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-
tion 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 ''rectifcaton." 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. lLaughter.) noble earl declared that it
recalled the worst period of the French Revolu-
tion-Qaughter)-and the noble marquis who adj
dressed US from the bench opposite seemed to
tremble when he used it, I.aughter.) ''Rectif-
cation of frontier" was great diplomatic phrase,
and if all the treaties 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
for the reciacation 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 rectifcation
of boundaries; that to have scientific from
tier instead of haphazard one: but never said shat
the object of the war; but that treated it
consequence Of the war. and that was very diff
terent observation to make.
JUSTIFIED.
What is q scientific frontier? have heard from a
military authority that defend 1t with 5000 men,
while we could not defend a haphazard with
100000 and not be free from attack But is not for
us to consider this question this moment further
than to say that the government will take OF the
security of our 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 Afghsnistan. About eight months
ago with Russia more than probable, and
any imprudent word might have preciptated 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.) l VIII say of the
expedition which Russia was preparing at the time
in Central Asia, when she believed that in
ev1table between her country and ourselves, that
think that the preparations on her part were allow
able, and had been in the place of Russia might
have done many things Of the same kind. Hear,
hcar) There have been dreams INDUCED in which
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, IL had taken place between the two
countries, all the preparations made were perfectly
justifable Hear, earl They said, 1T is very
true did intend to attack and injure you your
Indian frontier, but has taken place. and we
have already given orders to our troops to
retire to their old stations beyond the Oxus.
Our mission is merely temporary and one of
courtesy and as soon as possible it will be with
drawn. think that sufficient and satisfactory
undertaking the part of Russia with regard to this
country. But, my lords, IL totally impossible
u.s. after all that occurred to leave things they
WERE You could not go after you had found the
Russians with their army almost IN sight of Afghan
istan. and the embassies within the walls of Cabul
you could not 20 on the old system, and indulge
ia the fancy that your frontier 1t was
therefore absolutely necessary to consider what
sho