HERAT.

Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 110, 12 May 1885, Page 2

HERAT.

If tho news that the Ameer of Afghanistan has consented to English forces fortifying and ocoupying Herat is correct, it removos one strong element of doubt whioh has hitherto affected all calculations as to the probable course of events. Grave doubts have always 'been entertained of the good faith of the Ameer, Abdnr Rahman. He was brought up under Bussian influences, he was a .Russian pensioner when, despite repeated warnings, Kngland placed him upon tho throne, contrary to the will of a large section of his own people. It was, therefore, feared that hia sympathies might have a Russian bias. He could give ns no better proof of hia good faith than by allowing us to gain a foothold in Herat. The importance of the situation admits of no doubt. A recent writer says :— " The old Eastern proverb Bays Khorasan is the oystershell of the world, and Herat is its pearl. Situated at an elevation of 2600 feet above the sea, on the Blopoi of the mountains, whioh rise at a distanoe of about four miles at its baok, while to the south the valley opens out to a width of fully 12 miles, it occupies a site at onoe commanding and salubrious. Here tho great caravan routes from India and Persia meet, and from it start the numerous roads which penetrate the furthest recesses of Central Asia, whioh has marked it out from very remote times as the great emporium of that part of the world. Through the wide valley at its feet flow the shining waters of the Herirud, from whioh a comprehensive system of irrigation enhanced the natural fertility of its soil, and enabled vast crops of every kind to be raised by a numerous and indnstrious population. It can boast of great antiquity, in the tenth century travellers spoke in glowing terms of its forts, its buildings, and its gardens, and of the busy crowds of merchants that thronged its bazaars. Notwithstanding that its possession was fiercely contested by successive invaders, and its having undergone on several occasions all the horrors of a siege and capture, it maintained its position as the ohief city of Asia, the seat of arts and soience, whose workors in gold, silver, and steel were famed throughout Asia, while its very gates were ornamented with splendid carvings fringed with polished steel." It has always been looked upon as the gateway or key to India, and it has been the base from whioh every one of the conquering dynasties whioh have overrun that country have operated. It is a plaoe of vast natural strength when occupied by a resolute garrison. The town is nearly a mile square. An English garrison there would effectually check all Russian designs, and it is scarcely probable that Russia will assent to suoh an occupation. It is true that Russian diplomatists now profosa that they have no designs on Herat, and that it is outside the sphere of their legitimate influence ; but the sincerity of these professions would, we think, scarcely stand the test of English occupation of the oity. Only a few weeks ago the Russian Press was clamorous for the advance on and capture of Herat. The main question, assuming the facts to be as cabled, is— will Mr. Gladstone accept the Ameer's offer. That he should do so, there can be no doubt. That he is bound to do so by his pledges to the Ameer is, we think, certain ; that a golden opportunity will be lost, and distrust and estrangement take the place of confidence and close alliance between England and Afghanistan, is but too probable if the former holds baok, but Mr. Gladstone yields bo easily to Russian bonnce that we doubt whether he will venture to occupy Herat at the risk of giving Russia offence, whioh she may consider a caius belli. No donbt his intentions may be fully elicited in the debate commenced in the House of Commons last night, and his decision on this point cannot fail to have a very great influence in determining the result of the division on the vote of censure.