Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-07-19
RUSSIA AND ENGLAND.
BRITISH CABINET COUNCIL.
The Afghan Situation Discussed-A serious
Outlook Despite Deniais- Measures for the

The Afghan Situation Dl.cussed-A serious
Outlook Despite Deniai,- Measures for the
Defence OF India.
by cable to the Dispatch.l
LONDON, July ia Cabinet coun-
Gil was held this afternoon. The Russo
Afghan boundary question was the sub
ject Of the Cabinets consideration. A
dispatch from Paris says the French
Foreign Office has received information
which shows that the Russians are de-
termined on seizing Herat, and that the
massing Of Russian troops now going
on near Zulficar Pass is for that pur-
pose.
The proclamation Of the Ameer Of
Afghanistan announcing the receipt by
him Of the decoration of the Star Of
India, and declaring that he was now
entitled to aid from the Indian army,
If necessary, was issued at Herat. The
Amer, in his proclamation, ordered
the illumination Of Herat to celebrate
his investurc with the order.
After the Cabinet council this after
noon the Marquis Of Salisbury, Lord
Iddesleigh, and Sir Michael Hicks
Beach, Chancellor Of the Exchequer,
held q consultation at the Foreign
Office with Baron Won Staal, Russian
Ambassador to London. 1t is under
stood that the conference was on the
Afghan question, and it is stated that
negotiations between the English and
Russian Governments for an smicable
adjustment of the entire dispute are pro-
ceeding in . friendly and satisfactory
manner. Condie Stephens, the special
courier who was sent by Sir Peter
Lumsden, chief Of the British Afghan
Boundary Commission, from Penjdeh at
the time of the difficulty there, to Londsn
to give the Gladstone Ministry special in
formation concerning the Penjdeh bat
tie, was At the Foreign Office during the
State conference there, and, in fact,
ali day, helping TO elucidate the problem
raised by the increase of the Russian
force near Zulficar Pass.
In ministerial circles no fear is en-
tertained Of an immediate quarrel with
Russia. Notwithstanding this, how
ever. measures for the defence Of India
are being pushed forward. Genera
Sir Donald N. Stewart, COMMANDMENTS
chief in India, will, it is said, se ap
pointed to one Of the vacant @eats il
the Indian Council, in which cese GeD e
raj Wolseley will be given the chic
| command in India.
The Earl Of Dufferin, Viesr9y of In
dia, has issued an order prohibitin
officers Of the Indian army who are o.
furloughs from going to Cashmer
ostensibly. because to return theme
would be difficult and slow in case 0
hurried recall. 1t is reported tina
Colonel Lockhart, who has gone t
Gilgirs, the main ENTRANCE to the Vale
Of Cashmere from Central Asia, wit
year supplies, svowedly for the us
of surveying party, is really engage
in a political movement Of Importance
Russia is trying to raise new loa
from Paris. 1t is stated that an office
on board the Audacious, writin
from Nogasoki, says that tn
British flag, despite the denials
the English Government, is flying owe
Port Hamilton, in the Corean arch
peligo. He further states that Il
British are busily engaged in preparin
military defences and laying torpedo
and mines at Port Hamilton, and SON
Russian troop-ships, loaded with troop
which recently arrived there, we1
greatly surprised to find the place con
pletely occupied by the British, ar
were compelled to retire.