ALEXANDRIA

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2903, 15 July 1882, Page 2

ALEXANDRIA

ALEXANDRIA IN FLAMES. MASSACRE OF EUROPEANS. THE DUKE OF CONNAUGHT VOLUNTEERS FOR' SERVICE. Alexandeia, July 13. It has been ascertained that when the flag of truce was hoisted yesterday a boat went off to the English flag-ship. The Egyptian envoy requested that negotiations for a settlement of hostilities might be entered upon. Admiral Seymour, in reply, stated that he could, not agree to the request unless the forts commanding the harbor were first surrendered. This demand was refused by the Egyptians, and the temporary truce was therefore ended. The bombardment of the harbor forts was to have been resumed to-day, but the weather has prevented firing. As soon as it moderates the cannonade will recommence. It has been ascertained that the Khedive is. safe. j- 1 ’ ,■■■;; : .9 a.m. A landing party swam ashore from the ships yesterday and blew up the silenced forts: The Egyptians offered no resistance. During the bombardment which has proceeded the Egyptians returned a steady fire and showed a stubborn defence, but their ordnance was quite inadequate to cope with the heavy guns of Abe English ironclads. All the buildings which were in the line of the English fire have sustained serious damage. . , 10 A.M. The forts have been abandoned and it is reported that the Egyptian troops have evacuated the city in a body. The town is nowgiven up to and lawless anarchy and most awful confusion prevails. 1 P.M. It is now known that the flag of truce was hoisted by the Egyptians merely to enable the troops to withdraw in safety from the forts and entrenched positions. The whole of the army which was in the city has retreated into the interior, and the fortifications have been entirely abandoned.

The city has been set on fire in several places by a body of released convicts, and the whole town is now in flames.

: The populace has become violently enraged, and have made an attack upon the Europeans remaining in the city. The European quarter has been demolished, and fully one hundred Euro-, peans have been massacred. Most horrible atrocities have been committed by the attackers. Many Europeans succeeded in fighting their way through the mob to the beach, where they were rescued by boats from the English ships and convoyed on board. The Khedive has and his whereabouts is again unknown. “ . London, July 13, , H.R.H. the Duke of - Connaught, Colonel in charge of the Rifle Brigade, has applied to be appointed to the command of the army that is under orders for Egypt. ; : V ; July 12. Arrived, *at Plymouth Steamship Orient, from Melbourne,' yesterday ; and steamship Carthage, from Melbourne, to-day.