A very odd statement came from Bombay through Reuter on
Thursday. It is affirmed, on the authority of a messenger from Cabal, a native of course, that Yakoob Khan has broken off all negotiations, because the British demanded the annexa- tion of Cabul, leaving only Herat to Yakoob Khan. That, as it stands, is absurd; but it is quite possible that Lord Lytton, with his fondness for coups de tUdtre, demanded per- mission to occupy Cahill, as proof to all India of his success, and that he was refused. Everything is said to be ready for an advance on Cabal, and reconnaissances from Jellalabad have already been made ; but Sir Stafford Northcote solemnly affirmed on Friday week that it was most improbable we should move on Cabal before Parliament reassembled, and that the Viceroy distinctly understood that he was not to advance with- out orders from home. It is not certain, therefore, that an ad- vance will be made, though the Army is chafing under the delay, and Lord Lytton so anxious, that the India House has been compelled, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer admits, to fetter him with peremptory instructions. This Government trusts its men thoroughly, and to prove it, sends them written orders not to use their own discretion.
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