The Sun.
London, England, 1864-07-23 00:00:00

all in proportion to the others, the low

returns from customs being one of the
most unsatisfactory items of Indian finance.
Still, in this as in other points, we must
trust to the gradual increase of civilisation. The
extension of the railways is undoubtedly one of
the great moans of preserving tranquillity in India,
as well as of stimulating and developing trade. It
is a pity that since the beneficial results of im-
proved communications are so immediately appa-
rent, a little more attention is not shown to the
navigation of the splendid rivers of the country.
Mr. B. SMITH, in alluding to this unaccountable
neglect cited, as an instance, the Godavery, which
has a course of 2,500 miles, only 400 miles of
which are navigable. But, a species of
official hydrophobia appears to animate
the authorities, as Sir ARTHUR COTTON
might testify with regard to his water-
works at the Delta of the Godavery Notwith-
standing the thin House and the late period of the
session, Sir CHARLES WOOD'S statement was not
allowed to pass uncriticised. Hon. members ob-
jected very properly to a matter of so much im-
portance being hurried over at the very end of the
session, instead of being fully and fairly discussed
when time and opportunity favoured. Even as it
was, however, Sir CHARLES WOOD was reminded
that the obstacles he has put in the way of reclaim-
ing the waste lands have seriously hindered the
development of the country's resources. As the
law at present stands, the intending purchaser has
to go to the cost and trouble of a preliminary survey
before it can be put up to public auction, when
any speculator who chooses to outbid him may profit
by his experience, and the price of land is often
thus raised to a factitious valve. As Mr SE;DIOUR
observed, while other countries are competing for
English capital and English energy, in India it is
thought a favour for the Government to allow emi-
grants to cultivate the soil, and an emigrant going
to India, with a view to coffee planting, has to wait
twelve months before land is put up for sale. More
encouragement should be given to English enter-
prise and capital. As it is the great improvement
in the state of the Indian finances and the condi-
tion of the 'adieu people is duo to these agen-
cies, but there is surely no reason why unnecessary

and artificial difficulties should be put in their way
by official prejudice and the paralysing spirit of
routine.

The Despatch of Additional Troops to
Japan,

Yesterday morning were issued the following
despatches relative to the transport of additional
troops to Japan :
Head-quarters, hang Kong, May 30, 18611

My Lord,—l have the honour to enclose a copy of a de-
spatch from Sir Rutherford Alcock, requesting the re-
mainder of her Majesty's 20th Regiment, now at Hong
Kong, to be sent on to Yokuhama, with as little delay as
possible, for service in Japan ; and, as soon as transport
can be provided by the navy, the troops will be despatched.
I have to add, I shall for the present detain the women and
children at Hong Kong. I beg also to forward a copy of
Colonel Gordon's proceedings up to the latest date.-1
have, &o. _

(Signed W. G. BnowN,
Major-General Commanding her Britannic
Majesty's troops in China.
The Right Non, the Secretary of State for War,
War-office, London S.W.
Her Majesty's Legation, Yokuhama,
May 14, 1864.
Sir,—The present aspect of affairs in this country
renders it expedient, in my opinion, that the remainder of
the 20th Regiment, now at Hong-Kong, should be sent here.
I have therefore requested Vice-Admiral Sir A. Kuper, to
place the means of transport at your disposal, and have now
to beg that advantage may now be taken of it to send the
remaining portion with as little delay as possible. I have
called upon the Japanese Government to provide the neces-
sary barrack accommodation, and I trust that it may be
ready for them on their arrival. Barrack furniture, how.
ever, will be found, and if, as I understand, it has been
already supplied to the regiment, I think it would be de-
sirable that they should bring what they may require with
them. As regards tent equipage, my present object is to
have the regiment quartered here for the protection of this
settlement, in the event of the squadron being required to
undertake operations at a distance. But is impossible to
say, in view of future contingencies and the unsettled state
of the country, whether the regiment, or n portion of it,
may not also be required to enter into active operations
from this place.—l have, La.,
(Signed) RUTHERFORD ALCOCH,
Her Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary in Japan.
Major-General Brown, C. 8., commanding H.M.troops in China,
Hong Kong."
(True copy.) IL B. SAVORY, A.M.S.