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Show UNEASY RESTS THE HEAD. The Ameer Kept at Home Tlirouirh Fear That When the Cat's Away, Etc Tho ameer of Afghanistan, who in consideration of a big annual subsidy and frequent lavish presents is England's Eng-land's very good friend and trusty ally against Russian designs in India, is once more debating whether it is safe to leave his country a few months in order to pay a visit to Queen Victoria. It is the English fashion to picture the latter day Afghans as fanatically loyal to their sovereign and devoted to peaceful peace-ful pursuits, but Ameer Abdur Rahman knows better and fears to leave his devoted de-voted subjects to themselves or to expose ex-pose them to the probable temptations of Russian agents even temporarily. The truth is that the British government govern-ment shares the ameer's distrust and is by no means anxious to see his highness in England. Negotiations are therefore proceeding to secure in his stoad a visit from his two sons, Prince Habbibulla and Prince Mahomed Omar, said to be smart young fellows, who are carefully educated to believe that their bread, butter and other blessings depend upon English" good will. At present the princes are devoted to each other, but they will not be Afghans if, when their respected father dies, they do not have a fierce fight for the succession. Then will come Russia's opportunity, as England Eng-land knows very well. London Truth. |