Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-05-17
SCENES IN HINDOSTAN.
ONE TOO MANY.

L.
1t is all very well to talk Of native prin-
ccs, and paint them (when speaking to
those who know nothing about them) as
great monarchs, armed with uncontrolled
powers Of life and death, possessed of re-
venues and Jewels far beyond the most gilt
tering hopes of christian kings, surrounded
by lovely nymphs, gorgeoasIy attired min
listers, and every luxury that can lniiame
the imagination. But their true position is
little known, little cared for by the MAORI
ty of our countrymcn, or they would cease
to envy the borrowed spendor Of these pc
tcntatcs, who are in real truth nothing more
nor less than statc-prisoners, forbidden TO
issue a single cdict, unable 10 stir from
their palaces, without the permission Of the
British resident, "a term meant 10 be Sy-
nonymous with an ambassador who is
placed by Government at the court of each
Of these petty princes, for the purpose OF
watching and keeping them in good order.
This officer is bound TO see that the mo-
narch's salary (for the nawab only re-
ceives certain income from the East In
dia Company, in lieu Of his extensive re-
vGnues) is properly expended; that he med
dies with no political affairs; that he con-
fers no honors, receives no guests, with
out the authority of the British rulers
In order TO withdraw his mind from dwell
ing on what he is, and what he might be,
the resident encourages the prince in CIV
ing feies, flying kites, (this they actually
do fer thousands of pounds, forming hunt
ing parties, and making a great fuss about
little affairs. TO prevent his highness from
briLing any one, the said officer has the
charge of the royal jewels, which he only
gives out on state occasions. He mana
gos to employ one.third of the nawab's
servants, and keeps the SWdnee Tor train,
Of elephants in his own grounds. In a
word, sovereign prince, reigning over a
territory in British India has about as much
pOwc! as a state prisoner IN the Tower,
who, though nattercd by an outward, and
apparent respect cannot command SIN
gle moment Of real liberty.
The greatest dilie renee, however, exists
between these potentates and those who
have refused to submit to our rule. | re-
member we'll Il scene which passed with
one Of the latter, when was secretary TO
the resident at MoorShedabad. An envoy
had arrived from the Nawab of--to
the British resident, his mission having for
its object the session Of a considerable ter
ritory to the East India Company. The
utmost secrecy was to be observed: SIN
gle word betrayed might ruin the whole at-
fair, and involve the prince in serious
affair with his neighbors. 1t was there
fore with some difficulty that the native en-
1 hahn
sent, so Jealous was he lest the subject Of
his embassy might transpire.
Mr.. 4, the resident, received him
with due honor in the large hall Of his mag
nifcient mansion, where he ordinarily held
his durham, or court. 1t was a magnif-
cent chamber, noorcd with marble, and
fitted up with several Europcan looking
glasses. To do honor TO the guest, these
mirrors were now uncovered. and the mats
which occasionally covered the floor, were
rolled up and placed in corner Of the
room. The conference had begun. Sc
veral points had been mooted and settled,
when | marked the Enjoys eye fix itself
on one OF The glasses, as if he beheId some
object OF interest in II. He, however, made
no remark, and went on converSlng. The
interview was nearly over, when he slow
" rose. and walked towards the corner of
the room. He saw the surprise of Mr..
-. He read his establishment at
this strange proceeding in the midst of an
important discourse; but he calmly turned
round, and remarked:
You will excuse me, great SIR, II | am
mistaken. You will, | hope, pardon me
,I am correct, in my supPositIon, and
eagrec with me that my present act is dc
tated by justice and prudence. Those high
in position cannot be too cautious
The resident stared, unable to compre-
bend the proceeding.
Il NAV be mistaken; but think not,
added the native chief Then suddenly
drawing his dagger, he plunged ii into one
of the rolls Of mating. a hollow, deep
groan issued from it as he quickly repeat
ed the blow. Then turning, with look
of triumph and satisfaction, 10 NJ. A.
he quiet " said, knew twas So
You have killed some one. am sure
that cry proceeded from no beast OF prey
1t was a hnman voice heard
Precisely replied the other, without
changing muscle Of his countenance,
precisely, and he cnoIy unroled the mat,
in the centre of which a corpse lay weller
ing in It's blood.
What have you done? You have MUIR
dered him