The Ameer of Afghanistan, according to the Debals, has issued
a rather remarkable address to his people. He wishes, he says, to pay a visit to London, so that he may speak for all Afghans with the great of the earth and their Viziers; but he must first be certain that Afghanistan will continue to enjoy the blessings of peace and order. He shall confer with the representatives of other 'peoples, "friends, half-friends, or enemies," and shall thus study the dispositions of other nations, but he must have the permission of the Afghan people, and assurances in writing from every village and every regiment. It is quite possible that such an address has been issued, for Abdurrahman Khan has once or twice addressed his whole people, and may be sincerely anxious to know what they would think of an unprecedented adventure. One would greatly like to see some of the replies. Asiatics thus addressed generally speak freely enough, and it is by no means certain that all Afghanistan will approve the visit. The Ameer has already unholy machines in his palace, and teaches his soldiers European drill ; suppose the infidels should conquer his mind altogether? It is known, however, in Cabal that the Shah saw London and returned unharmed, and that may be a consolation even to Moollahs, who are not quite sure that England is not full of Afrits. We can only hope that on his arrival the Ameer will be treated as an honoured guest, for he is as sensitive as a woman to any alight, and suspicious beyond measure.
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