New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-05-10

ha,.o d;snelIed the illusion by explaining WnaI
- 70 that the arbitrator is to be asked to decide
II is not n military question, but simple mat
ter of Interpretation. Russia has assumed tle
entire responsibility for the battle IN front Vi
penideb. General KomarOh acted under IN
structions and is not to be dlscredIted. fehJ-
deb. moreover, is to be retained, whether IL mas
been legally or illegally acquired. Inc sole
point which the arbitrator is to determine Is
whether the agreement OF March 10 proVlueu
for the contingency involving the advance Oh
General KOmaroif's force. There is to be qulD-
bling over the privilege of liberty OF acton
VIII oh Russia reserved for herself in case OF
l. some extraordinary reason" Her dlplomatists
will contend that the contingency arose anu
justified acts of aggression; but even II their
cas-. be invalidated by the arbitrator nothing
more than diplomatic explanat on or apology
ran be exacted. Penjdeh acquired by as
honest battle and through periidious breach OF
faith is to be permanently occupied, without
reference to the arbitratOrs decision.
The terse presentation of the case IN onr
snoc,oI cable dispatches ought to convince every
dispassionate reader that the arbitration agree
ment is broad farce. In the FIRST stage OF inc
NEGOTIATIONS Russia seized important positions
ment that has been reached every one OF those
positions is retained. In the secohu stage VI 'no
din,omatic campaign, General Komaroh's forces
advanced and defeated the Alghans after Ine
Government had pledged itself TO allow no lot
ward movement to be made; and by the settle
ment the military question is not to be dlscusseu
and Penideh is to remain a Russian stronghold.
The only concession that NJ. de Giers has maze
is to allow little quibbling over the phrase
Oioyy Of an agreement, which was violated as
soon a, il was made and NJ. KatkOh, one OF
fine triumyirate by wnOn the Car is powerfully
swayed, takes all the grace out OF this act OF
Cancellation by his cOntemptuOns exp anatlons
Russia has assentcd tO arbitration, according 10
his representations. in order to find an honor
able issue for Mr. Gladstone out OF his DIM
entities. and has actel out of consideration for
his feelings and former policy Such sarcasm
"a that converts the diplomatic comedy into
roaring farce
Lord Granville is himself IA grotesque as the
Russian diplomatist who has dropped his mask
To show the grnning face that has been behind
il. No sooner is peace assured on the basis OF
n little mild quibbling in exchange for every
commanding position on the Afghan frontier
than the British Foreign Office asks Russia to
pledge itself neither to advance beyond NJ.
Lessar's boundary nor to occupy llerat. These
questions are discussed after peace is negotiated.
A Government that was not bent upon making
n burlesque of its diplomacy would have con-
sidercd them before cOnscntng to humiiat-
ing peace Lord Granville, moreover, in an oIt-
burst of extravaglnt humOr, has declared that
England ought not to eight with every adyant-
age on the i issian side. Apparently the
British Government are considering proposals
for the speedy removal of Herat to the Indus
Valley, where it can be defended with base Of
supplies close at hand. In this way they may
fairly hope to conduct campaign with Russia
very comfortably with the military advan taSes
on their side. Unfortunately Russia may
swoop down upon Herat before it can be moved.