THE REBELLION IN THE SOUDAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1688, 29 March 1884, Page 10

THE REBELLION IN THE SOUDAN.

(Rbutbb's Tblkgbams.) Cairo, March 19. Intelligence has been received here that a large body of Bedouins has occupied Sabooka, near the fifth Nile cataract, and communication beyond Berber is consequently prevented, the roads to that town being in the possession of th"c Bedouins. News is also to hand that a considerable force, of rebel tribes has collected near Shendy, a town about 100 miles north of Khartoum, . and it is stated that an attack upon that place (Shendy) is imminent. Great anxiety is felt here for General ■ Gordon, from whom no further news has yet been recoived. Reliable intelligence of increasing hostility among the Arab tribes is to hand, and the adherents of Bl Mahdi are closing round Khartoum from all sides. The situation iB considered critical. March' 2o. The latest news to hand from Souakira states that Osman Digma's attempts to rally his fefllowers have failed, and that he has now leffcthe' hills near Tamaneh and retired into the interior. Information has also reached Souakim that a great number of the rebels who were wounded during the recent 'battle, but who succeeded in reaching the hills, are now lying there in a dying state. Three influential sheiks >of Eastern Soudan have tendered their submission to General . Graham, and it is expected that others will shortly^'follow. March 22. Dispatches dated loth iust. have been received from Gordon Pasha announcing that he had succeeded in rescuing the besieged garrison at Sacfleyh, and intended to make . an attack in force upon the rebels outside Khartoum next day (the 16th). March 23. Telegrams from Souakim state' that the British troops will advance toward- Tamaneh on Wednesday next with the view of surround ing and capturing Osman Digm'a, who is now in that neighbourhood with his adherents. March 24 Telegrams from Berber state that the diFsatisfaction among the Arabs^ between that town and Shondy is rapidly increasing, and that the tribe 3to the southward of Berber are now in open revolt. Fears are entertained that the movement may continue, and that the safety of the garrison and inhabitants of Khartoum will be jeopardised. No news has yet reached here with regard to the attack which Gordon Pasha intended to make upon the rebels on the 16th inst. (Special to Pbess Association.) London, March 21. It is stated that Khartoum has been surrounded by the rebels. March 22. Gordon Pasha relieved the garrison at Sacfleyti with 1000 men and three steamerf. There is an engagement impending at Khar toum. March 24. The Times states that Gordon Pasha in his reports mentions the extreme gravity of the situation at Khartoum, and requests British assistance at once.