elcomed by the
ruler himself, and how the enterprise had commercially been a success.
Others followed his example, and during the last two and a half years of
his rule Russian merchandise, either through Russian or native agents,
found its way in considerable quantities into Kashgar. But this trade
was always liable to periods of depression through the clouds that
frequently darkened the political horizon, and the Russians did not
derive the advantages from trade with this state, that they had
previously convinced themselves they were to do. Indeed, English
manufactures, after the year 1873, entered into keen competition with
theirs in the cities of Kashgar, and had driven their goods out of the
market of Yarkand at all events before the close of the year 1876. But
this fact only served to impress more forcibly on the Russians the
necessity either for annexing Kashgaria or establishing on its throne
some puppet, who would be content with the post of deputy of the Czar.
Indeed, many suggested that the Chinese should be brought back; but then
they were so far off, and apparently so weak. The party advocating the
absorption of Kashgaria every day became stronger and more pronounced;
and all observers agree that it was only a question of time when the
imperial fiat should go forth for the extinction of the rule of Yakoob
Beg. Colonel Reinthal was sent in 1874, to endeavour to place matters on
a more hopeful footing, but with little success. In addition to the
question of trade privileges, the Russians, in negotiating with native
states, or securing treaties at the point of the sword, always demanded
the right of having consular agents in the chief cities of the state.
The ostensible duty of these official representatives was to look after
the interests of their government, and to protect the lives and property
of Russian subjects as best they might be able. So far as these very
necessary functions were concerned, Russia had a perfect right in
demanding these safeguards, when such were deemed to be required. But
unfortunately for the reputation of that country, the experience of
Asiatics had amply demonstrated that these declared duties were the
least important part of their office.

Their secret instructions were to lose no opportunity of discovering the
drift of public sentiment in the state where they were stationed; to
learn all the ramifications of the dynastic intrigues that unfortunately
form the chief incidents in th