A newspaper published at Lahore states with much detail that,
according to bazaar report, the Ameer of Afghanistan is dead ; that before his death he nominated his eldest son, Habibullah Khan, his successor, and that he advised him, if lie would keep his throne, to remain a friend to the English. The Viceroy at Simla has received no confirmation of this report, but it appears to be certain that the Ameer is very ill with disease of the kidneys, and as he has been out of health for years, it is probable that this attack will prove fatal. In this event, anarchy is feared in Afghanistan, where the elan chiefs will almost certainly rise, probably on the pretext that some other Barulch aye has a better claim to the throne. It is feared, with reason, that the populace of Cabul may attack the Europeans, who will have to ride for their lives, and are hampered by the presence of four ladies. The Government has therefore despatched a column into the Khyber, not to invade Afghanistan, but to protect the fugitives should they appear, and, we doubt not, has warned all commanding officers on the frontier to be ready for active service. We trust Lord Elgin, who is still untried in such matters, will keep his head cool, refuse to seize Candahar, as he will be pressed to do, and recognise Babibullah, who, with the British subsidy at his disposal,
ought to be able to hold down his capital and win the fight for his throne. All depends, however, upon his capacity, and the situation is a, most anxious one.
