SIR PETER LUMSDEN'S REPORT OF THE LATE BATTLE. England Demands Satisfaction. Extensive War Preparations by Russia.

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 98, 18 April 1885, Page 3

SIR PETER LUMSDEN' S REPORT OF THE LATE BATTLE. England Demands Satisfaction. Extensive War Preparations by Russia.

London, April 10. Reports received from Sir Peter Lumsden, tho English frontier Commissioner, show that the Afghans did not advance after the 17th, but the Russian troops still continued to advance, and invited the Afghans to attack them by passing through thoir pickets. Three British officers, who were j present, twice explained to the Russian commandor on the 14th March the nature of the agreement arrived at between England and Russia. Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Gladstone said he considered the assault on the Afghans was entirely unprovoked. It is expected that early communications in regard to the matter will be despatched to the Russian Government. It is believed that 70,000 Russians are advancing from Askabad, a fortified town belonging to Russia in Central A«ia. Russia has equipped nine cruisers in the Gulf of Finland, and is also arranging for the purchase of three others in America. A Russian ironclad and frigate have left Colombo. The St. Petersburg press advocates the renouncement of the Declaration of Paris. It is reported that the Government demand the disavowal by Russia of tho action taken by General Komaroff in engaging the Afghans, and also insist upon the return of the Russian forces to their former position. The "Times" and " Standard" insist on the retirement of the Russians from the disputed territory, otherwise war will result. A later despatch has beon received by tho Government from Sir Peter Lumsdon, in which he qualifies the statement that the Russian attack on the Afghan troops was entirely unprovoked. He states that when the Russian force menaced the Afghan outposts at Penjdeh, tho Afghans crossed tho ' river Kuahk, and took up a stronger position. Consols to-day declined from 95Q to 93, a panic having occurred on the Stock Exchange, owing to present political uneasiness. The panic, both in London and on Continental bourses, is unparalleled since the Franco-German war.