THE AFGHAN WAR.

Dunstan Times, Issue 960, 10 September 1880, Page 3

THE AFGHAN WAR.

Calcutta, September 3rd. General Roberts lias commence 1 operations for an attack on Ayoub Khan’s position at Urasapah. Further news states that General Roberts with a large force attacked, the enemy at Arisayah yesterday, and were driven from their positions. Twenty-seven guns, comprising the whole of his artillery, were captured by the British troops. September 4tli. Further intelligence rep irts that Ayoub Khan’s camp has been captured September Gth. Further information received, states that Ayoub Khan’s forces have been entirely routed.

(Town and Country Journal.) Reports as to the presence of European officers in Ayoub Khan’s forces have, it appears, been confirmed, and though the information on that point is not yet quite certain, the belief that they are Russians seems to be generally entertained. The circumstance will naturally revive the suspicion as to Muscovite treachery and intrigue being at the bottom of reiont movements in Afghanistan. But without attaching any peculiar importance to the fact, it is not difficult to understand how that quarter should now bo an attractive field to some of the Dngald Dalgettys who swarm in his Imperial Majesty’s dominions. In most of the wars which England has waged in India, European militaires have been always found in the ranks of her enemies. In the last century it was generally French soldiers of fortune who took service with the native princes. Long before Wellington measured swords with them in Spain he had to contend in Asia against warriors trained in the school of Napoleon. Doubtless our generals in Afghanistan will be as well able to maintain the honor of the flag in the face of Ayoub Khan and his Russian advisers as their predecessors were when pitted against Hyder Ali, Tippoo Sahib, and their AVestern auxiliaries in the old days. At present, however, the situation is most critical, as Ayoub Khan has commenced regular siege operations at Candahar, and the defenders have not only- to resist the attack of an immensely superior host without, but must be hampered to a great extent by being in the very midst of a large hostile population in the city-. Farther advices will he awaited with intense anxiety.