The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-04-16
AFGHAN FRONTIER.


LONDON, April l5.-The Times thinks that
Germany has solid reasons for wishing to
prevent q war which might involve the
whole OF Europe, in which case Germany
would probably be Obliged to fight ia order.t
retain what she already possesses, rather than
10 gain additional power. Moreover the
maintenance Of Russia's financial credit is
supremeiy important to the monsyed inter
est of Berlin.
Military movements 10 AfghGnistsn are
exceedingly difficult at present on account
the almost unprecedented severity of the
weather. Incessant storms OF snow and hail
on the mountains and rain IN the valleys
have swollen the rivers into floods, which
are impossible by any means of transporta-
ton, with which General Lumsden's forces
are supplied. The weather is exceptionally
cold. and this fact tells more severely on the
British officers and Indian troops, who are
from the south. than upon the Russians,
who come from the north.
The Paris La Paix says that in the event
of war between England and Russia the
other powers. especially France must re.
main strictly neutral. The La PAX hints
that such an az eement already exists.
Mr. Gladstone's apparent hesitation over The
kushk River affair has embroidered Russia
and she is now taking her turn in demand
ing explanations and Withdrawals. The re-
port Is confirmed that DeGiers has demanded
an explanation of the presence of Captain
Yates of General Lumsden's staff, at the
Kushk River battle and of the part he is said
to have taken in provoking this engagement.
Special dispatches from st. Petersburg even
assert that Russia las demanded the recall
of General Lumsden himself on the ground
OF his pronounced sympathy with the
Afghans IN their hostility toward Russia, bat
the statement is doubtful
The Government is still wrangling with
Turkey over the terms Of the proposed Anglo
Turkish alliance. Long interviews between
Earl Granville and MusuruJ Pasha, the
Turkish Minister. or Hassan Fehm PAsha,
the Sultan's special envoy, are OF daily occur
renee. The Sultan is COY and is coquetting
with both England and Russia. He prob
ably never felt his importance in European
politics so keenly as at this moment. When
Mr.. Gladstone, who formerly described him
as the unspeakable Turk, ia bidding for his
favor against the Russians. who whipped
him in 1877, the Russians are making tempt
ing overtures to Turkey, batting the hook
with provinces on her northern boundary,
the possession of which would tend to con-
solidste and perpetuate the Turkish Empire
in Europe. The solicitude OF both England
and Russia for Turkeys friendship is, OF
course, caused by the letter's control of the
Dardanelles, which command the entrance
TO the Black Sea. There is however, this
important difference between the two suitors
for Turkeys favor. England could force
the straits and Russia could not No ordin-
airy war vessels of either navy could pass the
Dsrdanelles castles, and the forts and bat
feries which line the straits from the lEgean
Sea 10 the Sea of Msrmora, bat the forts
could be silenoed by two or three Of the
Dit fat4 - -
Infexible, Devastation, Terror, Alexandria
or Hercules. These floating steel forts could
be stationed st either end of the straits to
protect England and exclude Russian yes
sells. These facts are as we'll known to the
Sultan as to the British Admiralty. It is
firmly believed here that his friendship will
eventually be given TO the side carrying the
heaviest guns.