eing
taken in the regions bordering on the Chinese Empire. It is sufficiently
clear that the moderation of the home authorities was a wiser policy
than the impulsive demands of certain officers in Tashkent; but it is
not so evident why Yakoob Beg abstained from appearing in the _role_ of
the liberator of Khokand, at so opportune a moment as that afforded by
the great expedition against Khiva in 1873. The treaty of Baron Kaulbars
had stipulated for the free admission of Russian merchants into the
state on the payment of a 2-1/2 per cent. _ad valorem_ duty. Not only
was there to be no further exaction, but good treatment was guaranteed
to such Russian subjects as desired to travel in Kashgar, and who came
provided with a passport, and permission to travel, from a Russian
governor. During Baron Kaulbars' residence in the country, nothing could
be more considerate than the treatment extended towards the members of
his suite, and the merchants who went on to Yarkand were afforded
facilities for disposing of the small stock of merchandise which they
had brought with them on this journey. This friendly reception of such
merchants as came to Kashgar was maintained during the period over which
these negotiations extended down to the departure of Yakoob Beg's own
ambassador from Russian territory; but with the arrival of Hadji Torah
at Constantinople, and the proclamation of the fact that Yakoob Beg had
been elevated to the dignified position of Emir by the Sultan of Roum, a
change came over the spirit of his policy towards Russia. Indeed, Yakoob
Beg saw himself menaced by an unforeseen danger in this treaty of
commerce. He had formerly been averse to the presence of Russian
merchants in his state because he regarded them as spies; but now that
the necessities of his position had to some extent compelled him to
enter into a formal treaty with their government, he perceived that his
little state literally ran the risk of being invaded by the Russian
merchants and traders who flocked to Kuldja for the purpose of
participating in the spoils to be obtained by trafficking with the
inhabitants of Eastern Turkestan. He had always been averse to trade. He
was a warrior, and inclined to feel and to express contempt at the
juggling tricks of Muscovite or Khitay.

But as the former could provide him with better weapons for his army,
and warmer clothes for his people, in addition to trinkets for his
_serai_, their presence, if only they came