The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-04-02

Abkanoff. has long been brewing, and
matters seem to be in fair way of reach
ing a climax. If war is meant neither pow
er has a moment to lose. 1t will be the
question of race between the armies of
both countries for Herat. and the one who
obtains possession will have much to its
advantage. Russia" concluded the Cap
tain, has never had a better opportunity,
and her troops ought to seize Herat before
the English get chance to fortify and
make it impregnable.
CHEERFUL TALK.
London special
A prominent official at the Russian En-
bassy tonight offered to bet your CORE
spondent two to one, in any amount, that
there would be no war between Russia and
England. The talk ut the Russian EN-
bassy is cheerful, when visitors are present
but the gayety seems forced, and the visitor
leaves with an impression that the diplo-
mats arc trying to put good face upon a
serious matter.
WAR COUNCIL.
war council of Generals, including the
Grand Dukes Nicholas, Vladimir, Peter,
and George, has been called at st. Peters
burg, to decide if in the case of war the
regular cavalry could be used in Central
Asia, where provender and water are scarce.
India's Share.
From India come reports Of still greater
activity. Lord Dufferin has received the as
surance Of the Maharajahs of their loyalty,
and the formal offer of their forces. The
native Indian troops will furnish some
1000 men for war, but their value as
| fighting factors must be counted at not more
than half that number. The Viceroy now
HIS 10000 men ready to march, but, of
| course, all are not on or near
the Afghan frontier. He estimated that
in case of war he will require i'm
mediate reinforcements equivalent to twen-
ty-three regiments of infantry, three regi-
ments Of cavalry, two batteries Of field ar
tillery, and eighteen batteries of horse ar
tillery.
| As shadowing the future of the campaign
against the Mahdi, it is significant that the
War Office is almost resolved to send to
India from Suakim the troops now forming
the garrison there, together with the Gren-
adler Guards, now with Gen. Graham, pro-
vided arrang sments are affected with the
Porte whereby Suakim may be garrisoned
by 5000 Turkish troops in lieu of the Brit
ish force.
The Council of India has been author
lied to raise q credit of 81, 500. 900 on ac-
count of the Indian treasury for war pur-
poses. Earl Dufferin, Viceroy of India,
| Will give the AIneef Oh AIRnlnlSCtu the
grant which he demands to pay the Afghan
troops and allay the discomfort of tribal
leaders. The Ameer promises to place So
600 troops on the frontier and in the forts
at Balkh. Penjdeh, and Herat. Piepara-
tons now being made at Rawul Pindi and
Quetta indicate that an early advance will
be made via Quota and Sidi, with the OBJ
ject of reaching Hemt before the. Russians.
The authorities of Rawul Pindi presented
Lord Dufferin with an address. declaring
loyalty to her British Majesty the Empress
of India, and expressing appreciation Of
the honor done Rawul Pindi in selecting IL
as the meeting place of the council. The
address of the Rawul Pindi authorities
concluded with the following statement:
This recognition of our dignity will con-
firm that confidence in us which has been
so long established, and which is daily re-
ceiving expression from the rulers of India. !"
Earl Dufferin responded to the Rawul
Pind address very happily, and ended by
saying: "Thc offers Of loyalty and service
made upon this occasion are most eloquent
proofs of England's steadfast good faith
and noble confidence Of our friends.