No. 30.]

The Hon. Co.'s st. Queen, from Bombay (with the mail of May), arrived at Suez 20th May.

The mails arrived at Alexandria on the 23rd May, on which day the Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam vessel Iberia left with them for Malta, where she arrived on the 27th.

H.M.'s st. Volcano left for Marseilles with that portion of the mail intended to come through France on the day on which the Iberia reached Malta.

The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam vessel Duke of Cornwall was to leave Malta on the 28th May for Southampton, with the remaining portion of the mail, and she may be expected to arrive about the 9th inst.

The Hindostan (st.), Moresby, left Suez, 10th May, with the London mail of 24th April, for Ceylon, Madras, and Calcutta.

[PRICE 18.

of affairs as last accurately ascertained among the conflicting powers of the Punjab, GOLAB SINGH, the Khalsa, and JOWHAIR SING, the Ranee, would not be greatly surprised by learning that an attempt had been made to determine their differences by mortal fight, or that GOLAB SINGH had evaded this result by shutting himself up in some fortress or fastness, where he might deem himself safe from successful attack. Neither of these seemingly probable events has taken place; and that which has occurred is so totally beyond the reach of rational calculation, that it would be as absurd to speculate on its possible effects, as it would be, in the present state of our information, to inquire into its actual causes. European politics are often (perhaps generally) a tangled skein, to unravel which is a task defying the powers of those who have not been instrumental in creating the confusion. But Oriental politics would seem almost to belong to another planet, had we not satisfactory evidence that the actors in them are really and truly "men of middle earth.”

It now seems that GOLAB SING, repenting of his treachery towards the troops, as criminals repent of their evil courses at the foot of the scaffold, made up his mind to the conciliation, by a sum of money, of those whom he had offended. He might as well have adhered to his bargain in the first instance, and suffered the deputation from the Khalsa to keep what he had given them; but it was too late to think of this with a view to prevention, but not too late to repair the error. Those who imagine that the Khalsa manifested any reluctance in taking money from a man whose hands were imbrued in the blood of their comrades, are altogether mistaken. No such scruples are known in the Punjab. Every one takes all he can get, and cares neither from whom it comes nor why it is bestowed. The money was received with as much avidity as if tendered by the purest hands. In the language of the Delhi Gazette, it was "readily," nay even "greedily accepted." And now comes a still more extraordinary step than even the second donation of money, following, as it did, closely on the violent resumption of the first. GOLAB SINGH proceeded to the camp of the troops known as Avitabile's battalions, and professed himself ready to accompany them to Lahore, and submit to the Ranee, provided the troops would guarantee his safety, and promise to allow fo return, if he should not be successful in making terms with the Government. To this the battalion readily agreedwhy should they not, seeing that according to Punjabce

morality there was not the slightest necessity for keeping the promise if it were found inconvenient? The promise was given, and sealed with the most solemn oaths, as customary on such occasions. Several other battalions afterwards joined the "league," having heard that there was a probability of gaining something by it; but the troops more immediately connected with the party of JowHAIR SINGH were incorruptible, calculating on doing better by maintaining their fidelity. Late in March the battalions which had attached themselves to GOLAB SINGH broke ground from before Jamboo, and excited consternation in the capital by their threatened approach. The dissentients from the cause of GOLAB SINGH moved simultaneously with his adherents, the latter body being swelled, it is said, to sixteen or seventeen thousand men. Both arrived in the immediate vicinity of Lahore on the 6th of April, when the troops who had retained their allegiance moved into their usual cantonments, and those who had chosen a new master encamped on the north side of the Ravee.

In the meantime, an affair, on the precise influence of which it is not probable at present to form a judgment, had occurred between a Sikh and a British force. Major Broadfoot being located somewhere between Ferozepore and Loodianah, heard that a mounted party of Lahore troops had crossed the Sutlej, to settle some villages, according to the language of the initiated-in that of the vulgar, to plunder them. He immediately started in pursuit of this band, with them, and put an end to their sport. Blood came up was shed in the operation, but whether one Sikh only fell, or three were added to the number of the dead, is disputed. The intelligence of this interference with the exercise of the avocations of the Punjabees excited much indignation at Lahore. JowHAIR SINGH assembled a council composed of deputations from his battalions, and inquired of them what should be done. The assembled worthies, valiant as Bobadil, offered to go, without loss of time, and burn down both Ferozepore and Loodianah. JowHAIR SINGH, less violently disposed, suggested that, as the greater part of their army was absent, it might be better to wait its return before determining on any thing. The fiery zeal of the military councillors cooled down before the prudent advice of their chief, and it was resolved to postpone the meditated conflagration sine die.

On the arrival of GOLAB SINGH, JOWHAIR SINGH, in a truly courtly spirit, invited him to come into Lahore. This was declined, the friends of GOLAB SINGH declaring that he should not move unless he were to proceed to the durbar by desire of the Ranee. The inhabitants of Lahore now made up their minds that they were about to be entertained with a fight. All who possessed any thing of value removed their treasure to some more secure spot, the shops were closed, business suspended, and some salutes fired in honour of the Mahagurh at a review, were believed to be the "opening roar" of the impending battle. It seems to be thought that JOWHAIR SINGH was not at all indisposed for such a mode of arbitration, and would have had recourse to it if GOLAB SINGH had not acquired a new accession of strength by the junction, first, of a considerable number of discontented cavalry, and subsequently, of a large body of troops belonging to the widow of SUCHET SINGH. JOWHAIR SINGH now thought that "the better part of valour was discretion," and attempted to negotiate. Here, however, the mysterious and unaccountable begin

case.

again to predominate. Prima facie GOLAB SINGH does not appear to have played his game well, but perhaps he understood it better than his critics. He was at the head of a force which it is represented would have enabled him to dictate his own terms, but having received an intimation from the troops of Lahore, that if he did not comply with the wishes of the Sircar, they were prepared to fight, he forthwith declared, that on the following day, the 8th of April, he would enter Lahore, and submit himself unconditionally to the will of the Government. The deputies who had been sent to acquaint him with the valorous purposings of their comrades in Lahore, thereupon raised a shout, and swore (no doubt with sincerity) that they would be responsible for the safety of the chief. Accordingly, on the morrow, a detachment consisting of one company from each regiment in Lahore crossed the river, and having sworn again to what was sworn the day before (deeming, it may be presumed, that oaths, like habits good and bad, acquire strength by repetition), they received in charge from Avitabile's battalions the person of GOLAB SINGH, and conducted him, riding on an elephant, into the town. To the reader of these movements, there appears much that is strange, but nothing very affecting. With regard to the chief performer in them, such was not the GOLAB SINGH, as he pursued his course through the town, shed, we are told, abundance of tears. By what process they were extracted is not related, but every bazaar was honoured by a fresh and copious shower. A palace was assigned for the residence of the visitor, but, notwithstanding the force on the opposite side of the river which owned his authority, he seems to have been regarded as a prisoner, and JowHAIR SINGH is reported to have sent a set of chains for his use, formed, indeed, with a delicate degree of attention to the rank of the party, of gold-but yet, chains. Some intrigue, however, was in progress, and on the messenger with the golden chains presenting himself at the residence of GOLAB SINGH, he found the guards changed. To add to his surprise, he was advised to return whence he came, the advice being accompanied by an intimation that he might suffer from neglecting it; and to convince him that his advisers were in earnest, his departure was quickened by a shower of bricks. But yet the adherents of GOLAB SINGH did not feel secure, and they informed the Ranee and JOWHAIR SINGH, that if GOLAB SINGH were not honourably received at the durbar, they would at once carry him thereupon, assured that he should be received as they back to the camp, and thence to Jamboo. They were, desired. The attack by Major BROADFOOT on the Sikh plunderers was now again brought forward. JOWHAIR SINGH was reminded by the troops that

the

time had arrived for reconsidering the matter, but he contrived again to get rid of the troublesome question by suggesting that it would be better to inquire into the circumstances of attack before proceeding to revenge it. It was then urged upon the chief that the army ought to be assembled ready for every emergency. JowHAIR SINGH answered, with becoming dignity, that he would consider.

But a change was approaching. On a future day GOLAB SINGH was publicly, and as had been demanded on his behalf, honourably received at a durbar held for the purpose, to which moreover JowHAIR SINGH was admitted only after his arms had been taken from him. The Maharajah

personal trust not capable of being delegated, or exercised by procuration.

Lastly, that assuming Messrs. Campbell and Gouger to have full authority to bind the defendant, they had not done so by their present notes, inasmuch as they had signed in their individual names, and not in the name of the company, or as agents for the defendant or the other partners, and therefore only bound themselves personally, and not their principals.

The CHIES JUSTICE said the points were new ones; and that the present impression of the Court was in favour of the defendant, particularly upon the last point. On the other points the Court could not quite agree without more consideration. The better course would therefore be to nonsuit the plaintiff, reserving to him leave to move generally to set it aside.

Nonsuit accordingly.

MARCH 25.

DUFFIN V. LUSHINGTON.

This was an action by the plaintiff, a lieutenant in the 6th regt. N.I., against the defendant, a gentleman of the civil service, and Judge of Futtehpore, for the publication of a libel, at Simlah, in Nov. 1843. The particulars of the case will sufficiently appear from the judgment.

Mr. MORTON and Mr. RITCHIE appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. LEITH and Mr. SANDES for the defendant.

The case closed soon after four o'clock, and after some deliberation,

An

The CHIEF JUSTICE delivered judgment. This is a case, his lordship observed, in which we think our duty to the public requires us to mark decidedly our sense of the nature of the libel before us. A more aggravated libel in itself certainly never came under my observation, nor is it possible to conceive charge; more heinous than those which the defendant in it prefers against the plaintiff. The history of it seems shortly to be this. unfortunate disagreement had taken place between the plaintiff and his wife, who had placed herself temporarily under the protection of the defendant's wife. The defendant listened to charges, brought by a wife irritated against her husband, of an atrocious character, and relating to matters of a distant date. Any man who reflected how tender a thing reputation is, would have paused, at least, before he gave publicity to charges preferred under such circumstances. He would have inquired whether they were founded on mere suspicions, or whether there was any proof of the offences imputed. He ought to have reflected how different suspicions are from proofs, but how easily suspicions, when once disseminated, are believed. But it does not appear that the defendant made any attempt whatever to investigate the truth of the charges between the time of his first hearing them uttered and his publishing them to the plaintiff's friends. In his letter he says, that unless the plaintiff would comply with terms which he (the defendant) had no right whatever to impose, he would publish his horrible secret. Such are the charges preferred by the defendant against the plaintiff; charges of such a nature as to render the libel to all intents and purposes a threatening letter. For the effect of one part of the charge, if believed, would have been to drive the plaintiff from society, and that of the other (the charge of public peculation) to drive him with disgrace from the employment of the Government whom he served. These charges the defendant does not now attempt to substantiate, although, at least the latter portion, was susceptible of proof if founded on truth, whatever difficulties might have been in the way of the rest. And yet, up to this time, I can find no offer to withdraw or retract any portion of them, or to make any proper concession to the plaintiff. On the contrary, the only attempt of the kind on which the defendant relies is a letter offering to apologize if the plaintiff first proves himself innocent, to the satisfaction of arbitrators, and intimating, that the defendant still considers himself justified-a letter which, we think, was properly characterized by the plaintiff's counsel as an additional insult, instead of an apology. Under all these circumstances, I do not know whether, in giving the judgment I am about to pronounce, we are not awarding less damages than a jury would give in England for a similar injury. But we take into consideration the fact, that the plaintiff had, previously to the libel, himself published a foolish, and certainly in every respect, an improper statement concerning his own wife in the public rooms at Simlah. And I must say that, in my opinion, it reflects very little credit on the public at Simlah, that they allowed that statement to have remained in the public room one hour. We also take into consideration that the defendant has already suffered pecuniarily on the criminal side of the Court for the injury done to society by this publication; considering these circumstances, therefore, we give our verdict for the plaintiff, with damages of Co.'s Rs. 7,500.

Verdict accordingly.

THE MEDICAL COLLEGE. The annual distribution of diplomas, scholarships, and prize medals to the students of the Medical College, was held on the afternoon of the 2nd of March. There were present on the occasion, besides the professors of the college, and a goodly assemblage of gentlemen, European and native, the Right Hon. the Governor-General and suite, the Hon. Messrs. Cameron and Millett, Sir Lawrence Peel and Sir Henry Seton, Col. Powney, G. A. Bushby, J. A. Dorin, F. J. Halliday, and C. Beadon, Esqrs.; Drs. Hough and Nicholson; the Rev. Drs. James Charles Duff and Carew; Captains Marshall and Greene; Raja Radhacant Deb and Kalikrishen, Rustomjee Cowasjee, Esq.; Baboo Russomy Dutt, &c., &c. The distinguished secretary of the institution, Dr. F. Mouat, read portions from the annual report for the past twelve months. The parts read afforded the most interesting information in respect to the college, its working, and success, of which the following points may just be mentioned. There are at present in both departments of the institution, general and military, nearly two hundred students. In connexion with it there are two hospitals, capable of accommodating 112 patients, a lying-in hospital, with 60 beds, besides out-door patients, to whom relief is afforded, and who average to about 150 daily. And then, as is well known, the project of establishing a fever hospital is fast progressing towards being fully carried out. In addition to all this, the college has an excellent museum of pathological and other scientific specimens and preparations, a library of about 3,000 volumes, a suitable laboratory, an amply supply of any description of apparatus necessary for such an institution, and a cabinet of minerals, presented by one connected with the college, is shortly expected. The report made mention, in terms of regret, of the departure of Drs. Goodeve and Raleigh, and of the lamented death of Dr. Griffiths. In respect to the last-named gentleman, a suitable and feeling tribute was paid to his memory, as a man distinguished alike for the extent of his scientific knowledge, his excellence of character, and all those gifts of intellect which make his loss so greatly to be lamented. The next subject alluded to in the report, as read by the secretary, related to the native students who have just proceeded to Europe for education. The particulars of the origin and progress of this measure were detailed. The report also embodied statistical particulars of the college during the last ten years of its existence. Among other points, the aggregate of the expenditure on account of the establishment of the Medical College and its dependencies was stated to be something above five lacs. The only other subject in reference to which the report was read, was that relative to the conduct and proficiency of the students during the last twelve months. In both these respects, the accounts recorded by the secretary were highly satisfactory. Dr. Mouat having read the report, the Governor-General spoke a very excellent address.

SIR HENRY HARDINGE rose and said, that he would at once state the impression he entertained in respect to the Medical College, an institution which, his Excellency thought, yielded to none in the interest which it excites; of all the institutions he had visited in Bengal, the benefits which it conferred were peculiarly of a practical nature, reflecting honour on all engaged in promoting its objects. The education which the institution imparted was calculated to qualify the natives of this country to perform the humane and benevolent duty of affording comfort in affliction, and soothing the pain and anguish of bodily disease. Such was the character of the duties of the medical practitioner, which he fulfils under difficulties and danger, devoting himself to them with unremitting and anxious watchfulness, and exposing himself, at personal hazard, to regions infected with contagion and death. Yet, under all such risks, does he not shrink from them, and it might, therefore, be justly said, that the courage and fortitude of a good doctor are equal to those of a brave soldier. As to the profession, therefore, in which this institution was training up so many young men, it was one, as far as his Excellency could form a judgment, of practical philanthropy, and the young men passing through it would undoubtedly, by their skill and benevolence, prove useful members of society. His Excellency then went on to observe, that he had heard, with great satisfaction, the report just read by the secretary, and which he had himself previously read. He was happy to per. ceive from it, that from the two departments of the college no less than 139 students-being 69 from one, and 70 from the other -have passed as qualified, and received diplomas, and thus, by their education become qualified for professional duties. The larger part of these have dispersed over the country, and others are engaged in private practice. The greater number of these passed students have been pronounced highly qualified in the different branches of professional knowledge, and one of them in particular has been stated to have performed eighteen operations in phlebotomy with unerring accuracy, thus practising with a

degree of success not surpassed by the first practitioners in Europe. Other branches of science have been practised by them with equal success. His Excellency had heard, with great satisfaction also, that the examination to which the students are subjected is strict, searching, and particular in all the difficult departments of professional knowledge, not falling short of that which the universities at home require from candidates for diplomas. His Excellency next proceeded to notice the military class of the college, which was composed, for the most part, of the sons of native military officers, and designed for the service and relief of that army to which we were all so much indebted. In this respect, also, the institution was of incalculable advantage, and in fact, the good it was productive of by the professional tuition of the students in both departments of the institution might justly be called immense. With regard to the military class, his Excellency further remarked that he had understood that those of them who had already been sent on regimental service, had afforded the greatest satisfaction. His Excellency added on this head that he had only in the afternoon received a report from the medical board, from which it appeared that out of fiftyfive students from this college on military service, unfavourable accounts had been received of only two; so that of the fifty-five in the army, but two have been found fault with. His Excellency congratulated the professors on such satisfactory and creditable results. In regard to the statement contained in the report of the system of instruction pursued in the college, his Excellency observed, that the beneficial results which flowed from it were entirely to be referred to the ability and zeal with which the professors did their duty, and no less to the superintending care with which the Hon. Messrs. Cameron and Millett applied themselves to do every thing calculated to promote the usefulness of the institution. But there was another individual, his Excellency went on to say, to whom the best thanks of both the Government and the public were due; he alluded to Dr. Mouat, to whose active superintendence of the internal economy and general management of the institution, as he resided in the premises, for its present efficient state they were in a great degree indebted. His Excellency next made allusion to the regularity of the attendance of the students, their creditable, good conduct, and their assiduity and diligence in the prosecution of their studies-all which he heard with pleasure accorded in the Report. Of the eighty students who live in the college, he had also heard with pleasure similar favourable accounts, and his Excellency was sure that, among the same number of young men in the like situation, he had never heard of more order or regularity of conduct. His Excellency further said he would notice a remarkable event in connection with the institution, which reflected the highest credit on the moral courage of the individuals concerned. He alluded, he said, to the four students who have just embarked for England to complete their education. It was the triumph of reason and sense over prejudice and superstition. India and civilization would be improved by it, and those who have thus braved the prejudices of their countrymen, and the dangers of foreign journey, would be amply repaid by the success attendant upon so venturous and bold a resolution. His Excellency next adverted to the feeling terms in which the secretary had made mention of the loss sustained by the institution in the death of Dr. Griffiths. His Excellency had heard Dr. Griffiths spoken of as a valuable public officer; and his name mentioned in every quarter as a man of eminent scientific attainments, and like whom few had ever come to India. His loss, therefore, could not but be matter of the deepest regret, especially in reference to this institution. His Excellency also made a passing reference to the contemplated formation of an hospital for the superior European classes, the measure being, at present, before the Government, and his Excelleney hoped it would soon be carried out. His Excellency, in conclusion, remarked, that he could not resume his seat without giving expression to the conviction he felt, that this institution, and no less civilization in general, was deeply indebted to the late Lord William Bentinck, and to Lord Auckland, for the encouragement which they had given

to it.

THE LORD BISHOP.

The meeting on Monday evening, April the 14th, to present an address to the Right Reverend Lord Bishop, on his expected departure from the country in the search of health, was very well attended. A great number of the most respectable members of society, belonging both to the Church of England, as well as other Christian denominations, were present upon the occasion; but as the requisition convening the meeting invited "laymen of the Church of England and others," not more than only a couple of clergymen of the Establishment. besides the Archdeacon, at

tended. Major-general Sir T. Valiant having been voted to take the chair, the business of the meeting was opened by the Archdeacon, stating the object for which it had been called.

Mr. C. R. Prinsep then got up to move the first resolution, He made allusion to the Bishop as the worthy successor of Heber, and referred to his efforts in the sacred cause of which he was so eminent a champion, his zeal and energy in rousing the Protestant members of the Indian community to active piety, and the exertions made by him, to which chiefly the Christian public were indebted for the plains of Bengal being covered with so many churches. These excellencies of character and practice could only, perhaps, be surpassed by the munificence which has led his lordship to devote so large a portion of his personal funds towards such objects, and especially to the new cathedral now fast progressing towards completion. He, Mr. Prinsep, did not thus prominently mention such munificence because he thought it the first of virtues, but because it was so conspicuously displayed in the course of his lordship's career. But even his lordship's munificence was not to be compared with his holy and pious endeavours ever directed to heal animosities whenever to be found, and his constant watchfulness, by precept and example, to promote love and piety among those belonging to his flock. For all this his lordship's approaching departure must be felt as a great loss to the Protestant Christian community in this part of the world. Mr. Prinsep hoped, however, that his lordship's absence would not be protracted, but that he might soon return among us restored to health, to resume his superintendence of the interests of Christianity. Mr. Prinsep then proposed, That this meeting is desirous of recording its regret, that indisposition should render it necessary for the Bishop of Calcutta to leave India for a season; the high sense which it entertains of the services rendered by his lordship to the cause of true religion and to the best interests of society; and its hope that, under the Divine blessing, his lordship may be restored to health, and enabled shortly to resume the duties of his diocese.

The resolution being seconded by Lieut.-col. W. N. Forbes, was carried.

Mr. I. F. LEITH then came forward and passed a very elegant panegyric on the Bishop. He said that about thirteen years ago, he had left his native shores together with his lordship. They came out in company in the same vessel, and in the course of the voyage, an intimacy sprung up between them which has since been matured to friendship. During the passage he had peculiar opportunities of forming an estimate of the Bishop's intellectual and religious worth, and had repeatedly observed the high and stirling attributes of intellect and piety, which in so eminent a degree distinguished his lordship as a man and a Christian teacher; these qualities were sufficiently displayed in his sermons and charges, and other works, as was too popularly known to need any detailed mention of the fact. In addition to his religious labours, arduous as they have been, the Lord Bishop has taken an active part in other great measures important to the benefit of the country and its interests. He alluded to his lordship's advocacy of the question of steam communication between India and England; his exertions and success in founding the Church Building Fund, and no less his great undertaking to carry out which he had made such large and noble sacrifices. Such were the recommendations which Mr. Leith begged to suggest, to induce the meeting to join in the address which he was about to propose to be presented to the Lord Bishop. After some further remarks Mr. Leith brought forward the address.

TO THE RIGHT REV. THE LORD BISHOP OF CALCUTTA. MY LORD,-On the occasion of your departure from India to seek the renovation of your health, impaired by twelve years' zealous and unremitted labour in the discharge of your sacred office, we consider it our bounden duty to testify no less the affectionate regard we bear towards you, than the high sense we entertain of the value of your public ministry, and of the success which, under the blessing of God, has attended your earnest endeavours to promote the interests of his holy religion.

We deeply regret the cause which has compelled your lordship to separate from us for a season. We learned with unfeigned concern the tidings of your alarming illness, and with mingled anxiety and joy the successive accounts of your gradual restoration. The prayers of the church for your recovery and safe return have, we humbly hope, been heard and accepted.

It would be presumptuous in us to offer an opinion on the character of your lordship's ministry since you assumed charge of the diocese; but, we may be permitted to remark, that the blessing of God upon your labours has been abundantly shewn in the complete and general success which has attended them, and in the gradual and steady growth of Christian truth among the people during this period.