The news reported from Afghanistan this week may turn out
important. It is evident that the insurrection among the Hazaras, which has been going on for the past three or four months, is assuming formidable proportions, and may give the Ameer a good deal of trouble. As the Hazaras live near the Russian frontier, there is also the added complication that the Ameer's soldiers may get into conflict with the irregular Turkoman troops in the service of Russia. On Tuesday, it was further reported that a defiant message had been sent by the Ameer in answer to a remonstrance made by Lord Lans- downe :—" I refuse to accept the dictation of the Government of India, as I am engaged in the legitimate operation of quelling a rebellion in my own territory, and assuring its tranquillity. I am an independent Prince, and can use what means I please for that purpose, and I will not brook inter- ference." The Continental papers have laid great stress on this piece of news, but they forget that we have means of bringing the Ameer to reason, even if he were to turn actively " nasty," which is far from likely.
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