Star.
London, England, 1827-03-22 00:00:00

EAST INDIA [IOUS&

A aulittedy General Court of Propt;etors of East
India Stock was'held yesterday pursuant to the charter.
The minntes of the last Court having been read, the
CSAIRSAN (Sir Robinsdn, B n ) observed, that
*variety of notices of motions stood for this day, Which
would necessarily Occupy a great deal of the time and
tennen of the Court. Chiefly, therefore, with a view
to general convenience, he would suggest that those
Gentlemen who brought forward motions should con-
in* themselves strictly to the subject of those motions
_.4ifar), and thusgive the Court some prospect of get-
!mg through the business of this day. The first notice
given by an Hon. Proprietor (Captain Maxfield), related
to the manner in which the business was conducted by
some of the boards in India, and also the mode to be
adopted there for auditing of accounts. The Court was
now ready to hear that motion.
Captain MAXFIELD declined bringing the motion for-
ward, until some future occasion, as his servant had, in
mistake, placed a series of wrong papers in his coach,
instead of those to which he (Captain Maxfield) meant
to refer.

THI PRESS IN INDIA.
Colonel STANHOPE rose to bsing forward a motion
of which he had previously given notice, relative to
the present restriction, on the Press in India. A cen-
sorship had been established there over the Press, the
influence of which was as bad as that of the Inquisi-
tion in other countries. In the year 1813, Parliament ,
determined to promote the.moral improvement of the ;
natives of India. There was no restriction upon the I
Press in India until the year 1798, since which time
a great number of persons had been convicted of I
libel, and banished the'country: In the year 1818,
the Marquis of Hastings abolished the censorship,
and in a short time After no less than seven native
Papers were established. A licensing system was
afterwards established, and soon after that the cen-
sorship was renewed. While the Press was free it was
conducted with propriety and decorum, but when the
censorship was renewed, the profligacy of the Press
became manifest. W:,en it was proposed to e.tablish
a censorship at Bombay, the Chief Justice and other
Judges declared that the introduction of it was inex-
pedient and unnecessary, for that nothing appeared
in the Bombay Papers calculated to bring the Go.
rernment into contempt with the natives, and that the
only effects were upon the English, and that they were
only such as would soon right themselves. Such also
was the opinion of his Majesty's Ju,tices in England;
and upon what ground, therefore, was the Press of
India placed upon its present footing ? The licentious.
ness of the Press was a hacknied topic, and one which
had been frequently insisted upon in that Court, but
he said the best preventive for licentiousness was a
free Press. Tbete was no ground to fear the effect
of a free press, even under a mild despotism, but under
a harsh and grating despotism a free press was dan-
gerous, because under such a Government revolt was
the only mode of resistance. He concluded by moving
a resolution requesting the Court of Directors to sliscon-
tine the censorship of the press in India.
Captain Maxvracn, after animadverting strongly on
the conduct of the Government in India, in suppressing
the Calcutta Journal, which generally contained more
useful information than any Daily Journal which ever
appeared in that country. Mr. Buckingham might have
rendered himself obnoxious to the Government of India,
but their persecution of him only degraded themselves.
He was convinced that a free press would be of the
greatest advantage to the natives of India. One thing,
et least, was necessary. that the decision of the Courts
of Justice should be allowed co be published without
restriction. He concluded by seconding the motion.
Dr. GI CHRIST supported the motion.
The CHAIRMAN said, that no one could doubt but
that an unrestrained press was not desirable in India;
the press there must necessarily be kept within certain
bounds. The censorship was imposed at a period when
it was necessary for the security of the Government of
India. At the time of the murder of Mr. Cherry, the
pest of India.among other things, pointed out how
isy it would be for the natives to massacre all the
Europeans. Such publications tended to destroy the
stability of the Government, and the Marquis of Wel-
lesley, accordingly established a censorship, which had
since proved of the most beneficial consequences. It
was afterwards abolished by the Marquis of Hastings,
and the licensing system adopted in stead—he (the
Chairman) knew of no third means by which the press
could be restricted. He thought the Government of
India ands free press there could not exist together.
He should therefore meet the motion with a direct
negative.
CoIoneI'ETAHROVE replied.
The motion was then put, and negatived by a con-
siderable majority.

BURNING ON nrutioo yarrows-
Mr. POTHDER then rose to propose the following Re-
solution: That this Court taking into consideration
the continuance of human sacrifices in India, is of
opinion, that in the case of all rites or ceremoniesin-
volving the destruction of life, it is the duty of a pater-
nal Government to interpose for their prevention, and
therefore recommends to the Honourable Court of Di-
rectors to transmit such instructions to India as that
Court may deem it expedient for accomplishing the
object consistently with all practicable attention to the
feelings of the natives.
Mr. P. requested the indulgence of the Court while
he brought forward the question, which was one of
considerable importance and difficulty. There were nu-
merous official documents recently laid before the Pro-
prietors relative to the burning of widows in India,
and an annual return of the number of unfortunate
beings so destroyed from the years 1815 to 1823, from
which it appeared, that in the year 1515 the number
amounted to 378—in 1816, 442—in 1817, 707—in
1818, to 839—in 1819, to 650—in 1820, 597—in 1821,
to 654.—in 1822, to 583—and in 1823, to 575. This
was in the province of Bengal alone, and the total dur-
iug those nine years was 5,125. The first question to be
considered was. whether enough had been done by the
eaeserlinient of India to prevent such horrid and re-
volting barbarities? and next, whether more might not
mow be done with perfect 'tiny to the Government of
tii.ha? He should be able to prove, from certain do-
cuments which he should presently submit to their no- •
(ice, that the custom did not prevail universally in In-
41a. He then read a description of a suttee, as furnished
by Sir C. Willett. The account was one of the most
horrifying description, and stated that fusee was used tr,
compel toe tanlortunate victim to submit to the per-
formance tit the murdet. us ceremony. Mr. P. then read
avaitety of documents, containing accounts of similar
transactions, which excited a feeling of disgust and hor.
tor in the hearts of all who heard him. He said tin

Manson, *as not at all connected with the re gioq
professed by the Hindoos, but was kept op by the Brah-
mins, who derived a considerable profit by it. It wa'
customary among the higher caste of the Hindoos to
marry their daughters at the early age of five years to
boys of the same caste, arid although the parties did.
not live together until they arrived to years of matu-
rity, yet, in the event of a boy dying, his widow (if so
she could be called) was compelled to immolate her-
self; and he had heard of repeated instances of immo-
lation, where the unfortunate victim had not attained
her ninth year. The first time that any attempt was
made to prevent this continuation of human sacrifice,
was in the year 1805, and it was urged as a reason for
delaying it so long, that the Government had entered
into a compact not to interfere with the religious opi-
nions of the natives. The Marquis of Wellesley took the
opinion of several Pundits, as to the authority for the
dreadful rite, and whether it was prescribed and com-
manded by their sacred laws, or only permitted? Their
reply was, that it was only permitted. In 1812, it was
prohibited by the then Governor of India (Lord Minto),
in four cases, viz. where force was resorted to to com
pel the widow to submit to the burning—where she was
not of the age of 16 years—where any deleterious drugs
were previously administered to her—and where she
was at the time in a state of pregnancy. Those tegu
lotions, however, were not properly acted upon, and
were therefore inefficient and useless. He considered
such sacrifices as nothing less than deliberate murders,
committed ender circumstances df peculiar horror and
atrocity—(Hear, h:ar). In a multitude of instances,
since tat .se regulations had been atloptpd, the police had
nu notice of a stake until alter it watover, ancl'in-some
cases they did not receive any notice of it at all. I-re
was convinced, that nine-tenths of the Hindoos would
rejoice if the abominable custom were altogether abo
lished, arid in several instance! it had been prevented
merely at the request rf the Mag.strates.
Mr. RANDLIJAcicsom, at this moment rose, and said,
that the Hohourable Proprietor had occupied the atten-
tion of the Court nearly three hours on a question which
was one of the highest importance is all who were sen-
sible of their obligations to their GOD and the Laws of
their Country. In justice to the Honourable Proprietor,
who, he perceived, was completely exhausted, he should
move an adjournment of the debate, in order that every
Member might have an opportunity of delivering his
sentiments upon the subject.
After some desultory conversation, the further con-
sideration of the question was adjourned until Wed-
nesday next.

MITIETINti AT LLOYD'S.. —A Meeting of the Subscrib-
ers atLloyd'sCoffee-house took place yesierdAy morning,
to receive a Yearly Report of the state of their financial
affairs; Alderman Thomism', M.P. in the Chair. The
Report was unanimously received by the subscribers,
tr:twithstairding the numerous questions asked, and as
repeatedly and ratistactoriry answered by the worthy
Chairman.

HIGHLAND SOCIETY OF LONDON..A General Court
of this Corporation was held yesterday evening at the
Freemasons Tavern, in celebration of the Battle of Alex-
andria. The regular business of the Court having been
dispatched, the company sat down to dinner, at which
Lord SALToUK presided.Aftet-the usual toasts, the Chai-
rman proposed "theMeincory of SirßaLeuileitioaonnte,'
whose valour at Alexandria reflected so mach credit on
his native Highlands." Drunk in solemn silence.—
Among the other toasts was--4, The Highland Society
of London," which produced a short aad appropriate
speech from she CHAIRMAN, in which he explained the
objects of the Corporation.

BRIGHTON, MARCH 21.—A love affair, which had
been carried on between a Gentleman who has been sojourning at
one of the hotels for several months, and dashing young Lady,
an inhabitant of Brighton, has tegminated by tbe Lady discarding
her lover, notwithstanding that the nuptial day (it is said) was fixed
upon, and the tang fitted to her fair finger. The disappointed
swain, indignant at the cruelty of his mistress, has commenced an
action for breach of promise. The suit will be tried at the next
Horsham Assizes, and is likely to be an interesting one.

OISERVANCI or THE SABDATH.--Yesterday the So.
ciety established for the laudable purpose of causing a due observance
of the Sabbath in Westminster, accuse/, at Queen-square, woe
petty shopkeepers of having served oot their goods on Sunday
regardless of the sanctity of the day; owing, however to some
informality in the proceedings, the complaints were dismissed.

There was a humourous pul;lican at Oxford, who.
living near the Pound, had put over his 'door, "a Al. sold by the
Pound." His wit and ale being both excellent, young Olonlans
were often induced to remain there beyond hours. He was in
consequence, by the advice of one of the Proctors, summoned be-
lore the Vice-Chancellor; but his hutnourous replies having soon
pined the good-will of the Vice, the latter discharged him, saying
—" Get away for a rascal ; I shall say no more to you at present."
On crossing the quadrangle, Boniface met the Proctor, and told
hint that the Vice wanted to speak to him. Having accompanied
the informer into the presence, he addressed the Vice, saying," Here
he is, Sir; you sent me away for a rascal, and I have brought you
the greatest I know of."

A youth, ambitious of acquiring pugilistic honours,
the other day waited on Cribb, tketz.thampton with the inteatios
of taking lessens. " Now what do you consider the best posture of
defence ." said the aspiring young hero. " Why to keep a dell
tongue in your head," was the judicious reply.
at Gentleman last week entered one of those wretched
abodes inhabited by an Irish family, and observing two large pigs
r were also inmates of the apartment, asked, a Why do you sot sell
the pigs to whist you?" The wife replied, Oeh, Sir, the pigs be-
long to the landlord; we get the room for less rent for taking in
the pigs as ledgers." - -

At- a small country town in France, the chiming of
the bells at the baptism of a child, which in Catholic countries
'takes place immediately after its birth, is made to announde the
sex of the young stranger. If It is a boy, they strike up ilotherintg
e'en amterevierrei if a girl, Balfour, Mamma Auntie; canniest
sestspertes sons l Titus, in a place where every body knows every
body, the Arse vibration of the belle announces the accesehrosent of
Madame So-and-so, and by the time that a few notes are played,
every gossip in the place knows whether ber townswoman has been
brought to bed of a boy or a girl. -

. - --
A Gentleman observed one day, to Mr. HENRY
EILIIDIE, a great punster, that punning is the lowest sort of
It isle (answered be) and therefore tbefoundatiers of all wit."
A quarto tract, circulated among the members of
" the Bannatyne Club," contains the original ballad of " Auld Robin
Gray," as corrected by Lady Anne Barnard, accompanied with two
continuations by the same authoress ; while the introduction consists
almost entirely of a very interesting letter from her to the Editor,
dated July, IMO, part of which we take the liberty of inserting here:
" Robin Gray, so called, from its being the name of the old herd at
Balcarras, was born soon after she close of the year 1771. My
sister Margaret bad married, and accompanied her husband to Lon-
don ; I was melancholy, and endeavoured to amuse myself by at
tempting a few poetical trifles. These was an ancient Scottish
Melody of which I was pasdonately fond ; —, who lived before
your day, used to sing it to us at Balcarras. Site did not object to
its having proper words, and give to its plaintive tome, some little
history of virtuous/hittus in humble life, such as might suit it. While
attempting to effect this in my closet, I called to my little sifter,
now Lady Hardwicke, who was the only person near me. I have
been writing a ballad, my dear; I am oppressing my heroine with
many misfortunes. I have already sent her Jamie to aea-s.and bro-
ken her father's arm—and made her washer fall sick-.and given her
old Robin Gray for ber lover ; but I wish to load her with a fifth
sorrow within the fear lines, poor thing ! Help me to one. !Steal
the cow, slater Anne,' said the little Elizabeth. The cow was im-
mediately lilted by me, and the song completed. At our fireside, and
amongst our nel&hbours, Amid Basbiu Gray was always called for."

TliE
A Sure ISatschowit Of Irish &mirk, arrived in town yesterday
from Bristol, and received order* to embark this morning, on
bdard a seam-vetsel ip *fie River, for Gravesend, on route to join
their respective Corps hod Depots, at Chatham, Canterbury, and
Dover.
Another Detachment Of Irish Recruits arrived in town yester-
day, from Liverpool, sad reeeived orders to embark this morning,
no board a steam-vessel in the River, for Gravesend, on route to
Chatham and Canterbury.
A Detachment briongrog to the it2d. Regiment of Infantry, is
ordered to march from Westminster, for Harwich.
A Detachment belonging to the 56th Regiment of Foot embarked
this morning on board a canal boat, at Paddington, on route to
Manchester.

A Detachment belonging to the 66th Regiment of Infantry em-
barked this morning, on board a canal boat, at Paddington, on route
to Bolton-le-Moor.