The Dickinson press., 1885-02-14
BRITISH REVERSE IN AFRICA.
Khartoum Falls into the Hands Of Ell Nahdi
Through the Agency Of Foulest
Treachery.

LONDON, Feb. 5.-Intelligence has been re-
ceived here that khartoum has been cap
tured by the Arabian rebels. The where
abouts OF Gen. Gordon is unknown. He is
probably q prisoner in the hands of the VIC
tors. The war office issues the following:
kilograms from Gen. Wolseley
that the fall of Khartoum took place Jan.
26. He says Col Wilson arrived at Khar-
toum on Jan. %, n was greatly surprised
to find that the enemy was in possession of
that place. He Immediately started on his
return down tho river, and proceeded under
q heavy fire from the rebels. When some
miles below the Shublaka cataract Col. Will
sons stermers were wrecked, but he and his
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". Gen. Wolseley says he has no
information regarding the fate Of Gen. Cor
don, II docs not know whether he is dead
or alive. There is no longer any doubt that
81 Mahdi holds possession Of Khartoum.
Some hopes are entertained that Gen. Cor
don may still be holding out in the citadel
of the town. Meanwhile the excitement in
London and everywhere throughout the
British isles where the newsi is known is
RISING TO FEVER HEAT.
Most Of the people Jake a gloomy view of
the position of the British troops in Soudan.
The jubilant gladness which has character
lied England in regard to Egypt ever since
the news of Stewards successful arrival in
the neighborhood of Metemneh was received
has given way to anxious f~orebodings, and
universal depression and expressions of dis
may and f%oreboding come from almoste every
body. The war office is besieged with an
army nf nffSoaro fopSoripu corv,icn. for ,ot;-1
duty in Soudan. Numerous kilograms are
being received from officers throughout the
country asking assignments to rescue the
expedition should the government conclude
to take such action. The capture of Khar-
toum has created grave fears, especially in
army circles, for the safety of Gen. Stewart
and his army. Anumber of military officers
of repute even express the opinion that un.
less reinforcements are hurried forward to
korti the fall of Khartoum may lead to dis.
asters to the forces under Lord Wolseley and
Gen. Earl A cabinet council has been sum.
moned to meet at once. Gladstone is fear.
fully disturbed by the news, and some people
believe he will resign.
STRATEGY OF THE FALSE PROPHET.
NATIVE reports that Ell Mahdi had 60, 600
men in the vicinity of Khartoum, md he in
troduced q number of his emissaries into tn,
city. These emissaries mingled freely witt
the native troops under Gen. Gordon, and b,
brides, threats and working on their religion
feelings, induced them to mutiny. Sever
thousand Of the garrison deserted to the
rebels, leaving Gordon with only $500
faithful troops. With this small force he at
tempted to hold the city against the Mahdit
great army, but after severe fighting, II
which a large number of rebels were killed
he was compelled to surrender. When ST,
Charles Wilson reached Khartoum he founc
that the Mahdi's forces had occupied botl
the town and citadel. He tried to land ane
ascertain the fate of Gen. Gordon, but THU
step he found impossible. The enemy'
guns were turned upon him in full force
and he was therefore compelled tt
turn his back upon the falle1
city and return to Gubat withou
finding out whether Gordon was dead O.
alive. The news of the downfall of Khan
toum has created a grave apprehension IL
regard to the whole Egyptian programm,
among the members Of the cabinet. Glad
stone and Earl Granville started for Londol
as soon rs the news reached them. Militar
authorities are Of the opinion that Gen
Gordon had sent the greater part of hi
forces down the Nile to meet Gen. Stewart
forces, and SO depleted the garrison an
citadel of khartouln that an attack fror
Cmdurman was rendered much easier. TIL
greatest activity prevails at the war depart
ment, and many officials remained on dut
oil last night Lord Wolseley telegraphs tina
he does not consider the British position O
Gubat In any immediate danger. The gov
eminent has given orders for further shir
ments of stores to Egypt These order
were issued before the news Of the fall {
Khartoum was received.