The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-11-14
THE ONUS IN IT'S OLD RED.
Russian Engineering Altering the Map of
Modern Asia.

II the Russian papers are correct in as
sorting that the Anu Darya has returned TO its
original bed, one OF the most extraordinary
revolutions has occurred In Central Asia
Whether the work has been accomplished by
human means. as is more probable. o. by the
fat Of nature as the Russians would have il
appear. there can be- no question that this even:
must work a great change in the existant con-
dition Of things n Western Turkestan.
The ANU Darya. or ONus. has for several
centuries discharged itself into the southeast
corner OF the Sea 81 Aral But geographers
had proved TO the satisfaction Of all students Of
thu question that even in the fifteenth century
II still preserved It's original and natural course
70 the caspian sea. ultimately connected with
the Amou question Is that OF the past existence
OF the Arul Sea. which is known at various
periods TO have been to a great extent converted
into marsh and which now owes It's existence
principally TO its two river feeders. the Oxus
and the JaXartes.
But the question Of the original bed Of the
Oxus is not 50 simple rs II would appear from
the question whether its true outlet is in the
Caspian or in the Aral. for there yet remains TO
decide which is it, ancient bed 10 the former
sea. The more probable view is That 1t WAS
that known as the OghuZ. which. skirting the
steep ~ Urt plateau traced It's way 70 the Cas-
plan either NJ Balkan or Michael Bay That
bed still remains clearly ira cable from Khiya
10 the Caspian, and IL WAS with the object Of di-
vertng the Oxus 10 that channel thnt the Com
pany for the Encouragement OF Industry and
Commerce" wa- started some eight years ago
under the special patronage Of the Grand Duke
Constantine and Prince Gortchakon. The
scheme is a grandiose one, and in order 10 car
~ II out to a successful conclusion would ne
hor that could not be- applied without some ru-
NOR Of II reaching our ears
AT the same time II Is wise 20 recognize that
II this design We're accomplished. II would give
Russia immense advantages, of which not the
least would be direct water way from the Vol
"a u Charlui. on the borders Of BOkhara and
the Turcoman country. There is also another
abandoned channel known as the southern
branch Of the river. This breaks off at Haza-
rasp. south Of the city OF khiva. and Is tracrabe
across Kara Kun and through the kuren Dagh
~ entered me Iasplan probably IN the vicinity
81 the Atrek River NJ place Still known rs
Aktubbe. II consequently passed close 20 Kill
Arvat, the Turcoman post which the Russians
appear now 10 have permanently seized
strictly speaking. these are the only two
original beds OF the Oyus but it is highly inn
probable that It 10 10 either of them that the
River Oxus has reverted. II such were the case
y would not only lead 10 Russia reoccupying
khiva." but also 10 her acqulr ug possession Of
the whole Of Kara Kun. aud the centre Of her
power IN Central Asia would AZ once be shifted
from Tashkent to Krasnovodsk and the shores
OF the Caspinn-a revolution in present circum-
stances IN Central Asia which must be obvious
TO every observer.
1t is more probable. however that the change
is not OF this start ng charaoter, and that the
rumor refers only TO the Luudan arm of the
river. which is the most western branch oi IT,
and which should flow into the mArshy lake OF
Albugilr the southwestern corner Of the Aral
Sea. This arm was damned up about tilty
years ago. and its waters diverted 10 another
arm but ever since It has displayed constant
inclination 70 return 10 lis former course. The
now OF water was believed 10 DE lncreasln M with
each year, so that the task would not have been
dlmcult one OF removing the dam altogether.
and thus restoring the Lnudan brancn 10 It's
Cured
1t may also be the first step toward the compile
ton Of the greater DIES en OF flooding the Oghuz
channel: but to effect that gigantic scheme
much remains to be- done. Ii is necessary Ia
remember that the greatest rush OF water is AT
present toward the west. because he canals for
irrigation, &c.. Hre all constructed on the lett
hank Of the river. This tact must facilitate the
task Of restoring the OXus To its old bed. The
Russians probably mean by the phrase " re-
occupying Khiya," that they will seize the Lau-
dan mouth OF the river.