Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-04-13
From the Philat >lphia Sun Of the 9TH ult.
THE ENGLISH IN INDIA.

The ENGLISH IN INDIA.
Great Britain has met additional reverses in
her conflicts with the Sikhs. As any infor-
nation relative to these people, is now peculi
arlv interesting, we transfer some historical
remarks on the subject from the Boston Chron-
otype, which says-'the present war in the
Puniab singularly illustrates the propagation
of violence. The Sikhs are the deciples of
the British in the art Of War, and very apt
scholars. Some forty years ago, when the
British troops pursued one of the rebellious ra-
jahs of Hindoostan through their territories,
these fierce and fanatical people were particu-
larly delighted with the artillery service, and
took to it with grand passion. They have
ever since been accommodating guns and train
ing themselves to the use of them. Had they
not also adopted the British fashion of drink
ing rum and brandy, the fierce battles they
have fought might have turned out quite diff
ferently, and given vastly greater trouble to
the British armies.
The Sikhs were originally nothing but a
religious sect. About hundred years ago, a re-
ligious teacher arose in the Puniah, who en-
deavored to unite what he deemed the best
features of the Mahometanism and Hindooism,
into a system which should reject caste and
the greater part of the popular superstition
These come cutters were for many years pa
cifc, and their frugal habits and the obligation
which they imposed upon the rich members
to support the poor, gained them many con-
verts. At length their fierce spirit of proba-
gandism led one of their leaders to give them
a military character, and they became formi-
dable against their Mahommedan and Hindoo
neighhors. They acquired cities, villages, and
extensive territory. The government into
| oh ~ Er,k fo1l fodo
tive republic. But the stronger of the equal
cheftains, called Singhs, Or Lions, soon be-
gan to tyranize over the weaker, and in 1908
> the whole Sikh confederacy was consolidated
into a monarchy, under Runieet Singh, q
prince of crest ability and despotic sway
He was shrewd enough to cultivate the friend
: ship of the British, and was their much val
ued ally, a protection to their northern pro
vinces. On his death, in 1889, number Of
candidates for the succession appeared, and
the British journals would have us believe tha
that government honestly and carefully alb
stained from any interference with the quar-
rels which ensued But if they did not TO-
ment them, it was the first time they ever fail
ed 10 take advantage of native dlssesslons to
advance their own power
Suffice it to say, that the claimants OF Run.
jeet's sceptre soon reduced themselves by
bloody murders to Dhuleep Singh, the suppo.
sed son OF Runjeet, by certain Slkhe, Lola
Monies, minor, and his cunning old uncle
Gholab Singh. The British favored the mi
nor and his dancing mother.
In the meantime, the army of $4,000 men
whom Runjeet had disciplined in the highest
style of European tactics, could not be idle OF
submit 10 the whims of a woman or child
1t assumed a sort OF republican control Of it.
: self, and the consequence was that chivalrous
> attack upon the British which resulted in its
defeat and the glory of Lord Hardinge and
Lord Cough. The army was disbanded in
= form, and the Sikhs were reduced to British
Protectorship at an expense to them OF ST.
100000 or more per annum. There can be
little doubt that the British government, as q
> government, is far more perfect article than
the native, but it is also more costly, that is
to the producing people. The people have tc
pay not only for their own protected princes
but for the British agents and troops who
protect them. 1t seems to have been on &C.
count of this burdensome tribute that Moolraj
the governor of Moultan, rebeled, and caused
the horrible siege of which the late English
| mail bore the account
f The British journals abjure all desire to an.
mex the Punab or extend their Indian terrific
ry yet writer in the Edinburgh Review
very distinctly admits that the war in the Pun
!, jab is popular in India, that is, with the Brit
ish in India, on account of the increase of ser
vice and patronage which it will cause. Tha
is the secret. The British rulers Of India dom
want territory all they want is tribute-$l,
!, OOO,oO per annum for protecting a Sikh
= rance. With enough of such business they
will get rich, as people do by farming gu
leeches.
> The Skhs are the infdels of India, abhor
S red both by the pious Mussulmans and tn
: Hindoos, and it is curious to observe how tn
English take advantage of this religious feel
ing TO aid their military operations Still thes
come cutters, who SO closely initiate Europea
> habits and science, are likely to give the Brit
: ish conquerors more trouble than all the res
= of India Could old Runjeet have lived lon
. enough and kept sober, he would have see
{ the day when he could turn his allies off from
d the continent
, From Noah's Messenger.