LATE TELEGRAMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 1681, 9 February 1884, Page 14

LATE TELEGRAMS.

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[By Eleotbio Teleqbap,h.— Oopybight.] (Reuteb's Telkgbamb.) London, February 5. The fifth session of the present Parliament was opened to-day by Royal Commission. The Royal Message was read by the Lord Chancellor, and 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 the British troops from that country has been cancelled, as a measure of precaution again&t the possible effects of the reverse to the Egyptian arms. In Egypt itself, so far as British oocupation is concerned, the aim of such occupation is, the Speech adds, unchanged. February 6. In the House of Commons yesterday afternoon the amendment proposed by Mr Bourke to the Addressin-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. The Address in Reply to the Queen's Speech was voted by the House of Lords without much discussion yesterday. v The Sydney portion of the cargo of frozen meat ex steamship Cuzco, consisting of 2025 carcasses nf mutton, has been sold at an average of 4|d to 6d per lb. The meat was in good condition. In view of the recent reverse sustained by the Egyptian troops under Baker Pasha in his operations near Souakim, orders have been issued for the detention until further notice of the troopships now on their way to India. It is not, however, known whether Government have decided to land any troops on the west coast of the Red Sea, or to undertake the defence of Souakim against the rebels. Cairo, February 5. Intelligence is to hand from Souakitn reporting that Baker Pasha made an advance for the purpose of relieving the garrison at Tascar, 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 the 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. Further details to hand from Souakim regarding the defeat of Baker Pashas-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 the followers of El Mahdi, and a force of marines was landed from the .British warvessels 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 garrisons at Sinkar and Tokar hopeless.