THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1178, 15 May 1884, Page 1

THE WAR IN THE SOUDAN.

London, May 12. In the House of Commons to-day, Sir Michael Hicks-Beach introduced the motion, of which he had given notice, censuring the Government for the delay which has occurred in the arrangements for rescuing General Gordon and the garrison at Khartoum. The mover made a long speech, to which Mr Gladstone replied, saying that Government would not embark in a mission to reconquer the Soudan, as they hare a duty towards the nation as well as towards General Gordon. Steps would he taken to assist the latter if be proved to be in danger, but it was necessary to consider the season and climate of the Soudan before despatching troops. The debate still continues. Later. The division on Sir M. Hick-Beach's motion, censuring Government for the delay which has occurred in the despatch of an expedition to the Soudan to rescue General Gordon and the beleaguered garrison at Khartoum, is expected to take place at a late hour this evening. The debate on the motion is now proceeding, Cairo, May 11. The statement that the military authorities here received an order from the British Government to make preparations for the despatch of an expedition into the Soudan under the command of Lord Wolseley, has been ascertained to be incorrect; such order, however, is expected hourly. The latest intelligence from the Soudan has caused ranch alarm here. It is to the effect that the Mahdi has ordered Osman Digna, a leading chief in the Eastern Soudan, to attack and capture Dongola, and thence to advance into Upper Egypt. Nothing as yet is known regarding the force that Osman Digna has now at his command. May 12. News has been received from Dongola stating that a serious panic has occurred among the inhabitants of that town and in the neighborhood, in consequence of the * expectation that an attack will shortly be mada upon the town by the rebels under Osman Digna, ■ i i i ... in in i as