The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-02-11
"CHINEsE" GORDON.

MAJOR GENERAL CHARLES GoRDEN, REPORTED
TO BE PRISONER IN THE ARMY OF Ell
MAHDI.
The fall of Khartoum makes it probable
thai the heroic Gordon has either been slain
or is now prisoner of war in the army of
the victorious Mahdi. About a year ago
be acceped the dangerous mission to
attempt the re-establishment of regu-
lar anti Jrity in the Soudan, which
was lie seat of the rebellion headed by FL
Mahol. He entered Khartoum, the chief
city Of the country. and assumed its govern
ment. For the greater part of the time
since then the city has been beseiged.
1t fell on the Goth ult as is supposed
in consequence of treacherv within it's
walls.
Major General c. G. Gordon was born in
1880, and was younger son of the late
Lieutenant General Henry William Gordon,
r. A. He was educated at Taunton and at
Woolwich Military Academy. In the Cri-
mean war he served with credit in the Royal
Engineers, and after the treaty Of peace was
sgned was one of the commission
IS TO determine the new Russian from
u-r. His first visit to China was in 1860,
g. i l'y his bold and j9dicious con-
Duct ia supporting the Cbihese Emperor
sganst the TAPPING rebels, he earned the
thanks of both Engli and Chinese Govern
mepts as well as th- sobriquet Chinese
Gordonp by which b. is now universally
known. He disc plined the rude
CHR ese soidiery, relieved fortified
owns, drove the Tsi-pipgs beyond the
Great Canal and effectually suppressed
the great rebellion. In the previous war,
which ended with the occupation of Pekin
and the destruction of the Summer Palace,
he had also taken an active part. The high
est military honors were bestowed upon
him by the Chinese Emps Ior. but the rather
inadequate reward of his own Government
was only commission as Colonel After fill
| ing the post OF Commanding Royal Engineer
at Grsvesend 1s65) and of British Vice.
Consul at the Danube Delta, his presence in
| Egypt was earnestly requested by the late
Khedive, Ismail Psshs. The condition or
Egyptian affairs was in some points even
worse then than it is to-day. The aim of
| the Khedive was, through Gordon, to put
| down the infamous slave trade and to re-es-
tablish his own waning power. with the
help of God" taid General Gordon on as
Stunning command, II will hold the balance
| level.'
His first act was to reduce his own pay
from 10000 % $4,000. For five years, at
Khartoum on the White Nile, around the
Lakes, and in Dsrfout and Cordovs he
worked with the most indefatigsble zeal,
disregarding personal exposure, fatigue and
danger. The slave trade was in part sup
pressed, and tie country became far more
quiet and orderly than it has been since or
was for years before. The reputation for
justice and humanity soon gained by Gordon
among the natives was the real source OF
his strength, and the belief of the British
Government in his popularity with the ma
tives is the principal reason of his present
mission. The present Khedive, Tewfik Pashs,
has never been favorably disposed to Cor
don, and three years ago the latter re-
| signed his office Since then he has
served in turn in India with Lord Ripon,
in the Mauriiius and in the Bssuto War
at the Cape. OF late he has been en-
gagged in archaeological and similar
studies in Jerusalem. He had come to Lon.
don with view Of assuming leadership OF
the scheme for opening the Congo River to
commerce under the auspices of the associ.
alton of which the King of the Belgians ID
the head. when the gravity of the Egyptian
crisis caused the English Government to
eagerly and insistently force upon him tn
mission now terminated by his capture OF
| death.