The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1885-02-06

Gordon may bestill holdingout in the cir
cleof the town. Meanwhilet the excitement
in London and everywhere throughout
the British Isles where the news is known
is rising to fever heat. Clubs and public
resorts Of every description, are thronged
with crowds Of people eager TO catch the
last syllable OF intelligence from the dis
tant Egyptian desert. Through Fleet
street and the Strand 1t 10 almost impossi.
BILE 10 make ones way SO crowded are
these thoroughiares with throngs Of curl
GUS and excited citizens. Most OF the peo.
pie take gloomy view OF the position OF
the British troops in the Soudan. The
jubilant gladness which characterized
England in regard to Egypt ever since the
welcome news OF Stewards successful ar
rival in the neighborhood Of Metem-
neh was received, has given
way TO universal depression and
expressions Of dismay and foreboding
come from everybody. It is too early to
estimate the influence OF the news on the
political situation. The war Office is be-
sieged with army officers, rendering SER
vices for active duty III the soudan.
Numerous kilograms are being read from
officers throughout the country, asking
assignments to the rescue expedition,
should the government conclude to take
such action, The capture OF khartoum
has created grave fears, especially in army
circles, for the safety OF General Stewart
and his army. A number OF military
officers OF repute even express the opinion
that unless reinforcements are hurried
forward to Korti the fall OF Rhartoum
may lead to disasters to the forces under
Lord Wolseley and General Earle. A
cabinet council has been summoned TO
meet at once. Gladstone is iearfully dis
turhed by the news, and some people be-
lieye he will resign.
THE TRICKY MGHDI.
A native reports that the Mahdi had
GO,0OO men III the vicinity Of Khartoum,
and he introduced number OF his ennis
saries into the city. These emissaries
mingled freely with the native troops un-
der General Gordon and by bribes, threats
and working on their religious feelings,
induced them to mutiny. Seven thousand
Of the garrison deserted TO the rebels,
leaving Gordon $500 faithful soldiers.
With this small force lie attempted to
hold the city against the Alahdfs great
army, but after severe fighting, in which
large number OF rebels were killed he
was compelled to surrender.
When Sir Charles Wilson reached khar-
toum he found that the Mahdi's forces oc.
cupied both the town and citadel. He
tried to land and ascertain the fate of Cor
don, but this step he found impossible.
The enemy's guns were turned upon him
In full force, and he was therefore COM
PEELED to turn his back upon the fallen
city and return to Gubal without finding
out whether Gordon was dead or alive.
The news OF the downfall Of khartonm
has created great apprehension in regard
10 the whole Egyptian problem among
the members Of the cabinet. Gladstone
and Earl Granville started for London rs
soon Us the news reached them. A cabinet
council will bc held this evening. The
military authorities arc OF the opinion
that General Gordon sent the greater part
OF his troops down the Nile to meet
Stewards force, and so depleted the garri-
son in the town aud citadel that an attack
by the enemy from Omdurman was rem
tered much easier. The greatest activity
prevails atthe war department. Many
officials remained on duty all last night.
= Col. Wilson had three steamers, two OF
which were wrecked in the Nile exactly
half way between Kl.artoum and Metem-
neh. The third steamer bearing Col.
Wortley and party came on and brought
the news to the British 10 camp near
Netemneh.