BAKER PASHA DEFEATED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 6934, 7 February 1884, Page 5

BAKER PASHA DEFEATED.

LOSS OF 2000 MEN. BRITISH MARINES LANDED AT SOUAKIM. [BY ELECTRIC TELEGRA PH.—COPYRIGHT.] [reuter.] [Received February 6. 8 p.m.] Cairo, February 24. Intelligence is to hand from Souakim reporting that Baker Pasha made an advance, for the purpose of relieving the garrison at Toka, but was attacked near the latter place by a strong force of Arab rebels. An engagement took place, which resulted in the defeat of the Egyptian troops with a loss of 2000 men, four Krupp guns, and a Gatling gun. Baker Pasha is now returning to Souakim with the remainder of his force, finding further advance impossible. [Received February 7, 1 s.m;] Cairo, February 5. Further details to hand from Souakim regarding the defeat of Baker Pasha's force by the Arabs, show that the Egyptian troops, of which his force largely consisted, proved utterly untrustworthy, and when called upon to advance against the enemy refused to fight, and fled ignominiously. The European and Turkish detachments stood their ground, but were overpowered and outnumbered, and were cut to pieces. Much alarm was felt at Souakim at the success of tha followers of El Mahdi, and a force of marines was landed from the British vessels lying off the town, in order to prevent a panic occurring among the inhabitants. The defeat of Baker Pasha's troops has rendered the relief of the beleaguered garrison at Sinket and Toka hopeless. ACTION OP THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. London, February 6. In view of the recent reverses sustained by the Egyptian troops under Baker Pasha in his operations against the Arab rebels near Souakim, orders have been issued for the detention, until further notice, of the troops now on their way to India. • It is not, however, known whether the Government have decided to land troops on the west coast of the Red Sea, or to undertake the defence of Souakim against the rebels. THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT. London, February 5. The fifth session of the present Parliament opened to-day by Royal Commission. The royal message, as read by the Lord Chancellor, agrees with the forecast already telegraphed, except in so far as the latter referred to Egypt. On this subject the speech states that the proposed withdrawal of British troops from that country has been cancelled, as a measure of precaution against the possible effects of a reverse to the Egyptian arms in Egypt itself. So far as the British occupation is concerned, the aim of such occupation, the i speech adds, is unchanged. I London, January 6. 1 The Address-in-Reply to the Queen's Speech was voted by the House at Lords without much discussion yesterday. ENGLAND'S POLICY IN EGYPT. | London, February 4. In the House of Commons to-day the Right Hon. R. Bourke, M.P. for King's Lynn, proposed an amendment to the Address-in-Reply, stating in effect that the policy of the Government in Egypt had proved a failure. London, February 6. In the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, the amendment proposed by Mr. Bourke to the Address-in-Reply, condemning the Egyptian policy of the Government, was under consideration, but failed to meet with much support, and was rejected by a substantial majority prior to the dinner hour adjournment. A Press Association message says:— In the House of Commons, the debate on the Government's Egyptian policy will be taken on the Reply to the Address. THE COLONIES AND ENGLAND. London, February 4. Mr. Stavely Hill, M.P. for West Staffordshire, has given notice of a motion for the adoption of an address to the Queen, urging that the colonies should be represented in the Council of the Empire. THE CALCUTTA EXHIBITION. Calcutta, February 5. The returns of attendance at the Exhibition show that to date half a million of persons paid for admission. As interest in the display shows no sign of lessening, the closing will probably be postponed for a fortnight beyond the date originally fixed. The awards which have been declared by various juries gave general satisfaction to exhibitors. A farewell luncheon was given to-day to Mr. Bosists, the Victorian Commissioner, and in a speech on the occasion he expressed complete satisfaction with the proposed scheme for a line of direct steamers between India and Australia, and stated his belief that such service would be likely to succeed. THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE. London, February 5. The Sydney portion of the cargo of frozen meat, ex steamship Cuzco, consisting of 2025 carcases of mutton, has been sold -at an average of 4|d to 5d per lb. The meat was in good condition.