ADVERTISEMENTS. East-India House, 29th January, 1845. HE COURT of DIRECTORS of THE COURT OF DIANE do hereby give notice, That the transfer books of the said Company's Stock will be shut on Thursday, the 6th March next, at 3 o'clock, and opened again on Thursday, the 10th April following. That a general Court of the said Company will be held at their house, in Leadenhall Street, on Wednesday, the 9th April, 1815, from 9 o'clock in the morning until 6 o'clock in the evening, for the Election of Six Directors of the said Company for four years. That the form of a letter of attorney and of a declaration for enabling Proprietors of East-India Stock to vote by proxy on this occasion may be obtained upon application at the Treasury in this house. That the lists of the members of the said Company will be ready to be delivered on Tuesday, the 25th March next. JAMES C. MELVILL, Secretary. East-India House, 10th March, 1845. John Masterman, John Shepherd, W. H. Sykes, F. Warden, John C. Whiteman, THE EAST-INDIA COMPANY do hereby give Proprietors desirous of voting by proxy the TreaProprietors desirous of voting by proxy, may obsury in this House. notice, in conformity with the by-law of the said Company, cap. 7, sec. 6, That the following Proprietors of East-India Stock, qualified agreeable to law, have signified in writing to the Secretary their desire of becoming Candidates at the ensuing Election of Six Directors, on Wednesday, the 9th April next, viz. Maj. Gen. Sir James Law Lushington, G.C.B. William Wigram, Esq. East-India House, 26th March, 1845. To the PROPRIETORS of EAST-INDIA STOCK. Ladies and Gentlemen, AVING the honour of being recommended to you by the Directors of the East-India Company as Candidates for the Direction to be chosen this year, we take the liberty of request ASIATIC JOURNAL and MONTHLY MISCELLANY, published on the first day of each Month, price 2s. 6d. The contents of the April Journal are as follows: Historical and Critical Review-Reply of Mr. Masson-Connection of the Atlantic with the Pacific Ocean, by the Isthmus of Panama-" Jottings from my Journal"-The Mahomedan Population of India -Recollections of a Sentinel-Sir William Hay Macnaghten-Nuggur, and about it-Ghazel from the Diwan of Shams-i Tabriz-Progress of Christianity in Tinnevelly-Royal Asiatic Society-Debates at the East-India House-Chronicle; &c. &c. No. I. of the Third Series of the Asiatic Journal was published on the 1st May, 1843, and may be procured through any Bookseller in the United Kingdom. THE LONDON MAIL, ing the favour of your Vote on the day of election, AI-MONTHLY NEWSPAPER, Wednesday, the 9th April next. We are, Ladies and Gentlemen, your most obedient days for transmitting the Overland Mail to India, JAMES C. MELVILL, Secretary. and most humble servants, East-India House, 12th March, 1845. DIRECTORS of J. Petty Muspratt, published in London in the afternoon of the via Marseilles.-Among the immense mass of information conveyed by this Journal, is a careful condensation of all Public News, Domestic, Foreign, and Commercial-the various movements in Private and Official Life, and in the Military and Naval Ser THE COURT of DPANY hereby give a Proprietors desirous of voting by proxy, may obvices of her Majesty and the East-India Company and Criminal Trials, and Details of the Progress of the Arts and Sciences. The LONDON MAIL does not depend, like all other Journals, upon chance or caprice, but is compiled for the purpose of being sent REGIMENTAL MESS PLATE-TO PRESI MITTEES. JOH OHN COWIE, of Holles Street, during the last twenty-six years, has had the honour of furnishing several regiments with MESS SERVICES, who, on the completion of their orders, have kindly granted him written testimonials of their approval. He is still solicitous to obtain the favourable consideration of officers who may be entirely or partially supplying their mess with meat-dishes and covers, corner dishes and warmers, and such requisites as constitute the table service. J. C. has a variety of table services en suite, the whole of them warranted of Sheffield manufacture. MESSRS. J. & R. McCRACKEN And alHyacinth desirous of receiving shares of this Continent, that they continue to receive consign: Agents, and Agents to the Royal Academy, 7, Old Jewry, London, beg to inform officers and home from India by the ments of baggage and of objects of fine arts from all parts of the Continent, for clearing through the Custom-house, and for warehousing until the return home of the proprietors. They also undertake the shipment of effects to all parts of the world. Journals of India, viz. the BENGAL HURKARU, the BOMBAY TIMES, and the MADRAS SPECTATOR; and it is thus by far the most widely circulated Paper in all India, extending throughout the entire Indian Continent, Central Asia, Ceylon, Mauritius, Penang, Malacca, Singapore, Java, China, Australasia, and South Africa. The compilation is conducted with a care proportioned to their high responsibility, the Editor indulging in no speculations, but confining himself to the task of preparing and arranging an unparalleled mass of news, brought up to the hour of publication, and embracing every thing that can possess any interest for British Subjects in the Eastern World. The London Publishers of the LONDON MAIL are Messrs. Bradbury & Evans, Lombard Street, Fleet Street, to whose care Advertisements and other Communications to the Editor may be addressed; or to the care of Messrs. Wm. H. Allen & Co., 7, Leadenhall Street; Mr. J. M. Richardson, 23, Cornhill; and Messrs. Smith, Elder, & Co., 65, Cornhill. TQUID HAIR DIL, the only dye that really Lists of their correspondents abroad, and every information, may be had on application at their office, as above; also at Messrs. BRIGGS & Co.'s, Alex-friend or servant with them, to see how it is used, andria; Mr. N. J. ASPINALL'S, Malta; and of all their other correspondents. A REMEDY OF THE GREATEST IMPORT- H. site the Royal Exchange), Patentee of the To prevent imposition, all the genuine patent ar- HE ATRAPILATORY, or LIanswers for all colours, and does not require re doing, but as the hair grows, it never fades or acquires that unnatural red or purple tint common to all other dyes. ROSS and SONS can, with the greatest confidence, recommend the above dye as infallible, if done at their establishment; and ladies and gentlemen requiring it, are requested to bring a which will enable them to do it afterwards, without the chance of failure. Several private apartments, devoted entirely to the above purpose, and some of their establishment having used it, the effect produced can be at once seen. They think it necessary to add, that by attending strictly to the instructions given with each bottle of dye, numerous persons have succeeded equally well without coming to them. Address, ROSS and SONS, 119 and 120, Bishops. gate Street, London, the celebrated Perruquiers, Perfumers, Hair-cutters, and Hair-dyers. N.B.Parties attended at their own residences, whatever the distance; or the dye can be sent by post, rail, or coach, to any part, a remittance or Post-office order being sent. Price, per post, pre-paid, first size, 78.; second, third, or fourth ditto, being above 16 ounces, must go by rail: prices, packed in wood, 11s., 168., and 21s. On ordering the dye, state whether the hair is dark or brown. The design of this work is to furnish a detailed, yet succinct narrative of the historical events recorded in the Chinese annals, and by synchronical authorities, in a form which, whilst it excludes no information essential to the O iental student, will attract and interest the general reader. "Mr. Thornton has executed his task with much ability. place in all libraries of reference."-Indian News. * It can hardly fail to obtain a "A well-written history of that singular people, presented to the world under the most favourable auspices."-Morning Herald. "We speak the opinion of competent judges, waving our own for the sake of impartiality, when we say that a more entertaining book of the kind has rarely appeared. Captain Bellew has succeeded in his difficult task of making his Griffin' the object of mirth without inspiring contempt, engaging him in adventures from which a brother griff may extract lessons of prudence whilst he reads for fun." -Asiatic Journal. "The book gives an amusing picture of the Griffin's reception, adventures, and mishaps, with a distinct view of Indian life in the presidencies, &c. &c."-Illustrated London News. 2nd edition, post 8vo. cloth lettered, 14s. A GUIDE to the STRANGER and TRAVELLER, and a COMPANION to the RESIDENT. This publication embraces, in a condensed form, complete and accurate information respecting the topography, climate, government, commerce, laws, institutions, and products of India; the mannners and customs of the inhabitants; the method of travelling throughout the empire, and the expense attendant thereon; the condition of the European (English) society; the rules and regulations of the various branches of the executive; the cost and manner of proceeding to India; the sports, ceremonies, and pageants common to the country, &c. &c. "There can be no hesitation in saying that the plan and execution of this Hand-Book are equally excellent; that it is the most complete and accurate vade-mecum which has yet appeared, and cannot fail to be both interesting and useful to all those whom business or pleasure may send to India.”— Friend of India, published at Serampore. In 8vo. cloth lettered, price 7s. 6d. THE OVERLAND GUIDE-BOOK; A complete VADE-MECUM for the OVERLAND TRAVELLER to INDIA viâ EGYPT. Illustrated by Maps of the Routes, engraved Plans of all the Steamers employed on the Line, and "The advice furnished is not only sound and honest, but also judicious and practicable. * The ndividual whose pleasure or business leads him to traverse the route treated of, will find irreparable disappointment and irretrievable inconvenience if lacking the information contained in its pages, for the author is not only well acquainted with his subject, but has carefully studied the wants and difficulties of the race of travellers of either sex."-Times, Jan. 20, 1845. "The information throughout is copious, varied, lucid, and valuable, in an extraordinary degree. The work cannot be too warmly recommended."-Naval and Military Gazette. "The work embraces all the matters necessary to be known by an overland traveller through Egypt out and home; including regulations respecting the steamers, charges and expenses, lazaretto rules, &c. &c."-Asiatic Journal. London: WM. H. ALLEN & Co., 7, Leadenhall Street. OVERLAND TO INDIA, CEYLON, HONG- TESSRS. WAGHORN & Co. to and from India, &c., by the OVERLAND ROUTE. Charges on application at their Offices, 34, Cornhill, and 34, Regent Circus, London. Passengers to India via the Continent, &c. receive the best advice, and letters of introduction and credit to places on their way to India. Parcels should be with W. & Co. on the 18th and 31st of this month. ORIENTAL LANGUAGES. MR. De from 8, Alfred Street, Bedford Square, to 58, Burton ELEMENTARY WORKS BY MR. FORBES. A GRAMMAR of the PERSIAN LANGUAGE. To which is added, a Selection of Easy Extracts for Reading, together with a copious Vocabulary. By DUNCAN FORBES, A.M. Second edition, greatly improved and considerably enlarged. Royal 8vo. cloth, 12s. 6d. RAMBLES and RECOLLEC By TIONS of an INDIAN OFFICIAL. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. "This work is not only replete with valuable information, but richly enlivened with anecdote, story, and legend, splendidly got up, and illuminated with beautiful engravings. The contents are various and interesting."-Literary Gazette. "The coloured lithographs that illustrate these volumes in a rich profusion, which proves that cost has not been considered, are effective and splendid presentments of the magnificent architecture of the East, and would alone make the work valuable. Paper, type, and binding are all so many luxuries.'' -Athenæum. "This is one of the best works that have been published on the subject of Hindostan."-Spectator. "In these volumes there is a combination of adventure, description, anecdote, thought, and detailall emanating from a mind naturally active and intelligent, practised to observe, very accomplished, and full of information, which in richness and variety has hardly been surpassed since the publication of Bishop Heber's Journal. The plates are perfect architectural drawings, with rich illuminations in colour, to convey more accurately a true idea of the originals." -Britannia. London: JOHN HATCHARD & SON, 187, Piccadilly. SADD ADDLERY, HARNESS, HORSE CLOTHING, BLANKETS, SADDLES, SPONGES, BRUSHES, &c., at A. DAVIS'S celebrated Establishments, No. 33, Strand, and No.20, Regent Street. Horse Clothing, of superior quality, at half the saddlers' prices. Horse Blankets, Rollers, Saddle Girths, Riding Bridles, Stirrup Leathers, Brushes of every kind for horses and carriages. An immense quantity of Stable Sponges, all at wholesale prices. Hunting, Riding, and Ladies' Saddles, at a saving of two guineas each. To prevent any prejudice as to quality, shape, and fit, a trial of twelve months allowed previous to payment. Household Brushes, Brooms, and Turnery. Finest Toilet, Nursery, and Bath Sponges, warranted unbleached, at half the perfumers' prices. Patentee of the cele brated Flexible Horse Brushes, also the celebrated YUNS and PISTOLS of all kinds Mane and Tail Brush, to supersede the use of Mane GUNS manufactured by BECKWITH and SON, Gun Makers to the Hon. East-India 58, SKINNER STREET, SNOW HILL, LONDON. Combs. Tooth Brushes, drawn with corded silk and India-rubber, to prevent the hairs coming loose. All orders from the country sent, carriage free, any distance, at the wholesale prices. Lists of prices forwarded by a post-paid application.-A. DAVIS, 33, Strand, and 20, Regent Street, Waterloo Place. TO BE bout W. & Co.'s Overland Guide sent, postage free, Avariety of Guns, Pistols, Rifles, &c., in stock, suitable for 28. for cadets and officers in the Company's service. the last week in May, three or four LANDSCAPES, by HODGES. They are views taken by that eminent artist whils resident in India. ་ Francis Mills, Esq., Chairman. Thomas Heath, Esq., Dep. Chairman. Wm. Chippindale, Esq. Henry T. Danvers, Esq. John Harvey, Esq. Edwin Leaf, Esq. William Lyall, Esq. Thomas Morgan, Esq. John Stewart. Esq. Barclay F. Watson, Esq. J. J. Zornlin, Esq. AUDITORS. John L. Bennett, Esq. | Robert W. Eyles, Esq. William Scott, Esq. The next Quinquennial division will be made in June, 1847, and all persons assuring by the Participating Scale prior to 31st December, 1845, will be entitled to share therein. No extra prem ium will be charged on the Lives of Military or Nawal Men, unless they enter or are called into active service, when the lowest rate consistent with safety will be required. Premiums, founded on correct data, have been specially calculated for Assurances on Lives of Officers in the Military or Civil Service of the East-India Company and the Lives of any persons proceeding to any part of the world will be Assured on terms commensurate with the risk incurred. Tables and every information can be obtained at the Office. W. T. ROBINSON, Actuary and Secretary. No appearance required before the Board.-A pri vate interview with the Medical Adviser of the Company considered sufficient. 21s. per bottle. CAUTION.-The words "Rowland's Macassar Oil" are engraved on the Wrapper of each genuine bottle; and on the back of the Wrapper 1,500 times, containing 29,028 letters. Without this none are genuine. ROWLAND'S KALYDOR, For Improving and Beautifying the Skin and Complexion. Price 4s. 6d. and 8s. 6d. per bottle, duty included. ROWLAND'S ODONTO, Or PEARL DENTIFRICE, for the Teeth and Gums. Price 2s. 9d. per box, duty included. CAUTION. -SPURIOUS COMPOUNDS are frequently offered for sale under the same names (some under the implied sanction of Royalty); the Labels, Bills, and Advertisements of the original articles are copied, and either a Fictitious Name, or the word "Genuine," is used in the place of "Rowland's." It is therefore imperative on purchasers to see that the word "Rowland's" is on the Wrapper of each article. For the protection of the public from fraud and imposition, the Hon. Commissioners of Stamps have directed the Proprietors' Signature to be engraved on the Government Stamp thusA. ROWLAND & SON, 20, HATTON GARDEN; which is affixed on the Kalydor and Odonto. Sold by the Proprietors, and by Chemists and Perfumers. CEYLON, MADRAS, AND CALCUTTA, PASSAGES ARE SECURED THROUGHOUT FROM SOUTHAMPTON TO ALL THE PRESIDENCIES OF INDIA, INCLUDING THE COST IN EGYPT. Letters of Credit granted, Estimates of Outfit prepared, and every information connected with the Journey, whether by Long Sea or Overland Route, promptly afforded on inquiry. Packages forwarded at very reduced Rates, hy this Route, to the above places and to China. 16, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET, REGENT STREET. MR. J. H. WOOLER, 22 years member of the firm WOOLER & Co., continuance of the patronage so long and so liberally afforded him in India. Bombay, having commenced business in London, respectfully begs to solicit in this country a in India may be found useful in the removal of an inconvenience often complained of by parties reJ. H. W. proposes supplying WINES, &c., and trusts his experience of the general tastes prevailing cently returned to this country, viz. a difficulty in obtaining Wines, &c. to their liking. J. H. W. also requests to state, that having formed arrangements with a most respectable house at Bor deaux, he is enabled to offer FRENCH WINES at prices as moderate as such Wines can be supplied. Also, Richly-carved BLACKWOOD FURNITURE, made expressly for this country, of choice wood. J. H. W. will also undertake the execution of Commissions to or from India. Passengers' Baggage cleared the Customs, and forwarded according to instructions. STOVEL'S MILITARY OVERALLS. MESSRS, WM. BARRY and SON, J. STOVEL, REGIMENTAL TAILOR, and the of 133, Bishopsgate-street. Within, London has been appointed by the Board of General Officers for Inspecting and Regulating the Clothing of her Majesty's Army, with the approval of his Grace the Commander-in-Chief, to prepare a new standard pattern of overalls for all cavalry regiments, cut upon improved principles submitted by him to their inspection in 1842. 122, Engravers, beg respectfully to inform the nobility and gentry that they have just received from Paris articles of the newest and most attractive descriptions, suitable for presents. In addition to a large miscellaneous stock, comprising every imaginable sort of PLAIN, FANCY, and DECORATIVE STATIONERY, they consist of tasteful articles in Bohemian glass, bronze, buhl, filigree, ivory, and papier maché ornaments. Messrs. B. & Son supply letter and note paper, whether plain, fancy, or suitable for invitations, from 4s. to 40s. per ream, and may be stamped in the best manner with either arms, crest, plied from 12s. each. Card-plates engraved for 2s. 6d., coronet, or initials,- dies for which purpose are supOfficers of her Majesty's regiments in India, and and 100 cards printed, 2s. 6d. : the style of engraving those of the Honourable East-India Company's Messrs. B. & Son have had the honour of engraving. may be selected from an immense assortment which army, wishing to avail themselves of this improve-Pocket-books and souvenirs may be procured of every ment, may do so by transmitting their measure, ac kind, bound either in the plainest or most costly mancording to the following directions, to Trousers cut on this plan have obtained the ascendancy over those cut in the ordinary manner, from the great freedom of stride they afford either in walking or riding. They can be supplied only by J. S., from whom may also be obtained every article of uniform or plain clothing, military accoutrements, &c. &c. GENTLEMEN RETURNING FROM INDIA will be waited on immediately they arrive in town, by sending an order to that effect; and J. S has made arrangements which enable him to supply a complete suit of plain clothes in 24 hours. PARENTS who may be going ENGLAND, or those to whom the care of Children, in the absence of their parents, either in India or elsewhere, is consigned.-An opportunity is presented of placing children, under the above circumstances, in a comfortable and happy home, with a widow lady and her two daughters, which would combine every advantage of maternal care with a superior education. The daughters of the adver iser were education finished in England. They have had some experience in tuition. The greatest care will be taken of the health of the pupils, and the most anxious attention devoted to their spiritual as well as temporal welfare. The number limited to four. Terms, 100 guineas. including accomplishments. Unexceptiona de references given and required. Address to M. B., care of Messrs. BRIDGES and MASON, 23, Red Lion Square, London. parts of INDIA, CHINA, &c.-J. Hartley & Co. and J. Barber & Co., in connection with the Peninsular and Oriental Company, receive and forward parcels, as above, twice a month.-For CALCUTTA, MADRAS, CEYLON, and CHINA, parcels received till the 18th of each month, and for BOMBAY till the last day BUT ONE of each month.-Contents and value should be described on outside cover of each parcel.-Insurances effected.and 17, St. Mary Axe. Offices, 137, Leadenhall Street; 33, Regent Circus; PARCELS for THE WEST INDIES also re ceived and forwarded by J. Hartley & Co. twice a month. ARTILLERY. GENTLEMEN having appoint ments for the Royal or the Hon. East-India Company's Artillery, can be completely equipped, at the shortest notice, at MAYNARD & HARRIS'S, 27, Poultry. The articles supplied at this establishment are of the best quality, and strictly correct as to the uniform of either presidency. Samples, with the prices and detailed lists of necessaries, may be seen at the CABIN FURNITURE, and every article of personal outfit, ready for shipment at the shortest notice. For the OVERLAND ROUTE, their CONDENSED TRAVELLING EQUIPAGE is strongly recommended; also their very light Waterproof Trunk. MAYNARD & HARRIS, 27, Poultry, next the Mansion-House. GRINDLAY AND CO., 16, CORNHILL, AND 8, ST. MARTIN'S PLACE, CHARING CROSS, EAST-INDIA ARMY AGENTS, AND AGENTS FOR PASSENGERS TO INDIA. CADETS and ASSISTANT-SURGEONS.-Messrs. GRINDLAY & Co. have prepared the most complete and detailed scales of equipment for Cadets and Assistant-Surgeons, combining efficiency with the utmost economy, and shewing at one view the total expense of an equipment for India, including the passage, and every other expense. For Freight or Passage, apply to the respective Commanders, at the Jerusalem Coffee-House; or to WIMBLE & ALLPORT, with Mesars, WIGRAM, 98, Gracechurch Street, corner of Leadenhall Street. STEAM to CEYLON, MADRAS, CALCUTTA, and BOMBAY, viâ EGYPT.-The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Naviga tion Company book PASSENGERS for Ceylon, Madras, and Calcutta direct, by Steamers leaving Southampton on the 20th, and for Alexandria, en route to Bombay, on the 1st of every month. For rates of passage-money, plans of the Steamers, and to secure passages, apply at the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's Offices, 51, St. Mary Axe, London; and 57, High Street, Southampton. STEAM CALCUT-ship FRBAL, TODS, J. M. CAWKITT, Commander (being under enOR CALCUTTA, the fine frigate-built Ship JOHN gagement to the Hon. East-India Company, will have immediate despatch). This Vessel presents a favourable opportunity for Shippers and Passengers, as she is one of the fastest sailers in the trade. Has superior accommodation, and carries a Surgeon. Now loading in the West-India Dock. For Freight or Passage, apply to Messrs. TAYLOR, POTTER, and Co., Liverpool; or to H. H. LINDSAY, East-India Chambers, Leadenhall Street. TEAM to CEYLON, MADRAS, and CALCUTTA.ORIENTAL will leave Southampton for ALEXANDRIA on the 20th of April, and the corresponding vessel at SUEZ will be the HINDOSTAN, which leaves that port for the above places on or about the 10th of May. For rates of passage-money, plans of the Steamers, and to secure passages, apply at the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's Offices, 51, St. Mary Axe, London; and 57, High Street, Southampton. REGULAR LINE OF PACKETS BETWEEN LONDON THE undermentioned SHIPS will sail from LONDON, punctually on the days named, for VICTORIA, MACAO, and CANTON: DUKE OF PORTLAND, GEORGE HAMLIN, May 1st. Goods must be alongside two days previous to the above dates, and they will call at and sail from Portsmouth on the 8th of each month. The above Ships are classed A1 at Lloyd's, and are commodiously fitted for Passengers, to whose comfort and convenience every attention will be paid. For terms of Freight or Passage, apply to PHILLIPPS and TIPLADY, 3, George Yard, Lombard Street. LONDON:-Printed by CHARLES WYMAN, of 49, Cumming Street, Pentonville, in the County of Middlesex, Printer, at the Printing-Office of J. & H. Cox, Brothers, 74 & 75, Great Queen Street. Lincoln's-Inn Fields, in the Parish of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, in the same County; and published by LANCELOT WILD, at No. 13, Catherine Street, Strand, in the Parish of St. Mary-le-Strand, in the said County.-Saturday, April 5, 1845. AND REGISTER OF INTELLIGENCE FOR BRITISH & FOREIGN INDIA, CHINA, & ALL PARTS OF THE EAST. No. 27.] PUBLISHED ON THE ARRIVAL OF EACH OVERLAND MAIL. LONDON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1845. The Bentinck (st.), Killock, from Calcutta, arrived at Suez April 5, baving left Calcutta March 8, Saugor 10, Madras 14, Point de Galle 17, and Aden 29. The mail arrived at Alexandria on the evening of the 7th of April, and the Great Liverpool left on the 8th for Malta, where she arrived on the 13th, and was appointed to sail on the 14th for Southampton, at which place she may be expected about the 26th inst. H.M. st. Volcano conveyed to Marseilles the portion of the mail for London forwarded through France. [PRICE 18. greatly prized; and though our lot is cast in calmer times, it is still of inestimable benefit to the numerous class in each country whose interests or whose affections bind them closely to the other. By them the arrival of the mail is looked for almost as anxiously as though it never failed to bring an account of at least half-a-dozen pitched battles. To the lover of mankind, the pacific tone by which, for the most part, the arrivals have for months been characterized, is even more gratifying than would be the most brilliant chapter of war. Peace is, or ought to be, the season of social and internal improvement, and India has now a GovernorGeneral not slow to perceive this, nor backward in acting upon his impressions. We journalists have the most reason to complain, but we must console ourselves by reflecting, that though the employment of ardent spirits may in some circumstances be necessary, their habitual use is injurious, and that milder stimulants are far more conducive to the health of the system. India iɛ in a state of peace, unless the foray in which Sir CHARLES NAPIER is engaged (if it be not at an end) be allowed to constitute an exception. The Punjab displays an ominous calm. The Khalsa army hold the scales of power, and determine on the claims of conflicting candidates for its exercise, according as they weigh-that is, accordingly as they are deemed to possess the means and the will of benefiting the military rabble of king-makers. Political authority is in the Punjab an article of auction-sale, the best bidder will bring down the hammer in his favour; a piece of success which is accompanied by the comfortable conviction that in a few months he will probably bring down upon his throat the swords of those to whom he owes his elevation. Such is the life for which many are anxiously contending. It would not suit a quiet London citizen, who would rather be engaged in the care of his green-house at Clapton or Brixton, than in controlling, or persuading himself that he controlled, the destinies of the Punjab. How long this state of things is to continue is a question which has often been asked, and which still remains an open one. Misgovernment in the East is a very hardy plant; it clings to life with singular tenacity; witness Oude, which for sixty years has been in a state which made it impossible to say whether it has during the period had a government or not. If the fruitful Punjab be doomed to a similar duration of suffering, we can only lament it and pity the miserable people. Affghanistan, another unhappy country, is, like its neigh |