THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M Resurrexi. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1879.

Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3423, 11 December 1879, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M Resurrexi. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1879.

Mb Gladstone, onr calogramt imforms as, characterised the policy of Lord Beacons field's Government in Afghan affairs as dastardly. Ifc appears strange thai politician! should so widely differ in their opinions regarding England's Eat* tern policy, especially when that of Russia is so well understood. All authorities admit tho aggressive policy of [Russia, and as - experience has shown that no dependence is to be placed upon the declarations of the Euisian Emperor or his ministers, it appears the more unaccountable that one of the foremost statesmen of the day should so determinedly denounce the policy of the Conservative Ministry. The manner in which Eusnia deceived England in the Khiva question should, we imagine, be sufficient to prevent further reliance being placed upon the most solemn declarations of the Emperor of all the Eussias. It will be remembered that in January, 1873. Count Schouvalow, at the desire of the Emperor Alexander, proceeded to England on a special mission in reference to Russia's policy in Central Asia, which, at that time, was exercising the mind of the English people. In his interview with the British Government he stated " that it had caused great surprise to His Imperial Majesty to learn from various sources that a certain amount of excitement had been caused in the public mnd on account of questions in ronnection with Central Asia. . . .

With reiuid to the expedition to Eliira, it was true that it wag decided upon for next spring. To give an idea of its cha racier it was sufficient to saj that it would consist of four and a half battalions. Its object was to pui.ish .acts of brigandage, to recover fifty Kussian prisoners, and to teach the Kban that such conduct on bis part could not be continued with the impunity in which the moderation of Russia had led him lo believe. Hot only WAS IT FAB FhOM THE IKTBNTION OF THK

Emp*boe to take PO-BESBION ob Khiva. BUT POSITIVE OBDEBS HAD BEEN PREPARED to prevent ix', aud directions given that the conditions imposed should be such as could not in any way lead to a prolonged occupancy of Khiva. Count Schouralow repeated the surprise which the Emperor, entertaining such sentiments,Jfelt at the uneasiness which it was said,rzisted in England on the subject, and he gave me most deciJed assurance that I might give posi--tivo assurances to Parliament on this mat* ter." Upon such an assurance the British Government stated, that "if the expedi tien was undertaken and carried out with the object and within the limit* described by Count Schouvalow, it would meet with no remonstrance from Her Majesty's Government, but it would undoubtedly excite public attention and make the settlement of the boundary of Afghanistant more important, for the object which both Governments had in view, namely—-' peace in Central Asia, and good relations between the two countries." In the fact* of these statements what do we find P Why that, on the 12th day of August, 1873. jast sis months afterwards, General Kauffmann, commanding the forces against Khiva, concluded, a treaty of peace with the Khan, in which the latter acknowledged himself to be the humble servant of the Emperor of all the Russias, and renounced the right of maintaining any direct and friendly relations with neighbouring rulers and Khans, or of concluding with them treaties of any kind soever, or without the permission of the [Russian authorities in Central Asia, undertaking any military operations. These concessions from a heretofore independent Prince were not considered sufficient punishment for certain imaginary wrongs, hat the third article of the treaty provides as follows :™ " The whole of the right bank of the Oxus, and the laads adjoining thereunto, which have hitherto been considered as belonging to Khiva, shall pass over from the Khan into the possession of .Russia, together with the people dwelling and camping thereon." In addition to this large extent of territory the eighteenth article of the treaty imposes an indemnity of £314.485 in order, as the article states, "to cover the expenses of a war which was provoked by the Khan and the Khivan people." We give these extracts to show how utterly unreliable the statement* of Nubian Statesmen are, and that notwithstanding the advance of civilization in that nrghty empire, deceitfulness and cunniug are still peculiar traits of its inhabitants. The position of affairs in Cabul call for a serious consideration by England of the question how far .Russia is to be allowed to proceed in her policy of annexing and conquering the independent Khanates lying between the British possessions and the Caspian Sea. The time has passed when sentiment, and the policy of non-interference—so long as she is not immediately concerned—should be that accepted by England ; for, taking advantage of such inertness, the wily littisian advances towards India, the great prize he has in vievs. The argument that it would be better to hare § civilized neighbour—as .Russia, is termed very wrongly in our opinion—than the wild tribes of Tartary is o>e that can easily be disposed of when t moment's eouikki'ttion is given to thi well know* |

policy of Russia, and the peculiar circumstances of our EHsteru Empire, with its numerous races differing iv religion, in language, and in national characterietics. Tlie designs of Russia upon Merv and Herat in Persia are well known, and the military importance of these position* is acknowledged by all authorities,—why, then, should England look on -while a | treacherous foe is occupying all the positions of advantage. It is only a question of time with Persia; Russia must hare a seaboard or a means of approach to the Indian Ocean. Very little difficulty will be found in picking a eaase of quarrel with the Shah, and the military occupation of his country immediately follows. A largo indemnity will be imposed, as in the case of Khiva, and with such a creditor as Russia, the | independence of Persia will bo a thing of ! the past. Britain inuafc retain possession of Cabul, and our cablegrams inform us that a military Government has been organised by General Roberts, that the Ameer is accused of complicity in the late outrage, and is to be tried for his share in it, so the permanent occupation of his territory is a matter of policy only. Cabul in our hands, Persia must of necessity be under our protection, and such a course only can stop the rapid advanco of Russia. It may lead us into hostilities with that power, but a trial of strength must one day be made for supremacy in the East, and the sooner such a struggle comes perhaps the better. Under all the circumstances can it be said that the policy of Lord Beacousfield is unwarranted, is uncalled for, and an unnecessary interference in the affairs of other States. England's security in the East, and the maintenance of her prestige, demands a careful attention to the policy of Russia on the one band, and an intimate relationship with the surrounding States. Any other policy would be a reversal of that which has proved so profitable and beneficial in the past—not alone to us as conquerors, but to the inhabitants of that land which for centuries has been so mismanaged, and been so much at the mercy of every marauding and ambitious Prince who, possessing money to pay his needy followers, or with the reputation ot possessing supernatural powers, considered himself justified in entering upon a war of conquest. England has made great strides of late in the estimation of the world, and her policy in the East should be in keeping with her traditions and her high position in Europe.

In reply to the Mayor's teiegrani Sir George Grey wires: -" The £35,000 voted for railway line from Te Aroha to Thames Tor this year meant Thames end being continued." We haw great pleasure in giving this assurance to our readers, and in admitting that we scarcely I Kare credit sufficient to the Government. The knowledge that the line is to be con* tinned from both ends should encourage the Thxmes people, and lead them to j battle with the present bad times in hops of better times for future.

As will be seen by District Order* in another column, there will be • grand turn out of the Grahamstown Volunteer corps on Saturday afternoon. Saturday was a favorite day for reviews at the commencement of the Volunteer moremerit on the gold field, and we are glad to see the practice of daylight inspections revived.' '"'"

Thr anniversary services of the Primi tire Methodist Sunday School are advertised tlirough our columns to be held on Sunday next at the Academy of Music On that day three sermons will be preached, morning, afternoon, and evening by the pastor of the Church, the Bey. G. Smith, and ou each occasion the children will sing their anniversary hymns. Ou Tuesday eveiing the annual soiree will be held in the Church in Mackay street.

Aftes drill tO'tnorrow night the Hnurakt Engineers trill adjourn to the lecture room for the purpose of electing officers. Owing to the f;r«at popularity of this corps, it iiaa been found necessary to obtain the sanction qf the Government to an increase in the maximum establishment or officers and men. This having been granted steps are now being taken to fill up the commissioned and non-eotnmi* sioned ranks on a serviceable basis, following the precedent of the Hoy a I and Volunteer Engineer Company estab lishments of the mother country. The strength of the Hauraki Engineers will probably always exceed the maximum number allowed, by Government, which means that from fifteen to twenty members will obtain no capitation allowance for their ser»ices. The company at present numbers 164 of all ranks, 150 only being allowed of the following detail :—1 Captain commandant, 1 second Captain, 1 first Lieujt-nant, and 2 second Lieutenants (or in volunteer parlance, 1 Lieutenant and 2 sub-Lieutenants), 1 Sergeant-Major, 1 Quarter-Master, 8 Sergeants, 5 Corporals, 5 second Corporals, 2 Buglars, and 123 sappers and artificers.

Messrs Burton and Gordon are gazetted as sub-Lieutenants in the Thames JNTaral Brigade. These officers passed their reapectire examinations in i very satisfactory man tier. '

The Waste Lands Board of Dunedia have adapted a very wise course in preparing and placing io public places a list of ail lands at their disposal. The Auckland Board, might copj the example set them, which would a great convenience to intending purchasers.

A meeting of the stewards of the Thames Annual Races was held at the Provincial Hotel fast evening, Mr S. Young ia the Chair, for the purpose of receiving sub cription lists of canvassers and also to decide on the day for the sale of the booths and other privileges of the meeting. It was decided that there should be two licensed booths, one Good Templar booth, and two fruit stalls. The daj of sale was fixed for Tuesday next at l*J o'clock. A number of lists were handed in, the amounts on which were considered satisfactory. We consider the stewards, especially those who in spile of many obstacle*, gave the thing a start, are deterring of great

credit for the energy they have displayed, and wo have no doubt bul that they will curry all tho arrangements to a.successful issue.

We would remind our readers of the lecture by the Rev. S. J. Weill this evening on Thomas Carlyle. The subject is a very interesting one, and we have no doubt but that the lecturer will j>iv*s an intelligent sketch of the • great Chelsea philosopher.

Wb hear that a court martial will be held hero shortly in connection with alleged insubordination on the part of some members of the Naval Band.

The Telegraph Office will in future be open to the public for despatch of messages until midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and until 10 p.m. on Saturdays.

Ma Speight wires to day from Wellington slating that the Thames Harbor Ames dmerit Bill, prepaid by Mr Sheehan at the request of .the Mayor during his last visit aud produced by"', Mr G. Grey, passed the House last night. The bill asked that the Board should be authorised to borrow £50,000, bnt in committee this amount was reduced to £25.000, the Government opposing th<* measure. fJbe measure will yet have to pass the ordeal of the Upper House.

A EKQtrisiTioN, calling upon the Secretary of the Thames Liberal As soctatiou to convene a special meeting to discuss the following resolution to* be moved by Mr $. btephenson on an early date, baa been presented :'—" That the present constitution of the Waste Lands Board is worn out and effete and that the time is come when an elective Board of one member from every County throughout the colony should exercise their discretion in administering the disposal or otherwise of the waste lands of the Crown."

Nothing more strikes the regular attendant at the Police Court, whom duty and business calls there, than the fact that drink, directly or indirectly, is th« cause of three fourths of its business. The ex-Nati*e Minister, in a speech at at the Mechanics' Institute, well said, "The publican is the great ally of the Colonial Treasurer; what we should do without him I don't know. The pillars on which the Government rest are placed in beer—steeped and saturated with beer. For rerenue purposes the Government, lives, mores, and has its being, in beer." Yesterday a poor wretch,' who was committed for trial tor larceny, in response to the inquiry of the Magistrate for bis defence, could only gasp out. the brief rejoinder, "The cursed drink, your Worship." And the previous day a respectable-looking woman, tbe mother of a small family, was brought up and fined —regarding whom a policeman on duty remarked, as nhe went her way, "Got as good a husband and as comfortable a home as a women could desire ; nothing but the cursed drink—that s the trouble ! " —Herald.