The Osceola times., 1885-04-04
THE TOPIC OF THE HOUR.

srh. War cIoud on the Russo-English Hori-
,on-tnpinpd-, gi;ins;am and Rnssia's
wnripess-A Russian Officers Opinion
The Reinforcements Needed In INDIA
Active Military Preparations-stiii HOP
ing for a settlement
RussrA's REFUSAL AND ENGLAND's ULTI-
MATUM.
LONDON, March PA special edition
of the Globe, Just out, has caused intense
excitement throughout the city. Inc
Globe SAYS it has positive Information
that Russia has refused to accede 10 En-
glands request for mutual withdrawal OF
troops from the disputed territory IN
Afghanistan. The Globe, in an author
itative tone, further states that In conse-
quence of this refusal, Lord Granville,
Minister for Foreign Affairs, has sent an
ltimatum to Russia, and demanded
An answer thereto no later than Monday
next. The Globe has on previous occa-
sions succeeded in publishing reliable
advance news, and many are inclined to
accept its present statements. Should
they prove true, it is difficult to Imagine
how a complete rupture and speedy dec
laration of wal can be averted
NO LET uPIN THE EXCITEMENT.
LONDON, March 27.-There Is no let
up in the excitement this morning. The
streets are thronged 10 font OF the news
paper offices by crowds of excited men
anxious to learn the latest developments
with regard to the Anglo-Russlan dispute.
| The situation up TO noon was without
change. No news tending to prove or
| involve the situation has been received.
| The financial and speculative feeling Is
slightly fevcrsh this morning, and there
| Is little desire to trade. On the Stock
| Exchange dealings are, arule, In small
| lots. and quotations are easier.
RUSSIAN CAPTAIN on THE OUTLOOK.
NICE, March 27.-The Central Ne,cs
correspondent was to-day accorded an
interview with Captain Abkanoff, Rus
sian Military Governor of Merv, who Is
soiourning here for his health. Thai
gentleman, replying TO the corresponds
ent's request for his views in regard to
| the chances of war between England and
Russia, stated that he had little doubt
that conflict between the two countrie:
would occur, and 1t would be hard to pre-
dict the result. The war, If once com
menced, would undoubtedly be lons
and bitter one, and its result would set
tie forever, or at least for long time
all differences between Russia and En-
gland with regard to their Asiatic posses
sions.
at is the only way in which the differ
| ences with regard to the Russo-Afghal
frontier can be settled. The presen
threatened outbreak of hostilities betweel
those countries over this question:" con
tinucd Captain Abkanoff, "has long beeI
breaking, and matters now seem TO be il
fair way of reaching Il climax. III wa
| Is meant neither power have a moment L
lose 1t will be a question OF race be
tween the armies of the two countries TO
Herat, and the one which obtains posses
sion will have much advantage. Russia,
concluded the Captain, "never had a bette
opportunity, and her troops ought Il
seize Herat before the English can get
chance to fortlfy, and make 1t impreg
nable.
LONDON, March 2s.-The Indian Gov
ernment estimates that In case of war il
will require immediate reinforcement
equal to twenty-six regiments of in
fantry, three OF cavalry, two batteries o
field artillery and eighteen batteries o
horse artillery. In view of the possibl
call for transportation of this large bod
OF troops a committee on mobiliza
tion has been formed in the transpor
department, and is arranging for the use
upon demand, of several of the swiftes
vessels of the transatlantic steamship
companies, including the America AM
the Arizona. The military stations oI
the Mediterranean have been ordere,
to overhaul their magazines AM
to put into preparation 70
active service all gun-boats an,
torpedo vessels within their jurisdlc
tion, as part OF the renforcements re
quired for India. 1t is in contemplation
to send from Suakim the troops nov
forming the garrison there, together witt
the Grcnadier Guards, now with Genera
Graham, provided arrangements are eff
fected with the Porte whereby Suakin
may be garrisoned by 5000 Turkisl
troops in lieu of the British force. Thi
plan would not be carried out, however
until after General Graham had inhcte,
decisive defeat upon Osman Digna.
STILL HOPE FOR A SATISFACTORY SETTLE
MENT.
LONDON, March 2S.-In the House o
Lords last night, Earl Granville, replyin,
to interpretations, reiterated the Govern
ment's understanding that an agreemen
exists that binds Russia to take no actiol
on the Afghan frontier which can be con
strued as hostile. He said that the Gov
ernmert had taken an unflnching attitude
upon the Afghan question, and were fol
lowing out policy agreed upon by botl
political parties. Negotiations with Rus
sia were In constant progress, and tina
meanwhile the Ameer had promised tC
maintain perfect neutrality. The Govern
ment was hopeful of reaching satisfac
tory understanding with Russia, but /
was as yet impossible 10 say how sooi
the negotiations would be terminated.
STILL PUTTING OFF THE EVIL DAY.
LONDON, March 2s.-In reply to Ear
Granville's demand for immediate nc
ceptance or refusal of the proposition {,
vacate disputed territory until the boun
dairy commission decides the frontier, M
De Gieres, Russian Foreign Minister, ha
promised that definite answer will bt
given not later than Tuesday. Opinion
in London is divided as to whether thi,
means that war will be declared by Tues
day or whether it is simply another ex
| pedient of Russia to gain time for fur
ther movement of troops toward Afghan