GENERAL GORDON'S FATE.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 5478, 9 February 1885, Page 2

GENERAL GORDON'S FATE.

FIFTEEN BAYS' FIGHTING At

KHARTOUM.

IS iiORDON l»HAl» OR ALIVE?

London, Fobruary 8. Information from Khartoum has been recoived that tho English troops under Sir C. Wilson approachod to within 200 yards of i the rebels, and that only tho flags of tho 1 lattor could thon bo seen. Their battories kopt up a hot sholling, but tho troops wero compelled to retreat, and this was ofl'octed partly by strategy. Somo of tho reports stato that Gordon was killed, acid that there- wore fifteen days' hard fighting ; while others say that two Pashas betroyod General Gordon, but ho was still alive"and defending Khartoum. Lord Wolsoley tolographs to tho Horso Guards that ho is sending a messongor to ascertain tho fato of Gordon. Lord Wolsoloy states that tho Shukri tribes have joined tho Mahdi ; thoreforo both banks of the Nile are hostile _ Telegrams announce that a British convoy has reached Gubal (Gakdul) on tho road to Motammoh. London, Fobruary 7. Accounts to hand respecting Sir Charles Wilßon's expedition from Metammeh. to Khartoum stato that to him tho palace at tlio latter plnco appeared to bo wrecked, and it was tho goneral opinion that Gordon had boon killed; but, tho Mahdi's messenger, who camo to Sir Charles Wilson with a summons to surronder, asserted that he (Gordon) was alive. London, February 6.—No details have come to hand regarding the capturo of Khartoum, Press telegrams from the Soudan having bocn stopped. The Cabinet have given Lord Wolseley complete discretion, promising him every assistance he may demand, and stating that England will strive to save Gordon if living. The " Observer" states that Lord Wolboley has been instructed to suppress the rebellion if General Gordon is dead. The Italian Government are prepared to send 35,000 troops to the Soudan if necessary. General Earlo's Advance on Berber. Caibo, February 7. Latest telegrams from Korti state that General Earless progress towards Berber is unopposed, and that the steamers from Gubal are able to patrol the river and obtain supplies.