Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-07-20
WAR sPECULATIONS.

The complications between Russia and
England, growing out of the Afghanistan
question, became more complex early last
week. Though hotly denied that there
was any truth in the first dispatches an
nouncing the concentration of Russian
troops at Zulikar Pass, there is no doubt
Of the substantial correctness of the re-
port. There are evidences that Russia
continues TO covet the possession of 1lerat,
which she possesses the physical ability to
take at any time. There is some reason to
place faith in the rrmor that France and
Russia have 4 friendly understanding con-
corning this project. Certainly, if Russia
intends to seize "the key" no time could
be chosen better suited to that design, nor
could there be a more favorable hour for
France to gain an ally. The activity of
England in strengthening the Indian de-
lenses indicates apprehension on the part
0f the Salisbury Cabinet that there is i'm
minent danger of a Russian advance. The
very fact that the Government at London
declines to make public the news it daily
receives from Afshanistan, adds gravity to
the situation. If the news was OF pacific
character it cannot be doubted that it
would be freely given to the press. We
have constantly held to the opinion that
there would be no declaration Of war be-
tween Russia and England. The retiracy
of Gladstone iIstifes a modification Of that
view, but stir i is not reasonable to sup
pose that the new Ministry viii court a
conflict of arms. England has nothing TO
gain by it. That she can materially aid
the Amer in saving Herat is not claimed.
The situation is now such that by three
days forced march The Russian cavalry can
be put before the walls Of the ancient city,
and in two days thereaftera force sufficient
can be concentrated IN the fertile Herat
valley to effect the capture of the city.
That once done England and Afghanistan
combined canno. retGke the place. The
very best that England can DO, it would
therefore appear, Is to treat with Russia
for the very best permanent terms possible.
She cas- check Russia at Eerat, but cannm
prevent ats capture, and however vigorous
and long war may be inaugurated, she
cannot force the Russians bach; to the orig
inal northern border Of Bfghanistan,
except by the aid % Germany. War
therefore, Will be resortod to h. Salisbury,
it would seen, only when driven 10 it by
the actual necessity Of self-defense, and
that necessity begins afte- Herat shall
have been taken. Marvin Long ago wrote:
- If we yield Zulfkar and the western
gates Of Iierat, We not only give Russia
control over avenues within one hundred
miles of the key q India, but We also seal
the fate Of Meshed snd the great Persian
dependency OF khoras5sn-theg golden com
Try, the granary Of Transcaspia." Yet.
some time ago, the English did permit
Russia to occupy Zuifkar Pass without q
murmur. There has thus leen yielded the
command of one of the richest valleys Ct
the world, region where all she armies of;
the Empire can be subsisted for any length
of time, and where Russia can found mil
itary base, and from which she cen project
designs upon the Indian frontier ut her
leisure. If there is to he war, therefore,
the battles by land viii be fought on the
southeast of Herat and within sight of the
flow of the waters Of the Hari-Rud
New ENGLAND must be reformed. Its people
must be brought to understand that they are
Americans. 81 Atlanta Ca Constitution.