Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1900-03-31

tries came afterward from a diplomatic
standpoint and by gifts and negotiations
Her Majesty Queen Victoria and His
Majesty the Alneer became very friend
~.
Russia declined in the affections OF
the ameer, not only because Russia
bought fewer of the products of the
Orient, but because Russia was growing
in friendiiness with Persia. Russia's
loan to Persia two years ago settled the
matter as far as the ameer was con-
cen ned, and since then he has been OPEN
ly opposed to the advances and ambi-
tions of that country.
Now that the time has come when
Russia will taxi the initiative steps to-
ward getting the ambition Of her life.
namely, a passage to the Indian ocean,
the ameer comes out openly Inc says
he will oppose her. In the most re-
markable state letter of recent times he
declares "England's interests are my, In
%terests; England's joys are my joys;
England's woes are my woes"
A POWERFUL ALLY. .
At the same time he declares that he
can bring all Islam to his side to- fight
with him for England and against RUS
queen. -
Afghanistan may be destined to hold
an Important place in the history OF
the next century. Surely, if she grows
in power as an ally Of England, her
prestige will be increased. - Il
The courage and undaunted holiness
Of the Afghan will bear comparison
with that of any nation, and many are
the instances of personal bravery
known to English officers. There lives
the hero OF many fights, who now enjoys
a ~well-earned pension, with h village
manor as a reward for honorable SERVICE
and who On more h on occa-
sion risked his life to saw that of his
commanding officer.
Colin Mackenzie, one of the Cabul
prisoners of 1912, often told the story
of that Afghan chivalry which protected
the lives and honor of English ladies in
the excitement of a national rebellion.
Nor are they slow to appreciate the
quality of bravery in others. In the
war of 1863, a young English Of
ficer was deserted by his native sepoys,
and for some time held his own in the
midst of a crowd Of Afghan warriors
When the brave young soldier fell, COW
cred with wounds, the very men who had
cut him down bore testimony to the in
dornitable pluck Of the young English
man, who, rather thar run with his men,,
faced the foe. and died like a man. They
raised one united shout in the Afghan
language as he fell: Bravo! bravo!
there's a brave young fellow!"
But they aresrevengeful and jealous.
In appearance the ameer is f~orbidding,
though he has a very pleasant smile.
When his lips part h corners of hisA
mouth curl up and lie shows a double
row of very white and very even teeth.
While he is strong in his friendships, he
is not at all certain, but is of l-ery tenn
per and apt to change. He remembers
kindnesses, however, and If treated uni
formly well, will not turn upon his
friends. But woe to the ruler or nation
that trihes with him; the ameer will not
~countenance anything like interference
with his plans, nor will he allow any
one to dictate to him. Turkey may be
the most buffeted nation on earth, but
is treated with respect.
In religion the ameer is a Mohafnme. +
The followers of Mohammed be-
lieve that God rules in Heaven and ON
earth. They believe that he is omnipo-
tent, Omnipresent n omniscient. They
believe in the ten commandments and
the Golden Rule. They oppose usury,
murder and theft. They do not eat pork
and believe that a man should mind his
mother n his business. They reject
as the Son of God, but believe
him to have been a great man, next to-
Mohammed. htatIfd
With such principles as these, allied
to wealth and power, the ameer has a
personality which is not to be sighted,
and he controls a country which is Wor- |
thy to rank high in the world.