Now the Afridis have opposed his advance, and opposed it very severely, and they have not submitted to him.
It is a question whether he will not be obliged to disregard the Ameer's request for peace, and punish the Afridis, so that they may show more respect for the British rule in the future.
The complaint of the Government against the Afridis is so serious that they ought not to be allowed to escape without a severe lesson.
Wishing to live at peace with this tribe, England made an agreement some time ago with them whereby some of the British forts in the hill country were put under the care of the Afridis. Money was paid to the tribe, and arms given out to the men, so that they might be strong enough to protect the British interests.
In defiance of this agreement the Afridis broke their alliance with the English, and attacked and destroyed forts which they had agreed to guard.
The present indications are that the war in India will soon be over.
It is said that this will not put an end to England's troubles in Hindustan, as the expense of the war, combined with the money spent to stamp out the plague, has so exhausted the treasury of India that funds will have to be supplied very soon to keep the country going.
The council of India is considering the best means to raise the money needed.
The Sultan of Turkey has once more been heard from on the subject of Crete.