The Ouachita telegraph. [volume] (Monroe, La.) 1865-1889, 1885-05-02
the ANaLo-RUssIAN QUARREL.

The angry looking war clouds which |
have threatened the repose of Europe |
appear to have been dissipated, in part |
at least, by the assurance that the
differences between Great Britain and
Russia, with reference to- the Afghan |
boundary, are to be the subject of
further pacific negotiations and to arbi- |
trat!on by the sovereign of some
neutral power. This apparent pacific
settlement of the difficulties existing is
strengthened by financial buoyance of
the securities of both governments, and
by manifest indignation of feeling of
the wal party in Great Britain.
With this peacesble adjustment of
the impending conflict the Southern
section Of the United States ought to
be more than content; for, in no sense
whatever, could war in Europe effect
the Southern States otherwise than
disastrously. Some Of our cotempera-
ries in this State, even, have been
anxious to see the threatened conflict
precipitated, taking the side of the
grain producer, and not of the cotton
grower, as if the increased price of
breadstuffs, and the decreased price of
cotton would not operate double in
jury to our section Of the Union.
But the danger is not over, for it
must be rememb ered that not all
diplomats are peace-makers that there
have been few wars which were not
preceded by negotiations and that, in
this instance itself, even while peace e.
able negotiations may be said to be
pending, warlike preparations, not
withstanding, are activity going on
with both governments. Thus, armies
are being modified, war vessels equip
ped, supplies garnered, harbors placed
in state of defense, and, indeed, the
whole machinery of war propelled as if
war actually existed. All this may, or
may not be a blind or banter, but it is
as near like war as war, without being
war, can possibly be.
The Asiatic policy of Russia has been
long we'll defined. The I" Ride to
khiva," written by British officer,
was convincing evidence that the
Russian policy was in the direction of
India and as flank movement on
Turkey. The present hostile move
ment Of the Car, AS we'll as the
geographical situation of Russia, goes
to confirm this view of the existing
crisis.
The situation of Great Britain is
not more promising for peaceable
solution. True, being mainly mari
time, commercial power, it is clearly
to her interest to cultivate amicable rela
tons with an empire so powerful as that
OF Russia. And such appears TO be the
policy of Mr.. Gladstone. But looking
at the facts, we find that he has asked
and been granted credit for 500, 600, 900,
with the view of prosecuting war
with Russia that this was granted
unanimously; that he has abandoned
the war in the Soudan and that since
his purpose was declared ofnegotiating
with Russia for the adjustment of the
Afghan boundary on the basis deman
ded by Russia, a howl of indignation
has been raised in Great Britain which
not the stoutest statesman could regard
with unconcern. Then, there remains
the control of India, whereof the
Queen was lately proudly proclaimed
the Empress, and about the ultimate
dominion OF which country, in reality,
the far-seeipg British and Russian
diplomats are now engaged in dispute.
To concede the demands of Russia
and they are nothing less-the En-
glish rulers are aware will be long
advance on their East Indian frontier
and will be, as the London Standard
asserts, humiliation to the proud
British Empire. Can Mr.. Gladstone,
after having been SO enthusiastically
supported by Tory, Radical, Liberal
and Conservative in policy of resis-
lance to Russian demands, now carry
out policy of acquiesence? Can
Russia, after having virtually de Ared
war on the Afghan border, recede from
her matured line of action?