MUTINY IN INDIA.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3228, 16 September 1879, Page 2

MUTINY IN INDIA.

THE BRITISH ADVANCE DELATED.

RUSSIAN ADVANCE ON MERV.

A telegram from Bombay dated tho Oth September, states that tho British advance on Oabul is delayed, owing to the difficulties of transport. The mortality of camels during tho last campaign was very great, and has left tho British forces without tho means of convoying guns and stores through the difficult country that has to be traversed before Cabul is reached. Immediate steps have been taken to supply the deficiency, and as soon as means of transport can bo obtained, the advance will be pushed on as fast as possible. The massacre is attracting considerable attention in the columns of tho Golos and other Bussian newspapers. They seem generally agreed iv thinking that tho complete conquest of Afghanistan and the breaking up of its power as an independent Stato is now forced as a fatal necessity upon the English Government, A later telegram states that .fresh obstacles of a serious character havo arisen to obstruct the British advanco on Cabul. Tho Tajiks, a warlike people inhabiting Badalcshau, a territory lying between the chain of tho Hindu Kush and the Oxus, havo assumed a very threatening attitude, and it is feared that they will join in the revolt with the hostile Afghans, with whom thoir sympathies aro very strong. Tho roads to Cabul are at present closed, being occupied by tribes hostile to tho British. In addition to the want of camels for the transport service, tho advance of General Boberts is further delayed by these new obstacles, it being inexpedient to push on with tho forco undor his command without the Arrival of reinforcements. Those are being sent to his assistance with all possible speed. It is believed that tho Govornmont will not appoint another Resident at Cabul.

The Government denies having been fore-warned that an outbreak on tho part of tho Afghans was imminent, General Massey is advancing on Cabul regardless of the defective means of transport. Tho Russians havo resumed their advance on Merv. The ill-fated Cabul mission consisted of Major Cavagnari as Envoy and Minister, Mr. Jenkyns as secretary and first assistant, Lieutenant Hamilton, V.C., as commandant of tho escort and assistant, and Dr, Kelly in medical charge. The escort consists of 26 cavalry and 50 infantry of the Corps of Guides.

A Simla telegram says tho Ameer had been taking vigorous measures for the satisfactory organizing tho financial administration of Afghanistan and introducing good government in the Afghan Province. Bombay, September 12.

A strong forco of British troops are advancing in rapid marches on Cabul, regardless of insufficiency of transport, with the object of inflicting spcody and condign punishment. The Russian army has simultaneously commenced to march on Mcrv.

The Indian Government officially deny being forewarned of the fate of Colonel Cavagnari.

It is bolieved that tho result of tho new campaign will be to alter tho previous conditions between tho Viceroy and Ameer. Bomuay, September 14,

Tho mutineers of Cabul acted, and are still acting, without leaders. They arc endeavouring to incite tribes to attack General Robort's flank at Sfcutrgerdum, which w,is re-occupied on the rccoipt of tho massacre. No hostile movement has as yet taken place. A letter from the Amocr to tho Viceroy, written subsequent to the massacre, declared sincero friendship. There being conflicting accounts as to his sincerity and attitude, tho Indian Government were somewhat mistrustful of tho sincerity of his protestations. General Roberts received instructions to ask him for proof of his friendship in a practical manner. The frontier is perfectly quiet, There are no hostile signs. Perfect trimquility reigns at Candahar,