The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1885-02-11
FALL KHARTOUM.
Gen. Gordon a Prisoner " alive
Native Soldiers Desert Him


GREAT EXCITEMENT IN ENGLAND.
The war office at London, on Thursday
last, received IRON Gen. Wolseley. the
news OF the fall of Khartoum which TOOK
place January PC. Col. Wilson had been
sent with a force to reconnoitre and CO.
operate with Gen. Gordon, but when he
arrived at Khartoum on January 20 he was
grertly surprised to find that the enemy
were In possession of that place. He I'M
mediately started on his return down the
river aud proceeded under a heavy fire from
the rebels, where, some miles below the
Shublaka cataract, Col. Wilson's steamers
were wrecked, but he 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
Metemneh
A nstive reports that the Mshdi had CO.,
600 men In the vicinity Of Khartoum and
that he introduced a number of his emissa-
ries In the city. These emssaries mingled
freely with the native troops under Gen.
G rdon, and by brides, threats and work
ing on their religious feelings induced them
to muiiuy. Seven thousand of the garri-
son deserted to the rebels, leaving Gen.
Gordon only 25O0 faithful soldiers. With
this small force he attempted to hold the
city against the Mabdi's great army, but
after severe fighting, in which large num-
Der OF the rebels were killed, be was COM
PEELED to surredder.
There Is no definite information as to the
fate of Gordon, but there is possibility
thet he may still be holding out in the Git
adel of the town. There was intense ex-
element In London when the news was re-
ceived, follow by depression and expires
sions of dismay and sorrow.
The War Office was besieged with army
officers rendering their services for active
duty 10 the Souoap. Numerous kilograms
were received from officers throughout the
country asking for assignments to the res
cue expedition, should the Government
conclude to take such action.
The capture of Khartoum has created
grave fears, especially 10 army circles, for
the safety Of General Stewart and his
army. A number of military officers of re
pute even express the opinion that unless
achievements are hurried forward to Kor
ii the fall OF kartoum may lead to disasters
to the forces under Lord Wolseley and Gen.
Earle.
Gen. Wolseley teegraphs that the rebels
at Metemneh have become defiant since
hearing of the fall of Khartoum. The
courier also says an attack on Gubat may
be look for At any moment, as the rebels
expect reinforcements from Kartoum. II
IL understood that the Cabinet Council
have decided to give Lord Wolseley carte
blanche to take any measures he deems
necessary for the rescue of Gen. Gordon, If
alive, and to make use Of such military op-
erations as he considers advisable to regain
the ground lost by the fall OF Kartoum.
Among the alternatives suggested 10 Gen.
Wolsely are the iT mediate recapture OF
Khartouln and the employment, If necessa-
ty, of lndiaD troops to reopen the Berber
route. Spies have been sent to Khartoum
to ascertain II possible the fate of Gordon.
The Government organ, Le Paris, says the
fall OF Khartoum IL matter of concern TO
all Europe. Should England continue
powerless to restore order in the Soudau
tho Powers must interfere to do it.