One of the unexplained facts of the situation is the
excessive bitterness of the Russian journals on behalf of Afghanistan. They call loudly on their Government to defend the Ameer, and declare that Afghanistan must not be annexed to India. They are play- ing, without knowing it, into Lord Beaconsfield's hands, and are, we imagine, inspired by that party at the Russian Court which thinks war necessary to avoid excitement about domestic politics. The existence of such a party has been repeatedly affirmed, and is priniii fitcie just as probable as the undoubted exist- ence of a similar one in England. The toleration extended to its writings by the censorship arises, first, from powerful protec- tion, and secondly, from the feeling, common to despots in all countries, that journalists are never so uncritical as when they are occupied with war. These outbursts, moreover, gratify the spleen of Russians against England, which, though not as savage as the spleen of English " Jingoes " against Russia, is still naturally very bitter indeed. It is, moreover, quite possible that General Kaufmann has given the Ameer promises such as General Chamberlain gave the Ehyberees, and sees great difficulty in the way of redeeming them without a war.
