The Sun.
London, England, 1845-03-24 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY MORNING, MARCH 24, 1845.

OVERLAND MAIL

INDIA.

By the arrival of the India Mail we have news
from Calcutta to the Bth of February, Madras, the

15th, and Delhi the Ist. There are no accounts from
Bombay. The only important feature in the intelli-
gence is the gathering of troops towards the frontier
of the Punjaub. The movement of troops to the north
from the different stations is made without display.
The troops at Cawnpore are moving up to Meerut
and Loodianah ; those at Berhampore to replace the
regiments moving to the frontier ; and those in the
neighbourh3od of the Presidency are on tl e move for
Benares, Cawnpore, &c. Full particulars respecting
the state of Lahore and the change of military stations
are given in the subjoined extracts from the
Indian papers. It may be necessary to remark
that the comments, and also intelligence, in some
of these papers, .and especially the Calcutta Star,
must not be received with implicit confidence. There
is such a strong feeling of rivalry and jealousy be-
tween the different Presidencies, that truth is often
perverted, and plans which are good for the general
interest are denounced as mischievous and fraught
with ruin. Such are the remarks on the occupation
and state of Sinde in that journal. Sir Henry
Ilardinge still remained at Calcutta. Sir Robert
Sale had left that place to join the army. We have
no later intelligence from China.
(From the Calcutta Star.)
The news since our last is not striking. The Punjaub,
as far as v, e are advised, is as it was. The Government
is accumulating a large force on the N. W. frontier, and
we believe the crisis of our interference is rapidly ap-
proaching. The probabilities at present seem that we
shall meddle to mediate and settle rather than to appro •
priate. There is no doubt that communications have
passed between this and the Court of Lahore ; and we
incline to the opinion that should Goolab Singh and his
party make any decisive movement in hostility to the
young Maharajah, we shall step in ; the same should the
Affghans attempt any irruption across the Attock. We
deem it certain that the great preparations that have
been gradually, though unostentatiously, going on, are
far more than a mere precautionary measure. Rumours
have been rife, though not so much so in Calcutta, that
the Governor-General was about to proceed to the north-
west. We have no sufficient ground for expecting that
he will leave Calcutta before the close of the next rains.
We have been passive, and perhaps prudently so, for a
long time. Come what may, we regard action
as a certainty before another cold season shall have
passed away.
From Sinde the latest news is the organisation of a
force of about 5,000 men, of which Sir Charles Napier
is to take the command. They assemble at Poolajee,
and the object is to destroy all the hill-forts and strong-
holds they come across, and, if possible, give an account
of Bejar Khan, who has given us an infinity.of trouble.
The account of the general health of the troops in our
new "province" is less distressing than it has been, but
in the course of the very few months the 78th High-
landers have been in Sinde, they have lost, in men, wo-
men, and children, about 500. The Friend of India of
yesterday says—
" Of the actual state of Sinde since it became British, of its
resources and revenue, of the condition of the people, and of
the prospects of improvement which our advent has created,
we know absolutely nothing. While the Government of
Bengal gives the widest publicity to every statistical detail
which.can exemplify the condition of the people, all in-
formation is hermetically sealed up by the Government of
Sinde, which seems, indeed, to exhibit quite as much
jealousy lest the public should become acquainted with the
province, as the Emperor ofChina manifests to keep barbarian
eyes from peering into his empire. It is occasionally reported
that the present revenues of Sinde exceed by one-fourth the
sum which the Ameers were able to obtain from it, and that

the country is no burden on the resources of India. -For these
flattering representations, however, we are indebted to news-
papers published in England, to which it is supposed the
friends of Sir Charles Napier are in the habit of contributing.
But the studied secresy which is maintained regarding Sinde,
and the certainty that any disclosure of information would
lead to the dismissal of the officer through whom it might be
made public, throws an air of suspicion over all the " far
fetched' intelligence which we derive from the London jour-
nals. All that we know for certain is, that the country has
been the scene of mutiny, disease, and death, ever since it
came into our possession, and that no province has ever
proved so fatal to the discipline, comfort, or health of our
army."
The news from Bombay of the southern Mahratta
country is unsatisfactory,—difficult mountain warfare
leading to no result but loss of life, and a general cry for
more troops. It is reported that Colonel Outram is
to succeed Colonel Ovans as Resident of Sattara, the
latter proceeding to England on the sick list.
Locally, the most interesting news is the draught of a
new Act which declares the lex loci everywhere within
the Company's territories (except as applied to Hindoos
and Mahommedans) to be the substantive law of Eng-
land. Much inconvenience has neccessarily been expe-
rienced in administering the law to aliens, because it has
hitherto been the law of their respective countries. Now
it is to be our law, and this assimilates Mofussil system
with that observed within the local jurisdiction of the Su-
preme Court. In many respects the proposed Act invites
discussion, but as it has to be reconsidered, and will be
"brought up" at the first meeting of Council after the
18th of April, it will be better to " let it pass" for the
present.
Sir Robert and Lady Sale have just left us. A week
ago, and after his chik was laid, it occurred to somebody
that we ought to give him an entertainment. It may,
perhaps, be urged as some slight palliation of the neglect,
that every one might well imagine the old soldier tole-
rably tired of public dinners and speechifications. It
was agreed to invite him to dinner, and to give a ball
the same evening to Lady Sale, but when intimation was
made, it turned out that there was only one vacant
evening, and that last Saturday. The ball was aban-
doned, but the dinner came off in the Town-hall ; and
though there really was not two days' clear notice, about
90 gentlemen sat down ; Sir Lawrence Peel, our Chief
Justice in the chair. Barrackpore entertained Sir Robert
and Lady on Monday evening last.
A very much larger meeting was the gathering of the
llindoo College students and the friends of education,
on Tuesday last, in the Town-hall, on the occasion of
receiving the annual reports, and distributing the scholar-
ships, and other prizes, The Governor-General .pre-
sided.

(From the Bengal Barham.)
The brief period which has elapsed since we last
" summed up" the news of this country for the benefit
of our friends " at home," has produced no event likely
to affect the interests of India, or her relations with
England. On this side of the Peninsula the " march of
intellect" has not yet been turned aside to the battle-
field, but still tends towards the internal improvement of
the land. Madras has, apparently, nothing to employ it ,
beyond the merest " parish" business. Bombay, how-
ever, with its bush-fighting to the north and to the south,
in the Concan and in Sawunt Warree, with Ragojee
Bangria and Phond Savant, has work enough, but work
which, though necessary, will do little for the prosperity
of the country, or for the glory of the British name.
The Punjaub!—The drop-scene is down betwixt the
acts of its exciting drama. But the play is not yet
played out, and what will be the catastrophe the future
must show. There is a lull in the storm that is devas-
tating that devoted country, but it is probably only a
prelude to a more destructive outburst. The boy-king
Dhuleep is still alive, and on the throne of Lahore, and
the forms of government are gone through in his name
by his mother, and her brother, Jowahir Singh. But
in ireality there is no government. The Khalsa troops
are supreme in the country, dictating to the puppet-
court, appointing and deposing their own officers, and,
in short, doing or leaving undone whatever they please.
This state of affairs, which has become trite to compare
to that which prevailed in the Roman empire on the eve
of its fall, cannot last long. And what will the end he?
Prince PasboraSingh has retired to his own domain at
Sealkote, evidently waiting to see the turn which affairs
may take. Lena Singh, like a prudent man, prefers re-
maining on our side of the Sutlej, to trusting his life and
fortunes on the stormy sea of Lahore politics. He may
hope, indeed, ere long to enter the Punjaub with a
British army for his escort ! Raja Goolab Singh still
holds his ground in the hill country of Jumboo, whither
bodies of the Kbaha troops have proceeded to attack
him, or not, as may suit their convenience. It is said,
that, moved by fear or policy, more probably the latter,
he has displayed a desire to come to terms with the
Khalsa.
Meanwhile our Government is a calm, but not a care-
less, observer of what is going on 'across the Sutlej. It
is evidently preparing for whatever may turn up. A
quiet concentration of troops in the north west is in pro •
gress, lout whether for immediate interference, or simply
as a precautionary measure of defenee, remains yet to
be seen. There can certainly be no question as to the
good policy of such a proceeding, however much
opinions may differ as to our right to take the initiative,
and to prevent the Sikhs from invading our territories,
bp giving them work at home.
In Nepaul, notwithstanding the recent revolution,
things must be going on very quietly; otherwise Prince
Waldemar of Prussia would hardly venture himself in
the country, as he is now doing on a gracious invitation
from Khalmandoo, and under escort of some Nepaulese
chiefs.

According to " reports" received via Lahore, Aff-
ghanistan„ which has recently suffered so much from
the plague, is now visited by famine. Dost Mahomed
had been set upon, when out riding, by a band of con-
spirators, who wounded him severely, but did not suc-
ceed in their attempt on his life. Ukbar Khan is said
to be busily occupied in repairing the fortifications of
Jellalaba,d, and still keeps the Sikhs in fear for
Peshawur.

The Governor-General still divides his time between
Calcutta and Barrackpore; but, it is surmised, will have
to extend his travels ere long. A short time ago he
personally received a petition from the palanquin-
bearers of Calcutta, against certain impositions of a
native police functionary, and gave them redress. A
few days ago he distributed prizes to the students of
the llindoo College, and expressed himself strongly, as
he has done on other occasions, in favour of the spread
of education.
Sir Robert Sale, who has just left Calcutta for the
Upper Provinces, was, previous to his departure, enter-
tained by the people of Calcutta at the town-hall, and
by the military of the Presidency at Barrackpore. It
was intended to give a ball to Lady Sale, but our worthy
ditchers were so dilatory iu their movements, that when
they had made up their minds on the subject, it was
found that the gallant lady could not afford time to re-
alD the compliment.
The Supreme Government has lately published the

draught of an act of considerable irraportaire. It is in
tended to do away with those clumsy attempts to ad-
minister to men of various countries and origins, 6*
laws of their own several lands or tribes, to which iike
Company's judges have hitherto resorted. Lex loc., a a
it is called, ordains, that for all persons, except Hindoos
and Mussultnans, and in all places of the Company's
territories, except within the jurisdiction of the Supreme
Courts, the law of England shall be the law of the land.
By the same Act it is proposed to give a power of appeal
from any of the Company's Courts to the Supreme
Courts of judicature of the several Presidencies. The
proposed law gives general satisfaction, as far as ,it
goes, but is considered open to criticism in many points.

THE PUNJAUB.
(From the Delhi Gazette, Jan. 29.)
Our Lahore letter confirms our previous advices re-
garding the negotiations with Goolet) Singh, and also
the advance of the army to the camp ground of Khan
Kutch, "on hostile thoughts intent." That the sol-
diery are thinking very seriously of a collision with the
British authorities may be inferred from the very signi-
ficant fact that the Fuqueer Azet z-ood-deen, who has
for months withdrawn himself from any interference in
the politics of Lahore, presented himself at a late durbar
to remonstrate against the folly of any hostile demon-
stration against the trans-Sutlej government, and we
have good authority for a current saying amongst the
Sikhs that they will eat " both Goolab Singh an the
British, but they think they will begin with Goolab."
We have elsewhere considered the more general
question of the present position of parties in the
Punjaub, and as the movements of Sirdar Lena
Singh have attracted considerable attention, we
have looked into the pages of our native con-
temporary the Benares [Mbar, of the 18th instant, and
there find it stated that Luchman Singh, who was repre-
sented to us as the bearer of a message from the Khalsa
of Lahore to the Sirdar, had returned to Benares on the
17th instant, he having been in reality deputed by Lena
Singh to Lahore with a message of his own. It is, how-
ever, stated in the same paper, that Sirdar Ummur
Singh, Majeeteea, uncle to Lena Singh, had arrived
from L.thore, as the bearer of overtures tending to the
return of his uncle to his native country. But nothing
is said of any preparation being made by the Sirdar to
quit his present place of residence, and we apprehend he
has no intention of stirring, for the present at least.
Our readers may find it satisfactory if we embrace the
opportunity afforded by the present political lull in the
Punjaub briefly to sketch the condition of parties in
chat distracted country at the commencement of a year
destined, we think, to be fraught with much of serious
and lasting consequences to the fortunes of the Sikhs as
a nation. We shall, therefore, make no apology for
doing so, although we shall doubtless have to mention
much with which many of our readers are as well
acquainted as ourselves. Our object in this is to avoid
hereafter, on the occurrence of any momentous events,
having to explain who the parties are in, and where the
theatre of, such events.
First., then, for the court or durbar. At the head of
affhirs is the Ranee Chunda, the mother of the Maha-
rajah Dhuleep Singh, a lady of some accomplishments
for a Sikhnee, and mistress of her pen, which weapon it
was that enabled her to communicate with and excite
the troops to their late revolt against Raja Ileera Singh.
Finding how efficacious a weapon it therein proved, the
Ranee now retains possession of it and signs all docu-
ments and orders with her own fair hand. She presides
in the durbar, sitting within a purdah, on the outer side
of which are seated Sirdar Juwahir Singh, her brother
and nominal Minister ; Bhaee Ram Singh, and the boy
Maharajah Dhuleep. The Ranee Cand Koonr, the mo-
ther of Now Nihal Singh, used, during her short reign,
to conduct business in a similar manner. The Sikhs in-
stance her, and foretel a speedy end to the present
Ranee's power, from the circumstance that her prede-
cessor, who was well known to be endowed with greater
talents and courage than the Ranee Chunda, was unable
to conduct the details of Government to their satisfac-
tion. How much less then, argue they, can a weaker
woman, now that the Government requires so much
firmer a hand ? There is justice too in the remark.
Ranee Chunda is not a daughter of any of the high
houses in the Punjaub, but of a respectable zemindar.
Hence she has no actual party of her own among the
Sikhs.

Next to her comes her brother, Sirdar Juwahir Singh.
(We do not mention the Maharajah, as he is an infant
under control.) This chief is unfitted by nature, educa-
tion, and habits, to re-establish a tottering throne. A
man of no talent, and degraded by dissipation of the
lowest kind, ho may be a brave and a bold politician oc-
casionally, but success will never adhere to the man who
divides his favours between the blind goddess and the
dancing girls of Lahore. Fortune brooks no divided

reign.
Next comes Sirdar Sham Singh, of Attaree, one of the
ablest of the Sikhs of the old regime now left in Lahore.
We need not enter into particulars regarding Sham
Singh's family. To all who have read " Bellasis" and
the Calmat s Review (who have not ?) it would be use-
less. Suffice it then here to mention that Sham Singh
is supposed not to be quite so attached to the present
state of things as he might be. His hot and ungovern-
able spirit showed how he spurned a woman's and a de-
bauchee's control, when a few days after the late revo-
lution he murdered his own relation close to the durbar,
in spite of the repeated solicitations of the Ranee that he
would not molest him on his coming to Court.
Bhaee Ram Singh, one of the trusted followers of Run-
jeet Singh, and a bitter enemy of the Dogras, is the
guardian of the young monarch, the lamb rearing to the
certain slaughter which constitutes the natural death of
a Sikh ruler. Isn't it their natural death? Save the
old lion himself, whose addiction to strong drink brought
on his end, which of his descendants or successors has
died peaceably? Of his sons, Kurruck Singh was
suspected of being poisoned by his own son, Now Nihal
Singh. The latter was killed by an upper wall of a
gateway, thrown down on him purposely. Chand Koonr
was strangled by her slave girls, by command of Shere
Singh. Shere Singh died by the sword of Ajeet Singh
Sindnanwala, one of the royal blood. Shere Singh's son,
Purtab Singh, shared his father's fate. Ajeet Singh was
killed by young Heera Singh. Uttur Singh was also
killed by lleera Singh's party. Who, then, can venture
to predict a death in his bed to the poor victim of his
family's ambition, the infant puppet Dhuleep Singh?
Energy, vigour, and the influence consequent on them
are the attributes of Bhahee Ram Singh. He will make
himself or sacrifics his whole party.
Dewan Dena Nath, the secretary of all the Govern-
ments, the Talleyrand of the five rivers, with the Fakeer
Noor-ood-deen close the roll of the known characters
constituting the present Ministry.
After them come a host of inferior partisans—Sirdar
Ileera Singh, the Ranee's young brother ; the traitor
Raja Lall Singh, and many others.
The above are the heads of one party, the nominal,
but not virtual rulers of the State. The real rulers,
the Khalsa," as it styles itself, are the army—the Sikh
portion of it. Never remarkable for high discipline or
blind obedience, the army at present spurns all control.
Holding all virtual power in its own hands, it assumes
the right to turn out its own officers or hose of the
State ; settles its differences with a Minister by a revolt;
its account with nwasuddies by murder. It vowed alio-
' giance to Peshora Singh (a son of Runjeet, older by
birth and equal in legitimacy to Dhuleep Singh), on his
quitting Lahore for his jagheer at Seealkote, and pro-
mised to declare in his favour, as he was the true heir to
the throne and country. But it objected to declare itself
because it was in arrears of pay, and had not ireceived
the promised rewards for marching towards Jumboo.
As soon, said its representatives, as
we have got these
our dues, you shall have the country which is your
" vii usa." This is the distinguishing feature of the
army at present. It is rioting in
plunder and re-
wards, which have sapped both its discipline and
its courage, and it will not
fight now, if ever
again ; every individual in it has too much now to
lose in money, plunder, and golden necklaces, to
fight against any attacking power. Time and leave
of absence may bring the troops hungry and empty-
handed back to their colours; but, at present, each man
is quarrelling and exciting disturbance to secure for
himself the largest possible share of the plunder of a
throne nodding to its fall. The troops know the Govern-
ment cannot last, and doubt if any succeeding one can
be formed, and therefore will riot on till the end, and

then disband themselves.
We know but little of Ittur Singh, Sirdar, who has of
late been frequently mentioned in our native friend's
letters, and with him must close our sketch of the Court

and army parties.
We next come to consider those opposed to the Court
party. Of these, by far the most formidable are the
Dogras, now reduced to Raja Goolab Singh, Meean
Juwahir Singh, a son of Raja Dhyan Singh's, and some
younger members of these families. Raja Soochet
Sing's widow professes herself now satisfied with the end
the Khalsa have meted out to her husband's murderers;
besides, she is heirless. Raja Heera Singh's wives and
slaves died with him, on the pyre.
Raja Goolab Singh, though his force is very small
numerically, compared to the Sikh army, is formidable
from his strong hill country, the known valour of the
hillmen, the immense wealth the family have accumu-
lated in the hills, and from his own determined cha-
racter. Sikhs at any time approach the Raja with fear
and trembling, and they will be a bold band of Sikhs
who first come to actual blows with the Bear of Jumboo.
In
them on the plains might be iu favour of the
latter from their numerous cavelry ; but Goolab Singh
the Sikh
discipline
arraya nd
as materielno w
to disorganised. A struggle be-
tweenis an able general, and needs not to read " Bellasis" to
learn that a couple of hundred hillmen in a strong pass
can keep in check a far superior force of men from the
plains, even though drilled to a nicety.
The Khalsa at present recommend the Durbar to at-
tack Jumboo, but have no thoughts of marching there,
only wishing the pretext for more demands of pay and
perquisites.
The Raja, au ccuaraire, professes entire obedience to
to the Durbar, and is humouring it in hopes of another
storm. At the the same time the whole country, from
Rajawur alleg the hills to Attock and thence to Mit-
ten Kot, is in a state of ferment and rebellion at the Ra-
ja's instigation. He will find the Khalsa work without
marching on Jumboo.
At Seealkote, a short distance below Jumboo, is Koonr
Peshora Singh, abovementioned, who is there waiting
the turn of events, and doubtless intriguing with his
neighbour of Jumboo. We would be but little surprised
to see Peshora Singh, ere long, on the throne, and the
Raja Goolab Singh his Minister. This would, we
think, hold out a fairer promise of a Government ca-
pable of maintaining itself, and restraining its unruly sub-
jects, than any other that can be formed. The main
obstacle to this would be the Raja's disinclination to
quit his hill countries, where, it is 'whispered, fear rather
than love retains his neighbours in the yoke of fidelity.
At present, as we have before observed, the Baja is
temporising.
In Kashmere, is Shaikh Gholam Mohee-ood .deen
bold, energetic, and crafty, and wise enough withal, to
serve his friend the Baja by a disturbance, without for-

feiting his own character. He is a time server too, but
will probably, should a breach take place, follow the for•
tunes of Raja Goolab Singh.
In the hill countries between Cashmere and Peshawur
and the Salt Range, the inhabitants, who are Pathans,
are always more or less disaffected, and frequently in
open rebellion. They are with difficulty restrained at
any time, and will always seize an opportunity of throw-
ing off the Sikh yoke. In this they are encouraged on
the one side by Goolab Singh, on the other by Dost
Mahomed Khan.

Sirdar Tej Singh, the Governor of Peshawur, is too
far removed to take a share in Lahore politics, and
watch the turn of events.

The Affghans of Peshawur and the Doab would
gladly throw off the yoke of the Khalsa, if they were
sure of aid from Dost Mahomed Khan. They are
capable of freeing themselves, but not of afterwards
maintaining that freedom unaided. They have reason
too to doubt the Dost's promises, as he took money
from Runjeet Singh once before, and left Peshawur to
its fate. The Dost's honesty unhappily stands but
low in our estimation, and his son's not much higher.
We fear money might tempt either the " Good Sama-
ritan" or his father again to throw over their country-
men. It is known that Raja Goolab Singh is in treaty
with Mahomed Ukbar Khan for troops to march to his
aid in the event of the Khalsa attacking him, which
troops the Raja has engaged to pay. This may change
the aspect of affairs in the Panjaub yet.
South of the hill states, we come to Mooltan. No real
friendship exists between the Khalsa and the sons of the
late Dewan Sawun Mull ; they are, besides, divided
among themselves. It was generally supposed, by those
well-informed on such subjects, that Sawun Mull medi-
tated some day or other casting off his allegiance to La-
hore. Be that as it may, his sons are not now strong
enough to do it. Powerful and wealthy though they be,
disturbances prevail throughout the Viceroyalty, and it
is not nearly so well governed as in the late Dewan's
time. The emigration of 3,000 Pathans, a few months
ago, from Mooltan to Caubul, shows that there, too, the
shoe pinches, and that the Mahomedan sits not easy
under the Hindoo and Sikh rule. Hazara and the neigh-
bouring countries, even if Mooltan be quiet, will keep
the young Dewan busy, and prevent, for some years (iu
spite of his name) his exchanging the Viceroy's title for
a higher one.
We have now taken a quick, cursory glance at the
most prominent characters and parties who are likely
for some months to figure in the arena of Lahore poli-
tics. Should the warm sun of the East bring out a fresh
swarm of these ephemeridre from the rank corruption
and carnage of Lahore, we shall do our best to mark
them, as each emerges from his chrysalis state and
daguerreotype his likeness. In the meantime, we trust
this hastily prepared sketch, in spite of numerous in-
accuracies which must occur in an article written cur.
cal., may prove of
,some service to our readers—nay,
perhaps (for we are ambitious!) may prevent some of
our home contemporaries from calling the city of Herat,
the Minister of Lahore, and accusing it, under the name
of Herat Singh,! of a conspiracy with the King of Persia
and Dost Mahomed Khan to overthrow the Government
of India. We must now conclude, and now do so with
this sentence:—We firmly believe that, from the Ranee
Chunda, down to the lowest beggar in Lahore, there
exists not one in the Punjab, save the disorderly troops,
who would not hail as a godsend the advent of a British
army; yet none dare show the feeling. —Dellti. Gazette,
Jan. 29.

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S ADDRESS TO
THE STUDENTS OF THE HINDOO COLLEGE.
We mentioned on Monday that the Governor-General
would preside at the distribution of prizes to the Stu-
dents of the Hindoo College, and yesterday the Town-
hall, by 11 o'clock, was crowded from end to end. Sir
Henry Hardinge, accompanied by his Staff, arrived as
nearly as possible at that hour, and took his seat in the
centre of the table on which the prizes were laid out.
The Hon. Mr. Cameron was on his right hand, and
Messrs. Halliday, Davidson, Beadon, Monet, and many
other gentlemen, European and native, formed a large
party at this end of the Hall. There were also several
ladies present.
Baboo Russomoy Dutt read the reports of the Hindoo
and Sanscrit Colleges ; they were of considerable length,
and we would suggest that on future occasions it might be
as well to have them printed and circulated freely through-
out the hall, and then they might be " taken as read ;" for a
great deal of time is occupied in going through these papers,
the reader being necessarily inaudible to all but a few,
the majority of whom are tolerably familiar with their
contents. When the reports were concluded, some
four or five of the pupils who had gained scholarships
were examined on certain questions, historical and lite-
rary, reading their answers, which, we presume, were
those that had been delivered in at the examination.
After this an essay was read on the theme, " Science,
as applied to the productions of Nature;" and the Go-
vernor-Generdl then rose and addressed the meeting, in
a speech of the most gratifying and encouraging Cha-
racter. We were unable to make a single note, and feel
ourselves incompetent to do justice to this very ad-
mirable address. At the same time we should be with-
out jastificatien did we not attempt to give from me-
mory some general idea of what fell from Sir Henry on
this occasion. He spoke somewhat to the following
effect:—

" I am desirous before the prizes are distributed to say
a few words on this interesting occasion, the first time I
have appeared in the Town hall of Calcutta. We have
had ample evidence in the examinations to which we have
listened, and the essay that has been read—and I may
say in the many essays that have been produced on
former occasions—that the native mind, under the in-
fluence of efficient instruction, is equal to very high in-
tellectual exertion. Not very long since, when I had the

pleasure of presenting a medal that was given by my
honourable friend and colleague, Mr. Cameron, for
moral philosophy, and another by Mr. Lyall, the Advo-
cate-General, for law, I confess I was astonished at the
extraordinary ability evinced by the successful candi-
dates, and the more I become acquainted with the fruits
of this noble institution, the more I am satisfied with the
working of the system adopted in our central colleges.
"The Government is deeply sensible of the inestimable
value of education; and besides another college at Patna,
since last autumn arrangements have been made for
the establishment in Bengal of one hundred schools
for instruction in the vernacular. I desire to impress
on those who hear me, that it is in education only the
rising generation can find their profit; by education
only that they can become valuable members of society.
And the immediate advantages are patent to them. Our
courts of law and Government offices—all the advantages
of commercial enterprise—invite them ; and I here
express my determination to carry out fuly, fairly, and
impartially, the resolution of the 10th of October last.
I earnestly recommend to you the study of the English
language—not abstractedly because it is our tongue, but
because it opens up to you the whole field of our litera-
ture and science, and because through it you may become
familiar with the greatest efforts of human genius,
whether in invention, discovery, or the deductions of the
soundest philosophy. But I must also guard against the
possibility of being supposed to recommend you to
neglect your own language. Learn it, study it, become
so familiar with it that all you acquire in a foreign
language you may be able to teach in your own, and
thus you will divide with your countrymen the benefits
you receive at our hands.
" The rapid communication now enjoyed by means of
steam with Europe, justifies me in hoping that ere long
there will be many travellers from this country fami-
liarising themselves with the institutions of England, her
habits, manners, and morals; and drawing yet closer the
bonds between India and the British Isles, by the respect
and esteem their acquirements and amiable character
cannot fail to inspire. lam not dealing in speculation,
but building the future on the past. We have seen
within the last two or three years, a native gentleman, a
merchant of this city, introducing himself at home,
winning the admiration of all by his intelligence and
suavity, and receiving even the most favourable coun-
tenance from our gracious Sovereign. It was a high
mark of her Majesty's favour that her portrait and that
of her illustrious Consort were given at the request of
Dwarkanath Tagore--which I know from correspon-
dence that passed through my hands—and I hope that
when we next meet in the Tor* Hall these portraits,
which have arrived at Government House within the last
few days will grace its wall.
" To return from this slight digression.
"In addition to the schools of which I have spoken,
the Government has decided on establishing two new
professorships in the Hindoo College, one of Natural
Philosophy, the other of Civil Engineering, and they
will be filled up as soon as competent persons can be
found. I think it right to mention that, by the liberality
of the Council who conduct this institution, these classes
will be open to persons of every religious persuasion.
The valuable apparatus indispensable to the former
chair has recently arrived ; it was sent out under the
sealous care and superintendence of Sir Edward Ryan,
a gentleman with whom I am personally acquainted,
but whose high character as the late learned Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court, and the enlightened
friend of every measure promising increased happiness
and prosperity to the people of this country, must make
his name for ever respected by you. I feel myself bound
to acknowledge the honourable services of the members
of the Council of Education, and I cannot over-esti-
mate the zeal and philanthropy which have in parti-
cular distinguished my honourable friend and colleague
on my right. Nor can Ibe silent on the services ren-
dered to the Hindoo College by the Advocate-General,
Mr. Lyall, who volunteered a course of law lectures, the
value of which I have the authority. of Sir Henry Seton
and the Hon. Mr. Cameron for saying, was sufficiently
marked by the acquirements of several of those who
enjoyed the benefit of them. When you remember the
many other calls all those gentlemen have on their time,
you will feel the debt of gratitude due to them. To alt
the masters of the college also acknowledgments are due
for the efficiency with which they discharge their various
duties ; more especially to Mr. Kerr, the Principal,
whose untiring and virtuous efforts to do justice to the
responsible position in which he is placed, are as honour-
able to himself as they are valuable to the great cause
we all have at heart. If this general good feeling, and
these individual efforts, are continued, we shall year by
year have more abundant evidence of the blessings that
follow in the train of intellectual culture in the improved
social and moral condition of the people of this vast
empire."
The above is little more than an outline of Sir Henry
Hardinge's speech ; but as an outline, we believe, it is
not an unfaithful one. We never more regretted that
owe: a
sh
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et -d h
shoulda n writeha ver
had
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lable that was uttered by the ruler of India.
Sir Henry stayed until the prizes had all been pre-
' sented, and then left the hall.—Bombay Getsitenaßn's
Gazelle.

DINNER TO SIR ROBERT SALE.
The exceedingly brief notice given of the intended en-
tertainment to Sir Robert Sale, rendered it highly im-
probable that a very large meeting should be got toge-
ther. We were agreeably surprised to find that in less
thau two clear days ninety-three applications were wade

for tickets, out of which number from eighty-five to
ninety attended. Sir Robert has been the honoured
guest on s ) many occasions,—been the observed of all
observers in so many brilliant scenes, that our party
may—perhaps we should say must—have shown to some
disadvantage, albeit, we doubt whether he was ever
more cordially received. We could have wished that
better use had been made of the time that was before
us, and that the compliment paid had not been deferred
until it was risked altogether, and one-half of it was
necessarily forgone.
When the company had taken their seats, she Ve-
nerable the Archdeacon said grace over a dinner ex-
cellent in every respect. After the cloth had been re-
moved, Sir Lawrence Peel (who presided) gave the
" Queen," and in following it up with the " Governor-
General," paid an eloquent compliment to his soldierly
character. We cannot give more than the briefest
outline of what fell from Sir Lawrence when he pro-
posed the toast of the evening—" Sir Robert Sale and
the Illustrious Garrison." He said that Sir Robert had
been honoured throughout the length and breadth of
the country, receiving distinctions from the Crown, the
thanks of both Houses of Parliament, and an enthu
siastie reception from the people. The Duke of Wel-
lington, the first military authority in the world, had
named Sir Robert in moving thanks in the House of
Lords—in itself an honour not to be lightly prized.
He (the Chairman) was not equal to the occasion, but
he spoke his admiration for the long and gallant ser-
vices of General Sale with as much sincerity as any one
who had ever acknowledged them in or out of the Se-
nate. He would not attempt to go into military details
—it would be absurd in a civilian to do so—but though
civilians were unequal to that task, they could well ap-
preciate results, and it was a duty of a delightful kind to
confess the services of gallant men to our common
country. Sir Robert Sale had entered Affghanistan at a
moment of great emergency, when disgrace had fur the
first time, for centuries he might almost say, lighted on
the British arms. It was an emergency that needed not
heroism alone, but the highest moral courage ; not only
a band ready to execute, but a calm and foreseeing judg-
ment—and from first to last all that was required to add
spirit even to the most daring, and give re-assurance
wherever there might have been a doubt, was found in
their gallant guest.
Sir Lawrence then spoke in the loftiest terms of Lady
Sale. If ever there was a woman fitted to be the wife of
a brave soldier, it was Lady Sale.
The Chairman now passed a high eulogium on the
force under Sir Robert Sale, happily called, by a late
Governor-General, the Illustrious Garrison. This was
set down as a separate toast, but he felt he could not pay
Sir Robert a higher honour than to couple his name with
it, as it was in connexion with it his name would com-
mand the admiration of posterity. He sat down giving
" Major-General Sir Robert Sale and the Illustrious
Garrison."
We need hardly say that the Chairman's toast and
speech throughout were received with the liveliest en-
thusiasm, and cheering was prolonged some time after
Sir Robert rose to return thanks, which he did with ex-
treme brevity. He said he was quite at a loss to ac-
knowledge adequately the gratifying reception he had
met with. It had been his fate to serve nearly all his
life in India—and he had consequently had must to do
with native troops. His last campaign had confirmed
his opinion, that, properly handled, they were second to
no soldiers in the world.
Sir Robert sat down giving " The Chairman."
Sir Lawrence said, that when it was proposed he
should take the chair, he had felt himself unequal to the
task from his inexperience, his ignorance of military
affairs, and from doubting whether he should have
strength for the undertaking ; but the kindness of the
Company had placed him at his ease. He then gave the
health of Lady Sale, and said that it was perhaps too
much the fashion to deem the heroic virtues as belonging
to a past age. In that lady's career, and the same might
be said of those other ladies who shared her captivity,
there were passages of courage and fortitude not to be
surpassed—evidence of every manly virtue added to all
that dignifies and endears the other sex.
After this, came (by the chairman) " Sir George Pol-
lock, and Sir William Nott," given at some length, and
happily touching on those more prominent passages of
their career which had particularly elicited the applause
of the world. These toasts, too, were received with a
degree of hearty good will never exceeded in the Town-
hall.
Mr. Pattie, the Vice-President, gave " The Navy," and
" Sir Hugh Gough and the Army of India," very hap-
pily ; after which Sir Robert Sale, the Chairman, tha
Venerable the Archdeacon, and others, left. Colonel
Burlton returned thanks for the Army, and proposed
the Civil Service, which was acknowledged by Mr.
Pattle. Various other toasts, and singing of a quality
not often heard—evincing a right hearty feeling of good
fellowship—disposed of the rest of the night.—Calcuaz
Star, Feb. 3.

DELHI.
(From the Delhi Gazette, Jan. 29.)
MILITARY INTELLIGENCE.—WO have a number of
interesting facts to record this day, which seem to throw
a shadow of coming events before them.
The 54th Regiment Bengal Infantry is under orders
to march from Delhi to Ferozepore, and will be relieved
by a wing of the 51st Regiment from Meerut. The 54th
will start out the Bth proximo.
The 3d troop 3d brigade Horse Artillery, at Meerut,
commanded by Major G. Campbell, received orders on
Thursday last to proceed to Forozepore on the 10th
proximo.
The sth company 4th Battalion Foot Artillery, under
Lieut. Remington, has received similar orders, as well
as No. 19 (the newly formed Light Field Battery), under
command of Captain Trower, both to start on the same
day as the troop.
Captain Brind's troop, though first ordered from
Cawnee to Meerut, will, it is said, proceed on to Feroze-
pore ; and Major Grant's to remain at Meerut till
further orders. It is presumed that the head-quarters
of the 3d brigade will also move up from Cawnpore.
ller Majesty's 29th Foot has been ordered to be in
readiness for a move. The river detachment only
reached yesterday from Ghurmuckteser Ghat.
A troop of the Governor-General's body guard was
expected at Allahabad on the 26th or 27th, under com-
mand of Lieut. Bouverie.

The destination of the 35th Light Infantry has been
changed from Allahabad to Jubbulpore ; and we have
heard that the 49th from Dakka will replace the 37th at
the first-named station.

Her Majesty's 62d Foot reached Cawnpore on the 24th
instant, being preceded by the loth Foot, both regiments
bound for the north west. Barracks have been ordered
for the first corps of Ferozepore. A correspondent at
that place remarks on the folly of giving secret orders for
the completion of these barracks.
The 3d Light Cavalry are to march from Ferozepore
to progress to Loodianah, and eventually Cawnpore, this
year. They expect to reach Loodianah on the sth of
February, Umballah on the 11th, and Kurnaul on the
17th of the idem.

The two Horse Artillery troops at Cawnpore have
been ordered, one to the frontier, and the other to
Meerut. Details of other movements connected with
the Artillery will be found under the head of Cawnpore.
Our correspondents at that station have our thanks for
their numerous favours, and we hope they will continue
to remember us upon all occasions, and not trust to one
writing, and the other writing, as is too frequently the
case.
TUE MURDERER OF CAPTAIN ALCOCK.—We learn
with great regret that the murderer Chansah has actu-
ally succeeded, notwithstanding the strenuous efforts of
the local police, aided by a detachment of the 4th Irre-
gular Horse, in evading his pursuers, and making his
way across the Jumna and Chumbul, where the spies
do not consider it safe to follow him. It is, however,
satisfactory to know that the magistrates of Furrucka-
bad, Meinpooree, and Budaon, have succeeded in seizing
Khansah's " nae," who has confessed fully, also two
Brahmins and one rajpoot, who were concerned in the
murder of Captain Alcock, according to their own con-
fession. One of the Brahmins was captured by the ma-
gistrate of Budaon crossing the Ganges with Chansah's
carbine, in which were found nine bullets.—Delhi Ga-
zelle, Jan. 22.
No rain has fallen, and no chance of any.
The station has been somewhat excited by the order
for the departure of the 54th.
One hundred men have been entered at the Magazine
for the purpose of making balled percussion ammunition.