New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1885-04-13
lKoMARoFFs REASONS FOR HIS ATTACK.


THE AFGHAN COMMANDER WOULD NOT RETIRE AND
HE WAS FORCED TO FIGHT.
ST.. PETERSBURG, April 12.-Ih Ofcldt Messenger
publishes the following telegram from General
Komaroff, dated April l.
ION March % our detachment approached Dash
kepri. When near the bridge we saw an intrencf-
ment occupied by Afghans. In order to AVOID con-
fct stationed my troops five versts Ia little over
three miles) from the Afghan position. Negotiations
with CAPTAIN Yate Ia member of Sir Peter Lums-
denis force) began on March 26. When the Afghans
became convinced that we had 10 intention of
attacking them they daily drew nearer
10 our camp. On March 81 they dispatched
against company of ours covering
q accommodating party three companies
with gun and cavalry. Next day, their
audacity and arrogance increasing, they occupied
q high and commanding position on the left Hank
of our camp, made intrenchments and placed a cav
airy post in the of our line and picket within
gunshot of our fort. On March 20 | sent the AT
CHAN commander an energetic summons to evacuate
the left bank of the Kushk and the left bank of
the Murghab as far as the mouth of the kushk
He replied that acting on the advice of the
English he would not retire beyond the Kushk. l
then sent him a private letter couched
In amicabe terms. On March 80. in order to sup
port nv demand, marched with my detachment
against the Afghan position, still expecting
pacific issue; but fire from the Afghan artillery and
On attack of their calvary compelled me to accept
combat"
The st. Petersburg journal says that the forego-
ing statement leaves no question OF Russian ag-
gression; that, moreover. Sir Peter Lumsdens
second dispatch to the British Government justified
General Komarotf7s action, and that even Mr.
Gladstone has shown a praisewOIthy anxiety TO
atone for the ungracious words about Russia which
first escaped him.
1t Is reported that Internationally N Obront-
chef Chief OF the General Staff of the Imperial Army,
is about to proceed to Merv to assume command Of
all the military operations in Turkestan and
Afghanistan. General Obrontcheff is known
the conquerOr of Moukhtar Pacha, whom he de-
feated at Aladja-Dagh, after pitched battle last
ing two days. in October, 1877.
The Imperial arsenals at KrOnstadt and elswhere
are being worked to their utmost capacity, prepar-
ing field and siege artillery small arms and ammu-
milton for immediate service.
LONDON April 12-General Komaroff has made a
detailed statement, tending to show that the
Aghans provoked the recent battle. The effect of
this statement however. has been weakened by
reports received by way of the Austrian telegraph
stations on the Russian frontier. Penjdeh was oc-
eupied by Colonel AlikhanOf on April g Russia
explains that General KomarOif was obliged to oc-
district by Turcomans, and that the Afghans had
threatened TO resume offensive operations.
The Russian Minister of War has sent congrat-
ulatory message to General Komarof and has
directed him to thank the troops, In the name of
The Car, and TO announce to them that all who
TOOK part in the battle will be rewarded according
70 their rank
The Ameer upon leaving Rawal-Pindi expressed
himself as certain that the whole Of Afghanstan
would welcome the assistance of British and
indian troops TO repel Russia.
Several batteries of artillery have been ordered
70 embark at once for India.
selling was resumed yesterday afternoon by
operators for a fall. and panic, which was immi-
nent, was only checked by continued purchases for
herin account. The German Bourses rely on the
sru'n Oh the reports that Emperor William is
essiduous IN urging the Gear to oppose the war
party In Russia, and also that Prince Bismarck. if
apoint Is reached where the diplomatic relations
VI England ana Russia are broken, will offer the
mediation Of Germany.
kLoNDoN, April 13.-The DAILY Mems in nm od;
torial this morning says it is not likely that
The Government will make any statement of
aw policy in Parliament tonight, but that
u will simply announce the details of the
dispatchng Of the reserves. Continuing, The Neps
says that If General Komaroff's statement be cor
rect 1t Of course shifts the blame upon
inc Afghans; but that it is diff
cut to reconcile the statement with
!ne fact that neither Sir Peter Lumsden nor Cap
tsin fate, who must know the facts, mention the
circumstances as reported by General Komaroff
AM SfGnddrd in an editorial saws
"at 'ieneral KomarofPs statement is an