THE SOUDAN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 8409, 7 January 1899, Page 3

THE SOUDAN.

— — « BARON CROMER ADDRESSES THE SHEIKS. PLAIN INDICATIONS OF BRITISH SOVEREIGNTY. ANOTHER DERVISH ROUT. (Electric Telegraph-Copyright— United Press /Bsociatioa.) Cairo, Jan. 6. Baron Cromer and Lord Kitchener gave audience to the Sheiks at Omdurman. Baron Cromer congratulated them on their liberation, which was due to the Sirdar's skill and the gallantry of the troops. The British and Egyptian flags over their heads was an indication that the Queen and Khedive henceforth would govern through the Sirdur as their sole representative. There would be no attempt to govern from Cairo, still less from London. They must look to the Sirdar alone for justice and good government. The Queen had more Moslem subjects than any Sovereign, and all were contented with her beneficent rule. The religion and enstoms of the Soudan would be strictly respected, including the Mahommedan sacred laws. His hearers warmly approved of these sentiments. Baron Cromer promised that moderate taxes wonld be imposed, and urged the promotion of tranquility and industry. Colonel Lewis routed Abdul Fedel's Dervishes from an island near Rossers, killing 500 and capturing 1500. The Maxims dislodged Fedel with 300 men from a position on the mainland. Fedel fled. Twenty-seven Anglo-Egyptians were killed, and 124 wounded, Major Ferguson severely. Six Egyptian officers were disabled. (Received Jan. 7, 11.35 a.m.) Baron Cromer laid the foundation of the Gordon College. It is.not intended to use tbe college as a medium for Anglicising the Soudanese. ,■■ . • London, Jan. G. The Chronicle considers Lord Cromer's speech virtually means a protectorate. The Sultan of Turkey was not mentioned. The Standard declares that nothing would more have shocked the Sheiks than the slightest hint of restoration of Ottoman rule. The Times considers the speech the plainest assertion of British sovereign rights in the Soudan yet made.