Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-10
Russia and England.

maintained that war between Russia
and England would be the inevitable
outcome Of the Afghanistan frontier
complication are correct. Present
sdvices almost justify the declara-
ton that war between those Powers
has actually commenced. Minlste-
rial and diplomatic soft soap to
the contrary Notwithstanding, General
K0xARoYF, Che Russian commander,
has done exactly what those who
have made . study Of Russian
methods had expected he would do.
Knowing that the Russian war party
was behind him and ready to sus-
tain him, and having numerous pre-
ceden.s for disregsrding treaty stipula-
tons. he has attacked the Afghsns in
the "debstsble" territory, With the
result given IN our Geographic columns.
His report Of the fight and what led to it
is Russian or nothing in its tone. 1t is
the old fable Of the lamb muddying the
stream. The average Russian general
| is not only q master Of the science Of
war, but master Of duplicity also. 1t
would be going too far to assert that
the Afghsns were 10th to fight, for We
know that Russian aggression had
! brought them to that state in which
only q small spark was necessary
TO kindls o fame, but whom We
review the history Of Russian opera
tons in the East the conclusion is
none the less justifiable that the COLI
sion was deliberately planned. 1t bears
out the theory that ell the recent diplo-
matte correspondence, Is far IS Russia
was concerned, was simply for the pur-
pose Of gaining time, and that KoyA-
Rolf knew that he could most salts
factorily serve his master By disobeying
orders, as others had done before him,
when the opportune moment came.
And now the question arises,
What will England dos We think
the only answer 70 that il that
she will fight. IL is true that il is more
than probable that Russia will resort
to her old game Of spologizing, and
waiting until the time comes to take
fresh grip. 1t is not unlikely that
KoMARoYY will Be sstensibly eensured
as was SKoBELEYF for his offence.
But England is tired Of apologies and
regrets. Whatever Mr.. GLADSTONE
may feel, popular feeling in both England
and India is in favor Of having it out.
England is virtually on war footing,
and the setback in the Sosdan has but
intensified the desire to assert the SUI
promacy Of British arms. The people
remember that while the peace policy
has held sway the Russians have
been steadily advancing upon Hsrat.
Three years ago their nearest outpost on
one line Of spprsach was 500 miles
and on another 700 miles distant from
that coveted prize. Now these dis
tsnces are reduced to about l40 and
$50 miles respectively. They know
that in ell probability the next step Of
Russia will be . demonstration in force
upon Hsrat. But even il the war feel
ing in I.dia and England was not
as intense as il is, it is difficult to see
how highland can fail to regard the act
Of Russia Is q sasvs 6sli. She has
gone too far in her pledges to the Amer
Of Afghanistsn to brook this last AZ
gressive step. Lord DUTpERIN has
virtually entered into q military ALI
ancc with the Afghsns and guaranteed
the integrity Of the Aneer's territory.
Whether the ground on which the fight
Of March the 30th took place
is in Afghan territory or not, the Amer
claims that it is, and has a right to de-
mand, and will demand. that England
meet the issue with him. All other
considerations aside, if the news Of the
negotiations that have recently taken
place at RawAl Pindi be true--And
there seems to be ne doubt but that
il is true-England cannot do less
than respond 10 this demand with
all the force at her command. In
view Of oil the facts, it will surprise
no one if She next advicss are to the Of
feet that STEWART and ROBERTS are
marching upon Herat. That movement
would Of necessity be followed by an
open and immediate declaration Of war.
In the race for Herat Russia would
have the advantage in the matter Of dis
lance, but, IS we have before stated,
her march would be through . hostile
country, while the Anglish would have
every assistance from natives along their
route. Again. svsa should Russia make
the distance before the English do. il is
probable that Sir PETER LuAsDBN
will in the mean time have seized He
rat. ID was stated some weeks ago that
he had virtually taken possession Of the
place, and that il was being fortified IN
der the supervision Of English officers,
which is equivalent to saying that it
can be held antil 9 British relief expe.
dition can reach it.
Bimetallism.