THE OUTBREAK OP WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2673, 16 April 1885, Page 2

THE OUTBREAK OP WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. RETURN OE EARL DUEFERIN TO CALCUTTA. ADDRESS FROM THE LAHORE MUNICIPAL BOARD. EARL DUEFERIN ON THE AFGHAN CRISIS. (Received April 16, 10.30 a. in.) Bombay, April 15. Earl Dufferin, Viceroy of India, who is now returning from Rawal Pindi to Calcutta, was to day presented at Lahore with an address from the local Municipal Board. In reply to the same, his Excellency took occasion to say that the dominions of the Ameer of Afghanistan had been the scene of an unprovoked attack on the part of the Russian forces, and he rejoiced to find that the Princes and people of India were rallying to the British standard. It was impossible, his Excellency added, to foresee the end of the present crisis ; but if war resulted, it would he in despite of the efforts of moderation on the part of England. [special to press association.] London, April 13. Further details of General KomarofFs explanation in connection with bis action in engaging the Afghans, states— On finding the Afghans entrenched on the Russian side of the Kuskh river, General KornarofF halted some distance from them. The Afghans then menaced a reconnoitring company of his, and also occupied a height cimmanding the flank of his forces, refusing to retire behind the Kuskh river when lequested. The Russians have seat to America

an order for six cruisers of the Esmeralda class, and are endeavouring to purchase the steamers plying between San Francisco and Honolulu. Two Russian transport vessels now at Port Said have been ordered to proceed to the Amoor River, and also instructed to avoid all British Ports en route. The Russian troops are advancing along the River Murghab. The Afghans are sending a vast quantity of military stores and munitions of war to Pisheen, and the troops are massing at Quettah. The Admiralty will despatch ironclads to strengthen the Australian and China squadrons. The Russian men-of-war Yladimir and Monomeh are believed to be in the vicinity of the Cape. The English press asserts that by his explanation General Komaroff convicts himself.