The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-04-20

awakening Of the revolutionary elements Of 1913.
BRITISH PowEB IN INDIA.--Among the mighty
and various movements which modern times have
witnessed, perhaps the establishment and extension
Of British empire in India is of the most won
derful in point Of time magnitude and Importance.
1t is not more than hundred years since the East
India Company-an association of English mer-
chants, who had obtained charter and established
commercial relations with Hndostan-frst
tured to hostile military attitude, and &C
quire by arms and intrigue territorial sway in Car
matte. Up to that time they had contented them
selves with the immense profits of their trade mono
poly, and in erecting factories, and gradually forth
flying them. But since, they have acted on the
offensive, and by taking advantage Of internal dis
sensions, managed to subjugate province after pro-
vince, till ut the present day the British empire
in Southern Asia extends over twenty-eight degrees
of latitude and twenty degrees of longitude COM
prising a,population of one hundred and fifty mil
lions.
Notwithstanding the immensely of this empire,
country or Europe, concerning it, Every few years,
indeed We would be startled by the intelligence Of
some sanguinary war; in which the British were en-
sure to be the acquisition Of some new valuable
provinces; but the company were jealous Of their
monopoly, and frowned upon all intrusion. But at
the present time much public attention has been
awakened to Asatc affairs as well by the approach
ing termination Of the companys charter, which
expires ia April, 1854, and the new war in which
England is engaged in the Burmese empire, as by the
naval expedition fitted out by our government to
coerce the Emperor Of Japan to put an end to his
exclusive policy and establish commercial relations
between his people and the rest Of the world.
In the English House Of Lords, the Earl of Derby
brought the subject of renewing the East India
Company's charter before the House, and in his
speech introduced the latest statistics received by
the government from their Indian possessions. By
these, it appears that since 1884 England has ac-
CURED in India additional territory of 165, 900
square miles, with a population of eight and a
half millions - making, as above stated, the
entire population of her Indian territories over
a hundred and fifty millions. It's yearly re-
venue has increased from fifteen to twenty
five millions Of pounds sterling - it's tonnage
from 900 to 252 900 tons-its imports from six to
twelve millons-and its exports from eight to
eighteen millions. Her Indian possessions are re-
garded, indeed, as the great source and support Of
the power Of Great Britain; they tend to uphold
her aristocratic institutions, and have been we'll
termed "the right arm of England" and to guard
and extend this territory, the company maintains an
army Of 2so. 600 men. She isnow engagedin war
with the Burmese empre-from which, in 1926, she
wrested considerable teritory--and will probably
not be content with less than its entire subugation
This will place her in the position of neighbor to
a,,I ia, Ill - 4
prove. She will not be deferred by any scruples
from taking every advantage Of her situation which
will enable her to penetrate into the Celestial En-
pire.
But England is not the only formidable European
power in Asia Russia owns its immense northern
regions, and has extended her power into Persia
which she treats almost a subiugated province
and Asia Minor in the west is subject to the Grand
Turk. And now Japan on the east-which, for
thousands Of years. has maintained its institutions
by rgidly enforcing a system Of exclusion of all
foreigners-is at last menased by our naval expe-
dtion, and will be forced to depart from, at least
modify, that policy to which it owes its present
existence as an independent nation.
1t is impossible to over-estimate the consequences
to the world Of these movements, affecting the CONT
nent Of Asia. With Russia at the North England
at the South, and the United States at the East,
there is but little chance of any Of the Asiatic
Kingdoms long preserving their independence or
antique modes Of government and policy. The time
is propitious for the interference Of America in the
affairs Of that continent; and the expedition under
Commodore Perry appears to have been dictated by
sound statesmanlike views. The commerce on the
Pacific Ocean. which has sprung up, If by magic,
within the last few years, must extend as well to
her western az to her eastern shores, and will unite
In the links Of mutual interest the three great con-
tinents And it is, therefore, a matter Of good DO
Icy for this country to attain footing in japan
We must be properly represented in Asia, which,
having been the cradle OF the human race, and the
scene Of the great events of mans early history,
seems destined TO be more the theatre Of events
Of the greatest influence on humanity. The expe-
dition must therefore not be failure It's regard.
ed with the deepest anxiety well in Europe as in
America, and both our national pride aud interest
are involved In its success.
THE WING CONGRESSIONAL Caucus To-Sronr
The action Of the wing caucus tonight, in the
Capitol, at Washington, will probably be decisive