The Sun.
London, England, 1842-06-27 00:00:00

THE SETN, LONDON. MONDAY inrriclVG, SUN't 27, 1842.

EAST INDIA

HO 1.7 Si.:..

(THIS DAY.)

COURT OF FEUI-RIETORS.
'ADJOIMNED DEBATE ON ;THE AFFGITAN wen.

The Court of Proprietors of East India Company's
Stock met this morning at the East India Room,
pursuant to agreement, to resume the debate on
theituotion of Mr. 1). Sa!onions, " That whereas the
war in Affghanistan had been undertaken for nivional
purpoSes, it was the opinion of the Court that the ex-
penses of that war ought not to be thrown on_ the people
of India, but should be borne by the Exchequer of the
United Kingdom," which had been submitted to the
Court on Wednesday, and the debate on which had been
adjourned to this day.
Sir J. L. LUSHINGTON, the Chairman of the Court of
Directors, took the chair at twelve o'clock.

The minutes of the I,st Court having bean read,
. Mr. Lewis rose fiur the putpose of resuming the f:le
• bate on Mr. Salomon's motion. As the natives of India
were not represented in the British Parliament, it be-
hoved the Company, as the guardians of those natives,
to beware lest, by any supineness or neglect on its part,
the interests of India should suffer. Tha present motion
was brought forward for that purpose ; to protect India
from an evil of the greatest magnitude. If the expenses
of the Affghan war were to be borate by India, great
financial embarrassment must follow, a necessity for the
imposition of additional taxation would arise, and- dis-
content among the natives would be the necessary con-
sequence. It was their duty to avert this evil, which, if
once inflicted, they would seek in vain to remove. If
it could be shown that the Affghan war had been.
undertaken solely to maintain a predominating influ-
ence for this country in Central Asia, in opposition to
the influence of Persia and Russia, and if it should be
proved that the war itself was unnecessary and unjust,
then he apprehended the motion would be agreed to,
with scarcely a dissentient voice. The Shah of Persia
had resolved to obtain satisfaction from Prince Kamram.
of Herat, for aggressions committed by the Prince of
Herat in the Persian territories. That the Shah
was justified in so doing was admitted in the letter of
Mr. Ellis in 1836; and in Sir John M`Niel's letter, dated
24th February, 1837, that gentlethan expressly admitted
that the Shah was perfectly justified in making war upon
Herat. It appeared, however, that the Persian Mo-
narch had ulterior views, and was desirous of add-
ing Candahar and Caubul to his own domi-
nions, the rulers of which countries had made
overtures to him, and were prepared to second his views.
It appeared also that the Russian Ambassador had in-
stigated the Shalt to attack Herat, for the purpose of in-
creasing the influence of Russia. The British Govern-
ment was bound by treaty not to interfere if war arose
between' Affghanistan and Persia, except at the re-
-quest of the belligerent Powers. The British Govern-
ment, however, in the present case, determined not
to be bound by the terms of that treaty. Sir John
M'Neil's remonstrances at the Persian Court against the
attack of Herat were unsuccessful, and in July, 1837,
the Persian forees marched to undertake the siege.
The object of the British Government was to pre-
vent Russia getting an ascendancy in Central
Asia through the mediuni of Persia, and in
order to carry out that policy Sir John M'Neil
requested the Governor-General of India, with whom
he had throughout these transactions maintained com-
munications, to order the Bombay Government to send
cruisers and troops to the Persian Gulf to make a de-
monstration to back the remonstrances of the British
envoy at the Court of I'et sin. The Governor-General was
then informed by Sir John M'Neil of the ill success of
his negotiations with Persia, of his (Sir John
M'Neil's) withdrawal from that Court, and of
the cessation of all diplomatic intercourse between the
two countries. This was proved by the celebrated de-
claration of Simla. The liovernor-General was, at the
same time. nips(' to send forces for the purpose of
defending Herat, in order to prevent Persia front be-
coming the pioneer of Russia. That wits his reason for
marching forces into Affghanistan. The Governor-Ge-
neral sent troops to Alfghanistan, to carry out the
views of the British Government. and to place a barrier
to the advance of Russia. In August, 1838, the Shah of
Persia raised the siege of Herat ; at the same time the
Russian Government disavoWed all participation in the
acts of its agent in Persia. It disavowed all intention of
making any attempt ta establish its supremacy in Cen-
tral Asia, and therefore all hostilities on our part
ought to have ceased immediately. It before the
siege of Herat, a war against Affghanistan
would have been unjustifiable and impolitic,. it was
equally so after the siege of Herat had been raised. The
British Government, however, still prosecuted its views
of conquest, for the purpose of creating a barrier against
the possible advance of Russia, through Persia, upon
Atighanistan—and they directed the Governor-General
to prosecute those views. nig land been distinctly ad-
mitted the other night by Sir John Hobhouse in the
House of Commons. Now let them look to the cause of
the war. The avowed object of the war was to arrest
H-ssian encroachments on Affghunistan, and that ob-
ject was to be effected by placing the Shah Soojah upon
the throne of Affghainstan, and expelling Post Ma-
homed from the sovereignty. Upon what principle
was the British Government justified ? Post Mahomed
and the rulers of Candaliar had done no injury what-
ever.' Has they insulted a single messenger of the
Government ? No. He had in the first instance offered
his alliance to Pi rsia, and that was at a time when
it was admitted that Persia was justified in making
tan attack on his Government. Post Mahomed after-
warilt sought our alliance, as he was anxious to avoid
the, alliance with Persia. .Thy; look at the conduct of
Dust ;Alahomed as fir "Its -I.,.garded England. Sir A.
Burnes said in a !otter in 1836, that he (post Mithorned)
wi.bed our Coe, iperation for extending the navigation of
the Indus. How was Sir Alexanderßurnes received? He
said himself .that he was received with demonstrations of
joy, and the utmost respect. Sir Alexander Burnes, in
a letter dated the. -tith of October, 1837, said that
Post Mahomed • listened with gr6itt attention
to what the Government of England pro-
posed, and he was quite ready to enter into
the views of the British Government, as he found
that by so doing his customs were increasine% In an
interview which • took place between Post Mahomed
and Sir Alexander Burnes, Post Mahomed stated the
political difficulty in which he was involved to Sir A.
Burnes. lie said that Mysore had been invested and
Affghanistan had been entered by Shah Soojah, and was
in the power of Runjeet Sing, and whilst it was so oc-
cupied he (Post Mahomed) could not be in tranquillity,
and lie could not feel himself secure in his dominions. lie
knew that our influence with Rutajeet Sing was powerful.
He wished us to give our aid to interfere with litnueet Sing.
lie asked Sir Alexander Burnes whether we were willing
to assist him against Persia.. What was our answer? The
saute as before ; we refused to interfere or give him as-
sistance. Thus rejected. with Persia advancing into
the country, he again revel ted to au alliance
with Persia. Now this was perfectly consistent.
As an independent sovereign he was perfectly justified
in doing so ; and yet it was for this reason, and that.
alone, that we thought proper to march our forces
into Affghanistan. What was the policy of this Go-
vernment ? The object of the war was to raise a
barrier against Russia, and to effect that 'object to place
Shah Soojah on the throne of Affghanistan. Where
wits the wisdom of selecting Shah Soojah, who had been
many years expelled from his throne by his own sub-
jects ? He had been, up to: 1832, pi nsioned on
the bounty of the British Government. In. 1832 he
made an application to Lord Bentinek, with a view to
obtain the aid of the British Government, for the purpose
of restoring him to the throne. lie said that mavy
tribes were anxiois for his restorathm, as they
were then suffering from tyranny, and they therefize
wished his milder gorerement. Lord Bentinek stated to
him that it was not the pleasure of the British
Government to interfere with the quarrels of his
neighbours. Notwithstanding this, Shah Soojah was
determined to try his chance, and for that purpose as-
sembled a large force, but found grAtt difficulty in sup-
porting it from want of means.. A battle took place, and he
was defeated. He afterwards met Post Mahomed, and
other rulers of Affghanistan, and was defeated in a
pitched battle, and took refuge in the British ter-
ritories. He lived in contempt, and it was thus lie
was found- by the Governor-General of Indic. Where
he (Mr. Lewis) would ask was the policy which selected
such a person as that—imposing upon the British Go-
vernment an enormous expense of lives and treasure—
for the purpose of placing him' on.the throne of Mfg-ha-
nistan ? and if he were placed on the throne, tie must be
maintained by the same power. Nuw he (Mr. Lewis)
would like to ask the Hon. Chairman, who it was that
recommended this war ?

The CHAIRMAN thought the Hon. Gentleman was
sufficiently acquainted with East Indian affairs to know
that in this case the Secret Committee had nothing
whatever to do but sign the despatches, and have them
,sent.

The Meetinglad not concluded when we went to press.)

GERMAN OPERA.—This evening the performance
of The Huguenots will be honoured with the presence of her
Majesty, Prince Albert, the King and Queen of the Belgians,
and all the Court. The present week is the last of the per-
formance at Covent-garden of the German company, which

numbers among its -members names of such eminence
as Lutzer and Staudigi. The excellence of these artistes
is too well known to render comment necessary. It will
be enough to say ' that Meyerbeer's Huguenots will be.
performed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Beethoven's
Fi•ielio on Tuesday, and the Frieschutz on Thursday,--while
on Saturday a variety of entertainments is promised. With
so much talent as this company possesses, and with musical
attractions of so high an order, it is much to be regretted'
that public patronage has not hitherto been commensurate
with its exertions ; but the opportunity still exists of evincing
that German music and German singers are appreciated
and understood in this country. Great praise is due to the
efforts of Herr Staudigl, on whose sole responsibility rests
the undertaking of the preent week, and who voluntarily
incurs the risk of great loss, rather than witness the suffer-
ing of the numerous persons dependent 'on the success of the
theatre. The exampb of self-sacrifice, so nobly set by Herr
Stautligl, has been followed by most of the principal performers,
who, in rendering their services, seek no personal advan-
tage. The public will doubtless sympathise with this feeling,
ar.d make the last week of the German Company as memorable
for its success as those which preceded it for the reverse.
GROUSE.—The reports front our Correspondents
in Scotland and in the vicinity of the Yorkshire Moors, are of
the most cheering character. '1 hey all concur in stating that
grouse will be found this season in more plenty than has been
the case for several years past. This they attribute to the
favourableness of theweather during the I eriod of incubation,
which was neither too hot nor too wet ; either of which ex-
erne? generally provei fatal to two-thirds of the young during
Itlrrat process. Ppults 4rogpttipg strong ou the wing, and out
'Port t9gei 0.4 liheasanti like Wise V'etior;
,:.rd l, f
of danger from tik‘iy rain, by ltipich mitubers, whepVery yopng
a
't#oie than ' ah' kveittge ituinber.— beds
Journal.
Or. Kay, op Pf the Government Commissioners,
to agyieltaro pAl,tebr.tiorfo;t4 g.pii Suffolk,
all,venAnd, ue
prrthm.ise
sthtietrees,htandatbieen, amongst a pcpu pop
ration of lo,' riiifror
than sixty-three deaths frost starvation in six ralinths,
Leeds Times

!i '0 LICE INT:E. L. 3,1 CI El\ C li,.

L© vv-STREET.-(THIS DAY.)
A sturdy big beggartran, named sometimes Sutivan, and
sometimes Leary, well known about the neighbourhood of St.
Giles's and the Rookery as a most desperate character, was
charged with begging, aid assaulting the officer in the execution
of his duty.
Polce constable F 47 stated that he found the prigoner 'on
Saturday night drunk and 'begging in the &rand. He pro-
ceeded to take him into custody, when he struck witneQs seve-
ral times violently in the face, and kicked him so severely on
the 1, gs that he had Not been on duty since. Prisoner was
very vto•ent, and it required fur or five policemen to take him
to the station-house.

Policeman F 65 knew the prisoner to have been a street-
beggar for several years. He went home drunk almost every
night, arid was well known to the pel cc.
Tyrt el, the gaoler, said that the prisoner hid been at that
Court a great t•umber of times, and had been frequently con-
v:cted for lightir,g..

Pri,onef declared, so help him God, that he " never basked
no harms of oc,body." •

Mr; HALL said it was very evident that the prisoner was an
old beggar, and a very violent une. This course of things
must be put a stop to. He should commit him for three
months to the House of Correction.

Mrs. Sullivan, alias Mrs. Leary, the loving consort of the
above-mentioned gentleman, was shortly afterwards brought
up in custody of police-constable F 34, charged with walking
off with about 510. of bacon from the shop of a respectable
tradesman in Drury-lane. Three other pieces of bacon, weigh-
ing about 21b. each, were also found upon her.
The case was fully proved against her, and Tyrrell stated that
she was well known, and had been previouily convicted for the
same offence.

Thompson, F 39, added that he had frequently had the
prisoner in etritody, and always on the charge of stealing bacon,
for which article she appeared to have a most decided penchant.
The prisoner said, "upon her cowl, she didn't mane to stale
the bacon at all, at all. She was very partial to bacon, and
sure wasn't she just going to pay for it when the gintleman
. cotched hold of her, and gave her into custody?"
Mr. HALL was not to be gammoned by any such blarney, and
the prisoner was fully committed to take her trial.
A Row n THE Worsens a.cafx.—Our red-faced little
friend. the governor of St. Giles's workhou,e, whom we have
been in the habit of calling Buckstone, but who
did us the honour some time ago to call at our office
and leave a card informing us that he is "Mr. R.
Buxey, Governor of St. Giles' and Bloomsbury workhouse,"
made his appearance at this Court again to-day, to prefer a
charge against a 3.oung man named Daniel Byrne, for riot and
assault, &c., in the workhouse. It was very evident from the
dignified air of pomposity about the worthy Governor, who
was followed by a train of pauper gentry in pauper attire, that
he considered the charge to be a very grave one, and one
which would redound much to his credit. Into the witness-
box he marched, with the dignity which the Governor of a
workhouse only can assume.
" This morning," said the Governor, " I deskivered that the
prisoner had been a cuitin a hole in the partition to get at the
gals, which I tuk him afore the hoverseer. In consekevence o'
that he ses he'll have my h—y life, and then he goes and
breaks 44 panes o' glass, wally W. Ws." Then in an authori-
tative tone—" Come here, Mayo." Up walked poor Mayo, a
pauper, who swore that he saw the prisoner break two panes
ofglass

PUlice-constable F I 19, was sent for to:the workhouse, and,on
going acroFs the yard, he heard the pr6oner call out to the
Governor, " thee'st better get out o' the way, or I'll
punch thy head."

Another witness heard the prisoner say he would do for the
Governor, it it was twenty years to come.
The prisoner, wko was evidently labouring under consider-
able excitement, denied the charge of cuitirg a hole in the
pail ition. As for the vinder," said he, 1 done that; and
1 am sorry I didn't have my revenge on hiin, and I will have it
too. You persecutes me toe much, Air. Bucksey. You can
get plenty witnesses to come and speak for you, hut you
won't let one come forme; and your witness 'll get some beer
too, no,.'t he, for false swearing ?"

The prisoner's father said that he understood Mr. Buxey
persecuted his son vtry much. He wanted him once to speak
a talsil apainst some one els • in the house, aid because he
would not do it he had been very much pet secutt d ever since.
Mr. I Lau. cent need the prisoner to pay 4/. 10s. • r he im-
prisoned two calendar months; also to find surety, himself in
101, and two sureties in M. 'each, to keep the peace towards Mr.
liuxe) for three months.
As the prisoner was being removed he gently remarked to
Mr. Box( y, by way of a comforter, " I'm neither hanged nor
trattsput ; but when Ido comeback—that's all."

lIIARLBOROUGI-I•STREVI%
(ritiS DAY.)
VAGRANCY IN HYDE-PARK.—dames Lewis, a lad about
16 years of age, clothed in rags and tat tet s, scarcely sufficient
to emit r him with ordinary decency, was charged by William
Creepin, Park con. tab:e, No. 5, with having been found sleep-
ing in a hollow tree in Hyde.pa.rk, at halt-past seven o'clock
on Sund.ty morning. The prisoner had been convicted of a
similar offence a short time ago, and his term of imprisonment
only expired on Thursday last.
Mr. MALTBY said the Magistrates would lend every assist-
ance in their power to aid the police-ct n•tables in clearing
those places of public resort and recreation from the very offen-
sive, and indeed revolting, nuisance created by their being at
irrese•nt the nightly haunt of idle and dissolute persons. He
should therefore commit the prisoner for fourteen days, and ever
afterwards it would be a month.

THE LEVANT MAIL.

—•
By the regular mail fram the Levant tve have received a
further ,upply of Malta papers to the loth inst. inclu,irely, with
accounts from Ckmoantittopie of the 7th, Smyrna of the 9th,
and Alexandria of the Gth.