The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1885. The Anglo-Russian Affair

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 15, 16 July 1885, Page 2

The Feilding Star. THURSDAY, JULY 16, 1885. The Anglo-Russian Affair

. 4» The tidings which reach us day by day, in brief messages flashed over the telegraphic wires, on the subject of the position of affairs on the Afghan frontier, do not tend to the inculcation of a belief that the question will be determined by a peaceful solution. The hopes of the peacably inclined that it would be settled by the arbitration of a neutral power do not appear as if they would be realised. Russia on her side is advancing masses of men, ostensibly with the most friendly intentions, while England, in order to meet her opponent, has ordered that fifteen thousand men, armed with breechloaders, shall garrison Herat, whence a number of heavy guns are being sent for the fortification of the town. In the House of Commons, Mr Smith, Secretary of State for the War Department, informed the House that military preparations are being continued pending a definite settlement with Russia of the Afghan boundary question. Thu* open manner of declaring that England is prepared to go to war unless an arrangement is mutually agreed to satisfactory to the nation, will tend to bring the point to a peaceful issue, if Russia is not desirous of a war. A great deal has been said of the German influence being exercised on the side of peace, but although the indebtedness of Russia to Germany may give the latter nation some control over the finances of Russia, yet unfortunately a nation seeking a quarrel with another is seldom guided by the councils of financiers ; in this instance especially, as there is a difficulty cropping up on the subject ef the Russian-Poles with Germany which will puzzle diplomatists for a while. Looking at the subject dispassionately, we are inclined to form an opinion that both England and Russia recognise the impossibility of retiring from the respective positions they have taken up without first bringing their forces into action on the field of battle. Both nations are therefore making every preparation for war, and when these are completed the most fearful and bloody engagements that bave vet darkened the pages of history will be required to limit the ambition of Russia and quench her vuin hopes of rule over India with the blood of the bravest and best of the two na- | tions.