THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN CRISIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7343, 2 June 1885, Page 6

THE ANGLO-RUSSIAN CRISIS.

SPEECH BY MR. GLADSTONE. ANIMATED DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OP COMMONS. Londok, April 27. In moving the vote of credit, Mr. Gladstone said that the Government considered it necessary to have the entire resources of the Empire well in hand, for nee and application whenever they may be required. Event* since the fall of Khartoum have shown that El Mahdi'a power has collapsed. England's possession of Khartoum would not pat a stop to the slave trade, and therefore, it would be useless to shed blood and treasure in the Soudan. In regard to the alleged smallneßS of the vote of credit, he reminded the House it was the largest that had been asked since the Crimean War, and it is also coincident with large increases in the annual army and navy votes. Furthermore, he said, the case relates primarily to India. In order to fully appreciate the amount entailed, it is requisite to Know the extent of the measures being taken in India. The case is not one of war, actual, or perhaps, proximate. He did not feel called on to define the degree of danger, but he would say, in regard to the sad contingency of an outbreak of war, or rupture of relations with Russia, that Her Majesty's Government had striven to comluot the controversy in such a way that if it is, unhappily, ended in a violent rupture they might at least be able to challenge the verdict of civilised mankind whether or not they had done all that men could do and bad used every just and honourable effort to prevent the plunging of the two countries into bloodshed and despair. (Cheers.) The question before the committe, he said, was simple and even narrow, although an important one. Negotiation* continue, but to give Parliament partial information only would mislead them. The Government submitted its case upon facts with which the whole world is acquainted. There exists abundant cause for the war preparations which are baing carried on. (Cheers.) The starting point was the obligation to the Ameer, which should be fuelled in no stinted manner. (Loud cheers ) The covenant with Russia, of March 16, was one which England hoped and believed would be recognised as one of the most sacred ever made between two great nations, and if any deviation occurred, there should be a jealous rivalry between the two nations to sift to the bottom all that remained in suspense. A bloody engagement occurred on March 30th, showing that one or both failed to fulfill the covenant. England considers it the duty of both countries to ascertain how the calamity occurred. He would not anticipate the Kritish were right. He felt perfect confidence in British officers, bat he would not assume that they might not have been misled. He could not say the Government possessed all the facts in the case. They possessed facts which created an impression averse to those formed by the other party to the covenant, but they would not deviate from the strictest principles of justice by anticipating any of the ultimate issues of the fair inquiry they are desirous of prosecuting. There is cause for war preparations. He hoped the House would not delay its assent, which would only tend to propagate the idea here and elsewhere that there was some indecision in the mind of Parliament, whereas he believed that one heart and one purpose animated them. At the conclusion of his speech, the delivery of which occupied one hour, the House broke out in loud and prolonged oheeriog. Mr. Gladstone was listened to with deep attention and silence, and his words created a profound sensation. Despatches say the speech was received with profound interest throughout Europe, and published in full in all the newspapers. The general opinion was that it made war certain. The leading papers in the United States spoke of the speech as one of the most remarkable specimens of oratorical skill in the annals of Parliament. The New York Times said it was "an invocation of the whole world to bear witness that the impending war has beoome inevitable in spite of every effort to avoid it that England could make." The Tribune pronounced the effect electrical. " The voice of the Prime Minister, always the apostle of pacific statesmanship, a man who detests war as the most brutal occupation in which nations can indulge, now rings out like a prophet in denunciation of Russia's broken covenant and cowardly assault. Challenging the verdict of civilised mankind, he recognises the fact that war under such wanton provocation as Russia has given would be both righteous and necessary." THE WAB CLOUD PASSED OVER.

In response to a question from Sir Stafford Northcote, in the House of Commons, on May 4th, Mr. Gladstone said that all impediments in the way of friendly prosecution of correspondence, on the Afghan question between England and Russia, had been removed. The two Governments, he said, were now ready to refer to the Sovereign of some friendly State any difficulties which may be found to exist in regard to the agreement of the 17th of March, with a view to the settlement of that matter in a mode consistent with the honour of both sides. Continuing, Mr. Gladstone said that both Russia and England were prepared to resume forthwith, in London, communications on the main points of the line delimiting the Afghan frontier, but the details of the line have to be examined and traced on the spot, in conformity with the conditions formerly agreed upon. "Russia," said the Premier, "has expressed herself willing to agree to the removal of the Russian outposts." No communications had as yet passed between Russia and England in regard to the occupation of Port Hamilton Island. After Sir Charles Dilke had announced that it was imperative that the House proceed at once with the vote of credit, a number of members put interrogatories to the Government concerning the trustworthiness of the reports of both General Sir Peter Lumsden and General Komaroff, to which Mr. Gladstone answered in detail, stating in substance that the dispute of the Penjdeh incident had never been the question of the trial of any officer, but one which conoerned the honour of the two Governments involved in the March agreement. - '.*■.:•■•:-• Hereupon Lord Randolph Churchill launched into a ravage attack on the Government. The argument just mule on its behalf was a

terrible piece of news for those anxious for the safety of the Indian .Empire. "The Government," he cried, " have made a base, cowardly surrender of every point at issue to Russia. I greatly fear that as a result we have lost India." He protested against the oonduct of the Government in submitting the vote of credit on Monday last without giving the slightest indication of ' their policy and the exaot point 'at ■ issue with " Russia.' The latter had been for a long time breaking the agreement of 1873,. with respect to Central Asia. In regard to the Afghans, Lord Churchill insisted, that the Russians long ago passed the boundary which they had promised to respect as the rightful frontier line of the Ameer's dominion. In 1882 a series of pledges was voluntarily given by Russia concerning the boundary, and all of them had been deliberately broken.

Mr. Labouahere moved that the vote of credit be reduced from £11,000 000 to £7,200 000. This was rejected by 79 to 29, the Pamellites voting with the minority, and the Conservative leaders with the majority. The Speaker then put the main question — the vote of credit of £11.000,000. Several members questioned Mr. Gladstone, but failed to elicit any further information. Lord Churchill said that when the news became known in India, England would l»se all respect, sympathy, and loyalty of the natives. He declared the history of Russia's negotiations with England a record of treachery, fraud, and falsehood. Remembering the action of the Government in the present matter, and the useless sacrifices in the Soudan, it was impossible to repose the slightest confidence in it, and acquiescence in the present vote was farcioal. He implored the Ministers who were dealing with this crisis to remember the past perfidy of Russia, their duty to England and India. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Gladstone said there had been no change in the Government's policy since Monday last, when the House unanimously voted in fivour of the credit. The Government were trying to obtain a definite Rusbo\fghan frontier, and he trusted they would succeed. .In his judgment any appearance of hesitation in agreeing to the oredit would be a serious public evil. He had no objection to sweeping criticism, but when, happily, there was a prospect of a favourable issue of a difficult crisis, he asked the House not to derogate from what it had already patriotically done. He declared that if in ouch a period of anxiety and difficulty the Government was unworthy of being trusted, the sooner they were released from their responsibilities the better. After several motions to adjourn had failed, the vote of credit was agreed to by 130 to 20.

The communication from the Russian Government defines the scope of arbitration. It includes tbe military question, bat it is to be limited to a consideration of explanations with reference to the alleged violation of the convention. The terms of arrangement indicate that the arbitrators functions will be to find a formula of conciliation consistent with the amour propre of both sides. Emperor William is to be asked to act as arbitrator, and it is expected he will consent. London, May 5. Naval and military work continue till both branches are fully supplied with stores. Both Sir Peter Lumsden and Colonel Stewart have been directed to come to England, as it has been deoided to carry on in London future communications with Russia about the main points in the Afghan frontier line. Toa question why General Lumsden wan recalled from Afghanistan while KomarofY was* retained there by the Russian Government, Mr. Gladstone replied there was no relation between the cases of the officers. Sir Peter was employed in a purely civil capacity, while General Kom»roff was in command of the Russian forces.

The Globe of the sth says the so-called adjustment of the Russian dispute is a poor shift. The Stand«rd savs it includes the surrender of Penjdeh to Russia. Despatches of the sth say the English people are enraged at Mr. Gladstone, while Lord Randolph Churchill is the favourite of the hour. Colonel Ridgeway will succeed Sir Peter Lumsden in command of the Afghan Boundary Commission. Captain Yate will hi second in command. London, May 6. There is no appearance in St. Petersburg of any abatement in warlike preparations The mobilisation of ride battalion in Finland continues. The Standard. says the recall of General Lumsden completes the picture of English humiliation. London, May 7. The Morning Post asserts that Earl Duffrin has resigned as Viceroy inconsequence o' the disastrous effect upon British prestige ii India of Mr. Gladstone's weak and timorous policy. The Daily News, on the contrary, says Lord Duffoiin warmly approves thf settlement made by England and Russia, as will appear from the papers soon to be laid on the table in Parliament. The News als< says the prospect of peace will not affect tin budget. The money will be devoted to the work c! increasing the navy, and the residue applied to the sinking fund. The St. Petersburg Official Messenger says : —ln consequence of the divergence of views between the Cabinets of Russia and England on the interpretation of the March agreement, it has been decided to submit th question to an arbitrator. M-antioae both nations have agreed to resume frontier nego tiations, but on a different basis—namely, that the principal points of the frontier be fixed by a previous understanding between the two Cabinets, the demarcation of the frontier on the spot, and the placing of indicating posts being reserved for Commissions which both Powers will send down, in order to facilitate the work of delimitation. The outposts of both sides will not be withdrawn from their present positions until the arrival of the joint Commission, when, as fa«t as the direction of the frontier line is fixed, the frontier points will be occupied by the troops of both parties concerned. It will then be the duty of each to maintain order and security in its respective territory.

There is apparently a lull in the Russian preparations for war. Advices from Sarakhs state that a small force of Russians, with four pieces of artillery, now occupy Penjdeh. London, May 8.

A cablegram says the arrogant attitude of Russia is the all-absorbing topic to-night, and has, in a measure, revived the war talk. The Tories are indignant at what they term another slap in the face by Russia. The belief is general that Russia is playiog more of her treacherous tricks, and that the Czar is fully intent on having Herat at any price. The note from M. de Giers is not satisfactory to the British Government, and the differences between the two Governments as to the terms upon which the question shall be referred to arbitration are becoming greater. A London special to the New York Evening Post says:—"l have unquestionable authority for stating that Russia has categorically declined to make any treaty binding her not to advance on Herat." In the House of Commons, Sir Stafford Northoote gave notice that he would on Monday, May 11, submit the following motion : " Resolved that the House, having shown its readiness to vote supplies, will refuse to assent to the vote of £11 000,000 until it has been informed of the Government's present policy and of the purpose to which the money grunted is to be applied." A speoial despatch fiom Calcutta to the Times says the news of peace arrangements has created dismay in India, and the vacillation of the Ministry is ruinous to British prestige. Colonel Patrick Stewart had arrived at Herat.

London, May 9,

At a Cabinet Council held to-day, the Admiralty was directed to cancel the orders to provide for the conveyance of 2000 British troops to India. Three steamers had been chartered for this purpose and were ready to sail. A despatch from St. Petersburg states that the Journal declares Russia will shortly open negotiations with England for the appointment of a representative of the Russian Government at Calcutta.

The latest proposal made by the Baron de Staal is that if further evidence disproves Sir Peter Lumsden's charges against the Russians for responsibility for the Penjdeh inoident, ! this evidence shall be accepted as conclusive, and the prospect of submitting the question shall be abandoned. ,6v'?:;,- »V? The latest London cable to the New York Tribune says :— "The St Petersburg and Moscow papers all" the week' have been saying that arbitration is a comedy. We now see what looks comic to them. M. Katkoff remarks in the Moscow Gazette that arbitration is simply a respectable means of closing the inoident to which Russia assented in order to find an honourable issue for Mr. Gladstone out of his difficulties, in consideration of his feelings, and former policy toward Russia. The Continental Press, though

puzzled to know what arbitration meant, took a similar view. The Berlin and Paris papers agreed that England had given way. Vienna the one European capital," except, perhaps' Rome, which hitherto had shown a spirit friendly to England, regards this agreement as a surrender. Everybody rejoices over the prospect of peace. A few seem to regret that it has been obtained by what they regard as a humiliation for England. The feeling -q England, at first one of perplexity, i» daily hardening into one of hostility and anxiety about the ultimate result of peace obtained in this singular manner." [As we have learnt cable, a complete understanding has been arrived at between England and Russia in regard to the frontier | question.]