The Russian War.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 79, 11 April 1885, Page 2

The Russian War.

SIR PETER LUMSDEN'S RE PORT OF THE LATE BATTLE-

England Domands Satisfaction,

Extensive War Preparations by Russia.

(BY CABoK-COPYRIGHT.)

London, April 10. IIEI'OKT.-i received from Sir Peter Lumsden, tho English frontier Commissioner, show that the Afghans did not advance after tho 17th, but tho Russian troops still continued to advance, and invited the Afghans to attack them by passing through their pickets. Throe British officers, who wero present, twice explained to the Russian commander on tho 14th March tho nature of tho agreement arrived at between England and Russia. Speaking in tho Houso of Commons, Mr Gladstone said he considered the assault on tho Afghans was entirely unprovoked. It is expected that early communications in regard to the matter will be despatched to tho Russian Government. It is belioved that 70,000 Russians aro advancing from Aekabad, a fortified town belonging to Russia in Central A-ia. Russia-has equipped nino cruisers in tho Gulf of Finland, and is also arranging for the purchaso of three others in America. A Russian ironclad and frigate havo left Colombo. Tho St. Petersburg press advocates the renouncement of tho Declaration of Paris. It is reported thut.the Government demand tho disavowal'by-Russia of the action takon by General Korharoff in engaging the Afghans, and also insist upon the return of tho Russian forces to then-, former position. The "Times" and " Standard" insist on the retirement of the Russians from the disputed torritory, otherwise war will result. A lator despatch has been received by the Government from Sir Peter'Xumsden, in which ho qualifies the statement that tbe Russian attack on the Afghan troops waa entirely unprovoked. He sffttes that when the Russian force menaced fch& Afghan outposts at Penjdeh, the Afghans crossed tho river Kushk, and tookvup a stronger position. Consols to-day declined from 95g to 9a, 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 tho Franco-German war.