The North-Carolina standard., 1849-04-04
british AFFAIRS IN INDIA.


encountered a serious reverse of fortune in India.
From the time that Lord Give. By series Of bril-
liant actions and his own indomitable energy and
bravery, laid the foundations of power for his country
in that distant land. England has constantly gone
forward in that direction, subddng barbarian Prfn
ces overwhelming whole tribes and castles in battle
and adding empire to empire, until her sway is
exercised over almost unmeasured territories and at
lest one hundred millions of human beings. But her
exactions and expressions have kept pace with her
strides of power and domnion and as the result of
this, scarcely year has passed unmarked by efforts
on the part of theIsqbdped to break loose from her
CALLING yoke. The land in India is especially
heavy and it is estimated that the British revenue
from all sources, in all her dependencies and terri
tories there, is at least one hundred millions of
dollars per annum !9isag ggs fHng ., -xieairai
Our readers will remember that some twelve or
eighteen months since, the British Government in
volved itself in contest with the Seiks class of
Indians of a peculiar religious faith of that name,
and fanatcal an extreme degree; and that in the
great battle of the Punab the latter were defeated
with immense slaughter. The plain of the Punab,
as the fruits of this war, condemned and held
by England; and for a time comparative order was
restored. Recently, however the fame of battle has
burst forth afresh and we have by the late arrivals,
copous accounts of most desperate conflict ON the
banks of the Jylun, the ancient Hydaspes,) be-
tween the British troops under Lord Cough, and the
Seiks, under Shere Singh. III, .,.ij,] ~ .%.o
We l6rnfrom the London Chronicle, which quotes
from the Bombay Times, that the British forces
amounted to about $4,000 men, with more than one
hundred guns. No estimate is given Of the Seik,
army but it is supposed to have numbered some fifty
or sixty thousand, well oficered, with fine artillery
and all the implements Of civilized warfare. The
Chronicle says: :..,3i.,.s 80. liz. -s..
s'.The Sikh army occupied long line, extending
from their original position, called Moong, to place
bearing the name of Russool or Russoolnugger; the
latter being strong post, where the enemy's maga-
zines established, and near which was narrow
gorge, we'll adapted for retreat in of disaster.
Lord Cough had at first intended to throw all his
strength upon it, and thus turn the enemy's flank,
according to the plan usually adopted under such
circumstances. In evil hour, however, he aban-
doned this course. Tne Sikh position was seen to
be strong; the Jylum was in their with we'll
constructed bridge spanning its waters, and their
centre was protected by field works which had the
advantage of rough and jungly ground. Between one
and two P NJ, Lord Cough decided on postponing
the attack till next day; and the troops were ex
hausted and but little time remained to fight battle,
unquestionaby the determination wise one.
few shots, however, from the enemy batteries, which
were within range, happened now to fall close to the
CommandeT-in-C Chief; and with rashness which
CdHIlOL DC uepIOIeu, HIS lOIuSHP at
determined to engage the Sikhs without delay. He |
would hear reason-listen to advice, and even,
1t Is said, threatened to put any In arrest who
should dare to offer him counsel ~
Several British Regiments were cut to pieces. One
of the Regiments of infantry entered the battle with
800 men, and returned from the charge, leaving AGO
hundred either dead or wounded. AT least 800 men
were killed. including several officers of celebrity,
and some 100 wounded. Not less than 90 officers,
of all grades, among the killed and wounded.
The British also lost four guns and four Regimental
flags The sufferings of the Seik army no doubt
much greater; but after the battle they drew off in
good order and fired salute, as if claiming the vic
tory. &c.. --. g.. ss.. KID. .s-
The intelligence of these events has created great
sensation in England. Lord Cough has been recall
ed, and Sir Charles Napier appointed in his place.
Here we see another evidence Of the truth of the old
maxim, that success is the test Of merit. If Cough
had triumphed, he might have been rewarded with
the highest honorS and would have stood forth in
envable light in British eyes the fortunate ndi
vidual who has been commissioned to succeed him.
But he blundered-fortnne deserted him. and he fell
We may look out for more stirring news from
India. England has met with disasters in that quar-
ter, and may be crippled for time; but we know too
much of her stubborn spirit and her thirst for carnage
and extended rule to believe that she will ftcr
relax in her exertions. This repast Jylun%, but
whets her appetite for more; and should not be
surprised hear, that under the plea of avenging
wrong and dvancing Christianity and civilization,
she had annexed another empire of acres and human
souls to her dominions. - .. a-.s -..rs d: