Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-02-04
TIE KHIJAN DIFFICULT tyr

'
The dispatches by cable indicate that
the disturbance about Russia and khiyan
affairs is becoming serious, threatening
war between England and the Muscovite
Empire. khiva is in Turkestan. in Gen.
trail Asia, the people of which Dire half-civ-
ilized, warlike, troublesome neighbors no
doubt, with whom Russia can find or in
vent cause for quarrel at any time. On
account Of some grievances, doubtless
sufficient to Justify attempts at correction.
Russia has sent an army against the Xiii
vans, seized some important positions and
fighting has actually commenced. Re-
ports represent the progress Of the Rus
sian troops rs difficult, and advantages
gained by the enemy. 1t is not the first
time that the Russians have tried the met
tie of the hardy warriors of Turkestan and
though they have succeeded in pushing
their conquests and charging their boun-
diaries towards the East it has cost them
dearly in men and money. Though the
Khiyans are brave and hardy they are no
match for the swarms that Russia can
send upon them. Left to themselves they
must finally succumb to the invaders.
But it appears that the Khivans are not
to be destitute ofsupport in their struggle.
From the first sign of hostilities England
has been on the alert, signifying to the
Emperor that if he means conquest the
British power will intervene to thwart his
scheme. Diplomatic notes have been in
terchanged upon the subject with what
effect is not positively known. Rumor
has it that England has the sympathy and
will have the cooperation of nearly all
the European powers in efforts to check
Russia. The reason for this course on
the part of England is not of recent origin.
1t is based upon the policy which has
always prevailed with British statesmen,
to keep Russia an inland country, desti-
tute ofready access to the great oceans,
where she might become vastly more for
midable in commerce and war to her
neighbors than she now is were her oppor-
tunites expanded. For country of the
extent, resources, and military power Of
the oceans and becoming naval power
OF any magnitude are extremely limited.
1t is only by the Baltic and Black Seas
that she can now find her way to the At
lantic, through narrow passages held by
unfriendly powers, bound to keep her
commercial and naval privileges down to
the closest limits. Time after time the
Russian rulers have attempted to break
through the difficulties Of their inland sit
uation, so as to gain some foothold that
would open to them the naval advantages
which they need, but rs yet they have not
succeeded. Whichever way they turned,
whether towards Constantinople, or
towards the Eastern and Southern oceans,
the watchiul eye of England has been up
on them, and Western Europe has been a
unit against all schemes OF conquest and
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT on their part looking
toward the ocean. This jealousy has
been the defence of the weaker neighbors
of Russia. Without it the Car might now
be holding Turkey in his grasp, and have
extended his dominions over the whole of
Central Asia, If he fails in the present
movement against Khiva to extend his
possessions to the boundaries of India it
will be because of the interference of ELL
ropean potentates.
The immediate cause ofEngland's anx-
iety at this time is her Indian possessions.
If Russia conquers the countries in Asia
lying between her borders and those of
India, extending her sway to the boun-
diaries of the latter country, she will be in
an attitude to menace England and force
such as she never before &C.
,upied, and. if she chooses, to carry her
,onquests to the waters ofthe tropics.
1t is reported that the war is enthusiastic
ally supported by the Russian people.
The army already sent forward to the field
f operations is estimated ut fifty thousand.