The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-23
A Horde of Arabs Suddenly Appear and Make
Furio GUS Onslaught, Which Is Only
Repulsed After Serious Fight.
The English Lose 137 Killed andWound-
ed-The Arab Loss Put at 1000.
Well-lnformed Politicians Firm in Their
Belief that War Between England and
Russia Is Certain-Cahle Notes.
SURPRISED BY ARABS.
Another Fight Near Suakim, I'm Which the
English Barely Hold Their Own.

Another Fight Near Suakim, I'm Which the
English Barely Hold Their Own.
LONDON, March PA Suakim dispatch re-
ports that while detachments of English and In
dian infantry were making a zeraba, seven
miles southwest Of Suakim, to-day, they were
suddenly surprised by a rush of Arabs, who were
massed and concealed in defiles west of Hasheen.
The English formed square as quickly as pos
sible, but the camels, mules and horses were
driven back in confusion on the troops, causing
stampede, and, amid clouds Of dust, the Arabs
penetrated the south and north sides of the
square. Meanwhile the Marines and the Berk-
shire Regiment, who were on the east and west
sides of the square, maintained a continuous
fire. holding the enemy at bay, while charge
of cavalry and the FIRE from the guns at the
Hasheen zeraba checked the onslaught Of the
Arabs, which at one time threatened serious dis
aster to the British. General Graham reports
the English losses so far as known as two Off
GERS and twenty-five men killed, and thirty
three men wounded. The loss of the engineers,
transport corps and Indian troops is not yet re-
ported.
An unofficial estimate places the British killed
at fifty-t and the wounded at eighty-fve
received in hand-to hand engagements The
Arabs got between the transport train and the
zeraba, and speared the men of the transport
corps and killed the animals. The Arabs fought
savagely, refusing to give or take quarter.
General Mcneil, who commanded the zeraba,
reports vaguely that there were several thou
sand rebels in the fight, and that over 200
were killed or wounded Mcneil is blamed for
not taking precautions against a surprise.
The enemy began the attack at 3 o'clock this
morning. They were repulsed and the ground
cleared by4.
The damage done to the transport material
yesterday was immense. The Guards and the
artillery were sent to reinforce the troops at
the fed during the night. Camels and mules
are scattered about in the whole vi
cinity, intervening native fugitives. The
scene Is indescribable The Arabs glided and
crept in all directions among the animals. The
Haddendowas swarmed from the bush like
magic and attacked the zeraba fereely on all
sides.
The Soudanese coolies were mistaken for
enemies, and many of them were killed by their
friends. The Berkshire Regiment and the ma
rines stood arm and cool, and fired volley after
volley into the Ranks Of the enemy The naval
brigade inside the zeraba, also opened hot fire.
The Indian troops held their own gallantly
as soon as they were able to close the square
again Eventually, unable to stand the rafting
fire, the enemy disappeared as they came Gen
eral Mcneil drew in all bis forces and stood to
arms. The Hussars brought in the wounded,
though menaced Wy an Arab camel force, which
watched their movements vigilantly. The des-
ert is dotted in every direction with runaway
animals. The enemy's loss must be heavy.
The Mahdi has sentenced many natives to
death for not revealing treasure supposed to be
hidden at Khartoum. Many slave women from
Khartoum are being sold in the vicinity of Korti
at 800 each
The enemy numbered 1900. Their IA
natical courage won admiration They
rushed to what seemed certain death
Of dead and wounded lay around the
square, and the enemy withdrew fighting. 1t
was in no sense defeat, though it is believed
they lost fully 800 men. 1t is a mystery how
such large number of the enemy advanced
without discovery.
The British, especially the marines. behaved
admirably. The desperate sheiks, waving
their banners, and with horde
of followers, charged the marines before
they had been reformed, but they were unable
to penetrate their lines. The sheiks fought to
the last gasp but lost their banner, which was
captured by the marines.