Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-09-09
THE AFGHAN OUTBREaK.

The popular uprising at Cabul against the
British, in the course of which the ambassa-
dor, Major Cavagnari, and a large number
of his suite were killed, presents new compli-
cations with which the Indian government
will have to deal. The revolt was led, it
seems, by two Afghan regiments, which were
shortly Joined by all the troops at Cabul and
by tho populaoe at large. The British en-
bassy was comparatively unprotected, and
the inmates soon fell victims to the fury of
the mob, but few escaping instant death.
The palace of the ameer, Yakoob Khan, was
also beseiged. but from what reports have
reached US he was able to resist the attack
and escape without bodily harm.
A significant rumor comes with the news
of the revolt and slaughter, that it was TO-
msnted and encouraged by emiesaries of the
Russian government. We are not unpre-
pared to believe the report. It is we'll known
that ever since the difficulties between A.
ghanistan and India began, the Russi an
government has done all in it's power to
hamper the progress of the Anglo Indian
troops, and at one time the hostility of Rus
STA to the British advance was 80 pronounced
that there was imminent danger of war be-
tween the two countries. It was averted at
that time through withdrawal of the oppo.
sition of Russia, but it is questionable if it
can be averted now in case the current re-
ports of Russia's agency in promoting the
recent revolt shall prove to be we'll founded.
The outbreak and all its attendant horrors
are most deplorable. The campaign which
ultimated in the British occupancy of Cabul
was comparatively bloodless. It was i'm
portant only in so far as it placed
a bar against any European
invasion of India. But on
this account it has been the more distasteful
to Russia, which has long sought a pretext
for nearer approach to Hindoostan. The
campaign will have to be fought over again,
but will inevitably come to the same results.
If, failing to effect its purpose in az open
manner, it shall be proved that Russia re-
sorted to the intrigue which led to the mas
sacre of the British embassy, she will have
forfeited all claims to the sympathy of the
world, and deserve as she will receive uni
versal execration.
The truth is-and her course in the last
war with Turkey bears out the assertion
that Russia, Notwithstanding the intelli gence
of her rulers and the shrewdness of her
diplomats, is as yet but semi-civilized. In
her dealings with other powers, when dplo-
macy fails her, she resorts to the tactics of
the barbarian with no apparent COM
Function. Though assassination and in
element to violence are not
openly counselled, the government generally
connives to procure them whenever pur.
pose is to be served. The hand of the gov
eminent can often bs seen in affairs like the
Cabul massacre, yet SO shrewdly are such af-
fairs conducted that it is difficult to fix the
responsibility directly upon it. Humane
feeling is stranger to those in authority
whenever any scheme for the aggrandize.
ment of the nation can be subserved by jig.
noring it, and human life has no sacredness
in any part of the empire. Perhaps it il
rule the destinies of all the Russias should
be taught lesson in humanity, and the af
lair in Afghanistan may yet be made tc
serve as the text of the discourse.