AFGHANISTAN'S NEW RULER.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 19 November 1901, Page 4

AFGHANISTAN'S NEW RULER.

(Per R.M.S. Sonoma, at Auckland.)

San Fbancoco, Oct 24,

The news of the death of the Ameer caused considerable excitement in various quarters. The Press of tit. Petersburg was unanimous concerning the situation in Afghanistan. Ono paper demanded the occupation of Hera*, and perhaps also of other strategic points until Afghanistan is completely tranquilised. The moment is dtclared propitious for a courageous advance, and it is assorted that England

should not be allowed to annex Afghanistan. "Eussia does not desire war against India," the "Svet" adds, "since Indii would bring only annoyance, but Eussia requires peace on her Central Asian frontiers. If Eussia controlled Afghanistan peace with England would be assured." All the papers w- re agreed that Russia must counteract British designs.

A despatch from Simla, dated October 14th says :— '■ A large Afghan force is assembled around Cabul, and i 3 maintaining order. Habibullah Kham has appointed a special guard for each European in Cabul, directing that tho guards shall answer with their lives for the safety of their charges. [The Indian Government has postponed the asual movement in Calcutta, and Lord Curzon has indefinitely postponed his projected tour.'' A despatch dated October 17th states 'hit ths reiv Ameer has increased the pay of Afghan soldiers, and promises a reduction of the taxes on land. He is likely to spring into immediate popularity. The Afghans hope he will depart from the policy of his father, and to abolish the heavy imposts on trado and State monopolies, the removal of transit duties, and the abolition of monopolies would cause an immense revival of trade between India and Afghanistan along the ancient caravan route.

Another despatch states that Habibu'ah took the oath at Cabul on October 9th, and announced the appointment of his brothers to the headships of the Army, Eevenue, and Judical Departments.