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184 Government has no discretionary power over its acts, and in whatever Russia decides upon it must acquiesce. The people themselves are said to be extremely hostile to Russia, but from what Mr. Schuyler has told us it is clear that this sentiment is neither so bitterly inimical, nor so deeply rooted as has been asserted. Mozaffur Eddin does not possess the power to disobey the orders sent from Tashkent, and it is very doubtful whether he possesses the inclination. It must also be remembered that the Ameer has nowhere to look to for assistance. He appealed to this country in 1867, and he received neither sympathy nor encouragement. He had previously made overtures to the Cabul Ameer for a defensive alliance against both Eussia and England, and he has subsequently to his reconciliation with Eussia inveighed against this country in his correspondence with Shere Ali. It is impossible to say what part he played in the negotiations which led up to the despatch of the Stoletof mission, but as all the native emissaries from Tashkent came through his court, we may be sure that it was not a neutral part. The long-standing relations between Cabul and Bokhara, the claims that Bokhara has over Balkh and the neighbouring districts, forbid the supposition that Mozaffur Eddin would be an unconcerned spectator of the dismemberment of Cabul. He will remember the part his father played in the days of Dost Mahomed, and he will aspire either to be the protector of the cause of the Barucksyes, or, if that cause be utterly wrecked, will strive to extend his dominion up to the slopes of the Hindoo Koosh. In either case he will be