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lows: "While the Government desires to make every effort, so far as the resources of the state will admit, to prevent deaths from famine, it considers it absolutely necessary, in the present condition of the finances, to practise the most severe economy. It admits that the task of saving life, irrespective of cost, is beyond its power; and that to relieve all the constantly recurring famines of India on the scale adopted in Behar three years ago must inevitably lead to national bankruptcy." After laying down these general principles, the Government determined to give Sir R. Temple directions for

relief operations, based on the experience of past famines. The people should, as far as possible, be collected on large relief works, so as to admit of close supervision. A strict labor test should be applied; wages should be only such as will give a bare subsistence. Gratuitous relief should be given only in cases of extreme necessity. The relief works need not be in the distressed districts, if the people can be easily removed to a place where food is more abundant. Private trade in grain should not be interfered with. The Madras Government is censured for having, at the beginning

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of the scarcity, purchased 30,000 tons of grain. The Supreme Government believes such operations calculated to increase the difficulty of procuring a food-supply, and it is confident that private trade, if left perfectly unfettered, may be counted on to supply the wants of both Presidencies. The dispatch concluded by laying down a general rule that every province ought, as far as it might be practicable, to be held responsible for meeting the cost of the famines from which it might suffer, and that the burden should not fall on the general taxpayers. By the middle of February, the numerous dispatches from the Supreme and the local Governments, together with the reports of Sir R. Temple, gave a complete picture of the terrible calamity. Besides the large portions of Bombay and Madras, the territories of the Nizam and of the Maharajah of Mysore were seriously affected. On the distress in the territory of the Nizam, Sir R. Temple reported as follows:

Out of the 17 districts which compose the dominions of his Highness the Nizam, there has been a bad failure of harvests in parts of 6 only. The failure has been most utter in the Alpur subdivision of East Raichore; there no crop whatever was saved this season. In the rest of the distressed tracts it is estimated that a yield of about one-sixth of an ordinary crop has been secured. In tracts adjoining the distressed districts the harvests have not been

so good as usual; but over the rest of the country the harvests have been fair; while in the districts north of Hyderabad there have been decidedly had been good throughout the country, save in one good crops. The harvests of the two previous years comparatively small tract, just where the present failure is worst. Stocks are probably considerable. The Revenue Secretary estimated that there must be quite a year's food in the country.

In Mysore, the Government reported that nearly two-thirds of the whole area, and onehalf the population of the provinces, were affected. Large numbers of people from the surrounding villages flocked to the city of Madras, where eight relief camps were established, and thousands of people were fed entirely at the public expense. As soon as they were strong enough to work, they were sent to other camps outside the city, and set to work. In the city smallpox and cholera set in in March, and produced a terrible mortality. A sign of the severity with which the famine was pressing on the people was the amount of jewelry and personal ornaments tendered for sale at the Presidency Mint. The value of silver ornaments tendered from January to October, 1876, averaged from £300 to £600 monthly, and this rose in November to over £6,000. In May, 1877, it had reached the enormous figure of £80,000. In the beginning of August, a large meeting was held in Madras, in which it

was decided to appeal for help. In September, the prospect began to grow brighter, as rain commenced to fall at various places. With the beginning of October, a general and most favorable change set in over Northern and Central India. From October 5th to 9th, there was extensive rain, extending from Patna and Nagpore in the south to Jhylum in the north, and from Hurdui in Oude in the east to Ajmir and Gujerat in the west. The rainfall ranged from two to ten inches every where, and benefited all the affected districts. Agriculture began to be active everywhere; emigrants from the threatened districts were returning home; prices of food began to be lower, and the number of persons employed on the relief works and furnished with gratuitous supplies was decreasing considerably. An idea of the aid furnished by the Government may be gathered from the fact that up to August 25th the amount expended on the famine relief work in the Madras Presidency, was 21,590,925 rupees (1 rupee = 46 cents); in gratuitous relief, 5,072,299 rupees: making a total outlay of 26,663,224 rupees. The prospects now continued to improve, and during the month of October there was a decrease of 900,000 persons employed on the works. The great saving thus effected had been unattended by any suffering or loss of life.

The difference between the Afridis and the Indian Government was settled in March, by the complete subjection of the former. (See AFGHANISTAN.) In August fresh disturbances occurred on the Punjaub frontier. The offenders were Jowakis, a section of the Adam Khel tribe of Afridis. They are a small and insignificant clan, inhabiting the heights above the Kohat Pass; but their position gives them ample opportunity for inflicting annoyance when mischievously inclined. In August they made a raid into British territory, cut the telegraphwires, and did other damage. When called upon to make restitution, the chief sent an insolent message, saying he would come into Kohat and submit, provided all the fines previously imposed were remitted, and provided the Government paid the value of all the cattle lost by the tribe. This was, of course, refused, and as the tribe continued its hostile attitude, although unsupported by other Afridis, a small force was sent from Kohat against the raiders. The troops marched through the Jowaki country, and on their appearance the raiders fled without offering resistance, and the force returned to Kohat. On November 9th, an expedition consisting of 2,100 infantry, with six guns, and a small number of cavalry, under the command of General Keyes, entered the Jowaki territory in three columns. It met with uninterrupted success, and on December 1st captured Jummu, the chief stronghold of the Jowakis. Hostilities were suspended in the latter part of December, although the Jowakis still remained defiant.

A meeting of the Convocation of the Cal

cutta University was held on March 10th. Lord Lytton, for the first time, presided as Chancellor. He made a long address to the students, in the course of which he alluded to a fuller opening of Government employment to the natives. He said that, although it was rendered necessary by circumstances that certain posts must always be filled by Europeans, there were still many other posts no less dignified and lucrative, which the Government was pledged and determined to throw open to natives. At the same time he advised the students not to look solely to the Government for employment, as their countrymen were too apt to do, but to turn their thoughts and energies also to the various professions. At the same meeting, Vice-Chancellor Hobhouse stated that this year, for the first time, a native lady, a Christian, had applied to be admitted to the university examinations.

The Mohammedans of India showed considerable sympathy with the Turks. Subscriptions were opened in the largest towns, and large amounts were subscribed. Pamphlets and proclamations, coming chiefly from Mecca, were largely circulated. The object of them all is the union of Islam against Russia.

On February 15th, the Commissioner for Oude resigned his post, and Oude was united with the Northwest Provinces. The measure was decidedly unpopular in Oude, and the people of that province showed great unanimity and perseverance in praying for its reconsideration.

INDIANA. The 50th regular session of the Indiana Legislature, which began on January 3d, came to a close on March 5th. Out of 982 bills introduced, only 99 were passed. The general appropriation bill having failed of passage, a special session was called, which continued from the 6th to the 15th of March. STATE

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STATE SEAL OF INDIANA.

There was very little legislation of general interest or importance. The tax-levy was 12 cents on each $100 of taxable property, and a poll-tax of 50 cents. An act was passed providing for the construction of a new State House, for

which an appropriation of $2,000,000 was made. The work was placed in charge of a Board of Commissioners consisting of the Governor and four other persons to be appointed by him, two from each of the "leading political parties of the State." To meet the expense a special levy of 1 cent on $100 for 1877 and 2 cents on $100 for 1878 was provided in the act. Several changes, mostly of minor importance, were made in the school laws. One of these provides that the county superintendent, the township trustees, and the presidents of the boards of trustees in cities and towns, shall constitute the county board of education. Another authorizes the trustees of school corporations to organize separate schools for colored children, with equal privileges and advantages with those provided for white children, but in case no such separate school is established, colored children shall be admitted on equal terms in the schools. for white children. Another act made township trustees ineligible for reëlection after serving for a term of two years. The school commissioners in cities of more than 30,000 inhabitants were authorized to make temporary loans in anticipation of the revenue of the current year.b A bill providing for the funding of the debt of cities of more than 16,000 inhabitants prohibits an increase of such debt hereafter beyond 2 per cent. upon the tax duplicate of the current

year, except by temporary loans in anticipation of the revenue of each year. The limit of taxation for general purposes in such cities was fixed at 90 cents on $100 for general purposes and 20 cents for school purposes. It was further provided that no warrants should be drawn upon the city Treasury when there is no money on hand to meet them, and no appropriation should be made unless the money required therefor be in the Treasury at the time. Among the other acts passed was one requiring that the doors provided for ingress and egress of theatres, opera-houses, public buildings, museums, churches, colleges, seminaries, and school-buildings, shall be hung so as to swing outward, and one prohibiting the sale of intoxicating liquors on Sundays, holidays, and election days. This Legislature consisted of 24 Republicans, 25 Democrats, and 1 Independent in the Senate, and 54 Republicans and 46 Democrats in the House, which gave the Republicans a majority of 6 on a joint

ballot.

An investigation of the condition of the prissons was made during the session of the Legis

lature, but led to no definite action. The prison at Jeffersonville was found to be indebted to the extent of $118,525.41. The liabilities incurred by the existing administration for the 18 months preceding December 15, 1876, amounted to $64,297.68, while the assets were $11,296.02. The grounds and buildings were found in an unsatisfactory condition. The committee which visited the northern penitentiary reported the grounds and buildings in excellent condition and the institution self-supporting. Some criticism was made on the treatment of prisoners, on account of severe punishment in some cases, improper food, and a restriction of the privileges of reading.

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Seven amendments to the Constitution of the State were proposed by this Legislature, but must be approved by that to be chosen in 1878 before they are submitted to the people for ratification. They are as follows:

1. Section 2, of article 2 amended so as to read as follows: "Section 2. In all elections not otherwise provided for by this Constitution, every male citizen of the United States of the age of twenty-one years and upward, who shall have resided in the State during the six months, and in the township sixty days, and in the ward or precinct thirty days, immediately preceding such election, and every male of foreign birth, of the age of twenty-one years and one year, and shall have resided in this State during upward, who shall have resided in the United States the six months, and in the township sixty days, and in the ward or precinct thirty days, immediately preceding such election, and shall have declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States, conformably to the laws of the United States on the subject of naturalization, shall be entitled to vote in the township or precinct where he may reside, if he shall have been duly registered according to law." be amended as follows: "By strinking out the

2. That the Constitution of the State of Indiana words 'No negro or mulatto shall have the right of suffrage,' contained in section 5 of the second article of the Constitution."

3. That the following amendment to the Constitution of the State of Indiana be and the same is hereby proposed, to wit: Amend section 14 of the second article to read: "Section 14. All general elections shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, but township elections may be held at such times as may be provided by law: Provided, That the General Assembly may provide by law for the election of all judges of courts of general and appellate jurisdiction, by an election to be held for such officers only, at which time no other officer shall be voted for; and shall also provide for the registration of all persons entitled to vote."

4. Strike the word "white" from sections 4 and 5 of article 4.

5. Amend the fourteenth clause of section 22 of article 4 to read as follows: "In relation to fees or salaries, except that the laws may be so made as to grade the compensation of officers in proportion to the population, and the necessary services required."

6. Amend section 1 of the seventh article to read: "Section 1. The judicial power of the State shall be vested in a Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and such other courts as the General Assembly may establish."

7. That the second section of the seventh article of the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to read as follows: "Section 2. The Supreme Court shall consist of not less than five nor more than seven judges, a majority of whom shall form a quorum. They shall hold their offices for six years if they shall so long behave well: Provided, That the judges elected at the first election after the taking effect of this amendment shall be divided by lot into three classes, as nearly as may be, the fraction being in the last class, and the seats of the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of two years, those of the second class at the expiration of four years, the third class at the expiration of six years, so that onethird thereof, as nearly as may be, shall be chosen every two years thereafter."

The Institution for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb contained 302 pupils at the beginning of the year, of whom 185 were males and 117 females. At the end of the year there were 355, a number too large for the accommodations provided. The total expenses of the institution for the year were $65,884.62.

The number of school children enrolled during the year was 498,726, the average daily attendance being 298,324. Four hundred and thirteen new school-houses were erected, making the whole number 9,476. The number of teachers employed was 13,635, of whom 8,131 were males and 5,504 females. The average daily pay was $2.51 for an average number of 128 school-days. Of the number of children enrolled 6,751 were colored. The total valuation of school property was $11,376,729.88; revenue for the year, $4,873,131.04.

Shortly after the disturbances occasioned by railroad strikes in different parts of the country, a large mass meeting of working-men was held in the grounds of the State House at Indianapolis. It occurred on August 13th, and the following resolutions were adopted as expressive of its sentiments and purposes:

Whereas, The present deplorable condition of the country is one demanding the most serious consideration of all classes; and

Whereas, The suffering and destitution of the la

bor element of the country are terrible beyond description, and are being daily augmented by the rapid and heartless encroachments of united capital; and

Whereas, This condition of affairs is becoming so desperate and alarming as to demand prompt and vigorous action by the industrial classes of our population: therefore, be it

Resolved, By the independent working-men of the city of Indianapolis:

1. We demand for labor a recognition of those rights and principles upon the statute books of the nation vouchsafed to it by our magna charta, to wit: "That all men are created free and equal, and alike entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

2. That the creators of all values have a right to make an equitable proportion of those values all their own; and that all laws which rob labor of its fruits to enrich and support in luxury idle drones, are antagonistic to all principles of justice, and we demand their immediate repeal.

3. To this end we demand the repeal of all those special charters and privileges granted to idle capital for the oppression of active capital and labor.

4. That all citizens of the commonwealth should bear their proportion of the public burdens; therefore, we demand that property be taxed, bonds not excepted.

5. We demand the immediate repeal of the resumption act.

6. We demand the retirement of the national bank currency.

7. The power to issue money and regulate its value is given to the Congress of the United States alone. Therefore, we demand that Congress exercise the prerogative by throwing open the mints of the Government for the free coinage of both gold and silver, and providing for the issue of treasury-notes. Both coin and notes to be alike receivable for all debts, dues, and demands of every kind whatever due to the United States.

8. And whereas the principal office of gold and silver coin is to adjust balances between governments, by reason whereof it cannot be depended upon as a medium for exchange, or a basis for currency, therefore we demand the issue by the Government of treasury-notes, as above described, to the amount of $20 per capita, and that said notes be kept up to that standard.

9. Whereas, The interests of labor demand a fixed value for all the products of labor, which can only be given by a fixed value of money; and

Whereas, Experience has taught us that a specie basis is productive of the wildest inflation and the greatest contraction of money upon business principles: therefore,

classes, are emphatically opposed to a specie basis, Resolved, That we, the friends of the laboring or any other financial policy that will result in either inflation or contraction.

10. That we deprecate the spirit of vandalism in any shape, and hereby pledge each other and the country the preservation of peace and the lives and property of our citizens, and call upon all law-abiding people to aid in the attainment of this end.

11. Resolved, That there is nothing so detrimental to the interests of labor as a foreign debt, labor paying all the interest thereon; therefore, we denounce all laws and regulations providing for the sale of bonds, either municipal, railroad, State, or national, abroad.

The State Central Committee of the Democratic party held a meeting on December 20th, and issued an address "To the Democratic Voters of Indiana," of which the material portion was as follows:

This is the first occasion upon which the committee has been called upon to address you since the

election of 1876. We cannot now be wholly silent upon what took place after that election. It is known to you all that Tilden and Hendricks were elected, and according to the Constitution and laws they should have been inaugurated. A cabinet officer announced to the country the flagrant falsehood that Hayes and Wheeler were elected, and then it was resolved that they should be forced into the offices. The President gave his sanction to the highhanded proceeding and commanded the military forces of the country to be assembled at Washington, thereby seeking to control the action of Congress and dictate his successor. The work was done. The right of the people to select their rulers at the ballot-box was sacrificed to the greedy demands of party, and in the presence of military power. Rather than involve the country in civil strife, or even expose it to the hazard of that dreadful calamity, the Democrats in Congress chose to trust the Judges of the Supreme Court. That trust was disappointed, and resulted in a fraud-even members of that high court so far forgot the dignity of their position as to allow themselves to be used to serve the purpose of partisan power and gain. We do not propose to disturb the incumbents; but the people owe it to themselves, and the institutions of the country that rest upon the ballot-box, to rebuke the crime, so that it never can be repeated. The party has made no gain by its crime. It is filled with distrust and dissensions. Neither department trusts the other. Indeed how could it be otherwise? Hayes knows that the commission declared him elected when he was not elected; and the country knows that he has identified himself with and made himself and his administration a party to the crime by appointing to lucrative offices nearly all the men who had guilty connection with the foul Returning Board transaction. One of the wretches from Florida, nominated for Chief Justice of one the Territories, was so vile that the Senate was compelled, but a few days since, to reject him. May we not ask sincere and honest Republicans whether they are content to indorse this crime by their votes? Will they not rather join us in its condemnation and in an honest effort to return to better government, with the hope that better times will follow?

The State Convention of the party, to be composed of 1,071 delegates from the various counties, was called for February 20, 1878.

IOWA. The financial record of the State of Iowa for the last fiscal term of two years, ending September 30th, is not altogether satisfactory. At the beginning of that period there was a balance in the Treasury, credited to various funds, amounting in all to $58,525.77. The receipts for two years were $2,137,682.40, and the disbursements $2,122,470.78, leaving a balance of $73,737.39. But the balance in the general fund was reduced from $3,144.66 to $25.56, the receipts having been $1,983,470.65 and the disbursements $1,986,559.75. The appropriations of the sixteenth General Assembly so far exceeded the calculations of the Auditor, that at the close of the fiscal year there were outstanding warrants to the amount of $267,776.31, constituting a floating debt which, in January, 1878, had been increased to $340,826.56, or about $90,000 in excess of the constitutional limitation of the indebted ness of the State. Besides this, there was a funded debt of $543,056.15, consisting of $300,000 war and defense bonds, due July, 1881, and $243,056.15 owing to the schoolfund. The interest on this debt, for the fis

cal term, was $83,541.16. The estimated receipts for the current term are $2,092,000; expenditures for purposes already provided for in the laws, $1,745,660; leaving $346,340, or only a little more than the amount of outstanding warrants, to cover special appropriations. The total amount of taxes levied in the State for all purposes, general and local, for collection in 1877, was $10,699,762.39. Över 90 per cent. of this sum was for local purposes, and nearly one-half for schools. The permanent school-fund is $3,459,085.39. The amount of interest collected and apportioned among the schools of the State, for the two years, was $559,981.59. The value of schoolhouses in the State is estimated at $9,044,973; value of apparatus, $159,216; number of volumes in libraries, 17,329. Other school statistics for the year 1877 are as follows:

NUMBER OF TEACHERS EMPLOYED IN THE STATE.

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The State University, Agricultural College, and Normal School, are in a flourishing condition, but ask for more liberal allowances from the State.

The Home for Soldiers' Orphans, at Cedar Falls, was closed in June, 1876, and the children remaining in its charge were transferred to the State Orphans' Home at Davenport. In the latter institution, on the 30th of September, there were 139 inmates. The expenditures, for two years, were $45,210.65. Α school for feeble-minded children has been established at Glenwood, where there were 87 pupils at the close of the year. The Reform School contained 141 boys and 53 girls on the 31st of October. A new building for this institution is said to be urgently needed. There were, on the 1st of October, 921 persons at the State insane asylums: 594 at Mount Pleasant, and 327 at Independence. The cost of supporting these institutions, for the fiscal term, was $370,083.94; of which $335,711.81 was charged to the counties, and $34,372.14 to the State. The penitentiary at Fort Madison has been somewhat enlarged, and the number of convicts has increased, in two years, from 67 to 148. The expenses were $40,447.01 in excess of the earnings. The work on the new State House has progressed

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