The Sun.
London, England, 1857-10-01 00:00:00

MADRAS.

(From the Madras Athenceunz of Aug. 29 )
The most important event that has occurred in
Madras during the fortnight is in connection with
the Bth Light Cavalry, which was ordered to form
a part of the Madras troops proceeding to Calcutta,
but which has been sent back again minus horses,
saddles, and accoutrements to Arcot. The regi-
ment had volunteered for service in the disturbed
districts, and was on its march from Bangalore for
the purpose of embarking at Madras. We learn, how-
ever, that on its arrival at Streepermatoor, 26 miles
from Madras, it put forward a claim for the rates
of pay, batta, and pension, which existed before
1837, and were more favourable to the troopers than
the present rates. This took place on the 17th or
18th. Such a claim put forward at that particular
time was most embarrassing. Nevertheless we
understand that some of the officers started by train
for Madras to se) what could be done ; and it is
rumoured that the Madras government agreed to
guarantee on its own responsibility the terms
demanded ; and that the officers returned to
Streepermatoorand informed the troopers that their
terms would be acceded to. We state this much,
however, under correction. The corps then marched
to Poonatnallee' 13 miles from Madras ; and there
came to a dead hair, and refused to proceed on any
terms. F. 'rtunately, two guns and some artillery-
men had already arrive i at Poonamallee, and active
measures were resorted to without delay. The
troopers were at once deprived of their horses,
pistols, caps, and . ammunition, and left with
only their swords ; but why these were not .taken
away also we are unsble to t-ay. This artia dis-
arming was quietly suienitted to. The
h porsesl were
then taken in charge by a commissariat sergeant,
and ridden to Madras by the horsekeepers of the
corps, and yesterday morning were embaiked for
Calcutta., where they will no doubt prove a velnahl
ae:quisition. We understand that the 3d Madras
Light Cavalry now at Arcot is to
proceed at once
to Bangalore, and as soon as it
has cleared the
station. the regiment in question is to march there
and for the the present to do dismounted duty.
This is a most unfortunate occurrence, and has
necessarily greatly disAppointecl anddistressed
111085. who looked for better things from a d
regiment
in the Madras army ; an army generally so faithful
and hitherto invariably so forward for active
service.
On the morning on which the Bth Cavalry was
partially disarmA and entirely dismounted a de-
tachment of her Majesty's 43d was seen marching
towards Poonamallte, but it returned to :the Fort
without going there., On the same morning the
Volunteer Cavalry were paraded with the
pistols and sharpened swords and kept wailing
until
some intelligence was brought, .when they were
dismissed. Great precautions have been taken in
Madras to prevent an outbreak among the Mussul-
mans during the Mohurruw, whirh is now 'at its
height. In addition to the nightly patrols of the
mounted police we have the Volunteer Cavalry
doing the same duty, and the ten companies of the
Infantry volunteers are picketed in various parts
of Madras'. Judging from present appearances
there is not the least doubt that these wise precau-
tions have not only effectually cowed the turbulent
but likewise considerably marred the enjoyment of
tehre a lattert i yo f
s the soldier
scarcely
se
;o
coming down upon them iu the event of a possible
row. (Similar precautions to- those noticed above
h venturepeacefully whe n disposed,
tliee
t for
c
have been taken in Calcutta, Bombay, and other
parts of India when the means and necessity for so
doing exist). The native inhabitants of Combs-
conum and Madura have addressed the Madras
Government on the subject of the rebellion in the
Upper Provinces of India. They express the ut-
tnost loyalty and the greatest concern at the out-
rages which have been committed.
The Supreme Government have senctione I the
construction of a line of telegraph from Calcutta to
Akyab, Jessore, Dacca, and Chittagong, and
From Akyab to Prome, on Khyook Phyco and the
Tonghoo-pass.
As we are informed that there are many extra-
ea_tant rumours abroad with respect to the sth
Regiment of Madras Light Cavalry, we are happy
to be in a position to contradict them. The basis
of fact on which they were founded is trifling in the
extreme. • Only two circumstances have occurred ;

and thLse of a nature that in ordinary times would
not have been thought worthy of mention.

THE MAIIOMEDANS AT SINGAPORE.
SINGAPORE, AUG. 20.
After the departure of the last mail steamer to
Europe our settlement was thrown into great
alarm in consequence of the discovery that Ic.hur-
rack Singh, a Sikh political prisoner (then on pa-
role), was engaged in treasonable corresponde-,ce
with the convicts. These latter number nearly
three thousand of the most desperate 'characters
from British India, mostly transported for life, and
for murder and gang robbery. The Sikh chief-
tain was seized, and at once placed on board
her Majesty's ship Racehorse, where he re-
mained for a few days, end was then sent up
to Penang in the steamer Hooghly, to be confined
in the fort at that station. The state and condi-
tion of the cfinvic's is a just ground of appreht-nsion.
They are mostly natives of Bcmgal, akin to the
wretches belonging to the Sepoy regiments, who,e
barbarities have shocked the whole civilised woild.
In two days the Molturrum or Mahommedan new
year will commence when the followers of the pro-
phet become maddened by excitement and intoxi-
cation.. Heaven knows whether this festivity will
pass over quietly. Whtt weans are available have
been -resorted to and we hope to pass the next ten
days, and nights in, peace. At present the Madras
troops stationed here are staunch, but if their bre-
thren at Madras mutinied, the example would in all
probability be followed. We have just now a few.
acceptable guests in five officers and 101 men of the
Royal Engineers, who will remain here until Lord
Elgin's return from Calcutta. The European
resi-
dents are on the alert, and to-day a proest will be
sent to the Governor in
_consequence of that func-
tionary having granted permission to the convicts
to go outside their lines during the Mohutrum.
Once out, it may not'be easy to get them in again.
Her Majesty's steamer Encounter sailed hence on
the 9th for Suez, having ou bo3rd. the Siamese em-
bassy.

The wreck of her Majesty's steam transport Tran-
sit is to be sold next mouth. The crew have pro-
ceeded to Hong Kong in the Infl-txible.
Her Majesty's steamer Fury left this on the 11th
ins*. for Trincomalee, having been ordered there by
Admiral Seymour, on the requisition of the Go-
vernor of Ceylon.
Her Majesty's steamer Shannon is daily expected
fiom Calcutta, with Lord Elgin on board.