The Fielding Star. THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1885. Prospects of Peace

Feilding Star, Volume VII, Issue 24, 6 August 1885, Page 2

The Fielding Star. THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 1885. Prospects of Peace

Recent telegrams from Europe justify us in hoping for a peaceful termination of the negotiations which have been \ for so many weary months going on between England and Russia on tho vexed question of the Afghan frontier. It is now generally believed that the points of dispute are practically settled, although the length of the negotiations and the frequent disappointments inflicted on sanguine people ought to teach caution in drawing either favorable or unfavorable conclusions. It is now to be assumed, however, that at last there is really nothing to be done but settle some trifling details, and the bouyancy of the money market shows that the Stock Exchange, at all events, regards all danger as past. The natives of India do not regard the matter in a very rosy light. The English counter-proposals as accepted by Bussia, do not hide from them the fact that these counter-proposals practically assign to Russia the frontier demanded by the latter in the first instance. The reparation for the outrage at Fenjdeh has been a prominent demand of English diplomats, but none of the rumours of a settlement make any mention of reparation. There are no doubt sound reasons for being glad that we are not going to war about this, but there are none for pretending that for Russia to abandon the Zulfikar Pass, pending further negotiations, is a diplomatic triumph for England. The reason given for the delay in definitely concluding the treaty or arrangement on the part of Russia is stated to be the close proximity of the Parliamentary elections in England. Russia hopes that the Conservative party will not come back with a majority. If this is | correct we may deduce therefrom the opinion that Russia has everything to fear in the vigor of the Conservatives, and everything to hope for in the weakness of the Liberals. If the average English elector were to get this idea into his head the Conservatives would be almost returned to a man. But even if the liberals were returned in a majority we do not think the country would submit to further insults from Russia. It is now patent that the new spirit breathed into our diplomacy has had a good effect. The necessity for strong military defences on the Indian frontier is now admitted by even the most rabid partisan. Russia is in contact with Afghanistan, and is consequently in a very real sense in contact with India. It is not thought in India that war can be postponed for very long by the arrangements now pending. A new chapter has been opened in the history of India, which is now in contact with an aggressive power. "We have at . most a short breathing time in which to make preparations far toolong neglected. These must be carried on steadily and sysiteniatically, and must be seconded by foresight and practical sagacity in our foreign pplioy, otherwise England may find J h;erself at no distant date confronted by dangers which the most lavish concessions will fail to avert. The same rule which applies to the Indian . frontier applies with equal force to the British possessions in the South Boas. The defence of the ports, with the training bf the citizens to bear arms, should be a first thought on the part of our rulers, in order that when the evil day comes it will find us prepared to meet it. Readiness to meet and repel an attack is the best mode of averting it altogether.