The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1879-09-29
She 99ailg Atgas,
The Rivals In Central Asia.

IN l. heTdIQ.
The massacre of the English Embassy
at Cabul and the check to the advance
guard of the Russian expedition against
the Teke Turcomans seem to have induced
temporary approach of good feeling be-
tween the governments of England and
Russia. The language of the Aqence
huSSe, telegraphic agency which usually
spreads abroad the high official opinion of
st. Petersburg, has this noteworthy re-
mark Events at Cabul and in the Tur-
conan territory tend to prove the neces
sity of a good understanding between
England and Russia" This appears to
be quite remarkable language for Russia
to use, but 1t is not now. Some time ago
Professor Marten published pamphlet
10 Russia, advocating, first, the removal
OF the slender so-called neutral zone be-
tween the two Powers in Central Asia.
and, second, that England and Russia
should only be divided by mere line of
frontier 'over which two benevolent gov
ernments might shake hands and pursue
their mission. The brochure is creating
considerable interest in Continental diplo-
matte circles. The English journals,
then talking about peace with honor
and the treaty with Yakoob Khan at Gun
damak, affected to treat the suggestions
with disdain or derision. We doubt not.
however, that the English government
now sees the suggestion in more appreci-
alive light, and that its dearest wish is
that the Amer may be found guilty of
treachery toward Major Cavagnari, for 10
that case there would be DO moral or con-
scientous hiudrances in the way of occupy
ing the entire country of Afghanistan.
The Hindoo koosh would form far more
scientific boundary for Lord Beacons.
field than the passes of the Suleiman
range. Russian journals have been per-
mitted to express consent to such an
arrangement, with the simple proviso that
Russia should occupy Herat This would
bring the frontier line close enough, and
all the jealousies OF the two rival powers
would be oyer. or at least give place ouly
to watchfulness or actual hostilities, (which
would be quite as beneficial to both as the
present arrangements, so unsatisfactory to
both parties. Russia. in subiugat-
ing the Teke Turcomans and in
the capture of Merv, has doubtless
something better to do than to attempt
the annexation of India. The cession of
huluJa SHOWS ner desire 10 MAINTAIN
friendly relations rather than to come into
conflict with China. Her projects for
making naviGable canal between the Sea
OF Az0y and the Caspian and for turning
the course of the Oxus are not probably
undertaken for merely military purposes
so much as for the development of trade
with Central Asia and China. Besides
these great projects commission is now
sitting in st. Petersburg to decide on the
various routes proposed for a Central Ash
attic railroad. One route which has been
favorably noticed would extend from fash
kend, by way of Samarcand, Bokhara and
Merv, to Mesched, where it would join the
projected Persian railroad. Russia is quite
as wide awake to the commercial advant-
ages of her conquests as England. and
would doubtless be very much pleased after
she has finished with the Tekes, who really
stop the way from the Caspian to the
Chinese frontier, to be allowed time tc
carry out her grand commercial schemes
instead OF being compelled to incessant
chickering's with England in India.