refugee, who left Tokar on Thursday,
says the majority of the garrison wished to surren-
der; but 900 insisted upon continuing the resist
ance. It is uncertain, therefore, whether the sur
render has actually been made But 1t is strongly
believed that the majority prevailed and that
Tokar now in the hands of the rebels. spy cap
turcd in Osman Digma's camp was subjected to in
dignity and mutilatlon. The rebels cut of one OF
his hands and tied it around his neck.
mutiny occurred this morning among the black
troops. They dispersed through the bazaar and
threatened to join the rebels. Admiral Hewitt will
therefore retain number of marines at Suakim
and the blacks will be sent to Cairo forthwith.
Spies report great rejoicing IN the camp of Osnan
Digma at the fall of Tokar. The patrol from here
caught sight of the enemy and retired the enemy
pursuing.
LONDON, Feb 25.-Genera Graham's troops re-
main encamped between Trinkitat and Cape
Madka, under the guns of the squadron. Admiral
Hewitt decided to await the arrival of the Horse
Artillery before ordering an advance Admiral
Hewitt has sent an order to Suakim for 800 black
troops to go and bury the dead of Baker Pacha's
army lying on the field of Teb Many hundred
bodies are lying unburied. An outbreak of cholera
is feared in the camp. The blacks who refused TO
proceed to Trinkitat yesterday left Suakim for
that place to-day, on being assured that they were
not wanted to fight cavalry reconnaissance was
made to-day toward Teb. The Arabs were found
IN force between Teb and the earthworks thrown
up by Baker Pacha. Every sign indicates that
Osman Digma, the rebel leader, means to contest
the advance of the British troops.
II is repOrted that the Government acting under
the advice of General Lord Wolsely, the Adlutant-
General of the Forces has ordered General era am
to transfer his base of operations OF opeiatlOns 10
Suaklm, whence, with strengthened of men and
artillery. he is to march to assault lamaneh,
Osman Dgma's headquarters
THE PROPHET MARCHING on KHARToUM
The report that Ell Mahdi was marching toward
Khartom is confirmed. He liberated twelve MEM
bers of the Catholic mission before leaving FL Obeid,
receiving a ransom of e2 500 through the Austrian
Consul at Khartoum. El Mahdi's inaction after
his victory at FL Obeid is explained by the fact
that finding that the shelks OF the principal TRIES
wished TO go home with their spOis in order to
attend to the harvest, he proclaimed holy truce
during the months of Moharrem and Safer, ending
on the date of the anniversary of the birth OF the
Pro het. That time having expired, the campaign
has been resumed.
Mr. Gladstone's confidence in General Gordon
continues as firm as ever. lie asserts that General
Cor on's decree is in no way opposed to the act
abOishing slavery.
Tie PqH Nan Gazette, as well as the Tory evening
papers, deprecate the advance Of General Graham
upon Icb as hazardous and needless.
TRINKlTAT, Feb. 2j.-Baker Pac a has been APP
pointed Chief of the intelligence Department, with
Colonel Burnaby, correspondent of The London
Post - his assistant. The transport I'D bet has
been detained at Quarantine owing 10 the appear
ance of smallpox among the troops on board All
the soldiers who were returning TO England on the
troop ship Jumna have volunteered their services
ashore both those whose time had already expired
and the Others. They have been accepted as a
welcome addition to General Grahams forces. AS
they are veterans they will give steadiness and III
crease of confidence TO tie younger soldiers
TIE KING OF ABYssINIA To REMAIN NEUTRAL
CoNsrANTNoPLE, Feb. 25.-It IS positively as
serted that the MahdI and King John, of Abyssinia,
have signed a convention to the effect that King
John shall remain neutral and in return shall re-
ceive port on the Red Sea and large accession
of territory
CAIRO. Feb. 2j.-Grcat unoasness is felt here at
the report that the powerful Beshareen Arabs have
reyOlted They occupy the territory between
Khartoum and Wady llalfa, and eastward as far
as Berber. If this is true General Gordon with
KhartOum and the other gar1is0ns Is cut OH.
The Mahdi's emssaries are busy throughout the
whole of Egypt. They 90 from village TO village
bearing the simple message Il am coming. Be
ready ~ This passes on from mouth to mouth
and the situation Is becoming serious.