The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-01-24
The AnglO-Russian Dimculty In
Central Asia.

Petersburg and from London bearing on the
Khivan difficulty has been. though vague and
uncertain, yet fitted to inspire alarm
late report led us to believe that
the mission of Count Schouvaloff who was
sent as q special messenger from st. Peters
burg to London, to secure if possible con-
certed action between England and hussia
in the subjugaton of the semi-barbarous
tribes of Central ASIA had proved complete
failure. It was even stated that the news had
disturbing effect on the London stock
market A cable despatch which we printed
Yesterday gives an entirely opposite view
of the case. The London Daily Telegraph has
had special despatch from Brussels
which contradicts the rumor that the mission
of Count Schouvaloff had proved failure,
and affirms that the British government had
agreed to cooperate with the government of
Russia in the measures contemplated by the
latter in Central Asia. These contradictory
reports leave us little room to doubt that
the situation is considered grave,
and that the utmost anxiety prevails
as to the course which the British government
may decide to pursue in the premises. 1t is
well known that Russia has already made ON
advance on Khiva and that she has met with
an opposition of unexpected strength. From
various sources for the last eight or ten days
we have been made aware that at more than
one point the Russian troops sustained defeat;
and one of our very latest reports has it that
at the hands Of the Urganj people, after long
and severe fighting, the Russians had been de-
feated and that the attack on Khiva had COM
pletely failed.
1t is easy to understand why this fresh trouble
in Central Asia should be o source of perplex-
ity to British statesmen. If they act con-
jointly with Russia in suppressing the native
governments Of Central Asia they know that
the certain effect will be to ALLEVIATE the semi
barbarous tribes that skirt the borders of
Northern India and to make it possible for
Afghanistan in the not distant future to prefer
the alliance of Russia to that of England
Such result it is clearly the interest of the
British government to prevent On the other
hand, if they refuse to act with Russia, the
hands of the Gar will be unfettered, and he
will be free to subdue and annex the entire
territories of Bokhara, Khokand and Khiva
1t is impossible for Russia to submit to de-
feat at the hands of a few tribes of
undisciplined barbarians If it be true that
the soldiers of the Gar have sustained defeat
Russia has no choice but to send on more
powerful armies. Ultimate defeat is impos-
sible and it will be left to the Gar and his
ministers in the hour of victory to decide
whether they will patch up peace with the
native rulers or whether they will place the
whole of Central Asia under the control of q
Russian Viceroy. Such result could be
scarcely more pleasing to Great Britain than
the former. How Russia may finally act it is
hard to tell. 1t is we'll known in official cir
cles that Russian statesmen are divided as to
the course which it is most advisable to pur-
sue with regard to Central Asia generally and
with regard to Khiva in particular. One party
advocates annexation and another party is
bitterly opposed to it. General Kaufman, the
Governor General of Turkistan, who is now
or was quite recently in st. Petersburg, is at
the head of the annexation party; and it is
his opinion that these territories should be
sian authority. The views of General Kauff-
man are combated by General Tchernyaeff,
who holds that Russia should act as an umpire
and protector in those regions, and that by
this means she would in the end win greater
victories than she can now win by assuming
complete control. According to Tchernyaeff
Russia has already too much on hand. Her
yearly deficit exceeds four million roubles
The annexation of Khva would necessitate
the maintenance there Of a large army, and
so the tenure of Central Asia would be costly
and ruinous to the Empire. Councils have
been held on the subject in the presence of
the Emperor the views of both parties have
been fully stated, but with what result has not
yet been made known. That Russia will now
send out powerful expedition against Khiva
must be taken for granted 1t is reasonable,
however, to conclude that the question of an
nexation will be reserved for future consid-
Grafton.
Russia and Great Britain may get over this
difficulty. The difficulty, however, casts
dark shadow upon the future. 1t is a sign of
evil omen. Year by year the two great Powers
are approaching each other, and just as they
near each other the world peace is being en-
dangered. 1t is believed in Russia, it is be-
lieved in England, it is believed the wide
world over, that great battle must be fought
battle which will involve many of the ma
tons, and that that battle will decide whether
Russia or England will be supreme on the
Continent of Asia In the old sense England
is no longer aggressive. She has no desire
for new territory in ASIA Her policy
is peace. But she will not let go
her hold of India or allow any of her inter-
ests in Asia to be imperilled. Russia
is young and vigorous, and the spirit of
aggression drives her forward She cannot