Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-01-10
How Russia Got Merx.

After the capture OF Cock Tepe and
the subjugation of the Tekkes in 1881
the Russians had come to a natural
stop. There were no immediate neigh
bors 10 quarrel with, no demarkation
line to dispute about, and vast sandy
desert, claimed by nobody, interviewed
between them and the Mery Turcomans.
Taught by the misfortunes and fate Of
the Tekkes, the Mervians kept quiet
within their proper bounds. But the
Governor Of the trans-Caspian province
and his staff wanted an opportunity to
distinguish themselves, and thought OF
Merv as an agreeable present for the
Emperor.
In the autumn Of 1883 a robbery was
committed in the vicinity Of Askabad.
1t was asserted that it was done by the
Mervians. who must consequently be
chastised for their misdeeds. About
the latter end of 1883 body Of COO
picked horsemen was got ready, and
Colonel Alikhanof was intrusted with
an expedition against Mery. But there
was a great difficulty to be overcome
before the expeditionary corps could
reach the town. The desert between
Askabad and the Merv district
is without water. and the few
wells dug on the way do not yield suf-
ficient for large body Of troops. But
Alkhanoir, one of the most energetic
of men, was not to be deferred by any
obstacle. He cared little, too, for in
ternational rights. Without much ado
he marched through the Persian terri
tay, and arrived Unexpectedly at one
of the openings in the ruined walls of
Merv. The Mervians, not expecting
anything, were dispersed for grazing
purposes all over the district. There
remained in the town only five Of the
principal chiefs with a few attendants.
The Russian commander, versed in
Oriental tactics, and relying on the
credulity Of two among the five
chiefs. sent in word that three
of them were accused as accom-
plices in robbery committed
on Russian territory, and that the
trans Caspian Governor desired them to
come to Askabad and justify them
selves. As for the other two they
would receive presents for thei: good
conduct. The three chiefs protested
and swore they knew nothing Of the
alleged robbery. The Russian COM
mander's answer was categorical "lf
you did not commit the robbery in per-
son." said he, "your sons, your bro
Tiers, or your tribesmen did. You
must come and answer for them.
If you obey the Governors inyi-
tation ! will intercedc for you and
try to get presents and robe
of honor for you, but if you do not in
stantly comply with his wishes will
put fire to your houses and burn them
to the ground" The three chiefs,
abandoned by the other two, already
won to Russia's cause, and seeing their
inability to apprise their tribesmen and
gather them for an effectual resistance,
surrendered to the Russian commander,
who sent them under escort to Aska-
bad. The other two chiefs also accom-
panied them in the hope Of getting the
promised rewards.
When the news Of the Russian ar
rival spread around many of the Sc
condary chiefs and heads Of families
FASTENED to Merv. As they came in
in small separate bodies Alikhanoff, in
order to complete his work as smoothly
and with as little trouble as possible,
gave small presents to some, made
promises to others, and under different
pretexts sent to Askabad as many Of
them as he could reach. The Meryian
chiefs, on their arrival at Askabad,
were informed that they must recog-
nize Russia's suzerainty; that their
offences would be pardoned, and
that ttey would be rewarded with
presents and robes of honor other
wise they would be kept captives.
Having no alternative these chiefs, after
much hesitation. accepted the Russian
proposals, the only condition which
which they added on their own side be-
ing that they should have Alikanoff for
permanent Governor. 1t was then
given out by the Russians that the
Meryians had Of their own accord
asked for Rnssia's protection, and
had entered willingly under her
rule. Merv, acquired so easily
and with so little trouble and
expense, is in many senses more i'm
portant than the vast Tekke territory,
for which so much Russian blood and
so many millions Of rubles have been
spent. When the Russo-Afghan From
tier question arose General komarofl
fixed his headquarters there, with the
| greater part of the trans-Caspiau forces.
Since that time the Russians have lib
orally spent and spared nothing to rem
der it Q habitable and even IN agreeable
place to live in. A new fort adjacent
to the old dilspidated Turcomar
fortress, and many houses, mostly In
European style, have been erected FOL
the accommodation Of the military and
civil officers. Attracted by large and
easy profits which are always obtain
able whenever . Russian army 4
stationed in : small town, especially Ia