Count Schouvaloff has returned to St. Petersburg, and has called
on his way at Berlin, where it is said he has declared him- self quite satisfied with the result of his negotiations. It is evidently his cue to say this, and it is also repeated by the Official Gazette of St. Petersburg, which sees no difficulties ; but that does not prove that Russia has received no check. As we understand the matter, she will punish Khiva, and is or- ganising three columns for that purpose, but has been warned that she must retire from Khiva and leave Badakehan alone. We shall see her attitude more clearly when the expedition has reached Khiva, and meanwhile would just note a fact and a rumour. The fact is, that in spite of the Persian Ambassador's denial of any secret Treaty about the Attreck, Russia has a fort, Tchickislar, on that river ; and the rumour is, that her Asiatic squadron, which makes the enclosed sea of Saghalien its cruising ground, has been strongly reinforced. The Admiralty should inquire into that, as that squadron might threaten either Bombay or Melbourne.
