Huntsville gazette., 1885-04-18
PEACE OR WAR.

ing On In England and Russia.
THE LATEST PHASE OF THE SITUATION,
LONDON, April 13.-There is now an
almost unanimous consensus of opinion
that England has been outwitted by
Russia, But the chances of peace are Just
distinctly improved, and the most cool
headed observers believe that all reason
able excuse for further puttering is de-
stroyed. The ground for this belief Is
the general conviction that the Cabinet
must regard General Komaroff's dispatch
| regarding the battle on the Kushk and its
antecedent maneuvers as being
virtually Russia's reply to Lord Gran
ville's demand for an explanation. The
report of General Komaroff abSorbs at
tention in military and political circles.
The imputation that English officers in
stigated the Afghans to advance is scout
ed by the politicians, but the report Of
Captain Yates on this point is anxiously
awaited. Sir Peter Lumsden has already
described the Afghan movement as an act
of purely defensive strategy, but his
brief dispatch was based up
on the report of his staff officers.
Captain Yates, and the details of the lat
ter's report are needed to establish the
facts to the satisfaction of military ex-
perts. The Cabinet, however, will be
forced to speak without waiting for de-
tailed report of an already old story from
a detailed officer. 1t is expected that
Mr.. Gladstone will make statement in
the House of Commons tomorrow.
The Tories and the bulls believe that
the Premier will say in effect that the
Afghans provoked and deserved the
thrashing they got. This assertion will
OF course be CLOSED with phrases OF
sympathy and regret. 1t may also be
accompanied by the statement that Rus
sia has made some important con-
cessions regarding the southern
limit of the debatable zone,
Then the bulls will have their innings on
the Stock Exchange. 1t is reported that
the bears netted $1,250,000 profits by
last Thursdays panic, and the bulls hope
ty recoup to-day or tomorrow. The ef-
feet of General Komaroff's statement has
been weakened by reports received by
way of the Austrian telegraph stations
on the Russian frontier that
Penjdeh was occupied by Colonel Allah
anoff on the I'd inst.
Russia explains that Komaroff was
obliged to occupy Penldeh in order to
stop the pillaging OF the district by Tur-
comans, and that the Afghans had threat
ened to resume offensive operations.
Although the peace side of the balance
is slowly rising, the executive depart
mentS are relaxing none of the vigor
of their preparations for war. The full
force of officers and artisans at Wool
witch Arsenal has been worked through
out this week, day and night, preparing
heavy sea ordnance. The special
object of yesterdays overwork was the
arming of the chartered transatlantic
vessels, Oregon and America. The pro-
fessional and other critics of the Admir-
laty have renewed their attack, and find
many chances to carp at the presentprep-
arations. The latest charge is that there is
scarcely a vessel in the Pet Channel fleet
that could steam 100 miles at the rate OF
ten knots per hour without disabling her
machinery. The Admiralty officials re-
ply that it is quite possible that their OPP
ponents would be unable to traverse
the same distance at five knots
per hour without some mlShap.
1t is admitted that Russia has more
naval vessels than England, but the reply
is made that England annually spends
more on her navy than Russia does on
hers, the natural corrollary being that
England's vessels are originally better,
and are better maintained than Russia's.
KoMARoFF's EXPLANATION.
ST. PETERSBURG, April 13. - The
Proreetelstrenni VIestnek Government
messenger) published yesterday tele-
gram from General Komaroff explaining
the cause Of the battle with the Afghans
on March 3Oth. On March 25th, this dis
patch says, the Afghans encamped in
force on the Russian bank OF Kushk
River. Wishing to avoid conflict
Komaroff paid no attention to them, ex-
cept to keep watch upon their move
ments. Finding themselves unmolested,
the Afghans became more aggressive
as accessionS to their numbers
from time to time arrived, and finally
captured commanding position on the
nights, driving back the Russian pickets,
who occupied it, and advancing their
own picket line. Komaroff thereupop
requested the Afghan commander to
withdraw to the opposite bank OF the
river. He refused to comply with this
request, saying that he was
acting entirely upon the advice
Of British officials. second
request, couched in the most friendly
terms, was dispatched, but to this no an
swer was returned. Komaroff then, hop
ing to intimidate the Afghans by an ag-
gressive movement, advanced part OF
his army, when the Afghans opened fire
on them. The Russians then advanced in
force, and made short work OF the Al
ghans."
The Russian press unanimously declare
that Komaroff's explanation is sufficient
reply to England's demand.
Work at the Imperial Arsenal IS Delns
pushed as rapidly as possible, and
largely augmented force of artisans is
employed night and day. Lieutenant
General Abrietchoff, the conquerer OF
Moukhtar Pasha in the last Russo-Turk-
ish war will, it is said, proceed at once TO
Merry to assume command of the Russian
army.
Adyices from Odessa state that there ls
,reat military activity in that city. ms
s manifested not only by the garrison,
but also by other troops stationed there
Numerous battalions of Cossacks are re-
oyorr Iav The garrison dJ