THE Bay of Plenty Times AND THAMES VALLEY WARDEN.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1826, 16 April 1885, Page 2

THE Bay of Plenty Times AND THAMES VALLEY WARDEN.

"The Spirit of the Times shall t°ach me speed.'

—KING JOHN, ACT IV.

THUESDAT, APRIL 16, 1885. THE PORTENT OF WAR. Aix minds are at present engrossed with the now apparent certainty of war. Everything now seemingly depends on the explanation which the Russian Government, or General Komaroff, jaaay give to the English Government Joi the attack made by the troops of the former on those of the Ameer. But, unlegs this explanation be very different from that volunteered by M. de Giers to the English Ambassador at St. Petersburgh it had better be withheld altogether, or the effect of it would only be to render the feeling of irritation in England more intense than ever. The explanation of M. deGiers cannot be regarded in any other light than that of an evasion and an insult. It represented the attack as having been made in ignorance of the agreement that had been come to on the 13th ult., and seemed to exhibit the whole affair as being of so incidental and trifling a character that it would not justify any interruption of the negotiations for the settlement of the frontier line. This is making light of a matter which the British Government can only regard as one of peculiar gravity. It is even worse than that ; it is an attempt to account for a serious violation of an agreement in a way not consistent with facts. Intelligence of that agreement must have been received by the Russian officers in Central Asia at least as early as it was by the officers attached to the English Commission, And, even if this had not been the case, the violation of it was rendered inexcusable by the explanation made by some of the British officers to the Russian commander of its nature a week before he made the attack on the Afghans. It is clear, therefore, that the plea of ignorance won't hold water, and that, unless the Russian Government absolutely repudiate the action of General Komaroff and immediately withdraw their troops from the-\|erritory about which the joint Commission were to adjudicate, England can have no option but to declare war.

The question, therefore, is will the Russian G-overnment be prepared to make this twofold concession ? There is reason to believe that they would if they dared. 'It seems to be generally admitted that they are not prepared for war, and that, in so far as the Court is concerned, they would yield not a little to avoid it. But there is evidently a conflict of opinion between the Court and the army. The army is desirous to have war, and the settlement of the question whether there is to be war is practically in the army's hands. It is evidently, too, a foregone conclusion with its leaders to take such measures as will force it on. Of this no one is "better aware than M. deGiers, and it is this that accounts for the equivocal conditions on which he gave the consent of the Court to the agreement that no further advance into Afghanistan should be made on either side. His reply to the request for a confirmation of that understanding was that the Russians would not advance unless the Afghans did so, or unless trouble arose at Panjdeh, where the Russian and Afghan truops were posted within view of each other. This was stipulating for the validity of a pretext which was sure to be found for infringing the agreement, as it was next to impossible for hostile troops to be in such close proximity without trouble arising. This dangerous proximity was the result of Russia's action in sending forward troops to that position after the arrival of the English Commissioners. The frontier line which she has resolved on securing' would include Panjdeh, and the possession of this strategical position would not only enable her troops to cut off Herat from the support which it could derive from the fortress of Maimene, but also gire them command of the river Kushk and the road proceeding up its valley towards Herat, and so pJace this city,

■which is the key to India, within their - grasp. Not only, therefore, does the

responsibility of trouble arising at ■kPanjdeh from the proximity of oppos-

ing forces rest with Russia, but at her door also lies the blame of having placed her troops there for the express purpose of creating trouble. It was with the full knowledge of these facts, and also to provide for the contingency which he know would happen, that M. deGiers endorsed the agreement made on the 13th ult. between M. deStaal and the British Government with the conditions referred to attached. As is well known now, the pretext for creating the trouble which these conditions invited was speedily found. The Russians advanced and menaced the Afghan outposts at Pan j den, and the Afghans, having taken up a stronger position, were attacked by the Russians in force. The attempt to cast the blame on the Afghan general or the British officers is a mere afterthought. It is difficult to see how, in these circumstances, any explanation of the violation of the agreement arrived at can be made by the Russian Court which will prove at all satisfactory to the British Government, and it is quite as difficult to see how, in the absence of an}' such explanation, the British Government oan, without loss of honor and prestige, conduct any further negotiations with the Russian Court.

Accordingly, the only apparent possibility of now avoiding war lies in the weakness of the Gladstone Government. Russia has evidently been calculating on their reputed aversion to a contest and on their consequent vacillation in diplomacy. Their entering on negotiations at all until the Eussian troops should have been withdrawn from Pul i Khatum and Parijdeh, and, still more, their consenting to continue these negotiations after receiving M. deGiers' conditions to the understanding that no further advance of troops should be made on either side, give something like an assurance to the Eussian Court that they will be caught tripping again. On the other hand, the Gladstone Government are confronted with the fact that the very least further concession on their part to the unscrupulous and crafty designs of Eussia will inevitably seal their doom aud also that of their party. The mass of the people are thoroughly indignant at the unprincipled action of Eussia and the weak diplomacy of thoir own rulers, and nothing will now satisfy them save an imperative demand for immediate reparation being made for the insult that has been offered to England, and the unprovoked assault on her Afghan allies. The question is thus reduced to this — will the Gladstone Government disclose courage equal to the emergency ? Despite their well-known slackness, the probabilities are that they will. And, ii they do, it is inevitable that one or other of two results must forthwith follow; either that Eussia will retire humiliated from the positions she lias, contrary to good faith, assumed, or that war against her will be declared. The connection of events relating to the Afghan frontier question and the present social condition of Eussia point to the conclusion that, though not yet prepared for the impending conflict, she will be driven to the alternative of fighting England and Afghanistan rather than face the eonsoquences of yielding. The attitude which Eussia is thus likely to assume will, therefore, in all probability oblige England, however reluctantly, to take up the gauntlet which her antagonist has defiantly thrown down and grapple with him until he cries peccavi.

By telegram, received on Tuesday afternoon, which appeared in our War Bulletin, Russian troops were advancing along tho river Murghab. British troops aro massing on Quetta. The probabilities of avoiding a declaration of war are lessening every day.

"We regret to learn that Mr H. W. Brabant, R.M., is still confined to his room and unablo to come into town. Mr Brabant is suffering from an attack of sciatica.

Mr John Sheehan telegraphs as follows - "It is rumoured that I :tm retiring. This is untruo ; on the contrary lam comiug to Tauranga by first opportunity, and will visit Maketu, Whakatane, Opotiki, and all other places in. the district. I mean to fight."

"Wo understand that the plans for a house for H. P. Bluett, Esq., so favourably commented on by our Whakataue correspondent in our last issue, were prepared by Mr G-. Arnold Ward, architect, of this town.

It is the intention of the Defence Department to remove the greater part of the old targets from the rifle range here, and leave only threo plates. This will necessitate the building 1 of a new mantlet and other expenditure on the part of the Olub. Certainly there is no apparent reason why these targets should bo removed, but an inexorable Government must use every occasion, wise or otherwise, to display its authority. Why riflo practice should be discouraged is a mystery.

Wo hope the movement initiated recently for the purpose of resuscitating- and re-or-ganising the Tauranga Brass Band will not die a natural death. There seems to lack that fervour or very which is essential to the success of such an effort, and we would remind our musical friends of the importance of throwing a little energy into this matter.

Wo direct particular attention to the annual meeting of subscribers to the Tauranga Regatta Club, to be held at the Star Hotel tomorrow evening at 7.30. The business to be brought before the meeting is of great importance, and we hope that there will be a largo attendance and that practical interest shown in the affairs of the Regatta Club which they so justly deserve. Tho unqualified success of tho last regatta is still fresh in the memory of the friends and supporters of our local club.

Tho Now Zealand Frozen Moat and Storage Company's works, at Auckland, are n'l but completed, and they hope to commence freezing their first cargo early in May, but are now prepared to contract for further cargoes to freeze; in June and the following months. The company's advertisement will be found in thu columns of this paper.

The commission appointed in London to deal with Europeans claims in the Pacific, and prepare a scheme securing the neutrality of unannexed islands in the Pacific, has commenced its labours.

An Alabaster, Box.— Young fjirls finding their complexion growing sallow, and their skin, becoming 1 rough or freekly, ro?orfc to perfumed ointments for a restoration of their bloom. All such should use Hop .Bitters, which -will restore bloom to cheeks, whiieness and beauty to their complexion, making rich, blood, good health, and happy gmilea. Read ,

The following tolegram, received yesterday, was eagerly scanned: — "Sir P. Lumsden has been asked the real facts about the Russian attack on the Afghans. The Afghan loss in the late engagement is given at 930 killed .and wounded. The Russians are expected to attack Merutschak and G-ulfikar."

The San Francisco mails from Auckland, datod March 3rd, were delivered in London on 10th April.

William Elliot, the oldest Freemason in Europe, died recently ai, the ripe old age of 91 yearsw

The Wellington correspondent; of the New Zealand Herald, writes to that journal as follows : — I learn again that in the event of the commencement of hostilities between England and Russia, Par'iament will be called together immediately.

Advices from Wellington, dated Saturday last, s^ate that the lowest tender for the first section of the North Island Trunk Railwa}' at the Southern end is by a Wanganui firm. It amounts to £27,500. Mr Isaao Coats, of Hamilton, is the successful tenderer for the Punui Railway. The amount of tlio tonder ia £29,000.

There wore some ordinary petty debb eases disposed of, on Tuesday, at the R. M. Court. But owing to the Resident Magistrate being uuable to attend through temporary indisposition the judgment in the case of Matekino v. Buddie and others was postponed until this morning.

There is said to be considerable excitement now manifested in the kauri gum market. The rapid rise and fall is a subject of remark by those who have had much experience therein. There appears to be some difficulty in assigning a reason for the present agitation.

There were a great many native pigeons in the bush ou the road to Rotorua about a fortnight ago, but they have now become very scarce, no doubt owing to the scare which a large number of natives aud others caused amongst them. The birds are still plentiful in other parts of the district.

At yesterday's meeting of the Acclimatisation Society it was decided to liberate the young deer, and to turn them out at the back of Mr Jonathan Brown's property, We trust that these interesting animals will be unmolested in their new quarters.

By the direct steamer Ruapehu, recently the Otago Acclimatisation Society shipped the following presents to Dr. Day, editor of The Field in London ; two haunches of venison, a box of trout, and US rabbits which will doubtles be greatly appreciated on reaching their destination. The above steamer took a total of 9104 carcases of mutton.

We are informed that Mr W. Kelly will address the Electors as soon as the writ for a fresh election is issued.

Earthquakes have been very frequent at "Wairoa, near Rotorua, during the last forrnight. On Thursday, the 2nd instant, there were no less than eight distinct shocks, while several heavy ones occurred next morning between 4.30 and 5 o'clock. One of the oonvulsions of the earth was so strong" that it shook bottles off the shelves in Mr Moßae's bar, breaking them, and leaving the contents to run over the floor. Tourists have visited this locality in good numbers recently and expressed themselves delighted with the grand sights of nature's wonders. Indeed this piace is soarcely yet sufficiently known to sightseers, otherwise the number of visitors would be still greater. The road from Rotorua becomes very picturesque after the first few miles, the portion through the bush, and after that along the shores of lake Tarawera, being delightful. At Mr Mcßae's hotel the traveller finds every oomfort and convenience, while the accommodation jn'ovided is not only extensive but also very pleasant, including a large balcony upstairs, from whenco a very fine view of tho surrounding scenery is obtained. There are fifteen well appointed bed-rooms of all sizes in tho house, besides three parlors and a large dining-room. A splendidly toned piano forms an additional attraction to musical tourists, and altogether thia hotel, after the recent additions made to it by its enterprising owner, cannot fail to please even the most fastidious traveller. Tho whole distanoe between Wairoa and Rotorua is eleven miles over a good road, and the journey can be done easily in two hours or even less. A first class native guide (a robust female) is in oonstant attendauoe at the hotel, ready for visitors who require her services, and speaking very fair English.

A portrait model of Colonel Stewart, C.M.G. (attired in the uniform of the Uth Hussars), Oriental traveller and linguist, is now added to the list of celebrities at Madame Tussaud's Exhibition.

Working Mcx. — Before you begin your heavy spring work after a winter of relaxation your system needs cleansing andstrenthening to prevent an attack of bilious or spring fever or sioknoss that will unfit you for a season's work. You will save time, sickness and expense if you ■will use ono bottle of Hop Bitters in your family this month. Don't wait, .Read