The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-09-19
Seems the British Are Unable to
Cope With the Enemy.
Orders for More Batteries and Field AriiI-
laU for the Frontier.
In Short Time There VIII be on
the Scene Full Complement
for an Army Corps-The Matter
the Subject of Much Comment
in British Military Circles.

| LONDON, Sept. 19.-(Copyrighted
1897 by the Associated Press. 1.-The
fact that no less than ten batteries of
horse and field artillery have been Or
dered to embark for India during the
months of September and October is
much commented upon in military cir
cles. Under ordinary circumstances,
the four batteries now in India would
have been relieved this month. But
these batteries have been ordered to re-
main in India, and therefore there will
shortly be ON the frontier fourteen bat
teries of artillery, full complement for
an army corps.
AS the British force now assembled
on the frontier is of ample strength to
wipe OUT all visible resistance, the only
conclusion that can be reached in rela-
ton to the dispatch of reinforcements
of artillery are that the authorities are
possessed of information of a serious
character. The information conveyed
by the War Office Monday last to the
London commercial agent of the Ameer
of Afghanistan, that no war material or
machinery for the manufacture thereof
would be allowed to cross the frontier
during the present crisis, indicates that
the British Government has by no
means entire confidence in the Ameer's
fidelity, and it is limited that the Gov
eminent has learned that while profess
ing friendliness to Great Britain, he has
been secretly preparing for war
Well informed circles are also dis
cussing the story of secret correspond
ence between Russia and Afghanistan,
which is said to have fallen into the
hands of the British officials, and it is
further intimated that a widespread
plot has been discovered.
The truth or otherwise of these stO-
ries will develop hereafter, but the fact
remains that the large increase in the
strength of the British artillery in India
cannot be intended for use against the
Afridis
The extent of the distress threatening
Ireland seems to depend largely as to
through which party's eyes it is viewed.
The Council of the National Federation
has decided that the country is on the
brink of widespread calamity, and
calls upon Messrs. Dillon and Harring-
ton to conYOke a meeting of Parlia-
ment for the purpose, of requisitioning
Mr.. Balfour, the Government leader in
the Commons, to call an autumn SEES
sion of Parliament to devise relief
measures, and to pass a bill reducing
rents in Ireland in proportion to the
loss incurred by the tenants owing to
the wholesale destruction of their
crops. On the other hand, the Dublin
Express" says the cry of famine is
only a continuation Of the party warcry
which is raised every year the Unionists
are in office, and adds: Judging from
the past, We may hope that much Of the
crops doomed to destruction by the
prophets of evil will be rescued and
that the general yield win be much
larger than expected"
The Daily Independent" regards the
suggestion that the Duchess of YORK
win shortly appeal for funds in behalf
of the Irish who are threatened with
famine as being an insult, and says:
IF the country was ten times as badly
off as it is likely TO be, it would resent
any charitable appeal to the English
The Independent" emphatically denies
that Ireland will suffer acute distress
Lord Rosebery is preparing to re-en-
ter public life. He has recommended
making speeches, and has a round of
autumn engagements. He visited Mr.
Gladstone Tuesday, with the view, it is
suggested, of getting the grand old man
to start him on the right road to secure
the support of all factions of the party.
The Speaker says it regards the
capture of Victoria De Las Lunas by
the Cuban insurgents as being a salu-
tary lesson, taking the ground that it
gives Spain a shock which it is hoped
will check her in her drift toward bank
ruptcy and civil war"
While not expressing sympathy with
the motives, the Speaker" adds: The
United States can find excellent rea-
sons to intervene whenever she likes
The Speaker" advises Spain to recall
Captain General Weyler, and to ar
range terms with the Cubans through
the intermediary of the United States,
expressing the opinion that otherwise
Spain may have greater dangers to
face after the United States Congress
meets.