The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-02-12
THE WEEK
In the United States ana the
Old World.
KHART0UM FALLEN.
Treachory Giving the Mahdi Possession
of the City,

rrcachory Giving the Mahdi Possession
OF the City.
LONDON, Feb, s, 1885, Intelligence has been
received here that Khartoum has been cap,
tured by the Arabian rebels, The whereabouts
of Gen. Gordon are unknown, He is probably a
prisoner in the hands of the victors,
III war Office announces that kilograms from
Gen. Wolseley report that the capture took
place on JAN 20, He says Col, Wilson ar
rived at Khartoum on Jan, 2S, and was greatly
surprised to find that the enemy were in pos
session Of that place. He immediately started
on his return down the river and proceeded,
under q heavy fire from the rebels. When
some miles below the Shublaka cataract Col,
Wilson's steamers were wrecked, but no and
his whole party managed to reach an island in
safety, where they are secure, A steamer has
gone to bring them back to the British camp
near Metammeh. Gen. Wolseley says he has no
information regarding the late OF Gen, Gordon,
and does not know whether he is dead or alive.
When Sir Charles Wilson reached Khartoum
no found the Mahdi's forces occupied both the
town and the citadel He tried to land and
ascertain the fate Of Gen. Gordon. But this
step he found impossible. The enemy's guns
overturned upon him in full force. He WAS
therefore compelled to turn his back upon the
fallen city and return to Gubat without finding
out whether Gen. Gordon was dead or alive.
The news OF the downfall has created grave
apprehension in regard to the whole Egyptian
problem among the members OF the cabinet
Mr. Gladstone and Earl Granville started for
London as soon as the news reached them.
The cabinet council will be held this evening.
Military authorities are of the opinion that
Gen. Gordon sent the greater part of his troops
down the Nile to meet Gen Stewards force
and So Ief,late1 tho garrison in tho town and
citadel OF khartoum that an attack by the
enemy from Omdurman was rendered much
easier. The greatest activity prevails at the
war department. Many of the officials re-
manned on duty all last ght.
Lord Wolseley telegraphs that he does not
consider the British position ut Gubat in any
immediate danger He also saws that Gen.
Stewart, who was wounded in the battle near
Metammeh, is doing well. All the British
wounded have been brought back to Gakdul
wells.
A native reports that the Mahdi has 60 900
men in the vicinity of Khartoum, and that he
introduced number of his emssaries into the
city. These emissaries mingled freely with
the native troops under Gen. Gordon, and, by
brides, threats and working on their religion;
feelings, induced them to mutiuy. Seven
thousand of The garrison deserted TO the rebels
leaving Con. Gordon only $500 faithful soldiers
With this small force he attempted to hold
the city against the Mahdps great army, but
after severe fighting, in which large number
of the rebels were killed, he was compelled tc
surrender.
The capture Of Khartoum has created grave
fears, especially in army circles, for the safety
of Gen. Stewart and his army. A number o
military officers Of repute even express the
opinion that unless endorsements are hurrieC
forward to Korti, the fall of khartoum ma.
lead to disasters to the forces under Lor,
Wolseley and Gen Earle. \ cabinet council
has been summoned to meet at once. Mr.
Gladstone is learlully disturbed by the news
and some people believe that he will resign.