The Osceola times., 1885-04-25
ANGLO-RUSSIAN.
The Situation as Stated From o
Conservative Standpoint.
The Outlook More Pacific, But Numerou,
Questions Arising Liable to snap the Al
ready Strained Relations of the Two
Governments-GIadsto Policy.

attention Of politicians, and little else is
being discussed. That England and Rus
sia are concluding arrangements for the
peaceful settlement of the Afghan ques-
ton, which will include the cession OF
Peujdeh to Russia, is no longer doubted,
and, indeed, in some circles the opinion
is expressed that an agreement has al
ready been established upon the above
basis. 1t is generally believed that the
effect OF this compact will not be TO
avert, but to postpone war. At all events,
that is the view taken of it in opposition
circles, and many of the ministerial party
express the same sentiment. Its immcdi-
ate effect, however, will be to clear the
air of the electricity which has filled 1t
| for the past fortnight, and TO restore pub
| lie confidence. The danger OF war has,
undoubtedly, been arrested and perma-
nent peace may be secured, though many
contend that at best the rcpose will not
extend beyond a few years. 1t Is under
stood that the ministers will not relin-
| quish their preparations for war with
/ Russia, though doing everything in the
/ interim to avert that castrophe until the
/ agreement has been signed and they be-
/ come fully satisfied that Russia intends
to keep the terms of the compact.
40 DARDANELLEs, NO LOAN.
LONDON, April l9.-If there is to be no
Dardaneles for the English there will be
no loan for the Turks. That is the most
practical outcome likely to result from
the Austro- German notification to Tur-
key that If English or Russian war yes-
sells are allowed to pass between the
Black Sea and the Mediterranean, the
treaty of Berlin will be regarded as an
nulled As far as this is threat to Tur-
kew it is futile, for there is nothing that
Turkey would witness with greater COM
placency than the annulment oil the treaty
OF Berlin, which dismembered her Empire
by slashlng off certain Northern depend
encics. The closing of the Dardanclles
against England would doubtless be very
agreeable TO the Continental powers, as
it would prevent repetition OF the OIL
fensivc spectacle presented to them when
Lord Beaconsfleld sent his fleet with guns
shottcd and decks cleared for action to
| Constantinople during the Turco-Russian
war at the memorable crisis when the
Russians had reached San Stefano and
were knocking at the gates of Stamboul.
THE SCENE SHIFTING.
Despite their wishes, however, there Is
not diplomatic in Europe who does not
know That If England guarantees the
Turkish loan the resistance to the passage
OF the Dardancllcs by a British fleet VIII
not be very formidable, but the other end
of the waterway leading from Russian
waters will be Theoretically sealed to the
Russian flag. The scene is beginning to
shift to the real objective point OF
diplomacy cy-Constantinople and there
are distinct indications In London today
that when it comes to "A question OF Con-
stantinoplc the British public is fully
alive TO the situation. Mr.. Gladstone 5
administration will not be worth an
hours purchase il he allows any fooling
over the blue waters Of the Dardanelles.
BEAcoNsfIELD's SCIENTIFIC FRONTIER.
LONDON, April l9.-The Conservative
leaders had an informal meeting last
evcnin for consultation on the policy OF
the party in relation TO the unsatisfactory
situation in Afghanistan. 1t was agreed
that, while the Government should re-
ceiyc the support of the opposition in as
|
pirc, explanations should be sought as to
the real intentions OF the Cabinet. The
feeling prevails that the opposition is In
duty bound to bring pressure to bear on
the Government to insure the scientific
frontier of Lord Beaconsheld, and to pre-
vent repetition OF the loss of life and
treasure of the last Afghan campaign
being made in reliance upon representa-.
tons of friendship which are contradicted
by warlike acts. The oppo' ition party,
unless further Information changing the
aspect of the situation shall be received,
is not in favor of tying the hands OF the
Government In regard to Penldeh and
Uerat. The Conservatives Will be con
tent if the Government leave the Afghans
to fight their own battles and fight oil
J fratcrnize with Russia as they prefer, Sc
long as the scientific frontier established
| by Lord Beaconsteld be held and an un-
dcrstandlng be entered into with Russia
for the establishment of a neutral zone
north of the recognized Afghan frontier
WILLING TO CHANGE THE BATTLE GROUND
The Conservative leaders recognize the
fact that British campaign on the from
tiers of a country still smarting from 4
recent invasion and remote from ihC
British base might have disastrous con
seqences. They would prefer to meet
Russia on ground conquered from Afghan
istan by force OF arms behind frontier
chosen with special view to the contin
gencies now likely to arise, where the
only accessible points would be held by
the British with ample supplies, railroad
facilities and good roads and lines o
communication to the rear, leaving tC
Russia the peril Of advancing far from
her base through an enemy's country, sub
ject to the necessity OF protecting many
miles of communication from swarms ol
ferocous and half. savage tri6csmen.
JEALOUS OF THEIR AMERICAN COUSINS
LONDON, April l9.-Much jealousy has
been caused in certain quarters by the
action of the Government in contract
ing with foreign firms for war material
Gunpowder has been purchased in Ger.
many, rails and machinery in Belgium
and cartridges in America. These mat
ters are freely commented upon espe-
cialy as trade is not over fourshing
in England. IL is said that these arti-
eles could have been obtained as quick
" and chcapy at home. What has
called for the sharpest criticism are the
contracts entered into with an American
firm to supply certain powerful duplex
pumps for pumping condensed sea.
water from the Red Sea as far inland
from Suskim as might be necessary, and
with certain other American firms for
supplying large amount of canned
meats for the army. The trade jour
nails threaten the Government with all
sorts of terrible things, and allege that
these contracts could have been placed
with EnClish firms who were hettar akle