ENGLISH NEWS.

Waikato Times, Volume XII, Issue 998, 14 November 1878, Page 2

ENGLISH NEWS.

[PER S.S '' ARAWATA, 1 AT THE BLUFF.] LONDON, September 27. Shei'B Ali having received and entertained envoys from Russia, the Indian Government resolved to despatch an imposing mission to Cabool. After repeated delays, the British envoy left Peshawur on the Gist inst. On reaching the m,outh of the Khyber he learnt that the Amir's

commaudant had advanced an outpost to the centre of the pass, and was prepared to dispute the passage. The party, comprising Mnjor Cargnari, two native princes, and a small escort, advanced to meet AHMesjdi, and had three hours' conference with the commandant, who threatened au attack if the par y proceeded. Thtuj insolently rebuffed, the mission -returned to Peshawar. Butf or person al friendship, the Afghan commandant declared he would shoot Major Cargnari. General Sir Nevile Chamberlian was recalled, and the mission dissolved. Russia, m the meantime, persists m maintaining- a permanent embassy at Cabool. The 'Times'. has. declared that Government is fully prepared' for the present crisis. Explanations will be demanded, and military preparations are proceeding vigorously. The frontier policy was deliberately formed, and will be carried out whether Shere Ali is friendly or not. An advance of three columns is ordered, and eight thousand men will reinfore the garrison of Quetta, and hold the Bolan Pass. 6000 will I occupy Kooran Valley, and a column will penetrate the Khyber Pass. Whether war is to be immediately commenced or postponed to spring, Candahar will be occupied. A Constantinople telegram states that the envoy from Afghanistan has arrived, and that he is striving to induce the Porte to conclude an. alliance with Russia. The 'Moniteur' states that the Porte is endeavouring to effect a confederation of Asiastic Moslem prineeß under Shere Ali, and that the envoy has gone from the Sultan to Cabool on the errand.