Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 31, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 April 1885 — FOREIGN. [ARTICLE]

FOREIGN.

The positive statement is cabled across the ocean that the chiefs and princes of India, assembled in convention, have tendered to Lord Duffer in their loyalty, their money, and their troops for the service of England in any war with Russia over the Afghan boundary. It was the anticipation of this hearty Co-operation of the natives of India, which was assured by Lord Ripon’s popular administtation, (that gave England the confidence of strength displayed in her recent warlike demonstrations. A conflict between Russia and England might be of doubtful result, but with niyriads~of natives to call upon, who have been accustomed to modem warfare and who would be marshaled under British officers, England will not hesitate about going to War with Russia in defense of her Eastern interests. The hesitation will be on the side of Russia.... The Chinese Legation at Berlin is said to have confirmed the report that China has accepted the peace proposals made by France. The French successfully attacked the Pheng-Hoo or Fisher’s Islands, betw 'en Formosa and the mainland. The Chinese lost heavily. It is authoritatively stated by Le Temps that delegates from France and China have agreed to a preliminary convention to settle terms of peace. China will execute the Tietsin treaty, giving Tonquin to France. Until the treaty is signed France is to maintain the blockade of Pe-Chi-Li and will continue to treat rice as contraband of w’ar. Russia’s reply to England's proposals concerning the Afghan frontier line is said to be most conciliatory in tone. The Russians' are anxious tor the appointment of a joint commission to settle the matter, and there, is no veiy gjreat difference between the proposals offered by each. It seems that although Russia has plenty of men she is not supplied -with either arms or equipments to put them in the field. The eigne now point to a postponement of war for a few years. Lord Dufferin, the British Viceroy in India, is inc'ined to think that war is eventually certain, and that it is better to fosce it now. The Ameer of Afghanistan is greedy for territorial acquisition, and it is thought that the two may yet precipitate a. conflict Gen. Sir Peter Lumsden. Eng and's diplomatic agent, whose mission was to assist in determining the Afghan frontier, is said to have again offered his resignation, through disgust at England’s weak-kneed policy. A line of fortresses is to be erected along‘the Afghan frontier line, anil Herat is to be strongly garrisoned by the Ameer’s troops. It is thought that Russia may regard th s as a casus belli. Russian troops are still being hurried forward, and at least 65,6.00 are now stationed between Baku and Rarnkhß.

Gen. Wolseley has Bent a report to England showing that the troops in the Soudan are suffering from the great heat. If the present military stations are to be maintained one-half of the soldiers will die before fall. This is thought to indicate an early withdrawal of the ‘Whole British force from the Soudan to Egypt. It is announced that Gen. Graham has been instructed to open peaqe negotiations with Osman Digna, and also secure such terms as will enable him to evacuate the country at once.... The rumor has been confirmed that China is really anxious to conclude peace with France, and she is even said to be willing to pay a small indemnity.