The Sun.
London, England, 1847-04-26 00:00:00

THE LAHORE STATE.
Papers relating to the articles of agreement concluded
between the British Government and the Lahore Durbar,
on December 16, 1846, for the administration of the
Lahore State during the minority of the Maharajah
Duleep Singh; were on Monday issued by order of the
House of Lorde, having just been laid before both Houses
of Parliament, by command of her Majesty. The fol-
lowing are important extracts therefrom (though the
principal portion of the chief documents have already
been published in the India intelligence) :
MAHARAJAH DULEEP SINGH TO F. CURRIE, ESQ.
With reference to your statement, that you have
reported to the Governor-General the result of the in-
vestigation into the case of the recent disturbance at
Cashmere, instituted by the Committee held on the 23 of
December, 1846, and that his Lordship, in reply, after a
careful and attentive perusal of the proceedings con-
nected with the case, had expressed his high approbation
of the opinion given by the Committee, and confirmed
the decision paeeed by them, I beg to remark that the
British authorities are incomparably wise, prudent, just,
experienced, and capable of distinguishing truth from
falsehood, and :net they are sincere friends of this
Government. I have full confidence in them, and en-
tirely approve of the decision passed by them, after a
due investigation into the case of Cashmere, which de-
cision has been confirmed by the Governor-General.
In reply to your remark, that it has been a source of
much regret to his Lordship, that notwithstanding a
British force was stationed at this place in compliance
with the request of the Lahore Durbar and Vizier, for
*he purpose of affording aid for the stability and main-
tenance of this state, the Vizier (appointed by me) had
pursued an unbecoming line of conduct, i. e., he had
secretly excited Sheik Imamooddeen (the Governor of
Cashmere on the part of the Lahore Government) into
rebellion, and instigated him not to make over Cash-
mere, which instructions were plainly and clearly in
violation of the treaty ; I beg to state that this conduct
of the Vizier has been a subject of much grief to this
Government, and is considered a highly unwarrantable
and unjustifiable act.
With reference to your statement, that the British
Government has approved of the measure taken by me
of having deposed the Vizier, in consequence of his
recent conduct, which was inconsistent with the stipula-
tions of the treaty, and that in consideration of the two
following grounds, viz. :-
1. My tender age, being a minor, the difficulties of my
position, and my being a descendant of the late Maha-
rajah Runjeet Singh, the faithful ally of the British Go-
vernment.
2. On account of the exertions of my army, under
Sirdar Tej Singh, and Sirdar Shere Singh, in quelling
the disturbances at Cashmere, which service was under-
taken for the purpose of maintaining the stipulations of
the treaty; and further, in consideration that no other
officers of the Lahore Durbar appeared to be implicated
in the crimes of the Vizier; in consideration of these
grounds, the British Government has acquitted this
State ; but that the Governor-General now deems it
proper that the Vizier should be banished from my
dominions, and that, therefore, it is necessary that I
should immediately dispatch him with his family to
Ferosepore.
With reference to these statements, I beg to state that
I cannot adequately return my grateful thanks for the
kind feelings which the British Government has evinced
towards me, in thus considering my tender age, and the
ancient relations of friendship which have subsisted be-
tween the British Government and the late Maharajah
Runjeet Singh.
The strict adherence of the British authorities to their
pledged words convinces me that these kind feelings of
the British Government towards me will daily increase,
and that the ties of friendship and amity existing between
the two Governments, according to the treaties, will gain
strength day by day, through the interposition of Colo-
nel Lawrence, the agent to the Governor-General.
The approbation of the British Government of the
services performed by the troops of this Government
employed in the Cashmere campaign, under the Com-
mander-in-Chief, Sirdar Tej Singh, and Sirdar Shere
Singh, has afforded unbounded gratification to me and
the above named Sirdare, and the army in general. I am
thankful for the good offices of the Governor-General's
agent( who is appointed to increase the relations of friend-
ship subsisting between the two Governments) in having
settled the affairs of Cashmere in so satisfactory a man-
ner. You have stated that the British Government has
acquitted this state of the crimes of the Vizier, as none of
its other officers appear to have been implicated in his
crime, and that the British Government considered
his deposition by me as a sufficient atonement,
and have also considered it necessary that I should
remove the deposed Vizier from my territories, and dis-
patch him with his failed), to Ferozepore. Sir, you are
well aware that I have deposed the Vizier, and given
peremptory orders to him to take his departure for
Ferozepore without loss of time ; that preparations
necessary for his departure have been made, and that
carriage, &c., have been supplied by this Government
for the conveyance of his baggage. These circumstances
need not, therefore, be recapitulated. He has this day,
the Ist of Boos, 1903, taken his departure for his des-
tination.
In reply to your statement, that on the arrival of the
deposed Vizier with the Assistant Agent, a place for his
residence will be selected in the British territories, with
due regard to his dignity and comfort, according to the
instructions of the Governor-General ; I beg to say that
this proposal has originated in the kind feeling of the
British Government towards him, and redounds to the
tame of that Government.
You have stated that the feelings of friendship enter-
tained by the Governor-General towards me have re-
mained unimpaired, and that it is his Lordship's desire
to promote by every means in his power the stability of'
my Government and the prosperity of the people ; that
the satisfactory proposals and the beneficial suggestions,
as well as the exertions of the Governor-General's agent
(to whom the affairs of my Government are entrusted),
in the troublesome times in the State for the last eight
months, are well known facts; that these proceedings
of the agent prove the sincerity of the desire of the
Governor-General for the stability of this State, as ex-
pressed by his Lordship at the time of his making over
the treaty to me at Lahore. Sir, I have full confidence
in the kindness of the British Government, in the con-
tinuance of the favours of the Governor-General, and
the attention of the Governor-General's agent. I am
much gratified and thankful for the kindness which the
Governor-General's agent has evinced for these eight
months (since the conclusion of the treaty in the pre-.
sence of the Governor-General), in protecting lives and
settling the affairs of the State to my satisfaction. I
return my grateful thanks for the kindness of the Go-
vernor-General, and the exertions of the agent in set-
tling the affairs of Kangra, Cashmere, and Mooltan,
and in causing the arrears of the pay of the troops to
be discharged. The good counsels of the Governor-
General are impressed on my mind ; and I know it is
incumbent on me always to remain faithful to the stipu-
lations of the treaty.
You have stated that myself, the officers, and the de-
pendent Sirdars of the State should effect an arrange-
ment for the administration of this Government in such
a manner that it may not prove prejudicial to the inte-
rests of the State; and you have also stated, that it is the
earnest desire of the Governor-General that I should
enjoy independent possession of the State; but that the
British Government will, in future, afford no military aid
to the Lahore State, in consideration of the events which
have occurred during the last six months, more especi-
ally on account of the perfidious and disloyal conduct of
the Vizier, and that the British force will, consequently,
be withdrawn after the expiration of the specified term;
and that myself and my officers and Sirdars should,
therefore, establish a strong Government, either by ap-
pointing
will not fail to give his good. counsels
stipula-
tions
irpnaotniEefiemnrgee n at
i;nn a natdbh leest heVaitmziateltritee
rcßs'r,r i
bi)su. htm Gat khoi:v: egr est
hcmnie e enGto :why
rlr na,f).err
rit
and Sirdars that the
' he relations of friendship and amity
of maintaining t ce r
s'
qween the British Government and the in-
dependent chiefs, and that whenever the misrule of the
jenewrtoaalahllitsmhe, yo
tshuebssi
stat ofi
subsisting
et stability
treatyof
m ;Y. thatSt a tle should consistently
explain
desirous
Government of any of those chiefs disturbs the peace
Governor-
of the British frontier this Government will be held re-
sponsible for it ; that you, therefore, previously advise
me, in consideration of the friendship between the two
Governments, to effect a satisfactory arrangement for
the administration of my State ; for, if in consequence
of the recurrence of misrule in my Government the
peace of the British frontier be disturbed, I should be
held responsible for the same ; and that you have written
all these instructions in a friendly style, without any
reserve ; that if I act up to them it will prove beneficial
to my State.

Si?, I feel most thankful on the perusal of 'your kind
letter, more especially on learning that you have written
to me without reserve, these instructions in a friendly
style for the welfare and stability of this State.
By
my mind.
Yesterday,Gto its
the 29th Mugsir, 1903, I explained to all
'istsbleesnsginaggetmheent, whichritishGofvaecrtnims einmtpirsesaslesdvaoyns
faithful
the Sirdars and dependants of this State, regarding
arrangements for the administration of my Government,
to
the
that fcannot adequately return my grateful thanks for
the kindness which the Governor-General, in consi-
deration of the ties of friendship which subsisted be-
tween the British Government and the late Maharajah
Runjeet Singh, evinced towards me in appointing Colo-
nel Lawrence his agent, and in permitting him to re-
main with a British force for the protection and admi-
nistration of my State.
As the Governor-General is desirous of maintaining
this State, it is not proper that the whole of the British
force stationed here should be put to further inconve-
nience and annoyance. Nevertheless, with regard to
the necessity for establishing the Government of the
country, and the fact of the time for the withdrawal of
the troops having arrived, it is hoped that the agent,
with two battalions, and one regiment of cavalry, and
one battery, may be allowed to continue for some
months, during which, what still remains to he done to
complete the organisation of the Government in an effl•
cient manner may be effected ; and there can be no
doubt that Colonel Lawrence will, according to the pro-
visions of the treaty, give every aid and assistance in
establishing the Government.
Inclosure 6 in No. 9.

F. CURRIE, ESQ., TO MAHARAJAH DULEEp SINGH.
14, 1846.
The request of your Highness that December a portion of the
British force now at Lahore, and the agent of the Go-
vernor-General, should remain after the expiration of
the stipulated time, which measure your Highness states
to be necessary for the establishment of the Government
of the country, involves a departure from the provisions
of the articles of agreement executed on the 11th of
March last, and is a very important matter.
It seems to me desirable that the chiefs of the Durbar,
with the sirdars interested in the welfare of the Lahore
state, should assemble at my Durbar tent, to-morrow,
when I will lay before them distinctly the only conditions
on which the Governor-General will consent to a modi. 1
("WU of the articles of agreement above referred to '

and it will be well that these chiefs and sirdars should be
prepared to give a conclusive acquiescence or rejection
of the said conditions, in order that the affair may be
coneuded, and the necessary orders given regarding the
movement of the British force.
The following is an extract from the dispatch of the
Governor General to the secret committee (dated Dec.
22, from the camp on the left bank of the Bess) :
Inclosure in No. 10.
THE RIGHT HON. TLIZ GOVERNOR. GENERAL OF INDIA
PLEASED TO DIRECT THE PUBLICATION OF THE FOL•
LOWING NOTIFICATION.
Camp, Bhyrowal Ghat, on the left Bank
of the Bees, Dec. 22, 1846.
The late Governor of Cashmere, on the part of the La-
hore State, Sheik Imamooddeen having resisted by force
of arms the occupation of the province of Cashmere by
Maharajah Golab Singh, the Lahore Government was
called upon to coerce their subject, and to make over the
province to the representative of the British Government,
in fulfilment of the conditions of the treaty of Lahore,
dated 9th of March, 1846.
A British force was employed to support and aid, if
necessary, the combined forces of the Lahore State, and
Maharajah Golab Singh, in the above operations.
Sheik Imamooddeen intimated to the British Govern-
ment that he was acting under orders received from the
Lahore Durbar in the course be was pursuing, and
stated that the insurrection had been instigated by
written instructions received by him from the Vizier,
Rajah Lal Singh.
Sheik Imamooddeen surrendered to the British agent
on a guarantee from that officer that if the Sheik could,
as he asserted, prove that his acts were in accordance
with his instructions, and that the opposition was insti-
gated by the Lahore Minister, the thither should not
be permitted to inflict upon him, either in his person or
his property, any penalty on account of his conduct on
this occasion. The British agent pledged his Govern-
ment to a full and impartial investigation of the matter.
A public inquiry was instituted into the facts adduced
by Sheik Imamoodeen, and it was fully established that
Rajah Lal Singh did secretly instigate the Sheik to oppose
the occupation by Maharajah Golab Singh of the province
of Cashmere.

The Governor-General immediately demanded that
the Ministers and chiefs of the Lahore state should
depose, and exile to the British provinces the Vizier
Rajah Lal Sing.
His Lordship consented to accept the deposition of
Rajah Lal Sing as an atonement for the attempt to in-
fringe the treaty by the secret intrigues and machina-
tions of the Vizier. It was not proved that the other
members of the Durbar had cognizance of the Vizier's
proceedings, and the conduct of the Sirdars and the
Seikh army in the late operations for quelling the Cash-
mere insurrection, and removing the obstacles to the
fulfilment of the treaty, proved that the criminality of
the Vizier was not participated in by the Sikh nation.
The Ministers and Chiefs unanimously decreed, and
carried into immediate effect the deposition of the Vizier.
After a few days' deliberation, relative to the means of
forming a Government at Lahore, the remaining mem-
bers of the Durbar, in concert with all the sirdars and
chiefs of the State, solicited the interference of the Bri-
tish Government, for the interference of the British Go-
vernment, for the maintenance of administration, and the
protection of the Maharajah Duleep Singh during the
minority of his Highness.
This solicitation by the Durbar and Chiefs has led to
the temporary modification of the relations between the
British Government and that of Lahore, established by
the treaty of the 9th of March of the present year.
The terms and conditions of this modification are set
forth in the articles of agreement.

.AILWAY INTELLIGENCE.
OPENING OF THE KENDAL AND WINDER

MERE.
On Tuesday last, in accordance with previous an-
nouncement, this " gem of railways" was publicly
opened with great eclat. Early in the morning flags
with various bearings were hoisted on all the elevations
in the immediate vicinity of the town—the time-worn
tower of the dilapidated castle being the most conspi-
cuous. The directors issued 500 free rickets to the trades-
men and others of the town and neighbourhood. A little
before ten o'clock in the forenoon, a hand of music pro-
,
ceeded to the company's station in Wi dtnan-street.
Soon after this period the directors, headed by John
Gandy, Esq., the chairman of the board, and a vast
assemblage of the most respectable and influential ladies
and gentlemen resident in the town and immediate
vicinity, took their seats in a train of first class car-
rives, to which were attached second and third-class
carriages for the conveyance of such of the pahl,c as then
felt disposed to traverse the line to the terminus at
Birthwaite on the banks of the Lake of Windermere.
At twelve o'clock at noon another full train was dis-
patched, which was filled to overflowing. At a.b..ut two
in the afternoon the directors, in company with a large
body of shareholders and spLcial visitors from the
surrounding district, partook of a sumptuous de-
jeuner at the New Hotel, at Birthwaite, John
Gandy, Esq., in the chair. For the greater pleasure
and amusement of the vast influx of visitors to the
fairy land, and such as were not invited to the enter-
tainment, the splendid new steamer, the Lord of the
Isles, made several pleasure trips during the day between
Ambleside and Newby-bridge (the whole extent of the
lake). The vessel was several times crowded with all
the beauty and fashion present. A band of music was
on board, which made the surrounding mountains and
woodlands reverberate with soul-stirring strains. Fetes
champetre also took place on the margin of the queen of
lakes, which added a noble zest to nature's grandest
scenery. No accident took place to mar the proceedings
of the day. It is not, we understand, the intention of
the company to run trains on the Sabbath-day.

NITIISDALE LINES.
A meeting of the inhabitants has been held at Dum-
fries in favour of the lines proposed by the Glasgow,
Dumfries, and Carlisle; the Provost in the chair. The
speeches showed that the proposed lines were of very
great importance to the district of country indeed; and
when completed would confer great benefit on the whole
district. The line from Gretna to Brampton, in par-
ticular, would be very advantageous to them. At pre-
sent goods could be brought from London at 2s. 6d. per
cwt.; when they should have direct intercourse by rail
with Newcastle, this rate would, he doubted not, be re-
duced to 25., which would make a great difference to
those who imported many tons of merchandise. In
place of paying 10d. or so, as they were doing just
now, the inhabitants would have coal laid down at 6d.
per cwt.
BILLS IN THE LORDS.—The Assurance Gazette, a
new organ just issued in support of the insurance in-
terest of the country, says:—" We have heard that Lord
Ashburton has lately been privately canvassing the
House of Lords, to induce them to stop the passing of
all railway Bills this session, except those which are
for small branches out of existing lines. How far this
attempt will succeed, we cannot say; but if it has been
made, we do not doubt that energetic steps will be taken
to carry the plan to a successful issue. The members
of the House of Peers, in matters of this sort, are like
a flock of sheep—where one jumps the others are sure to
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LONDON AND MAN-
CHESTER.—The completion of the works on the Trent
Valley line will be the beginning of a new and more
direct railway communication between the capital and
the manufacturing districts. The line will be opened
for passenger traffic on the Ist of July, and will be used
for the .through communication between London and
Manchester, instead of the Birmingham line, shortening
the distance considerably. Arrangements are being
made•for accelerating the speed of the through trains;
and on and after the Ist of July the journey from Lon-
don to Manchester will be performed in something under
five hours, and the London morning papers will be on
the table of our Exchange by half-past twelve each day.
A memorial has been lying for some days for signa-
ture on the tables of the Exchange. addressed to the
directors of the London and North-Western Company,
praying for such an accelciation of the mail as would
bring the London newspapers and letters to Manchester
by one o'clock, instead of three o'clock as now, nearly
two hours after high change. It is not likely, however,
that any such change will be made in the near prospect
of a much earlier mail arrival by this opening.—Man-
chester Examiner.

INAUGURATION OF THE LICHTERVELISI CENTRAL
STATION OF THE WEST FLANDERS LINE. - This fete,
which has been delayed in consequence of the incle-
mency of the weather, took place recently. The Convoi
d' Honneur, decorated with flags and evergreens, left
Brugos about noon, and arrived safely at Lichtervelde,
where it was received by the joyous acclamations of a
large concourse of the inhabitants. Inside the station
had been erected platforms, also decorated with flags,
&c., on one of which were assembled the clergy in their
sacerdotal robes, and on the other was grouped the beau
sere of Lichtervelde and its neighbourhood. The
representatives of the railway company, among whom
we noticed Mr. Lewis Cubitt, Mr. Chantrell, the
Director Gerant, and Mr. Prisse, the engineer,
having alighted from the train, were received by the
authorities of the town of Lichtervelde, Mr. Le Cheva-
lier Surmont, the burgomaster, addressing them in a
speech expressive of the gratitude which the inhabitants
would for over feel towards the company for the
new era of prosperity which has been secut ed to the
town by the opening of the railway. The cure of Lich-
tervelde having then pronounced an oration, proceeded
with the ceremony of the benediction of the line and
locomotive, in which the entire body of the clergy
assisted. A procession was then formed towards the
town (every house decorated with flags and ban-
ners bearing appropriate mottos), and in the afternoon
an excellent dinner was given by the authorities of the
town to the company's representatives. During the
banquet, the several musical societies of Lichtervelde,
and the towns in the neighbourhood played their most
favourite pieces. Popular games were held, bread dis-
tributed to the poor, and a display of fireworks in the
evening having announced the conclusion of the /We, the
train again started for Bruges, every one, both rich and
poor, having had reason to be delighted with the pro-
ceedings of the day. Medals of gold, silver, and bronze
have been struck in commemoration of this event, by the
authorities of Lichtervelde.

The report of Captain Caspar, of the French whaler
Jacques Lafitte, dated from San Carlcs, the coast of Chili,
January last, announces his arrival there with nearly 2,000
barrels of oil. After refitting, he states that it his intention
to continue operations in the neighbouring waters till the
close of the season, when he shall direct his course home-
wards, hoping to reach port at the end of the year. He had
spoken on the Bth of September the Narwal, with 1,900 bar-
rels of oil, and on the 18th of December and subsequently the
Reunion, with 400 barrels; La Ville de Rennes, with 400
barrels; the Mississippi, with 600 barrels; the Pallas, with
700 barrels; the Ferdinand, with 800 barrels; and the Fanny, with 700 barrels.
Doctor Geldart has resigned the Reg us Professor-
ship of Civil Law in the University of Cambridge. Ali.
Maine, of :Trinity Ball, Cambridge, will, be believe, be
appointed hia auCCOnor,..Obleiper.