Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1878-12-04
THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
WAR
The European Cable press dispatchc

excitement throughout Great Britain
aud considerable furry in the stock
market of London
The attack OF u great military pow
err like Great Britain upon aiew thou
sands Of half savage soldiers who lack
the complete cqu pments and discipline
y hich reader the grcat armic, OF mod
crn civilization so formidable, may
seem burcsque; but it must be ~.
membered thai AfghanfStan Is hisiDls-
caIly "the key to Asia and India, and
is, therefore, n point o. vital import
ance TO those countries which are am
bilious to secure dominance over the
rich but weaker governments Of the
eastern portion Of hat great continent
Mere authority over Aighanistan to
pass iulo other hands than those Of
the British Government the eastern
possessions of the latter would be con-
stantly menaced and the tenure insc-
cure. Without interference on the
part of any other power the contest
between England and Aighanistan
must be short, and the success of the
former government certain. The A.
mcrr ha, a doubtful control over the
majority Of his own subjects. The N
habitants of Aighanstan are largely
composed Of tribes which, while ac-
knowledging 10 some extent the au-
thority OF Shere Ali, are really inde-
pendent, treacherous IN character, and
wholly lacking patriotism. The troops
in whose loyalty dependence can be
placed are poorly armed and indiiicr
emily disciplined. They are brave to
ferocity but will never be able TO with
stand unassisted the assault of force
like that which is now gathered upon
the frontier.
The all important issue in this con
flict, ard only one which can throw
any doubt upon the result, is tho pos
siblc interference Of Russia. Ever
since the beginning of the present
complication the conduct Of the Ameer
has led 10 the belief that understand
ing between himself and tho Russian
Government was clearly defined. His
attitude has been so detant that no
doubt remained Of his having formid
able backing. In making the reported
advance, therefore, England has really
thrown down the gauntlet to Russia,
and Aighanistan merely becomes the
first ground of conflict which may
result in the formation of new allan
ces, and an avcnging Of old wrongs,
which will invol nearly the whole OF
Europe. With the Anglo lndian army
advancing upon Cabuol, and Russia
aroused as she must be, but u shoit
time will elapse before the probable
magnitude Of the war can be estma
ted. If Russia spouse the cause OF
the Ameer a bluody contset is inevita-
Bile; il not, it will be brief, and Eug-
land will be more emphatically master
OF the eastern situation.
The first battle took place on the
2lst ult A daybreak that morning,
Gen. Brown stood on n little plain be-
yond Jumrood, watching the march to
the front. AT noon Ali Musiid fred
the first shell, which bur,t in the air
The second shell was well aimed it
few over the fla gstaff on Shegai ridge
and fell, without bursting, beyond A
long halt was necessary, to allow our
heavy battery to come up, and the in.
lcrval was utilized by the horse arti
lery in pacing guns on height to cur
tight. Fort Ali Musjid replied, and
the other firing became somewhat
BRISK.
Meanwhile firing was heard to the
left OF Fort ALI Musjid, and some per.
sons conlectured it was Mcpherson 5
turning movement on our right com
Ing into operation, but the Afghans
about the fort held their ground altho'
thus apparently threatened on the
flank aud front. Our horse artillery
was well served.
Al ono Il. n tho 40 poundoI reached
the scene; also some nihe.pounders.
The horse guns then moved off the
ridge and gave place TO the nine
FOUNDER battery, while the 40 pound.
ers played against the right OF the
Afghan position. Afghan guns slowly,
but steadily, replied, making good
practice, especially from their seven.
Founders in the central bastion.
About 2 o'clock two forty-pounder
shells crushed into the central bastion
and crumbled great portion of it, ap.
parcntly dismounting gun. Soon
after 2 o'clock the infantry advanced
brlskly The Fourth brigade took the
left slope oi the valley, passing on
through the rocks toward Fort Ali
Musiid, while the Third brigade took
the right side.
When the last rocky ridge on the
lett slope was crossed rocky plateau
followed nearly up to the foot of Fort
Ali Musjid. The skirmlshers pushed
on steadily, firing briskly, evoking a
sharp reply from the enemy, who were
! studdng the rock strewn slopes.
In view OF the expected co operation
IRON two brigades dispatched on the
turning movement, and the sun setting
, while as yet much had to be done, op.
erations were ut this juncture reluc
lantly suspended I'LL to morrow.
!, LONDON, November 22-l O'Clock p.
/. MA dispatch from Jumrood, dated
this morning, says; The Aighanr
abandoned Fort Ali Muejid in the
course OF the night, Gen. Ty les brl
gade having occupied u detile in their
rear We took possession this morn.
ing without firing shot, and disposi.
tons for advancing are now being
made.
THE PROSPECTS OF FURTHER ADVANCE.
The Times, in its military article,
says: MANY reasons make it appear
probable that the winter campaign will
close with the occupation Of the Daka,
khurum and Peshin valleys. Winter
Is drawing near, the cold is intense
: and iucl aud forage in the mountain.
Ons districts arc scarce. so that tor pru.
dental reasons the Indian COVE nmen,
will not care to enlanglc their armies
too lar in the hills at this season until
their communication are more secure
and their comlssariat and transport ar
Engagements on u more approved foot.
lng. The three columns as at prcseu,
constituted are too weak for more ex.
tended operations in the direction OF
+ Jclalabad, Thanh and Candahar
Were General Mnude's diyision massed