The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-30
patton The News also suggests that it is a
serious question whether there is any use of con-
tinuing the negotiations with Russia
RUssIA,s LATEST ADVANCE.
A Clear Invasion of Afghan Territory and q
Precursor of War.

A Clear Invasion of Afghan Territory and q
Precursor of War.
LONDON, April 29-It is stated that the gov
ernment has received an important memoran-
dunn from Lord Dufferin, the viceroy of india
upon the views of the Indian government and
upon the action Of Russia since the beginning of
the existing controversy over the defnitive
boundary of Russia and Afghanistan.
The Standard, referring to the occupation of
Maruehek by the Russians, in an editorial says
There can be no question of Afghan provoca-
ton in this instance. The occupation of
Maruchek stands out broadly and undisguisedly
as clear invasion of the territory of Afghan
istan, without even the pretense of military
necessity Assuming that the news Of the occu
patton of Maruchek is correct, there is little
room for doubt that it can be considered any
| thing else than deliberate act of aggression,
and this act of aggression has the appearance OF
being specially chosen in order that there may
be no possibility of further mistake. 1t is a de-
Gberate breach of a solemn covenant, fragrant
violation of Russias promises and assurances y
The Russian advance south of Penjdeh and
| the occupation of Maruchek are regarded in par
liamentary circles as dspelling the last hopes Of
u
upon Herat.
The Times in review of the recent past
actions of Russia, says that the spirit thus re-
vealed gives little hope that EnglanG's last over
lures will receive a satisfactory reply. A refusal
to treat upon that basis will involve diplomatic
| rupture which is but little removed from actual
war.
The speech of Mr.. Gladstone in the House of
Commons on Monday, upon the vote of credit of
$685. 5000 600, was received with profound interest
| throughout Europe, and was published in full in
| all the newspapers. It has dispelled any idea
| that may have been entertained heretofore that
England will make concessions to Russia. The
| general opinion of the press is that the speech
| makes war certain. The newspapers are filed
| with discussions of the probable alliances the
respective belligerents may form in the event of
the war, now thought so near at hand not being
confined to ASIA but being extended to Europe
It was during the meeting at Rawul- Pindee
that the Ameer told Earl Dufferin that, though
he regarded the occupation of Pepjdeh of little
consequence, yet he attached the greatest i'm
portanSe to the retention Of Maruchek, which is
half way between Penjdeh and Bala Murghab
Once the Russians gain that point, they will be
able to threaten Bolkh and cut off communica-
tion with Cabul The latest Russian advance is
expected to bring the question to crisis. The
current opinion is that Russia is really preparing
for war much more rapidly than she appears to
be, the Russian papers being warned to secrecy.
1t is reported that the Khan of Bokhara earnest
ly warned the Ameer not to neglect Cabul and
Balkh while taking steps to protect Herat as the
Russians army was massing in Turkestan, near
Samarcand with the intention of marching on
Balkh and proclaiming Ayoub Khan Ameer,
while the Afghan army was engaged at Herat
His letter to the Ameer concludes: II know for
certain that the Russians intend not to march
beyond Herat, but will cut off your line Of re-
treat to Cabul and England's line of retreat to
Candahar."
In the House of Commons to-day, Lord Ed
ward Fitzmaurice, under Secretary for Foreign
Affairs, read a telegram from Gen. Sir Peter
Lumsden, dated at Tirpul April % This tele-
gram mentions that the governor of Herat
had received report that the Russian troops
had advanced up Maruchek Lord Edward also
said that General Lumsden himself, in a tele.
gram of date April 25, incidentally speaks of the
recent occupation of Maruchek by the Rus
slams.
The Russian reserves at Odessa are mobiizing
All business transactions now being entered
into at Odessa undertaken subject to heavy
war risks. The Russian government has order
ed the Southwestern railway to prepare several
hundred railway carriages, and have them ready
at as early moment as possible for the purpose
of carrying troops 1t is reported that the news
papers published within the Russian empire
have been forbidden to print anything in refer
ence to current events in central Asia
Fifty heavy guns have been sent from Kieff
to Finland
The Gar has signed orders for the equipment
of the whole feet The Russian Minister of
Marine has completed an inspection of all the
forts at Cronstadt.
A wulPindee letter states that the Ameer
of Afgkanistan regards the Russians as enemies
anxious to sieze Herat the whole of Afghan,
Turkestan and Badakahed, and therefore looked
to England, apparently in all sincerity, to aid
him in repelling Russia.
Advices from Tirpul of April 90 say "At an
interview on March 2S, the Russian commander
informed Captain Yate that the fact that Gen
eral Komaroff affirmed that Pul-i-Khisti was
Russian property ought to be sufficient Cap
tain Yate pointed out what he termed the abb
surdity of the pretension, the Afghans being al
ready in possession of the place. Before the bat
tie the Russians dated their letters Pull Khist
War Preparations ON the volga.
NEW YORK. April 29.-An evening paper
prints interviews to night on the Russian prep
arations for war. with several people who have
just arrived from st. Petersburg Capt. Charles
S. Hartwell, U. s. A., who spent his youth in
Russia and has just returned from prolonged
visit there, said: when left St Petersburg
month ago three of my relatives were ordered to