SPECIAL CABLE NEWS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5796, 18 January 1887, Page 2

SPECIAL CABLE NEWS.

0— — [united press association. j

[age specials.] PREPARATIONS FOR WAR. London, January 7. Great excitement has been caused by the intelligence that a Cracow newspaper has published a letter f rom .-'a Tcof respondent "at' Merv, in which the writer asserts that the Russian Government are vigorously 1 making preparations to invade Afghanistan in the coming spring. Their plaa is to proceed towards the Persian Gulf via Herat. Large numbers of troops have lately been transported to Mervby rail, and the total number now massed at that point is about 100,C00 ; and further troops are expected to arrive shortly. . '■ The English Government having received intelligence of the movements of Russia are actively engaged in preparing to meet the attack, and orders have been issued for the purchase of 40,000 horses to be used in opposing the Russian cavalry. The Imperial aufiorifcies have resolved to provide reinforcements for the squadron on the Australian station, when RearAdmiral Fairfax will assume command of the station as successor to Admiral Tryon. January 8. The Lords of the Admiralty are causing inquiries to be made as to the number of naval pensioners willing to volunteer for active service in the event of England being involved in war with either Russia or France. It iv rumored that the Government are making arrangements for calling out the reserre3 with as little delay as possible when required.