The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-01-06
The English and Russians In Pers,a-A speck
I'm the Horizon.

The English and Russians In Perssa-A speck
I'm the Horizon.
The movements of the Russians and English
On the political chessboard are becoming curious
The Western kings and queens are all together
in one corner watching each other with affected
civiity, and attempting a safe game I; but. in the
East, the pawns and the knights. the biz ok and
he red, are pushing about with evident intention
of doing each ether mischief.
This affair may be considered ns struggle,
hitherto Diplomatic, between the two great
Powers Chat bloody enough at TINES among the
Shahs and chieftains who have been victimized by
their diplomacy for the possession f..Sre terri
tory in the East. Persia, between the Caspian
and the Persian Gulf, HaDked on the east 10y
Afghsnistan and BelOOchstan, has thus far been
a barrier between the Russians and English,
keeping both aggressive parties at respectable
distances, and at the sane time holding in check
the refractory tribes which, on either side, chafe
at any control.
We take it for granted that the British agents
in Persia having abandoned the field to the Rus
,sians; the present Shah has acted under their
advice with less diffidence than usual, and that
the capture of Herat has not happened by
chance. This is the gate to the high road of
travel and commerce with India, and in the pre-
sent relations between Persia and Russia, is in
fact a Russian town.
An expedition to Herat overland, would be
difficult and dangerous. The English, if We mis-
take not, were there in 1910 but they do not
relish the contests they have had with these
mOuntaneers. The Afghan war taught them
that they were no despicable enemy, and the me-
morable account Of Lady Sales sufferings on
that occasion has not been forgotten Besides,
there is a feeling of uncertainty as to the pro-
bable conduct OF those native rulers who are
yet independent, and whose alliance would
be indispensable TO secure the success of
operations directed from the Pup;aub. The
English have, therefore, very prudently
determined on war of reprisals, and the destruc-
ton Of the Persian power in the Gulf Here they
will have great advantage strategically and
politically. The capture OF the provinces on the
east shore of the Gulf, Lauristan and Kherzistan,
the possession of the outlets and mouths Of the
Euphrates, will give them the control Of
the great southern terminus, and many impor-
tant points on the route of the proposed railway
to the Mediterranean.
If Russia takes part with the Shah. the corps
d'ormte commanded by General Perowski, Will
have long and dreary march across the country
to sustain him against his invaders upon the Gulf
But the position of the Russians strongly mcnaces
India and has every appearance Of being agpres-
sive. iotilla on the sea Of Aral, fifty thousand
men on the rivers Oxus and Jaxartes, and Herat
in the possession of the Persians give significance
of what might be done in that quarter If the
principal parties proceed to blows This then,
is the condition of things. Russia is in position
10 endapger the East India possessions of Great
Britain, and TO rcpress her policy so far az the
future acquisition of provinces to the north is
concerned. England. on the other hard, is in .
position to slice Persia into mere sandwich, an
by her movements along the shores and the heal
of the Gulf, 10 drive her back upon her SEM
barbaric capitals into obscurity, to commsne with
the giants and genii of her ancient entertain
ments
Our correspondents in Bombay, as long ago as
September last, advised us Of the activity which
prevailed in the government arsenals, and the
preparation Of an expedition to Persia. Our last
accounts are that nine first class war steamers,
twentysix sailing transports, aud six thousand
Efficient troops had sailed from Bombay for the
Gulf, and as many more have left England for the
same destination. The naval forces are to b.
by Admiral Sir Henry Leeke, and
the land forces by Gen. Sir James Outram. The
first object of attack is to be Busbee, the prn-
cipal port on the Gulf, having considerable
II has recently been thoroughly re-
copnoitered by some of the engineers surveying
IN easy prey TO the assailants and in the hands
Of the English become a very important place
II the PeTsians should attempt TO harrass the
Affghans, these are to be supported by contir.
gent force to I've raised at Hclat, town north
west Of the Indus easily reached from the British
provinces in India, and by that river from tb,
5ulf
The Persian Shah, who writes his name Ncsscr
nd. Din, is said TO bc an amable and intelligent
parsonage. Ike has $4,000 infantry, more or s
-egular, which have been drilled by European
,nicers after the European fashion. His cavalry
ire very numerous. but wild and disorderly. His
utillery is said TO be in admirable condition, and
Is practice excellent. This il stated by Engish |
jewellers themselves.
The commerce Of Persia has never been very |
great It's exports are raw silks, cotton, tobac-
%. rice grain, sulphur wax, horses nc. Its inn |
,orts are cloths hardware, jcwelry, metals, |
huge, tobacco, NC. The balance Of trade with |
very country but India. is in favor Of Persia,
md il is adjusted in ducats dollars German
rowns and silver roubles, which are paid out TO
he English merchants in exchange for their com
nodties. These come from India 10y the way Of
'ushire or Cabul, or Trebizond, on the Black Sea,
port completely under British influence, and
lready the scat of large and iourishing trade,
bieiy in its hands.