New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-06
LORD ROBERTS ON INDIA.
RUSSIA THE AAfEER AND THE MULLAIIs
-"BOBS's" SPEECH TO THE LORDS


London. February %
Field Marshal Lore Roberts OF Candahar will
on Monday week, the Tth prox., open debate In
the House of Lords CT the policy OF the North
west frontier OF India. The event Is looked
forward to with the kecnest interest Lord
Roberts is the chief. If not the only formidable
tuttress Of Her Majesty's Government In It's
policy in India, the fruits OF which bloom In
the disastrous fighting the frontier. His long
acquaintance with India, his military genius.
his unexcelled triumphs in the field his sublime
simplicity Of character and his invincible
straighforwardness OF manner combine to make
a peerless ally for any cause In the opinion Of
the public (who after all. have something to do
with the Government OF the Emplrc), to have
"Bobs" on the side OF the Ministry Of the day
Is worth atialions in the field. or many votes
IN the House of CommOns-which last motive
power it undoubtedly influences. 1t Is charac-
teristic Of Lord Roberts that while other au-
thorities on the question of the day have rushed
into print, he has for casual remark
about the Amcer, maintained silence. AS far as
ne is personally and directly concerned this CON
trbu.ion does not break his vow. But | have
had the opportunity of conversing with one
who knows him we'll, and Is able to give fair
account of his views.
10 begin Win. IOTu 1ODcriS: kct. Eye. piNTS-
Ing the future near or far, pcrccIves the nevi-
tableness of n conflict in the Far East between
Russia and Great Britain. Where is it best for
England that it shall take place? On the banks
OF the Oxus in Afghanistan" I'VE must
meet Russia at Cabul" says "Bohs," the light Of
Rattle cleaning in his eyes. Believing that we
should do well To await the shock of battle on
the Northwestern frontier Of India Lord Rob
erts is emphatic il the opinion that We must
possess the roads leading into Afchanstan. and
must he puts 1t, have these fellows with
u.s." meaning the frontier tribes This last
declaration seems to 30 to the root OF the mat
ter, suggesting the whole question now at
Issue In public controversy, az to whether the
course taken 10y Lord Salisburys Government.
beginning with the rcversion OF the Liberal policy
in respect to the occupation of Chitral, is best
designed for securing an object Lord Roberts
admits Is Indispensable. He however Is not dis
posed to trace the matter back 10 that'breach of
faith with the Swatis. where so many find the
germ OF the frontier outbreak. His explanation
Is at least precise. For fifteen years the 'Khyber
;S'ass has been kept open on the Indian frontier
by the Khyber Rifles. under the command Of
Colonel Warburton When that officer retired
on account OF age ne was succeeded by Colonel
Barton of the Guides. who, accompanied by his
wife. took up his position at Lundi Kotal. When
signs Of disturbance in the neighborhood made
themselves seen and felt, Colonel Barton rode
over to Peshawar TO obtain reinforcements.
These were refused. and the garrison at Lundi
KOtd; attacked by the insurgent tribe, found
themselves left in the lurch. The defenders who
escaped with their lives became certres OF dis
affection among the Afrdis. each being in his
own person a witness to the weakness of the
iced OF British faith and invincibillty upon which
the Afridis had relied. e., o..
To this political blunder, he describes IT.
Lord Roberts traces the beginning of the trouble.
Had Lundi Kotal been promptly and effectually
their long lest blished condition OF friendly
vice to the British. As it was the muahs
(priests) saw their opportunity. In the Swat
, country the growing prosperity OF the people
consequent upon the security Of British rule had
the concurrent effect of weakening their infu-
ence. The SWatis waxing fat, were kicking
against pricsty authority. Now was the time
TO fan the flame OF revolt burning at the mouth
OF the Khyber Pass.
The desertion OF the Khyber Rifles was. Lord
Roberts repeats the first and fatal blunder OF
the operations Of last year. 1t may be OBJ
tected that the argument stops short OF the
beginning inasmuch as it does not explain the
condition Of things which led to the threaten
ing signs that induced Colonel Barton to de-
vnond ha reinforcpmenta Lord Robprts admits