The Poole Telegram. — 1879-09-19 (Poole, Dorset, England)

BOMBAY, THURSDAY.—Many rumours are current upon the frontier as to what is passing in Cabul. Among the natives there are persistent reports that the Ameer is dead. Their accounts, however, differ as to the mode of death. Some reports say that he has been killed by the mutineers, others that he has committed suicide. It is stated that serious riots have been going on in the city. The mutineers, with the town rabble, sacked the bazaars, and many peaceful traders and citizens were killed. At Candahar the greatest activity prevails. The greater part of General Stewart's division is again concentrated there, and preparations are being made for an advance to Klielat-i-Ohilzai. The trading population of the town are delighted at our return, and the general feeling is excellent. The people of Candahar have long groaned under the yoke of Cabul, and hope that the turn of events may again make their city capital of Afghanistan. Messages have come to Candahar from Cabul urging a rising against the British on the 15th of this month. Thereis no fear of a disturbances on a large scale at Candahar, though isolated outbursts of religious fanaticism may take place. The interest centres I upon the course which Ghuzni and the Ghilzais may ' pursue. Ghuzni, always one of the most fanatical and turbulent towns in Afghanistan, will probably go with Cabul. The Candahar chiefs are of opinion that the Heratee regiments which led the mutiny at Cabul acted under the secret orders of Ayoob. Khan, Governor of Herat, who a short time since wrote a violent letter to the Ameer upbraiding him bitterly for making peace with the English. He is known to be an ambitious and unscrupulous man, and to be jealous of his brother's supremacy.—The Bombay papers having , sent a remonstrance to the Government aindsist the edict forbidding any special correspondent* to accompany the army, the Government have replied : Every non-combatant accompanying the force, especially if an Englishman, lessens the power of Government to provide food and carriage for the combatants. No Englishman can in Afghanistan provide his own food and carriage. Circumstances hi an Afghan war are entirely different from those in a European war. Moreover, Government would to some extent be responsible for the personal safety of non-combatants permitted to accompany the forces, and the resources would so far be weakened.. It is not as if the question were of one or two men. Directly a newspaper is allowed to send a special correspondent many others demand a similar con. cession, and it is impossible to draw a line." Public opinion is in favour of special correspondents being allowed to accompany the army. If a regulation were made that no correspondents should be allowed to go, unless provided with sufficient transport to be altogether independent of the army, the number who would go would not be large; but fair and open narrative and criticism would be possible, which is not the case when officers act by permission. Besides, these latter may be left behind on duty or killed in action, and the newspaper they represent be left without correspondents at critical points of the , campaign. As to personal safety, special correspondents can be trusted to take care of themselves. The ' fact that General Roberts before showed himself so sensitive to criticism explains fully the step taken. Bonsai% Reports haye reached Bombay from Mooltan that Herat, Babakshan, and Balkh have all revolted against the Ameer. The same reports state that a holy War is being preached throughout the whole of Afghanistan. Fanatics in all the cities are exciting the population against the British. In consequence of statements that the Cabul troops are approaching the Shutargardan Pass, the summit of the Pass was occupied by a British force yesterday. s A refugee connected with the British Embassy at Cabul has arrived at Karatiga. He says that the attack began in the morning, and that the occupants of the Residency kept up a fire until noon. He believes that no other of the suite escaped. ' A forward movement of the mutineers is rumoured. Bitter hostility to the British exists all round Herat. The cavalry under General Massey are advancing rapidly. Messengers arriving report the Ameer to be extremely nervous. They further state that the whole country is greatly excited. The fear is expressed that the Ameer may be forced into a hostile position; but the orders are to occupy Cabul with or without his consent. The following has been issued from. the Indiaoffice "From VICEROY, 13th September. "Shutargardan was occupied without opposition by General Massy on Thursday evening." [