The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-10-11

N'A ~ = ~
TO Cabul. There has been an interruption of
the telegraph lines between Peiwar and Ku-
rum. This fact points to the disturbances hav-
ing isolated Shutargardan. 1t is thought the
position Of Sir Frederick Roberts is rather
grave, though there is nothing to confirm such
belief except the absence of news. The prep
arations in the Khybcr Pass are rather back
ward. Our strategy is regarded by adverse
erations are confined to one line, which renders
the communications difficult
PREPARING FOR ANOTHER BATTLE
A despatch dated Simla, Friday, midnight,
says General Roberts was before Cabul OH the
9Th inst. Generals Baker and MACPHERSON
have been detailed in strength to attack the
enemy, who have assembled from the hills above
Balchissar. If those forces can be brought into
action General Roberts thinks the enemy
will be unable to make another fight Massey.
who was sent to cut off the retreat of the
Afghans on the road between Bannian and
Kohistan captured sevcnty-eght guns in Shall
pur. The guns were found in an abandoned
cantonment, and among them are seventeen
Armstrong;.
TIE BALA HIssAR EVACUATED.
The Standards despatch from Benihessar,
near Cabul, dated at late hour Oh the sth
inst, says news has been received that the cit
been evacuated by the enemy. There will prob
ably be no further resistance, and a peaceful
entry will Immediately take place An
official report from General Roberts,
dated October s, says at sunset
General Baker was about to attack the
enemy's position. 1t is believed here that the
Standards telegram is trfe later than the
official report. A despatch to the Daily Ners
from the British camp before Cabul, dated
October 8, says:-"Baker's brigade is en-
gaging the enemy on the hills to the southwest
of the city, and obstinate struggle is ex-
pCcNcu oh ShS 'bh' Ahc SHCHiy cApSSIS ~ ASAh-
forccment of three regiments from Ghuznai.',
The Times despatch from General Roberts
camp reports that three Afghan regiments pre-
viously unengaged, with the remnants of other
regiments aud many Of the city people, are
opposing the advance Of General Baker.
The Afghans occupy strong intrenched
position on the hills west OF Cabul. The
engagement mentioned in tho Daily Ne,cs
despatch was confined to an artillery duel.
The coming of night prevented the infantry
from making an attack, but heavy firing con-
tinued after dark.
THE HISTORY OF HEIAT-AFTER PERSIAN AS
sAULTs AND BRITISH INTERVENTION, IT
FINALLY PASSES INTO THE HANDS OF CADUL-
DETAILS FROM THE LONDON DAILY NEWS.
Herat is one of the most important towns in Gen.
trail Asia. 1t is great commercial centre. caravan
converging upon from every quarter of tho
compass Tho central position which gives 1t
commercial Importance gives it political impor-
tance and for the last half century it has occupied
prominent place in all speculations regarding the
best means OF safeguarding India against Russian
influence. IL over IL Wero proposed 10 invade
India from Central Asia. the easiest il not
tho only practicable route for tho army of inva-
sion would be the route which has been followed
by CONC uerng armies In old tmes-namely, by way
of Herat. Tho town lies In the valley of the Kerr
Rud, to tho wost of the great Hindoo Koosh range
of mountains and thus lies in the way of any enemy
dasirous Of cvadng that formidable barrier An
other of tho advantages which Herat Possesses for
an invading force is that the valley of which 1t is the
principal town is remarkably fertile tract. All the
materials requisite for the organization of army
and the formation of depots are to be found there
in abundance. Tho town of ,Herat is not itself in
the present state of its defences q strong place.
although the engineering skill Of young English
officer Lieutenant Pottnger. enabled 1t forty years
ago to Withstand vigorous and protracted siege by
a Persian army. 1t is surrounded by mud walls. and
presents the form of square. each side of which is
little less than mile in length. The interior is d.
vided symmetrically into four quarters by four
bazaars, covered streets. which start from gates
placed each in the middle of OF the four walled
Sides and meet in the centre of the town. Forty
wears ago tho population was estimated ut about
forty thousand, but it Is not believed to be so
large now. Readers OF Indian history know that
in the early part of this century of the objects
of English policy to Persia bulwark or
at<x. tt.t .nfx. al.