ENGLAND AND AFGHANISTAN.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XVII, Issue 843, 9 June 1885, Page 3

ENGLAND AND AFGHANISTAN.

The Grand Durbar came off on April Bth with regal pomp and magnificence. The great durbar tent, filled to its utmost capacity by an imposing assembly of native potentates and Anglo-Indian officials, presented-a brilliant scene;; the like' of which has not been seen even in India since the great Umballa durbar. The display of jewels by many of the Indian- princes was positively dazzling, but contrasted well with their gorgeous robes. Lord Dufferin's arrival was quickly followed by that of the Ameer and his suite, who had been conducted from their residence to the Durbar tent by a Viceregal deputation. The Viceroy, attended by Sir C. Aitchison, advanced to meet his guest, and conducted him personally to the dais. The splendid picture was now complete. On the Viceroy's right, were the Ameer and his Ministers and Sirdars and the .great Punjab chiefs, whilst on the left sat ...the Duke of Connaught, Sir C. Aitchison, Lieuten-ant-Governor of the Punjab, Sir Donald Stewart, Commander-in-Chief, Sir A. Lyall, LieutenantGovernor of the North-West Provinces, Executive Councillor Patrala, and Generals Sir Frederick Roberts and the Hon. A. Hardinge. After a brief conversation between the Viceroy and the Ameer, inaudible except to a few of the notables on the dais, the signal was given to bring in the magnificent ami varied presents, and they were laid out in front of the dais. The Ameer then addressed Lord Dufferin fluently and readily, begging him to thank his Sovereign, the Empress of India, for the many marks of favor bestowed upon him. He gladly placed himself and his people at the service of England, and henceforth Afghans and Englishmen would stand side by side against all enemies. Lord Dufferin subsequently presented a sword of honor to the Ameer, who promised to use it against the enemies of England. Thus auspiciously concluded the durbar ceremonies, and the booming of cannon soon signalized the departure of the Ameer, the Viceroy, and the other notabilities in the order of their rank. The proceedings passed off without a hitch.— Home Paper.