The Russian Government has published a formal declaration of
war against the Khan of Chiva, an Asiatic. .
Caspian, and. extending in a southerly direccim to the frontiers of Persia. The offences of Chiva are thus stated- " It daily harasses the wandering tribe.; that encamp on our frontiervi inter- rupts the intercourse the other states of Asia keep up with us, detains the caravans of Bockhara on their way to and from Russia, obliges them to pay extravagant duties, and compels them by main force to pass tgrough its tern- tory, and there seizes a considerable portion of their merchandise. These in- sults to foreigners holding commercial intercourse with Russia are, however, of less importance than the attacks which have been made on Russian caravans. Not one of these can now cross the deserts without danger. It was in this manner that a Russian caravan from Orenburg with goods belonging to our merchants was pillaged by the armed bands ot Chiva. No Russian merchant can now venture into that country without running the risk of losing his life or being made a prisoner. The inhabitants of Chiva are constantly making incursions into that part of the country of the Eerguis which is at a distance from our lines, although the Kergnis recognized the sovereignty of' Russia under their Khan, Ahul Chaix : they destroy their camps, lay them under heavy tributes, excite them to disobedience against the legal authority, give an asylum to tho.,e who revolt, and to crown all these in gilts, they me detaining several thousand Russian subjects in slavery. The number of these unfortu- nate wretches increases dads' for the peaceful fishermen on the banks of the Caspian are continually attacked and carried Was slaves to Chien. * * * " The rights of Russia, the security of her trade, the tranquillity of her subjects, and the dignity of the state, call for decisive nnasures; and the Ent-.. pc= has judged it -to be high time to send a body of troops to Chiva to put an end to robbery and exaction, to deliver those Russians who are detained in. slavery, to make the inhabitants of Chiva esteem aml respect the Russian' name, and finally, to strengthen in that part of A ii the lawful influence to.. which Russia has a right, and which alone ClIll illsere the maintenance of- peace. This is the purpose of the present expedition ; and as soon as it shall bum attained, and an order of things comformahle to the interests of Russia and the neighbouring Asiatic states -shall be established on a permanent footing, the body of troops, which has received orders to march on Chiva, will return . to the frontiers ql the empire."
In reference to the Russian promise to evacuate Chiva, the Paris
Courrier Francais says- 'file " h i
e Russians follow n their Asiatic conquests a tactique aimilar to 'llutellE77'N
the English. They also profess disinterestedness, disclaim all idea of 404qu'ast:' • and :Teak only of temporary measures. Neverthefe,,s, we may saidy affirm, • that if the Russians ever evacuate Chiva, after taking it, it will not be before. - the English troops have returned from Cabal."
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