Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1900-02-18


Copyright. Associated PressJ
LONDON. February 17.-What is
known in Great Britain as the Ceatral
Asian peril once more obscures the
pacific International aspect of affairs.
AS viewed by the man-in-the-street
the definite news shows that In spite
of denials. Russia had advanced a
strong force within striking distance
of Herat, and whether she intends this
as a distinct demonstration against
Afghanistan or merely as O blind to
draw of attention from or ultimately
assist her objects in the Persian Gulf
is merely q matter OF surmise. What
ever all this really means, large por-
ton of the British public and press
is devoting serious attention to Shat
time-worn bugbear, the menacing
shadow of the bear. Though Lord Sal
isbury refused 10 discuss the question
In the House of Lords the Associated
Press Is able to give the opinions OF
British government officials. which. in
the main, are those of Lord Salisbury
upon this latest development. But.
first OF all, 1t will be we'll to say that
no action has yet been taken or de-
cided on by the British. Weeks ago
Report of n Russian Advance
was circulated. and when questioned
on the subject the Russian am
bassador assured his dear friends in
Downing street that the reports were
exaggerated. II was nothing but an
nual manoeuyres, he explained. and,
least of all, was 1t intended as 4
menace. Ia fact, It was so .helsi - -
this diplomat that the British officials
had no other alternative but to believe
the reports were practically untrue,
especially as Russia. in conjunction
with every other European power,
had, few weeks previous. formally
assured Lord Salisbury that she had
not the faintest intention Of prohting
by Great Britain's embarrassment In
South Africa by pressing outstanding
claims or interfering in any way.
News from Central Asia trickles into
England slowly. but this week there
came from many sources information
showing that Russia's ambassador had,
to put it mildly. misled Lord Salisbury
and the foreign ONCE Wednesday last
had TO bring itself up with sharp
turn to the realization that the Central
Asian situation demanded immediate
attention. Yet, what form such atten-
ton will take constitutes q dilemma,
on the horns of which the British gov
eminent is still perched. Details OF
the proceedings on the borders OF
Afghanistau are still lacking and are
likely to be so for some tine.
Az n High OfacIaI said
TO a representative OF the Associated
Press:
'If we politely suggest to the Rus
sian ambassador that q further ex-
PLANTATION is In order we are sure to get
the same friendly assurance that 1t
does not amount TO anything. II wo
address a formal, stringent protest 90
st. Petersburg we deliberately cast
doubt on Ruesias practically spontan-
eous declaration of friendship and nom
interference. II is possible the letter
ia what Americans call bluff. But.
we have TO be very sure OF our facts
before proceeding on such basis.
Tho Ameer is not I'll IN spite OF all ths
alarming reports. I suppose be will
die come day and there viii possibly be
great disorder. But, Until this occurs
! fail 70 see what Russian can effect.
n the movement is as important as
al a f-x x11fe faef
she intends 10 make demonstrations
on the strength that might be brought
to bear upon some minor concessions
TO be asked for by Russia hereafter.
The opinion OF this official and those
Of the majority Of persons accurately
informed is that Russia's move Is
merely one OF the finer points Of the
dIplomatie game and that she has no
more idea OF forcing war with Great
pri+ain than she has OF forcing war
mon the United States. So, while 10
annears that international relations
ara really not threatened with any
serioug break, II also appears that Rus.
Ella "a likely TO
Get whatever She Asks For,
within reasonable diplomacy, in tho
near future. Nothing IL more patent.
from the conversation Of the cabinet
ministers and officials. than III desire
10 coneiliato and not to oyer-yalue
minor concessions. However, II must
not be inferred that Great Britain in
tends 10 allow herself to be bullied IN
20 granting anything asked for, and Il
Ia Interesting to note la this connec-
ton that the Channel Squadron, con-
sisting OF eight battisshiDs and other
craft Is due in the neigfborhood Of
Gibraltar February Goth.
The renewed naval activity has had
alrnost as much 70 do with the return
OF national confidence as Lord Rob-
ertg evident grasp OF the campaign.
while the nation 10 still looking ask
ance at the new military progra1H[
introduced this week there is
inc qualification at learning
reports that hundreds Of .