The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1885-05-14

condition. The English protested, IL is true.
against the sub ugation OF Khiva, although
Russian troops confined themselves to the right
bank OF the Oxus in their permanent occupa-
ton. They protested. also, against the occupa-
ton of Merv in 1891. Some even went so far as
10 advise sending money and ammunition TO
the Turcomans in order to enable them 10 OPP
pose the Russians The occupation of Merv
and the neighboring provinces brought the
Russians for the first time close to the Afghan
frontier and 10 Herat, always considered the
key to India. The English had at lat
given up their fears that Russia might adj
vance through kashgar or the mountain
passes of tie Himalavas, and owing to their own
defeats and bad fortune had become convinced
that IL would be difiult for the Russians 20 at
tack India by the way OF Cabul: but Herat once
occupied, the road would be easier, all success
ful invasons of India having come from the
Afghan frontier. The Russians, in reply to En-
glands questions, had already proposed a COM
mission for the purpose of settling the bound
aries of Afghanistan. which the English had re-
fused, fearing lest by a ,cepting this they would
implicitly agree to Russian occupat on mp to
the very line. After Merry taken the Rus
SLAMS renewed their proposition, and this time
1t iwas accepted. The English however, pro
posed that the boundary commission should con-
sis of one Englishman, one Russian, and ons
Afghan. This Russia objected TO on the ground
that according to their own arrangement with
England, and especially by the treaty made be-
tween the Ameer of Afghani.tan and England
after the late war, the Afghans were put under
English pretec ion: that while the English Com
missioner could ask the Atghans for advice and
counsel. Just as the Russians could the Turco-
mans, their subjects, tie boundary must be
drawn by the two nations alone. After some
discussion this was agreed to. Sir Peter Lums-
den, an ENGLISH officer well known in India,
was appointed the Russian Commissioner, as
sisted by Mr.. Condie stephen. young diplo-
matist who had won his spurs, first by acquir-
ing thoroughly the English language. then by
his successful management of the Consulate at
Philippopo is, and, finally. by his leadership OF
several surveying and exploring parties on
the Persian frontier. They were accompanied
by large stan and an escort The Russians
appointed as their Commissioner Gen. Zclevo;
but before the time appointed for the meeting
the Russian Commissioner was taken i'll at
Tihis. IL was necessary. the Russians thought.
for some agreement to be come TO TO the
region through which the boundary line should
he drawn, and as to the principles which should
govern the delineation. This it was better TO
Lessar, FIR, nch engineer officer in the Russian
service, who had explored the whole region up
TO the very gates OF Herat, and had recently
been attached as diplomatic agent TO the
Governor General commanding the trans
caspian region, was sent TO London for
the purpose of Fastening a decision by the
English Government. There were various de-
lays. caused more by the English than by the
Russians. and. meanwhile, before the arrival of
Lessar at London, or even the departure.of Sir
Peter Iumsden tor the frontier the Afghans,
melted by the English I'm India. had advanced
and taken the small town of Pendeh, over
which they had had no actual rule for very
many years, and which. therefore, did not fall
within the conditions OF the arrangement OF
1872. AZ protest against tn s. the Russians
advanced Their Outp0sts far beyond where the
English thought the frontier line should be
drawn. Such was, in brief. the state of affairs
when the present controversy b came still moro
cmbittered by the advance of Gen. Komaron.
That Russia should wish india for its own
sake seems too absurd TO be worth considera-
ton. when remember that the size OF India
Is equal TO three-Guartcrs OF that of Russia in
Europe, that its population amounts to as j,O00,-
00D that its debh which would have to be as
sumed by Russia In case of annexation, IL over
ss6o,ooO.1o', about one-third of that Of Russia
itself. Although its commerce amounts to
large sum-S2t0, 100000 Of imports, sf17.OO 900
OF exports--yet az most of this is with ENGLAND
10 would probably continue In the same rOute:
IL could not at once he changed and 70 into the
hands OF Russia by the humiliation Of British
power in India, nor. indeed. could Russian
factories supply the neei OF the Indian mar
ket. 10 II not the pos seesion OF India which
the Russ ans desire. nor do they wish TO MIKE
any actual attack upon English rule I'm India.
They do Wish. however, 20 he in position To
threaten India, whether by force OF arms or by
intrisues, In case nglard should again object
TO anv aim of Russian policy I'm the west One
OF those aims must certainly be considered the
opening OF free communita ion from the Black
Sea TO the Mediterranean. In this stage OF civ
ilization the world at large could sympathize
W Tn the free development OF any nation go long
"a IL interfcres with the rights of no other state
rather than with the policy OF restriction. The
open .ng OF the liOsphoros and tbs Darianelles
Turkey: On which f"ro an powers should have no
actual interest exc pb 20 desire the freedom C
the seas aud of tho straits.
But whether or not tbs Russians desire the
conquest Of India. or eimrlv to gain a position
from which 10 annoy The English. N IL tue obvI-
Gus duty OF the Br ish Government 10 decide
upon a frontier which tho Russians can not be