The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1885-04-15
THE FIRST BATTLE.
Russians Attack the Afghans on Murghsb
River and Drive them Back
with Severe Loss.
First Step in n Long Contemplated Contest
for Supremacy In Asia-Bloody and
Desperate Conflict Believed b.,
to Be Inevitable.
PARTICULARS OF THE BATTLE.

/
LONDON, April 9.-The news of the en-
gagement on the Afghan frontier between
the Russian and Afghan outposts has caused
the greatest excitement here. The people
are incensed at Russia's duplicity In pre-
tending to be anxious for peace while her
object, they say, was merely for the purpose
Of gaining more time. The streets were
crowded with an excited populace rushing
hither and thither in search Of the latest In
formation. The newspaper officers are be-
sleged and the streets are almost impossible
at points where bulletins are displayed.
The fight on the frontier is generally
viewed as the first step by Russia in long
contemplated contest for supremacy In Asia,
and that a bloody and desperate war between
her and England is now inevitable.
The feeling In financial and commercial
circles is semi-panicky. On the stock ex-
change, the gravity of the situation Is re-
fected by heavy falling off In Consuls and
Russian bonds. The former have decliped
fully two per cent, while Russian bonds
have declined nearly ten points. Egyptian
securities are down four per cent. The
whole market Is of and fears Of panic are
entertained before the day closes.
on receipt of kilograms announcing the
outbreak of hostilities between the Russians
and AfghaniStans there was hurried con-
sultation of the headquarters staff at the
| Horse Guards. and the wires between Lon
don and India were instantly cleared for
dispatches between the India Office and the
Governor. General of India. The Secretary
of State for India wired for confirmation and
full information and reply is momentarily
expected. ii
II the report telegraphed from Meshed is
accurate the position gained by the Rus
SLAMS opens the road TO Penjdeh, the adj
vanced Afghan stronghold. II Is reported
that the Indian Government has ordered the
immediate advance Of Corps d'Armee into
Afghanistan.
The latest dispatches from Afghan from
tier state that the fight at Murghab was a
most stubborn one. The battle was fought
| In driving raln-storm, which rendered
many Of the muzzle-loading arms carried by
both forces Ineffective. The Afghans
fought with great desperation and bravely
opposed, step by step, the advance Of the
Russians.
Two companies Of Afghans defended one
position until they were completely anihi-
lated by deadly artillery fire, opened on
them by the Russians. The Afghans re-
| treated In perfect order after inflicting some
severe losses. The Russians were evidently
surprised by the stubborn opposition and
did not follow up their advantage, being ev.
identity content with the capmre Of the
camp. ..- U.b
The British officers who were present
during the fight are loud in their praises OF
the yalor displayed by the Afghans. Off
Gers at once proceeded 10 the headquarters
Of Sir Peter Lumsden. the English Commits
sioner, and made full report Of the fight 10
that officer.
Ar. M.-The excitement grows apace
The people are In ferment and the wal
fever is once more rampant No further
dallying with Russia should now be In
dulged In, is the cry, but declaration OF
war should be ut once promulgated. The
Cabinet has been summoned. The outcome
of the meeting is awaited with feyerisl
anxiety and II is fervently hoped that an
advance by the British forces now In India
will be ordered without delay. The grain
markets are firm and there have been sharI
advances In the prices OF cereals Of all kinds
Wheat has risen fully six shilllngs pei
quarter.
4:30 p. MA wild report has Just beer
put In circulation that the Russians have ad
vanced In force on Penjdeh and after driv
ing the Afghans from the place, occupied It
The report cannot be traced TO authenti,
source, but several Of the newspapers hay,
dispatches from Bombay and Calcutta stat
ing that such report Is current at thos,
places. The report has caused the greatesl
CONSERVATION, and has greatly intensified
the feeling against Russia ...
GladstOne's slothful policy is again beinI
roundly denounced, and the feeling Is sobit
ter that II Is believed should the reported
capture Of Penjdeh prove true, nothing bu
the resignation OF the Premier and his col
leagues will allay popular indignation.
The Admiralty Lords met yesterda,
morning and consultations were subsequent,
held between officers OF the navy and tn
war Office orders being telegraphed to al
ships OF the cruising squadrons within reach
not 10 leave port until further orders. Tn
board are understood tO have submitted
report for the concentration of powerful
naval forces in Turkish and Russian waters
Instructions have been telegraphed TO 81
Peter Lumsden 10 proceed instantly with al
forces at his command 10 occupy Roba
Pass, the approaches 10 which have alread
rection OF the British royal engineers
Robat Pass is forty-ilve miles north Of Hera
and through II is the only practicable roa
for large military force TO Herat.
Sir Peter has with him about l,200 Brit
| u. A Al. =.