Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1905. IS INDIA SAFE?

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 September 1905, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1905. IS INDIA SAFE?

Ever since it became clear that Russia was practically powerless to resist Japan in the Far East, it has been nrobable that some attempt would be made by the Czar and his advisers to renew the pressure so often applied with success upon the NorthWest Frontier. In spite of the solemn assurance given by Prince Gortschakoff in 1869 that Russia regarded Afghanistan as "entirely outside the sphere within which Russia may be called upon to exercise her influence," it is impossible to ignore the significance of Russia's steady absorption of Central Asia, and her advance towards Herat. To-day, with the help of the Astrabad and Orenburg Tachkent railways, Russia could place half a million men on the borders of Afghanistan more easily than she placed them in Manchuria, and, though she is temporarily crippled, there is no reason to doubt that if the Czar so wills, the onward march of Russia to the open sea will bo turned from the East towards the South. Since Port Arthur fell the "Viedomosti" and other official oreans have 6poken of the necessity of seeking "other outlets" for Russian ambitions, and Colonol Gaedke's surmises as to the direction that those ambitions may take are almost superfluous. The only meaning that the Russian annexation of Turkestan and Chinese TarUry has ever had is that these countries servo as a convenient base of operations for actions against India. And when Russia is no longer embarrassed by her schemes of conquest in the Far East, we may expect her oretensions to take more definite shape along the northern boundary of India. As to any chance of ultimate success that Russia might have in invading India, much would of course depend upon Afghanistan. The Russian advance guard is already so close to Herat that nothing could save it if the signal for attack were once "ivon, while the English armies are still within the north-west frontier line. But the country is mountainous and barren, and if the Afghans made a combined effort to repel the invaders, the Russians would nov« reach the Khyber Pfts«. Tho Am««r

Habibullah is liko his father, Abdurahnian, anxious to be on Rood terms with the English, but afraid of the Russians, and jealous of any encroachment upon his independence. When lie ascended the. throne he welcomed an embassy sent by Lord Curzon, and made effusive promises, but ho objects to British telegraphs and railways, and to the presence of a British Resident at Kabul. However, the mission of Mr Louis Dane to Afghanistan this year has had more practical results; and it is satisfactory to learn that an offer of guns and ammunition recently made by Russia to the Ameer was peremptorilv declined. On the whole, there is "ood reason to believe that the understanding between the Afghans and the British is more cordiol than it has over been before, and that the gallant mountaineers, onco assured of British aid, would prove a most formidable foe to an invading army from the north. But, supposing that with (he connivance of the Afghans, or thron-h a successful surprise the Russians could seize Herat and the roads converging on the practicable passes by way of Kabul and Kandahar—would it then bo possible for them to place an army strong enough to expect success within striking distance of the north-west frontier The answer to this question involves an immense.amount of controversy, but the weight of expert opinion inclined to the negative. Colonel Hanntl'ti monograph on the text, "Can Russia invade India?" supplies a large amount of evidence to the effect that the lack of food and transport facilities are an effectual defence against such an invasion. As to the number of troops required for such a purpose, Colonel Gncdke estimates that 650,000 moil would be necessary. It is true that other authorities have nroposod a much less imposing force. The absurd scheme published last year by the "Daily Express, and attributed lo General Kuropatkin. assumes that 12,000 troops would bo sufficient; But no military expert attached any more importance to this proposal than to Skobeloffs wild project lor a flying column of 50.000 men to rouse the Mahomrocdans of Central Asia and Hindustan against British rule. So far as India is concerned, we have' crood ground for the belief that the army never was so strong as it is to-day, or so well stationed for the purposes of" defence. The northern passes are practically impregnable, and the Kabul and Kandahar roads, including the Khaibar and Bolan Passes] are covered by fortified outposts and a network of railways, by which overwhelming forces could bo concentrated by short notice on any point exposed to sudden attack. Even if wo discount Afghanistan entirely, there is every reason to believe that it would need more men than Russian generals could over lead to the Khaibar to break through the north-western frontier: and in spite of the anxiety recently displayed by Mr. Balfour, British rule in India is safer to-day than it has ever been since the English occupation began.

THE EFFECTS OF PEACE. Tub peace agreement that lias been •omo to between Russia and Japan is likely to mark a new epoch in the orld's politics. This will not arise so much from the check sustained by Russia in her forward policy in the ■ir East as from the way in which t has altered the relations of the Groat Powers. The game of "weldtpolitik," as the Germans call it, has been entirely changed, and a re-ar-rangement of international interests seems to bo inevitable. It is too soon, perhaps, to predict what the ouicome will be; but it is tolerably certain that the general interests of humanity must be advanced. While the power and influence of the great nations are in no way discernibly waning, nations that played no veiv conspicuous part hitherto have ftp reared on the scene, and must be re■ogiiised as influential factors in the progress of humanity. Up to the ;-reat battles of the Manchurian campaign, Russia was the arbiter imongst the nations of the Old World; but after the disasters of lukden and Tsushima, Russia's oh! time prestige was seriously weaken'l, though far from being destroyed. lie weight of 1.'30 millions of human : >eings in the affairs of the world :iust still bo felt, though in a modi' •d degree. This must bo regarded •; a decided gain all round. Japan now stands as sentinel over the ights of the Yellow Man as against the White She has abundantly justified her appearance in the arena of the world's affairs as the equal of any if her contemporaries in all essentia! respects. As a military power, viewed from a purely military standpoint, she may not claim to be the equal of cither Russia or Germany. Rut taking her naval and military Hrength together, and occupying the coign of vantage in holding the gateway of the Far East, Japan must be recognised as the dominant Power in that quarter of tiio globe, a position of which no other Power would care to try to dispossess her.

But without pursuing that train of thought further, the result of the recent war in the Far East has involved other changes that are full of interest to the student of the problem of_ human affairs One of the chief ti rumpus, from a purely commercial point of view, is the fact of the Far East now offering the " open door" to the commerce of all the nations. As Britain possesses the lion's share of the trade in the Far East, one can now realise the wisdom of the policy that brought about the alliance with Japan. Henceforth, or for some considerable time at least, there will be a keen but honest race between Britain, Japan and America for commercial supremacy amongst the teeming millions of the East and its vast possibilities in the way of trade The Pacific Ocean will then become the great highway of commerce as compared with that of the Atlantic

or Mediterranean. As trade and intercourse between nations, no matter by what means they may have been promoted, has always proved to be the most effective factors in the advancement and elevation of mankind, so the mingling of interests between the people of the West and the East may safely be regarded as likely to produce similar results on a larger scale in tho future. Owing to the erratic nature of the Kaiser—who is a personage of unquestionable ability—he has for some time back been regarded with a little suspicion by the saner and more cautious section of people. The strange way in which he foregathered with tho Sultan of Turkey—Abbut tho Damned, he has been called ' —and tho Tangier episode made people uneasy. As he dared not have ventured on such a theatrical

coup if Russia had had the upper hand of Japan, tho world feels much easier now that peace lias been made and on a, basis that still leaves Russia a Power possessed of immense prestige, even if somewhat diminished. Peaeo arrangements came just in time to give pause to tho German Emperor and thus avoid international disturbance. This is of advantage also to Germany, as she is beginning to feel the pinch of industrial strikes and the irritation of the disappointing and expensive little war in her West African colonv. There-

fore, with Russia and Germany feeling (ho steadying effects of the llus-so-Japanese war, a more peaceful outlook is assured than could have been counted upon for years past. As an additional security for the harmony of the nations, the President of the United States comes ou the scene as a new and most import' ant figure. We have yet to learn how influential a part lie played in bringing about peace between Russia and Japan, but he is asserting (ho full weight of his country in the world's affairs by maintaining his initiative regarding tho next Hague Conference, tho author of which is Czar Nicholas. Mr Roosevelt also limits the 'scope of the Hague Court's jurisdiction. Ho omits some what conspicuously from his programme any reference to circumscribing or limiting the expansion of naval power, whatever may be done in respect to the land forces of the nations. This is somewhat significant from tho fact that tho present policy of America is to largely increase her fleet. Not that any aggressive movement is to be apprehended from her. There is little or no fear of such a demonstration taking place. But she is evidently preparing for the commercial chang-

os that aro imminent, especially in tho Pacific, and is determined to be equal to'the occasion in the way of protecting American trade in whichever direction it may ever flow. Practically, the United * States possesses little foreign trade that is not /m earned in foreign bottoms ) but 'r? there are evidences that a change of policy is imminent, and that she intends to once more occupy as important a position in the marine traffic of tho world as before Protection became the national policy and wiped her foreign-going sailing vessels oft' the face of the ocean. What other results may arise from the war in the Far East, and that are not yet in .sight, circumstances will have* to determine. But thero's little doubt that the drawing together of the Bast and the West must have farreaching effects, and, let us hope, that they- may prove to be for the advancement and happiness of the family generally.

A telephone and post office is now open at Moana. The hours of attendance aro from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Captain Edwin predicts a tralc from between west and south-west and south; glass rise ; tides moderate; sea heavy; rtiirl probable, and niucli colder Weather. An emergency meeting of the Mawhera Lodge. No 136 will be held at the Masonic Hall, Werita street, this evening, at 8 u'clock. Visiting brethren are invited to attend. The usual monthly meeting of the Inan gahua County Council will take place at Reofton on Thursday afternoon next, an! the monthly meeting of the Hospital Trustees the same evening. The final social of the year in connection with the lolanthe Assembly will bo Iveld in the Opera House this evening. Excellent arangements have been made to ensure a pleasant dance. About twenty recruits have lajfily Coined the Grcymouth Volunteer Corps, and have been instructed by the officers. This afternoon and on Saturday, class firing will be indulged in at the local rifle range. The members of the Druids' Lodge are elsewhere reminded that a meeting of the local committee will be held this- evening at eight o'clock. Business being important, every member is specially requested to be present; The Greymouth Eresh Fowl and tee Company (Limited) by advertisement appearing in another column, are inviting Applications for creamery managers, to take charge of the Ikamatua, Matai, and Poerua creameries for the present season. Owing to.the continuous wet weather experienced 'during the last three days, work at tho quarry and in' connection with the laying of the foundations of the nevf Post Office, has been cuspended until more favourable conditions prevail. The Directors of the Blackwater River Gold Dredging Company have dividend of Is per share, and added, £IOO to the reserve fund. The propspocts before the Company are very good, and a continuance of present yields is confidently expected.

During the past month a billiard iour iiamcnt has b«m in progress at the St Columba Club, which has created creat interest among the club members. The final was played last night, when Mr W. Rooney proved victorious, with Mr C. Phillips as runner-up. The sale took place yesterday of the Prince of Wales dredge, south of Ross, being conducted by Messrs Mark Sprot and Co. The dredge was sold to Messrs Robertson and party, of Ross, the tribuinrs, for £SBO, and the race and other water rights to Mr B. Harris for £SO. The work of putting in protection works at the Grey mouth Racecourse has now been completed. Four walls have been put in, extending well into mid-stream. It is to be hoped these will be the means of deviating the current, and preventing further encroachment on the racecourse. Already quite a large number of persons have taken out trout-fishing licenses for the season, which commences on Sunday next, October Ist, and will extend to April of next rear. Trout are reported to be particularly plentiful in the Grey and Tercmakaii rivers, and in Lake Brunner. A rare musical treat seldom rvalled on the West Coast is in store for those who attend the grand oratorio, "Esther, the Beautiful Queen," to be given in the Opera House on Friday evening next. The oratorio is one o fthe most beautiful ever composed, and should receive an excellent rendition. By the 'Frisco mail we learn that, while on a visit to the Philippines, Miss Alice Roosevelt, daughter of the United States President, was offered the hand of the Sultan of'Sulu, who is already well mar- Juried. The Sultan gave her many presents, > saying his people wished to make her Sultana of the Sulu Archipelago. Miss Roosevelt declined the proffered offer. We would again draw the attention of the local authorities responsible for the upkeep of Cobden bridge to the necessity that exists for giving this important structure some little attention. The decking is in a deplorable state of disrepair, whilst on the other hand the bridge as a whole is rapidly falling into decay for the wapt of a coat or two of tar. Mr J. Staines, who for many years held a seat on the Westland County Council for the Kanieri Riding, will again be a candidate at the coming elections. So far nothing is known yet of any opposition to the sitting members for the Arahura, but the names of Messrs T. V. Byrne and J. A. Murdoch have been casually mentioned.

Messrs McMahon and Lee submitted to public auction at their sale rooms, Broadway, Reefton, 'the farm recently owned by the late Mr Daniel McGinley . and situated near Cronadun, about seven miles from Recfton. The first bid received was £825, and after some spirited biddine was ultimately knocked down to Mr T. O'Doa noil for the sum of £ISOO.

The lolanthc Assembly's final social takes place to-night, when a long night will be given. The dancing commences at eight o'clock, and as good music and a splendid floor are offered to lovers of the light fantastic, we expect to see a !-Tg« number of young couples on the floor. Refreshments provided. The usual prices will be charged. Gents, 2/6; ladies 1/-. We are requested to call attention to an advertisement in our wanted column, headed Y.M. Union Aquatic Club. This club, which did so well in the local regatta last year on their first appearance, arc starting tho new season, and are holding their annual meeting to-night at eight o'clock. Any young men wishing to ioin are requested to attend the meeting, which will be held in the Y.M.B.C. room behind Mr Clear's shop, Mackay street. The now pavillion on Victoria Park is now receiving its finishing touches. The building, which is a decided improvement and ornament to the park, is up-to-date in every respect, and far and away in advance of the previous building. The nark is now in splendid order, while the track is first-class, and some fast times should be recorded at the spring meeting to be held on October 11th and 12th. There was a large attendance again at the Biorama in tho Opera House last evening. The pictures displayed on the canvas were really good, and quite captivated the audience, that of MawheraQuaytaken on Saturday last being tho most realistic, and, needless to say, its appearance was a signal for rapturous applause. The fiiorama as a whole is an immense success, and deserving of the support which has been accorded it by tho public of Grcvmouth.

Tlie decision of the Grcymouth Cricket Club to take stops to revive tho West Coast Cricket Association will be hailed with delight by tho many "knights of the willow" in this district. For some years oast the Association has been in a moribund state, the Secretary (Mr 12. A. Wickos) simply paying the necessary foe in order to keep the Association financial on the books of the New Zealand Union. Now, it is proposed that- tho Association be revived, and assume the true functions of such, viz., control of all cricket on the West Coast, aranging of club matches, and endeavouring to get outside teams to visit (he Coast.

The native clematis is now beginning to bloom, and may be seen hanging from the trees on many sunny spots in the bush. Its Maori name, "l'uawananga," is said to have its origin in a circumstance which illustrates the poetic fancy of the ancient -Maori. When their ancestors had to depart from their beloved Hawaika, their groat regret was that tho "Wananga," a philosophic discourse engraved in the wharokura or temple, could not bo taken in the canoes. This circumstance they continued to mourn, until reaching the shores of New Zealand in tho early sDring, the beautiful festoons of tho white clematis wore soon, when they exclaimed with one accord, "Puawananga"—(it is the flower of tho Wananga). A comical episode occurred in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. A bright, little fellow of between 10 and 12 years of ago was charged with boarding the Dunollie train while in motion. He was so small of stature—with a bag of school books over liis shoulder—that he could scarcely be seen. Ho "owned up" at once" that he had climbed into the train, and with wi<ie open eyes listened attentively to the Magistrate's words of caution "not to do it._ again." The lads, who were charged wit throwing stones in the street, which resulted in one of the windows of the Waveiley Hotel being broken, received a welldeserved lecture from the Magistrate. Mr Kenrick, which, it is to be hoped, will have tho desired effect. As Mr Kenrick pointed out, stone-throwing is a most dangerous practice, and he was determined to put a stop to it. Boys had, therefore, be careful in tho future, for. as the Magistrate said, he will deal tie'verely with £«• turo culprite on this charge,

The postponed hockey tournament, in ejection with the Hockey Association, will be held on Saturday. October 7th. The following passengers arrived from • Christchurch by the Wire train tfiis »gernoon: Mrs Seddon, Miss Hope Miss b onf Messrs Dixon, Conway, Webley. Fin Sy, McDonnell, Bowen and Harkie. Thfi season has«fcw arrived when tjotu Lt»« on the look-out to ting m and gftt a"f rf oSeig the service* breeders in the district in having at their TEarly Reaper's pedigree will suffice to R Lw breeders that he has come the right wav to produce trotters of a high stan--13& an" we commend to breeders a perusal of the advertisement, which appears In another column. The annual meeting of the Cricket Club was held last evengjjLj Low occupied the chair. The frtio» n* officers were elected for the iMgJJ; President. Mr H. L. Michel; \ke JJ dents: Messrs Dodam, Mclnosn. rt.i .* Sn Duncan. Mandl and Bwji. » Kin Mr A. E. Benjamin; Vi w ">V Morton; George; Committee »« 5, n *, K : : . r „,,j.. r . WuliLis, Malfroy, Wade and LdTJJ.n Selection oCmm.ttee, Borton and Low. It was resni <•« ' ' the subscription at 5s for the I. nw»« - season, ihe Becrewj* j- - _ ~ hatisfactorv credit balance U ±-j *1 °-» «'" Kand from the previous year. liimimw A quantity of material had I «-u |.urcnv*<J &S : tta year, which was in good Ml 5 ion The first match was arrange, to S£ place with the Union Club A spev.a IK of thanks was passed and tec»ril oh the minutes to the on going (Mr J C, Malfroy) for his valuable *r

vices. .. _ „ A meeting of the Hokitika Band Contest Committee was held last evening and ■ 52 weH tended, Mr Michel being in the chSr The collectors of guarantees reported having made a canvas of portion of Hoa£, when they me* wjh the success. An amount of bltb was aircauy guaraneted and the guarantee fund was exacted to'reach £2OO. It was decided toholdthe contest on Tuesday and Wed nesday, Ist and 2nd May. The following gentlemen were elected ™ executive com mittee: His Worship the Mayor (J. M»J Esq.), Messrs H. L. Michel A. Mahan, G. Esfelder, A. D. Macfarlano D. J. Evans, J. Wallace, W. B. Goodnck. J. k! Campbell, Lieut. W. Winchester and Captain Macfarlano. It was decided to give £IBO in prizes. The prizei money foi the test selection was ned at £9O, m three prizes of £6O, £2O atdjSlO, a « d for ~ h quickstep competition £4O, in three prows of £25, £lO and £5. For the solo competitions it was agreed that the prizes consist of gold and silver medals. A large number of electors assembled at Dunollie last night to hear Mr retries address, which was to have been given in Mr Pollock's sawmill. Mr Petrie, who was present, was niterviewed by his committee as to the advisability of postponing i his address till another evening. The weath** was so boisterous that it was found impossible to keep tho lights burning. A large number of ladies expressed the hope that the meetin gwould be adjourned to enable them to attend. Mr Petre placed himself entirely in the hands of his committee, and they, after consideration, decided to adjourn the meeting for eight or ten days, when the Druids' Hall would be sufficiently advanced to enable the address to be given there. Subsequently Mr Petrie met a number of the electors, and explained his views on several subjects A unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was passed in him, and regret expressed that the state of the weather necessitated a second address being given. A vote of thanks to Mr Pollock for the use of tho sawmill, and a similar vote to the Chairman and Secretary of the Committee terminated the meeting. The new geyser, which recently broke out in the vicinity of Ohinemutu, and sent mud and water to a height of from 20ft to 60ft, is close to the Tawera hot water geyser, and had been usel as a cookinghole by the Maoris. The "Chronicle" believes the eruption was duo to the presence of a bar of soap, which had been placed in the hole by a Maori (without the leave of Sir Joseph Ward) to ascertain what the effect would be. The Maori was thoroughly pleased with the experiment. On Wednesday afternoon, towards six o'clock, the pool again became active although it had been in a quiescent state from the previous afternoon at 5 o'clock. and sent mud and water to a height of about 20ft. A peculiar case came before .the Magistrate's Court in Auckland last week. A lady who possessed a good deal of jewellery was in the habit of hiding some of it under the linoleum in her house. She told a man who was sent to tho house by n local furnishing firm that she had lost a diamond ring, which he might perhaps find under the linoleum. Before he left he told h<?r]|*i he had not been successful in his search, and he advised her -.'■' to adrertise for the article. She did advertise, and the man then told her lie knew a man who had bought the ring. On the advice of the polico she met the Jinoleunilayer, who produced the ring, and just at that moment two detectives appeared and took him into custody. Accused was committed for trial. The 191 children admitted to the industrial schools of the colony during 1904 are classified, in the annual report of the Minister of Education .according to the parents' circumstances and character. The different types of parents are: dead, sick or lunatic, good, unknown, bad, and deserter. Strangely enough the combination yielding the largest number of waifs is that of "good" father and "good" mother, 36 children being in this class. Children of "bad" fathers and "bad" mothers numbered 24, while 20 children are described as having "good" mothers, the father's character being unknown. There were 15 children of "good" mothers bereft of their husbands, and 14 children of "good" fathers bertft of their wives. ( There is now rising in the North-West Punjaub a royal palace (says the Daily Mail) which for beauty and splendour will eclipso any similar building in India. It is the new winter palace of his Highness the Maharajah of Rapurthala, and its total cost is estimated to be not far short Of £200.000. The palace will be built of blue and white marble, and all round will run a spacious verandah with marble floors, supported by tho Canadian marble columns. Tho entrance hall will be of the same material. Many of the rooms In the palace will exemplify the best representative periods of English and French art. The sanitary arrangements and lighting will be equal to any buildintr in the world, and the fittines of the kitchen alone will cost £SOOO. The erection and decoration of Jhe palace will take two years to carry out.

The correct thing at last.—Men's working denim pants in good dark tweed patterns. A special line, for which we have secured the sole right. These cannot be distinguished from an ordinary tweed trousers—will wear like leather. Siecial pric«, only 5/6 a pair.—W. M«Kay and Son.—Advt. Bear this in ! mind where'er you go, The funny part of life is, That though your pockets empty be Your heart is light as light can be Provided that from colds you're free, . From coughing and bronchitis. To make that blissful state endure Use Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. A plain and fancy dress masquerade ball will be held in Englort's Hall on Friday evening. September 29th. Invitations to the Victoria socials must be presented to gain admission on that evening. Those who have mislaid their invitation carda can have otheTS by applyin- to Mr Gre gory at Englert's Hall any evening after 6 o'clock. Admission—Gents 3s; ladies, a plate (optional). Valuable prizes will be given for the prettiest and most comical costumes. For the most unique costume the gentlemen are offered the substantial prize of a "horse and trap" besides a mirse of money. This pn'ie, Mr Gregory, informs us, will be presented by a wellknown townsman. So, altogether, we think that those attending will have a right jolly, good time. The music will be in the hands of Mr Shurman's orchestra and the genial Mr H. Jensen will under take the onerous duties of M.C. Dancing, 7.30 p.m. sharp.—Advt.