The Press.
London, England, 1855-03-10 00:00:00

226

The papers had reference to operations now about to
be resumed, and their production would be most

injurious.
Captain SCOBELL, from his own Baltic experience,
approved the conduct of Sir C. Napier.
Mr. Mu.NER GIBSON could not see the danger of
producing the papers, as they were those subsequent
to the 20th of December, and could have no refer-
ence to naval operations about to be resumed. Were
it otherwise, the Government could give extracts
bearing upon the case.
Admiral BERKELEY said that during the latter part
of Sir Charles's period of service his tone suddenly
altered, and he appeared desirous of shifting on the
Government all responsibility of the proceedings in
the Baltic. He had not censured the gallant ad-
miral, who would consult his reputation by letting
the matter go no further.
The discussion was continued without any state.
ment of interest until Lord PALMERSTON rose. He
expressed great regret at the motion, and his un-
diminished admiration for the talents and services
of Sir C. Napier. His high character was in no way
diminished by what had occurred last year, and added
very high praise for each of his successive actions.
But he hoped the house would not agate to the mo-
tion, which would be most injurious to the public

service.
Mr. MiLms expressed himself satisfied with the
result of the discussion, and withdrew his motion.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR
CE THE INDIAN CIVIL
SERVI.
Lord MONTEAGLE introduced this subject on Mon-
day in a motion for papers. He complained that
clauses introduced into parliamentary bills was to-
tally disregarded by the East India Company.
Amongst them was a clause introduced in 1813,
ordering a distinct sum to be appropriated to educa-
tion, and one in 1833 abolishing all distinctions of
caste, colour, or birth. He then referred to two im-
portant documents lately issued, in respect of admis-
sion to the Indian service. The first was a minute
of the 15th of July last, providing for a general sys-
tem of village, collegiate, and university education.
To this he gave his unqualified approval. To the
second he could not give so decided an approbation.
Now that the offices of the civil service were thrown
open, it was proposed to do away with Haileybury,
and establish an open examination. In that exami-
nation a very large proportion of masters was to be
given for Greek, Latin, French, German, and Italian,
which was not counterbalanced by the number given
for Sanscrit and Arabia, while a considerable number
of masters was to be given to the English language,
and all the historical examinations were out of Eng-
lish history. This gave an undue advantage to na-
tives of this country over those of India. He alluded
to the difficulties thrown in the way of natives in
ordinary employment under the company, mention-
ing an individual case, where Dr. Chuckerbratty had,
with the assistance of the Home Government, forced
himself into a situation for which he was well qua-
lified, at the cost of an expensive visit to this

country.
Lord ASHBURTON said that natives of India would
very probably surpass those of this country in
English history and literature, as making these the
subjects of more regular study. They were likewise
more apt at mathematics, all which was to be added
to their advantages in Sanscrit and Arabic.
The Earl of ALBEMARLE, adverting more parti-
cularly to medical situations, said that it was most
unjust to the natives of India to compel them to
come to this country for an examination, while they
had every opportunity at home for a full medical
education. He thought that the natives would be
practically excluded by the proposed arrangement,
and suggested that a certain number of appoint-
ments should be placed in the hands of the Governor-
General for their advantage.
Lord WYNFORD argued that no native of India
would travello,ooo miles on the chance of an advan-
tage from the act of 1853.
Earl GRANVILLE did not think that by removing
the competition from here to India we should obtain
a better class of public servants, or that we ought to
admit natives who had not the energy for a long
voyage. He stated that in all the recent reforms
the utmost cordiality had existed between the Board
of Control and the directors of the East India Com-
pany. The names of the commissiors
n ed to
e were a
sufficient guarantee that no injustice was intend
the natives of India.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES.
Mr. HEYWOOD on Thursday moved for a committee
to inquire into the best mode of enlarging the system
at our public schools, and of modifying the oaths
and the chapel services at the universities.
Lord PALMERSTON said that no inquiry
ortly he
was ne-
cessary, that a bill for Cambridge would sh
introduced, that much improvement was now being
carried out, and that if this fell short it would be
best to introduce a bill.
Mr. EIEYWOOD said that he should adopt the
suggestion.

Ihk.