The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-04-11 00:00:00

HOUSE OF COMMONS.-FRIDAY

Sir R. PEEL, in reply to a question from Lord J. Russell,
said that the budget would be brought forwaid shortly after
the Easter recess. He also stated the regret he felt at not
being able to give any satisfactory information respecting the

progress of commercial treaties wan foreign countries. He
added that he thought it doubtful how far this country should
follow up the system of negociating for reciprocal conces-
sions. It might be better to pursue an independent cours
Mr. LABOUCHERE was gratified at the opinion t

town out
He thought that treaties
ce and navigation were advantageous, but nego-
s for alterations of tariffs were comparatively of no

by the 1
A.comr

Dnourable baronet

After some further conversation upon the subject, the
house resold itself into a committee of supply, when the
remaining miscellaneous estimates were proceeded with.

Mr. SHAW protested against the system, which be con-
tended was a failure, and which was opposed to the feelings
of the clergy of the Established Church.
Mr. GROGAN also objected to the grant.
Lord ELIOT, in support of the vote, bore testimony to the
liberality of the catholic clergy in allowing books to be read

which were formerly prohibited. He wished
well to the exertions of the Established Church, but be could
❑ot consent to discourage a national system of education from
which Ireland was deriving essential benefit.
Mr. COLQUBOUN was also opposed to the system of national
education in Ireland, as opposed to the conscientious feelings
of the members of the Established Church, who could not
have their children educated according to their own princi-

in the schools

Les.
Mr. HAwEs said that the dissenters of England were in
recisely the same position, and be hoped when their claims
ime to be considered they would meet with the support of

Mr. PLUPTRE opPosed it, 'stating that he would take the
opinion of the committee upon the question.
Mr. COCHRANE thought it would have been better to have
moved for a committee of inquiry.
On a division, the vote was carried by a majority of 120
to 40.

Sir R. PEEL, in moving the vote for the British Museum,
referred to the increase in the number of visitors as a proof
of the estimation in which it was held by the public.
Mr. HUME urged the necessity of having a cheap synopsis,
and exhibited a penny one, which he had got published at
his own expense, which sold rapidly, while the dear one was
neglected. He also complained of the system of exclusion
still maintained at Westminster Abbey.
Sir R. PEEL was gratified at the zeal displayed by the
lion. member in behalf of the working classes. With respect
to Westminster Abbey, when Dr. Turtoo was recently ap-
pointed to the deanery of Westminster, it was stipulated
with him that he would endeavour to have the abbey thrown
open to the public, and he hoped the object would be effected.
Sir R. H. INGLIS said the Poet s Corner was open, and
admission to the nave and north chancel could be obtained
for threepence, and to the whole abbey for sixpence. Those
who were actuated by curiosity had no right to insist upon
gratuitous admission. Those who went for the purposes of
devotion were admitted free.

Lord PALMERSTON was sure that the Dean of Westmin-
ster would exert himself to have the abbey thrown open.
Lord F. EGERTON thought the working classes might be
safely admitted ; indeed he thought they would be likely to
act as a kind of police over the classes above them.
After some further discussion the vote was agreed to.
The remaining estimates were then agreed to, and the
house resumed.

Sir G. GREY obtained leave to bring in a bill to apply cer-
tain charitable trusts in England to the purposes of educa-

The other orders of the day were then disposed of, and
the house adjourned.

COLONIAL INTEL LIGANCE

CHINA AND INDIA

(From the Times.)

Our despatches in anticipation of the Indian mail to the
Ist of March are arrived. They bring most important in-
telligence from Scinde.
It appears that the Ameers of Hyderabad, while making
arrangements to collect a large army, continued to play " fast
and loose" with Major Outram, whom the Indian Govern-
ment had in December sent to them in order to make terms.
It must be recollected that those Ameers, who were long re-
garded as tributaries of the Affghaun empire, had within some
years enjoyed a sort of independence of all subjection.
Their principles were those of Eastern despots, who govern
the country for their own special advantage. Industry and
civilization were at a stand there, while the most fertile dis-
tricts along the Indus were turned into wastes or jungle
deserts for the preservation of the wild animals whom those
Ameers amused themselves occasionally in hunting and
destroying.
The British Government ha;ing introduced civilization
into a portion of Scinde, and having taken possession of the
Indus, the navigation of which became a matter of general
benefit, a demand was made on the Ameers to give up for
the use of that navigation certain strips of land lying along
the river. They, feeling that they could not immediately
refuse, temporized until at length their troops were collected
when on the 14th of February they sent word to Major Out-
ram to retire from their city. Major Outram, who did not
suppose that they would proceed to extremities, delayed.
On the 15th, the residency of the British Political Agent, or
Minister, was attacked : it was gallantly defended by 100
men for several hours ; but at length their ammunition having
been expended, the British soldiers retired with small loss to
the steamers, and proceeded to join Sir Charles Napier, then
at the head of about 2,700 men, at a distance of- about
twenty miles from the capital of the; Ameers. The latter
hastened at the head of 22,000 men, to attack the British
force.

It was stated in the accounts sent home by the last mail,
that General Napier had penetrated into the desert.with the
view of capturing a fort whither Meer Roostum had fled for
refuge, and that finding the stronghold deserted he returned.
On 'the troops marching back, Major Outram,, who'bad
accompanied the expedition, quitted them, and proceeding
to Kbyrpoor, rode without attendants into the enemy's camp,
where he succeeded in persuading Meer Roostum and his
nephew to go with him to General Napier. This occurred
about the 21st January. On the • 12th of the following
month the treaty was signed ; but it appearing almost im-
mediately afterwards•that the British authorities were bent
on exacting further concessions, the Ameersbedame enraged
at such-apparent bad faith, and intimated to Major Outram,
who was at Hyderabad, that safety could only be secured by
his immediately leaving the Presidency. This gallant officer,
however, though threatened every hour with personal vio-
lence, resolved to remain until compelled to depart, still,
perhaps, entertaining some hope of being to effect an amica-
ble arrangement. On the morning of the 15th of January,
(says the official account,) a body of 8,000 men with six guns,
under the command of Meer Shadad Khan, one of the
principal Ameers, his cousin Meer Mahomed Khan and
many of the principal chiefs, took up a position on three
sides of the Residency at Hydrabad, and attempted to force
an entrance into the enclosure. which was surrounded by a
low wall of from four to five feet in height, and defended by
Major Outram's 'escort, composed of 100 men, the light
company of her Majesty's 22d Regiment, under the command
of Captain Conway of that regiment. After effectually
keeping the enemy at bay for nearly four hours, and after
almost the whole of the ammunition was expended, Major
Outram and his brave associates effected their retreat in the
best possible order to the iron steamers Planet and Satellite,
and ultimately formed a junction with Major-General Sir
Charles Napier, K.C.8., at Hala.
The loss sustained in this heroic defence, reflecting so
much honour on the defendants, is stated in the margin,
whilst that of the enemy was 90 killed, and many wounded.
It should be mentioned that Major Outram's band would
in all likelihood have maintained their position in the
Residency, had it not been for an unlucky mistake, by which
the Satellite steamer, which had been sent up the Jiver on
the 12th for supplies and reinforcements, returned without
the objects of the mission.

On the following day Major General Sir Charles Napier,
K.C.8., marched to Muthare, and on his arrival there, as*
certained that the Ameers were in position at Meeanee;
distant about ten miles, to the number of twenty-two thousand
men. Being aware that any delay for reinforcements would
both strengthen the confidence of the enemy, and to add to
their numbers, although his own force was not one seventh
part of the enemy, Sir Charles Napier resolved upon making
an immediate attack, and accordingly marched towards
Meeanee at four o'clock in the morning (the 17th). At eight
o'clock a.m., the advanced guard of Major Gen. Sir Charles
Napier's force discovered the enemy's camp, and at nine
o'clock the British troops formed in order of battle, being
composed of about two thousand and eight hundred men, of
all arms, and twelve pieces of artillery. The enemy opened
a most determined and destructive fire upon the British troops,
and during the action which ensued, with the most undaunted
bravery repeatedly rushed upon them sword in hand. After
a most resolute and desperate contest, which lasted for up-
wards of three hours, the enemy was completely defeated and
put to flight with the estimated loss of about 5,000 men, 1,000
of whom were left dead on the field, together with the whole
of their artillery, ammunition, and standards, a considerable
quantity of stores, and some treasure.

_ . .
The follow.ng day, Meer Roostom Khan, Meer Nusseer
Khan, and Meer Wullee Mahomed of Kyrpore ; Meer Nus-
seer Khan, Meer Shaded Khan, and Meer Hoossein Khan
of Hyderabad, came into the camp of Major General Sir C.
Napier, and unconditionally gave themselves up as prisoners
of war, and the British colours were hoisted over the city of
Hyderabad on the, 20th instant.

The capture of this most important position is of immense
value; the valuable and fertile districts along the Indus can
now be restored to industry and the arts of peace, and mil-
lions, as of old, will soon live in happiness in those plains
where those despots during a century have scattered misery
and desolation. The official accounts are subjoined. It ap-
pears that the plan of an attack in order to exterminate all
the British in Scinde was not confined to Hyderabad, it ex-
tended itself throughout the territories of the Ameers, but
their utmost efforts have been baffled, and they are now pri-
soners.

- - The intelligeis ce from A frghtintslllVik;Thal -c'onti-
nues to prevail there. Akhbar Khan is said to be master of
Cabul, and his father Dost Mahomed is proceeding from
Lahore towards Peshawur, as if to join him. Akhbar Khan
has threatened to: invade the province of Peshawur, and to
take it from the Sikht, but the good treatment of old Dost
Mahomed by the latter may prevent that invasion. From
Candahar news has been received that Sutter Jung had been
compelled to quit that city, and to seek safety in flight.
Lord Ellenborough, who had arrived at Delhi on the sth
of February, was preparing to go to Agra, where his presence
was considered necessary, not only on account of the death of
Scindia, the powerful chief of Gwalior, at the age of twenty-
seven years, to whom an adopted heir has been named, but
also in order to contribute by various arrangements to put
an end to the disturbances in the Buzidelkund districts.
Among the reports was one that the Brahmins at Somnauth
had declined to receive the much talked of gates, which
they regarded as polluted by their application to a Moham-
medan's tomb, and that these celebrated trophies were to be
sent to another destination.

The Court Martial on the officers engaged in the proceed-
ings at Cabul have terminated in the acqnital of all; but
though the verdict of " Not Guilty" has been pronounced
for each, there is a most marked distinction made on the
remarks of the Governor-General, and of the Commander-in-
Chief, as to the opinion formed of the acts of Major Pottin-
ger and the other leading officers.

The latest intelligence from Canton comes down to the
.21st January, from which it appears that the Imperial com-
missioner Eleppo had arrived there on the 10th, but it was
doubted if the negotiations respecting the tariff would com-
mence until after the beginning of the Chinese new year,
which was on the 30th of January. Sir Henry Pottinger
had left Hong Kong for Canton on the 17th, in order to pay
a visit of ceremony, Colonel Malcolm left Bombay on the
18th of February, on board the steamer, in order to deliver the
ratified treaty to the Plenipotentiary.

The last Gazelle announces the appoinment of Captain
Pottinger, Governor of Hong Kong.

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

UNITED STATES

The new packet-ship Montezuma, Captain Lowber, which
sailed from New York on the evening of the 20th ult., ar-
rived at this porton Friday, after a quick passage of 17 days.
She has brought papers four days later than those received
by the Great Western, but their contents are unimportant.
•The spring business bad commencedat New York. The
money and the stock. markets were without change. The
exchange on England was quoted as before.
There bad been a severe storm at New York, which caused
some damage to the shipping.

On the 3d instant the Spanish Cortes were opened by a
speech from the Regent. The difficulties attendant on the
internal situation of the government would be remedied by a
good organic law. Independently of the budget several pro-
jects of law are to be submitted for consideration. Several
useful modifications, in an economical point of view, have
been made in the army. Thanks are voted to the National
Guard for tbeir services during the recent insurrection, and
the speech conclu'des as follows :—" The fortunate moment
has come when the Cortes and the Goverment will find a glo-
rious opportunity, (which their patriotism will not suffer to
escape,) of fulfilling the wishes of the nation and the duties
which we owe to the august and youthful princess now seated
on the throne of her ancestor. Laws which will consolidate
the state on its basis—laws calculated to open the sources of
public prosperity, behold, gentlemen senators and deputies,
that which the country desires, that which is worthy and be-
coming of the nation, and of Queen Isabel 11. May her
Majesty, when assuming the reins of government at the for-
tunate period now approaching, experience no obstacle to her
carrying into effect the beneficial measures which her gene-
rous mind prepares far the nation ; may she find in the bles-
sings and the applause which she will receive the precious fruit
of our labours and our sacrifices."

THE. FORTIFICATIONS OF the Chamber of
Deputies, on Friday week, some brief remarks were made
by Marshal Soult relative to the fortifications of Paris which
are not without interest. It appears that in 1840 the sum of
140,000,000 francs (X 5,600,000) was voted for the works, but
that was only an instalment, for, said the Marshal, the forti-
fications of Paris having changed the whole system of defence,
the capital must henceforward be the point d'appui, and,
consequently, be provided both with works suited to a
fortress and with establishments necessary for victualling
an army.

A shock of an earthquake was felt at Luneville, in the
Meurthe, on the 28th ult., at six minutes past ten in the
morning. A house in the rue Notre-Dame fell down.

THE EARTHQUAKE.—lntelligence from Guadaloupe has
been received by the brig Victor, Captain Jourdan, which has
just arrived at Havre. This vessel left Pointe-à-Pare on
February 23, and the information she brings unfortunately
confirms in every particular the sad details already laid be-
fore the public. It may even be asserted that, contrary to
all preceding cases of a similar character, the disasters ap-
pear to have been rather underrated than exaggerated. A
committee composed of M. Leger, the deputy mayor and four
influential inhabitants, had been charged with the task of
discovering the exact number of the dead. Two registers
were opened at the Mairie, one for the free population, and
the other for the slaves. It is believed that the number is
from 5,600 to 6,000. Orders wefe given to construct on the
quays wooden sheds, to receive goods as they arrived on pay-
ment of one per cent. on their value. A potion made of
Peruvian bark and gentian was 'ordered to be delivered in
proper quantities to the soldiers and sailors working at the
ruins, to guarantee them as much as possible against the
effects of the noisome atmosphere. A letter from Pointe.A.
Pitre, of the 22d of February, says:—" The more we see,
the more severely we feel the dreadful misfortune that has
fallen on us. Not less than a third of the population have
been killed or wounded, and the latter are dying off rapidly.
Pointe-h-Pitre, in its present condition. cannot be described;
it is, like Babylon or Palmyra, completely overwhelmed ; as
much so as if the disaster had occurred two thousand years
ago.. The new town, with its wooden huts, is all that re-
mains to us. The gold, silver, glass, iron, lead, &c., have
been melted together, and form a mixture of a very curious
description. The large rivers, the Lamentin and the Mous-
tique, are still rolling down mud in place of pure water. The
top of almost every mountain has been torn off. Mass is
said under the trees of the public walk."