THE AFGHAN WAR.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3572, 8 June 1880, Page 2

THE AFGHAN WAR.

Preparations for continuing the earn*' paign, and for bringing it, we trust to a speedy end, are being continued with increasing energy. The number of troops -' at Cabul has been inoreased from eleven to twelve thousand, and the surrounding ' country is being scoured, not, only for the purpose of obtaining fresh supplies, but' also in order to show the strength of our hand. During the winter the influence . of the British occupation has been limited to the capital and to a circuit of not SUfe than ten miles rouqd. Maidan, LogaV, Kobistan, and the mterrening country have not precisely slipped out of hand, bat it may require a demonstration, of force to re-assert our authority. * Steps are being taken in order to accomplish that object. The *route from Dakka to Lataband shows signs of disturbance. Notwithstanding the increased strength of General Bright's forces and his improved means of transport the neighbouring hillmen continue to exhibit symptoms of restlessness, . The tribes who lately made an atttcK upon Fort Battye have been heavily fined. Of the ten thousand rupees imposed upon them one section of the Xugianis have paid, half that contribution. It is important to notice that another section who have failed to produce their moiety of the penalty are to have their territory invaded by two small columns of British troops. It is only by the adoption of stringent methods like these that the troubles which threaten our communications will be suppressed. In the South; General Stewart is advancing upon Ghuznee, and the disturbances, in the Zamindawar region are reported to be at an end. The authorities continue to be ill-informed as ever of the state of. affairs in Turkestan and at Herat. ' . -