The War in Afghanistan.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3120, 17 February 1879, Page 2

The War in Afghanistan.

Kubam (through Thall), Deo. 24. The following is the substance of the Ameer's proclamation to his troops; the original is in Persian and was found in Feiwar. This is quite distinct from the proclamation of the Ulemah previously transmitted. The proclamation states that, after years of personal toil, the Ameer has collected all the necessary implements of war, and is ready; that all good believers shot in battle will go straight to paradise, and that paradise will be the reward of all rich men who furnish arms and money towards the prosecution of a Jehad. It urges that the Ameer has never invaded a country without just cause, as the English are now doing. The "troops may go to the cannon's mouth hundreds of times, and if their hour has not come they will not be harmed. If, on the contrary, their time is come, they will die in a moment. Therefore, why should they fear? The Ameer regards them as all his children, so it is their duty to fight for him. Great stress is laid on the sin of receiving bribes from infidels. The proclamation ends by citing Swat and Buner as examples of countries whereby supporting the ruling princes, the Mussulmans triumphed. If the Mussulmans will now do the same, victory is sure. The proclamation is supported by many quotations from the Koran and is signed by the military secretary to the Ameer, and dated the month of Saroar, 1295 of the Hegira, between the 12th of October and the 11th of November of this year. December 20. The trial of the prisoners in the 29th Native Infantry for their conduct on the night of the Ist inst. and during the action of the 2nd closed yesterday and'the result was declared this morning. On the nifchfc of the Ist the 29th Begimeat was given the post of honour to lead the turning movement by the Spingwai Pass. After passing the village of feiwar they straggled so much and Went so slowly that General ftoberts had to bring the 6th Goorkhas to the front. The strictest orders had been issued that tilenee and quietness should be preserved on th« march, as much of the success of the enterprise depended on the leading men of the column taking the first barrier by surprise. The men had not loaded their rifles when, about two miles from the barrier, two shots were fired in rapid succession from the Pathan Company of the 29th .Regiment. This could only mean treachery on their part. The General at once halted the 29th, and brought the 72d Highlanders in front of them.

. it seems wonderful that the enemy did not hear thgse two signal shots. There was then no time or light to* examine the rifles to'Hiscover who had fired the shots, but the culprits have since been brought to trial, and one was hanged this morning before the whole force, while the other was sentenced to a term of iiapiisonment, as hi? treacherous intention^ras leu clear." ' •.-■-■: v. : „,.-■;.

During the night of the advance 18 men from the 29th deserted and found their way back to the old camp at Pciwar, taking no share in the action. They have all been tried and have received sentence! of transportation varying from two to 14 years. .■: ■-. ■. • ■'„;,.. -,- .;,, ■

Pioeon-Englmh.—A. few Portuguese and a few Chinese words, all wrought into Chinese idioms, make up the business language which is used between the Chinese and English speaking traders. This language is called "Pigeon- English." An Englishman translated into Pigeon the familiar address, "My name is Norval; on the Grampian H ills my father feeds his flock," and the result was, " My name is b'long Norval. Topside kelhumpian hills my fader chow ohow he aheefi." fiat the next sentence beggared the language, and, " A frugal swain, whose constant care is to increase his store," had to be freelr " done " in this shape* 1' My fader very small heartee man—too much like dat piecie dolla.

The Vestures of the Bky.—A. young lady said the should bo like to go up in a balloon. She wished very much to get up above the clouds, and look down. It must be so pretty. She had heard that even the darkest cloud had a silver lining.