The New York herald., 1873-06-30
The Capture OF Khiva-Progrcss OF
Russia Eastward.

of the capture of Khiva by the forces under
General Kaufman. The capture of the capi-
tai OF the Khanate was accomplished on the
10th Of June. The Khan has fed, leaving
his people to the rule Of their new masters,
and the Gar will probably hold sway in Gen.
tral Asia for many years to come The result
is one that has been anticipated from the
beginning; but its ulterior effects will be
looked for with great interest as Russia's pur-
poses in the East are developed. In connec-
ton with the capture Of Khiva we publish
much valuable matter, describing the country
and its people, with an account of Russia s
interests and influence in Central Asia, to-
gether with the railroad projects OF the Gar
All this will help to explain the motives which
induced Russia to undertake this war and the
value of the conquest.
The war Of Russia with Khiva has attracted
more attention than either the population or
importance of the latter as an independent
State appears to merit. Why is this SO? Why
have the leading newspapers and periodicals
in Europe and throughout the world. partcu-
larly in England and Russia, given so much
tied country, containing only few years ago
but hundred thousand families from which
the Khan collected revenue. Though we have
no precise data to show what is the average
number of persons in each family, or who
were included in q family under this old East
ern patriarchical system, still the entire popu-
lation can hardly be q million, and probably
M
son, who was in Khiva in 1S41, says the Khan
had an army Of thirty thousand horsemen.
The gazetteers give Khiva population, yari-
ously estimated, from two hundred thousand
to four hundred thousand. If Mr. Thompsons
estimate of hundred thousand families and
thirty thousand horsemen be correct the
population can scarcely be less than
half million. This number is spread over
q territory of about two hundred miles by one
hundred, though the outlying desert country
belonging to the Khanate is much larger. We
see then, that these semi-civilized people,
small in number and inhabiting q region of
Asia little known and with which there is
little intercourse, would not command SO
much attention from the civilized world if
there were not Interior considerations con-
nected with them or their territory of impor-
tance in political or On international point
of view.
The Russian government and press dwell, Of
course, upon the necessity OF furnishing the
Khan of Khiva for the outrages committed
against the subjects of Russia and of vindi-
eating the honor of their great nation. Russia
has, doubtless, good cause of complaint
against Khiva, and, perhaps, cause of war.
In fact, there have been, during some years
past, both causes of war, in the opinions of
Russians, and war with Khiva. as we'll as with
the other khanates and Independent States Of
that part of Asia. Nations are never at
loss for cause whenever war suits their ambi-
ton or policy. We are not blaming Russia,
but simply stating fact which is as applica-
bic to England, Germany, France or any other
great nation as to her. Aproud nation, sensitive
about its honor and careful to protect its sub
iects or citizens, is not apt to count the cost
if it has che power of enforcing redress for
injuries. Rome set the example to all sue
ceeding nations. Her legions were set in mo-
Roman citizen or to protect one. England
has the proud consciousness of having done
the same in many instances, and generally in
behalf of o British subject or to defend
national honor. But frequently there are
ulterior objects behind those avowed or for
which cause is given. At least conquest and
annexation often result from war made in de-
fence of right and justice. Such was the case
in our war with Mexico, by which we obtained
California and New Mexico. The greater part
of the vast Empire of Great Britain was ac-
quired in the same way. And thus Russia has
extended her mighty Empire. The real cause
of war, as we remarked, may be other than
the ostensible or avowed one. And this, we
apprehend, is so in the war of Russia with
Khiva. The punishment of the Khan for the
outrage to Russian subjects is the pretext, but
the extension of the Russian Empire or in
huence eastward is probably the object. In
deed, the Russian press is not careful to dis
guise that.
Thirty-four years ago formidable military
force was sent by Russia against the Khivans
on much the same ground that the present
war is waged-namely. that the Khivans held
Russian subjects in slavery, molested and
plundered the caravans to Bokhara and ha-
rassed the Kirgheez tribes under Russian pro-
lection. But in the manifesto issued by the
Russian government upon the subject the OBJ
ject declared was, 'to consolidate in that part
of Asia the legitimate influence which be-
longed to Russia and as guarantee of peace
which she alone was called upon to maintain" I"
Our readers hardly need be told that this has
been the policy Of Russia with regard TO all
the bordering small States of Asia from the
time Of Peter the Great-a policy which she
has steadily pursued, whatever checks it may
have met with at times, up to the present
1ariod Henca the annrehensions of ENGLAND