The Government in India has sent him word that though they are obliged to send troops across his frontier, in order to accomplish their purposes, their object is solely to punish the mad priest, or Haddah Mullah, and his followers. They assure the Ameer that no harm is intended to him or his loyal subjects, but declare that all the tribes who endeavor to oppose their advance or harass the English troops will be included in the severe punishment which the British intend to mete out to their enemies.
On hearing this, the Ameer sent a letter to the Mullah, ordering him to cease from inciting the Afridis to revolt.
In spite of this the British Government continues to be very suspicious of the honesty of the Ameer.
Word has been sent to him from the Government that no war material or machinery for manufacturing it will be allowed to cross the frontier into Afghanistan until the present troubles are over, and the tribes at peace.
Some time ago we talked to you about the Ex-Empress Charlotte of Mexico, widow of the Emperor Maximilian who was shot by the Mexicans.
The Empress, as you doubtless remember, went out of her mind from the troubles of her short reign in Mexico.
We told you that after thirty years of insanity the poor lady had given signs of returning reason, and that the doctors thought a visit to Mexico might entirely restore her.
Preparations were being made for the visit, which was to take place as soon as the doctors thought it safe. All plans have now, however, had to be abandoned, for the Empress Charlotte has become so alarmingly ill that her life is despaired of, and the news of her death is hourly expected.
Ever since her affliction she has been leading a quiet life at the Palace of Larken, near Brussels.