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Manawatu Standard, Volume IX, Issue 109, 13 April 1885, Page 3

(ELECTRIC TELEGKAML — COPYRIGHT.) J special to united press /Association. I '■'..' London, April 9. The Standard states thit a battle has beeu fought m the vicinity of the river Murghab between a number of Russians aud Afghaus-, during which 500 of tile combatants were killed* It is believed the Russians were defeated. ' Russian stocks have fallen 10 per cent. Consols have also fallen 1£ per cent. April 10. It is reported that the Government demand, the disavowal by Russia of the action taken. by General Komsroff m engaging the Afghaus, and also insist upon the return of the Rossi an forces to : their former position. . The Times and Standard insist on the retirement of the Russinua from the disputed territory, otherwise war will result. It is believed that 70,000 Russians are advancing from Ascabad, a fortified town belonging to Russia, m Central Asia. Russia has equipped nine cruisers m the Gulf of Fiulatul, and is also arranging for the purchase of three others m America. A Russiau ironclad aud frigate have left Colombo. The St. Petersburg Press advocates . • the renouucoiuent of the Declaration of Paris. Mr Gladstone stated that the Russian Government have admitted the attack.' , Reports received from Sir Peter Luinsde», the English Frontier Commissioner, show that the Affilmus did not advance aftor the 17th March, but the Kuasian troops still continued to advance, aud incited tho Afghaus to attack tiiuin by passing through their pickelH. The British officers who were present twice ex- • plained to the cotniuauder on the 14th of March the nuture of the agreement arrived at between. Euglaud and Russia. • Speaking m the House of Commons, Mr Gladstone said he considered the as- ' sault on the Afghans was entirely uu- ' provoked. , It is expected that early comin unica- - tions m regard to the matter will be despatched to the Russiau Government. The panic caused m the London Stock and the . Continental Bourses is unparalleled since the Frauco-Gennan war; .