Huntsville gazette., 1885-04-25
ANGLO-RUSSIAN.
the Situation as Stated From
Conservative Standpoint
The Outlook More Pacific, But Numerous
Questions Arising Liable to Snap theAi-
ready Strained Relations, of the Two
Governments-Giadsto Policy.

Governments-Giadsto Policy.
LONDON, April I9.-The Afghan FROM
tier question continues to command the
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-
tion, which will include the cession of
Penjdeh 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 immedi-
ate effect, however, will be to clear the
air of the electricity which has filled it
for the past fortnight, and to restore pub
lie confidence. The danger OF war has,
undoubtedly, been arrested and perma-
ncnt peace may be secured, though many
contend that at best the rcpose will not
! cHlcUu cyOUQ q lcW yeiIS. Ii lS
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.
NO DARDANELLES, NO LOAN. -
| LONDON, April 19.-If there is to be no
Dardanelles 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-
KEY it is futile, for there is nothing that
Turkey would witness with greater com
placcncy than the annulment of the treaty
of Berlin, which dismembered her Empire
by slashlng off certain Northern depend
encies. The closing of the Dardanellcs
against England would doubtless be very
agreeable to the Continental powers, as
it would prevent repetition OF the Of
fcnsive spectacle presented to them when
shotted 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
i know that if England guarantees the
Turkish loan the resistance to the passage
Of the Dardanelles by British fleet Will
not be very formidable, but the other end
of the waterway leading from Russian
waters will be Theoretically sealed to the
I Russian flag. The scene is beginning to
4 shift to the real objective point of
-Constantinople -a and there
are distinct indications in London day
that when it comes to a question of Con-
stantinople the British public is fully
alive to the situation. Mr.. Giadstone's
administration will not be worth an
hours purchase if he allows any fooling
over the blue waters of the Dardanelles.
BEACoNsriELD's SCIENTIFIC FRONTIER.
LONDON, April 19.-Thc Conservative
leaders had an informal meeting last
evening for consultation on the policy OF
!
situation in Afghanistan. 1t was agreed
that, while the Government should re-
ceiye the support Of the opposition in as
serting the rights and dignity OF the en-
pire, 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
! T Nd nd tn l1pa
vent repetition of the loss of life and
treasure of the last Afghan campaign
! being made in reliance upon representa-
| tions of friendship which are contradicted
by warike acts. The opposition 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 Penjdeh and
Herat. The Conservatives will be con-
| tent if the Government leave the Afghans
to fight their own battles and fight or
! fraternize with Russia as they prefer, SO
| long as the scientific frontier established
by Lord Beaconsfield be held and an un-.
derstandlng be entered into with Russia
| for the establishment Of 4 neutral zone
north of the recognized Afghan frontier.
WILLING TO CHANGE THE BATTLE GROUND,
L lie OOUSeINdtiSc ltdUclo ICCO7uiLC IHO
| fact that British campaign on the from
tiers of country still smarting from
recent invasion and remote from the
British base might have disastrous con-
seqences. They would prefer to meet
Russia onsground 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 of
communication to the rear, leaving to
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 Of
ferocious and half savage tribesmen.
JEALOUS OF THEIR AMERICAN COUSINS.
LONDON, April 19.-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