PAMIR.

Timaru Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 5353, 4 February 1892, Page 3

PAMIR.

— . <■*■ — _ If Russia haa definitoly ocoupied tho Pam x Plateau, aha ia now within 200 milos of Indie Thia will be tho effect of the Russian movements of which Captain Younghu6band haa eiven timely warniog. It must be admitted that thero is ground m this for tbe graveßt disquietude. True, the Pamir Plateau is a wild desolate spot, but that is of small moment to Russia, so long as it is a step nearer India. The plateau, which is better known under the poetio alios of tbe Roof of the World, is' formed by tbe junction of the Himalayas and tho Tbirn Shan range, and is dominated on all eidoe by lofty ridges of these great mountains, crowned with eternal snow. For the greater part of the year it is uninhabitable even by the wandering Kirghiz, who lead their scant (looks to tha little patches of paßturage found at intervals m the wildornesß during tho brief Arctic summer. Considerable uneasiness prevails regarding the Rusßian movements on the Pamir. According to the Calcutta correspondent of tho Times, tbe reporta ore still vague and indefinite. One rumour is that Lieutenant Davidaon has been taken priaonor, another that a Chinese general vainly triod to prevent the advanco of the Russians. The exclusion ot Captuin Younghuaband and Lieutonant Davidson would Beom to support the theory that Russia had actually annexed tho Pamirs. Probably moro definite news will arrive within the next few day?. Moanwhile it cannot bo denied that tho aituation is ono to cause some anxiety.