An incident described elsewhere has forced the hand of the
Government of India, and an expedition from Peshawur to Chitral has become indispensable. Umra Khan, a Pathan chief who is besieging that place, is rousing all the Pathan tribes between India and the Hindoo Koosh; and has already, it is believed, cut off two British detachments. It is certain he has cut off one, killing Captain Ross and forty-six Sikh soldiers in the neighbourhood of Chitral ; and Dr. Robertson, the Acting Agent at Chitral, is in extreme danger. He must be rescued, and three columns are already on their way from Peshawar to cross the intervening two hundred miles of mountain territory. They will succeed ; but as we have explained elsewhere, the affair will be costly and will seriously increase our military responsibilities.
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