Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-11-25
The Afghan War.

The Afghan War.
The commencement of hostilities between
the British government and Afghanistan has
been announced, the 2lst inst. being the date
of this important event. A despatch from
Lord Cranbrook, Secretary Of State for
India has been made public, which relates
the causes Of the war as understood by the
British officials in India. 1t appears by this
that the British policy has been for many
years to cultivate friendly relations with Shore
Ali, the Ameer or present ruler Of Afghanis-
tan, and to encourage the establishment Of
strong government there as a protection to
the frontier Of British India against Russian
aggression. Some years ago, however, the
Amer desired and attempted to obtain from
the British government definite avowal as to
how far it would 60 in Afghanistan against
agressions by the Russian government, but
received IN evasive answer at which he was
not pleased. This seems to be the point at
which GOODNESS began on the part of the
Ameer, and out of which has arisen the war
now begun. The Russians took advantage
Of the ill-fesling thus engendered in Afghan.
istan toward the British, and succeeded as
events show in gaining for their own purposes
the friendship Of the Amer and defeating the
policy of the British. This is the statement
Of Lord Cranbrook, which throws the re-
spopsibility for the war upon the administra-
sion Of Gladstone.
Tho British government finding that the
Russians had an eye toward India, deemed it
prudent to attempt to re-establish their for
NOR relations with Shere Ali, but the mis-
sions which were sent for that purpose all
failed, and had the modification of seeing
ENJOYS Of Russia established in the country
while their own were rejected. This was
more than British blood could bear, and &C.
cordingly message was sent to the Ameer
demanding an apology and full reparation for
the injury and insult to the British govern
msnt, the 10th Of November being fixed as the
last day on which such apology would be re-
ceived. The Goth came, and no apology or
answer TO the British demand having been
rendered by the Afghan chief, on the next
day, the 2lst, the British troops began the
movement against Afghanistan.
How far the Russians are enlisted in sup
port Of the Ameer is not known, only as it
may be oonjecturcd. Though they do not
appear an actively interested party thus far,
there seems to be little doubt that the finger
of the Csar is directing the course of
Shere Ali. What is now taking place in
Afghanistan, was predicted on the breaking
out Of the Russo Turkish war, and repeated
at the very time the English were jubilant
over the completed proceedings Of the Con
gress at Berlin. A distinguished German
writer at that time said "The Congress has
worked almost by steam to secure the peace
Of the world; but it need not be too proud Of
It's work. The first rife shot fired in Central
Asia will find an echo in the renewed roar Of
cannon in Eastern Europe. Once more per-
haps. the diplomatists have made mistake :"
1t is not impossible that struggle has
commenced which will try the sinews of
England and Russia, with results of the
greatest Importance to both, the stake being
the ultimate control and possession Of British
India. Should it develop into war having
Tor it, object the supremacy in India, its mag
nitude win be immense.