The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-02-10
FRENCH COLUMN DESTROYED.
ovsrtaken by Natives Near Timbuctoo, II
the soudan Country.

Ovsrtaken by Natives Near TimbucteO, In
the soudan Country.
PARIS Feb. 9.--Premier CEsimir- Psrisr
admits that q French column was at
tackled and destroyed by natives near Tim
buctoo and that several officers were killed.
but declared be would not evaouats Tim
buotoo, and reintorosments were already
being forwarded.
The governor OF soudan tslsRraphs that
Col. Bonnie.'s e column left Timbuetoo Dec.
/. on a reconnoiSanoe and was surprised
while asleep when abOnt three days march
from Iimbuctoo. The success OF the
TuarRss emboldened other tribes and the
retreat Of the French was continually har-
assed. On arriving at Iimbuotoo the com
mander al once began throwing mp in
trenehments, in the expectation of CON-
bined attack attack By the natives. The
latter are said 10 be music ing their forces
for that purposes.
The following details OF the disaster are
given out by she French government upon
in Information received from CAPT. Philippe,
French commandant at Timbuotoo: The
Tuarges. Amsd with lanoes aud knives,
made the fret attack upon the leading
division OF the French column. The attack
Was 40 desterate and we'll sustained that
the Il 81 division was Iparently cat 20
pieces News Of the disaster was brought
Capt Nugstte. who was badly wounded
but managed 20 escape.
The second division was encamped few
miles in the reaf. In advance OF the guard
which was surprised in the darkness OF the
early morning. Tbs otiic-r in command OF
the rear guard Immediately commenced 10
tetreAt upon Iinhuctoo, leaving the van
Guard. commanded by Bonner, 20 its fate,
Ths cfficial atatsmsnt admits that az least
nine French officers. including Col. Bon
nis-. two European non- -oommisiioned OH
GERS and siIty-eight native soldiers were
ID msssacred.
Unofficial reports emanatinR from ths
war department and co onial office say the
loss ID. killed and captured, at least 300
The rear guard reached Iimbuctoo Dsc. II.
carrying a number of the wounded. Sew
eral men. in addition 20 those admitted 30
have been killed when the vanguard wal
cut to pieces, Ais said TO have been either
killed OF left dying along the route during
the retreat 20 limbuctoo.
Capt. Philippe gathered his whole foro'
together aud began throwing up entrench-
ments to secure his position. as IimbuotoS
was seriously threatened by IuaTges. Ih'
/ Iuarees became 80 aggressive that thel
pushsd NJ close up the French soldiers a.
work in the entTenchments and killed snc
wounded several Capt. Philippe ogan
lied small parties, who made sallies upoT
the Tuaigss. driving them back
ward and killing number. Ouc'
or twice every night the natives made Al
attack upon the French lines killing anc
wounding several Of the ga rison. Opposes
to them IL an enc my estim ated al four q
ten thousand. The French only had 30
men in tho sntrenchnIents. and this fofc'
Il only suppo ted by siT small hsld pieces
News OF the disaster hss caused a sensa-
ton in Paris. and 10 IL announced thai
several questions on tha subject will b
asked a. soon as possible in the chamber o
deputies 10 10 Understood the Rovernmsn
will SAY that BonnieI's expedition VA
undert ken upon hia own initiative. nnS
sgainst the orders Of ths government lti
semi -ofaolaliy stated that the governor o
soudan has taken eItfGordinaTY measure
TO relieve she French forces as Tlnbuotoo
and all French outposts have been doubled