The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-27
BEACONSFIELD'S DEFENCE.

AN EXTRACT FROM HIS GREAT SPEECH ON THE
AFGHAN QuEsTIoN-HE JUsTIFIEs RUssIAs
CONDUCT on THE INDIAN FRONTIER.
From the London Standard
On the sth inst received telegram from Lord
Napier of Magdala. in which he stated that much
study of frontier convinced him that rectifica-
ton was necessary. Hear, hear.) These were the
words of one of great experience. of consummate
ability and Judgment who for long time was OPP
posed to that which he now deemed absolutely
necessary. Hear, hearJ He did not shrink
from using the word "rectifcation, although
it had been defined by several critics
of your lordships' house by variety Of
definitions which were not to be found in any die
tionary I4aughter.) noble earl declared that it
recalled the worst period of the French Revolu-
on-1aughter)-and the noble marquis who ad-
dressed us from the bench opposite seemed to
tremble when he used it. uaughter.) "Rectif-
cation Of frontier was great diplomatic phrase,
and if all the treaties for the rectcaton OF frontiers
were disturbed the peace OF the world would be in
danger and might be destroyed Between 1856
and 1868 several such treaties have been made be-
tween the several nations Of Europe, including
Great Britain, and they do not necessarily involve
diminution of territory. Hear. hear Many treaties
for the recthcation of frontier are carried on by
equivalent My lords, it has been said upon recent
OCCASION not in this House, that stated that the OBJ
ject of the with Afghanistan was rectiicaton
of boundaries; that to have scientific from
u
that the object of the but that treated it
a consequence Of the war. and that was very diff
ferent observation to make.
JUSTIFIED
What is O scientific frontier? have heard from
military authority that defend 1t with 5000 men,
while we could not defend haphazard one with
and not be free from attack But it is not for
S consider this question at this moment further
than to say that the government will take of the
security of Indian Empire. Hear. hear.) But
whatever may be our objection to the present from
tierson the northwest of India, have no doubt all
things would have gone on in the same way and no
obstacles would have presented themselves had it
not been for the sudden appearance of Russia upon
the frontier OF Afghanistan. About eight months
ago with Russia was more than probable, and
any imprudent word might have prccipitaed it, but
we know that we are on good relations with all
Powers, and not less with Russia than with any
other Power; Hear, hear.) will say Of the
expedition which Russia preparing at the time
in Central Asia. when she believed that war was in
evltable between her country and ourselves, that
think that the preparations on her part allow
able and had we been in the place of lussa we might
have done many things OF the same kind Hear
hear) There have been dreams INDUCED in which
were never realized, and perhaps Russian horsemen
might have liked to cool the hoofs of their chargers
in the waters of the Indus and our troops might
have liked to view the Caspian and rejoice at the
sight. But all these things were dreams. and can
only say that II had taken place between the two
countries, all the preparations made were perfectly
justitable, lHear; ear, They said. 1T is very
Indian frontier, but has not taken place. and
have already given orders to our troops to
retire 10 their old stations beyond the Oxus.
Our mission is merely temporary and one Of
courtesy, and soon possible 1t will be with
drawn think that sufficient and satisfactory
undertaking the part OF Russia with regard to this
country But my lords, IL was totally impossible
u.s. after all that occurred to leave things they
were. You could not go after you had found the
istan and the embassies within the walls of Cabul,
you could not 80 on on the old system, and indulge
in the fancy that your frontier was secure. 1t
therefore absolutely necessary to consider what
course should take.