Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-04-17
ANGLO.RUSSIAN DISPUTE,
WAR PREPARATIONS INHABITED.
MIR. Gladstone in the House of Commons
Bombay Harbor Lined with Torpedoes
negotiating with the United
states for the "Dolphin."

LONDON, April 14.-Mr. Gladstone in the
House of Commons this afternoon stated
that word had been received from Sir
Peter Lumsden which showed that there
was no confirmation of the report that the
Russians had advanced to the Murghab
river after the battle of Penjdeh. Con
tinuing Mr. Gladstone said that the re-
suit of the governments comm unications
with Russia concerning its reported ad
vance amounted to renewal of Russia's
assurances that no such advance will oc-
cur if the issue of contrary orders and the
declaration of contrary intention can
prevent it,
IIoyds insurance premiums on bottoms
for the Black sea, the Sea of Azof and the
Baltic sea have been doubled. Seventy
thousand animals for the transport ser
vice of the Indian army are proceeding
to piShin. The harbor of Bombay has
been lined with torpedoes so AS to prevent
a Russian fleet from entering It in the
event of war and four million cartridges
have been landed at Bombay.
Sir Lepe Griffin has gone on a special mis-
sion to the greater native princes of India
to arrange for the organization of an army
of India and Central Asia. The Ameer of
Afghanistan after holding n durbar at
Cabul will send ENJOYS to Bokhara,
Samarci nd and other centers in Asiatc
Rus STA to offer the natives English aid,
money and arms against Russia. RumOrS
were current lin the House of Commons
that the Russian troops were advancing to
Herat. These rumors have not been con-
iirmed.
Sir Peter Lumsden's reply to General
komaroffs report is expected in London
on the 23d. General komaroff's reply to
rfl IL,
nation of the affair of March 30, which re-
quest was made at the instance of the
British government yesterday, is expected
to arrive on the 18th inst The military
preparations of the British government
continue undated. The government has
decided to purchase four more steamers
similar to the America and to equip them
as armed cruisers. The number of men
Of-War, now being prepared for service, is
so great that it is believed that active
officers cannot be found for them
all, and that it will be necessary
to resort to the retired list. The
steel armor plated turretship Colos
sus of $3.50 tons register and 1870
horse power, one of the most formidable
ironclads in the British navy, will soon be
ready for sea and it is believed will be at
tached to the Baltic fleet. Gibraltar and
other British strongholds are to he put in a
complete state OF defence. Additional
supplies of torpedoes of the latest approved
pattern are being forwarded to all naval
stations both at home and abroad.
A despatch from Trpul dated April o,
says The Afgh estimate their cas-
ualties in the fight at Penjdeh at 700. 1t
is generally believed, however, that con-
Sternation caused them to overrate their
losses.
CHATHAM, April IA large draft of
marines has been ordered to join the Bal
tic fleet at Davenport tomorrow.
TEHERAN, April 1.-THE Teheran Ga
zette states that the Shah has consented
TO the marching of Russian troops across
the Persian territory to reinforce the army
now on the Afghan frontier.
WASHINGTON, April lit is stated that
Russia has offered 100000 more for the
despatch boat Dolphin than the govern
ment has agreed to pay. Mr.. Roach has
requested an immediate answer to his de-
mand for final payment by the govern
ment.
Reported Agreement Between the two
Powers-Englan Continues Her
War Preparations-Lord Duffer-
ms Arrival at Lahore.
LONDON, April 15.--In the Cabinet to-
day the Anglo-Russian situation, it is said
was represented TO be us follows: Eng
land and Russia have agreed upon "a basis
for the delimitation of the Afghan from
tier, subject to satisfactory explanation
by Russia of the recent attack of the AT
ghans. According to this scheme it is
said Pen jdeh will be coded to Russia pro
vided the Amer consents.
Recruiting for the navy continues will
great activity. Navy pensioners hav,
been invited to volunteer
The departure of the dragons from
Brighton for India which was fixed 70
to-day has been postponed pending tn
issue of the negotiations between Eng
land and Russia. 1t is believed in oliicia
circles that there is no material change il
the Afghan situation. No reliable infOr
nation with reference to the dispute il
expected for some some days yet
EA despatch to the Daily Telegraph from
Constantinople says the Shah of Persi
has offered to let England have 1000 PEI
sian troops in the event of war with Rus
Sia
The Post has reason to believe that tn
government has received unfavorabl
news from St Petersburg. Russia sti
maintains the positions which she has a
ready occupied and intmates that unles
England holds herself responsible for tn
acquescence of the Amer in these advaI
ces General komarotf will advance an
seize Herat.
PARIS April 15.-La Paix says in tn
event of war between England and Russi
the other powers especially France, mus
remain neutral. La PaiX hints that the pow
ers have already reached an agreement
remain neutral.
LAHORE, April 15-Lord Duffern a
rived to-day. He was met by a gre,
crowd and accorded a splendid reception
Replying to an address of welcome, IL
Earl spoke officially of the Anglo Russia
situation in significant words. Anon
other things he said Coming from in
wit hn m nf
ghanistan, whose dominions, so far as
have been able to ascertain, have been IL
scene of an unprovOked attack, it is
great satisfaction to find the princes al
people of India ready, with one accord,
rally around the standard of Great Britai
even at Il great distance from their ow
frontier. 1t is impossible to say now no
the present crisis will end. If it ends
war that result will be in spite of ii
earnest and anxious endeavOrs of Il
British government to avoid so dire a
suit and in defiance of their most mode
ate and conciliatory conduct"