to render it of little value. But, on the other hand, as we cannot divine any reasons for keeping the public in the dark with reference to the progress of this great work, in which every individual of the community is more or less interested, this makes us inclined to doubt the correctness of a report which, if unfounded, ought to be met by a positive contradiction from those upon whom it reflects. The railway company wants money, and it will never get any in India, unless the plan followed with regard to the electric telegraph of from time to time reporting progress be adopted. Secrecy begets suspicion, openness engenders confidence, and that is what the people of India do not yet feel in the railway speculation, and until they do, not even the Government guarantee of 44 per cent. for their money will tempt them to invest capital in railway shares. We are told that a great impulse is shortly to be given to railways in India, and we hope it will be given at once, for it is high time; and unless it be so, few of us will ever travel by rail to Delhi; and yet with the money to carry on the works, we see no obstacle to the line being completed from the City of Palaces to that of the Great Mogul by the expiration of the time agreed upon. By commencing in many places at once the entire line might be finished, with the exception perhaps of bridges over the Soane and Jumna, where steam ferries, similar to that we are to have upon the Hooghly, would, we consider, suffice for the present at least, even if it should not be found better to be content with them, and give up the idea of bridging these great rivers altogether. The distance from Calcutta to Delhi by railway will be close upon, if not quite 1,200 miles, and four steam ferries, of which one would be at the commencement, and a second at the termination of the journey, would offer but trifling impediments to travelling; indeed the loss of time and the trouble caused in crossing them are hardly worthy of being taken into account in so long a journey. The cost of bridging the Soane has been variously estimated, and, we believe, it is generally admitted that the smallest sum for which a bridge could be erected is one million of pounds sterling. We imagine that a stream ferry of the very best description could be provided for a few thousand pounds, probably for about the sum in excess of the estimate that the bridge would cost, in which case the whole amount of the estimate would be saved, and this sum would suffice, at the rate of 6,000l. per mile, the highest estimated cost of a railway above Allahabad, to construct a line 166 miles in length. The advantages that would arise from an extension of the trunk line or the construction of a branch line of the above extent would more than compensate for the absence of a bridge over the Soane.-Hurkaru. The LONDON MAIL of July 25th arrived at Calcutta on August 28th (per steamer Bombay). The Bentinck left Suez on September 22nd, en route to Madras and Calcutta, with the mail of September 9th. EXAMINATION OF CIVILIANS IN THE LANGUAGES.-In consequence of a report by the Board of Examiners of the inability of Mr. G. E. Watson, an unpassed civil servant, to qualify himself for the public service by proficiency in two of the native languages within one year and three months, the period prescribed by Government regulations, the Hon. the Lieut.-Governor of Bengal has granted him a further period of a half-year; but he has been warned by his Honour, that failing to pass within this second period, his name will be removed from the Bengal civil list, and he will be required to return to England. SHAHPORE-MARCH OF INTELLECT.- An opulent respectable Zemindar of the above district, on the 13th August, celebrated the marriage festival of his daughter with great pomp and ostentation. When the bridegroom came to tie the marriage knot and take her away, the young lady had disappeared, taking with her what gold and jewels she was furnished with on the occasion of her marriage. The new Jessica's aged parents sought her to no purpose-the bridegroom and his party waiting in the grand hall fitted up for the occasion. The next morning the matrimonial party returned disappointed and disgusted. After a few days this young lady, together with her paramour, was apprehended. Her age is between fifteen and sixteen, and she is remarkably handsome, as the Punjabee women generally are. The Darogah and police used every threatening and conciliatory means to induce her to go to her parents and enter the matrimonial alliance; but she has determined to have the man of her choice or no one. she cannot possibly marry a man whom she does not love-consequently the matter has been handed over to the deputy commissioner for his decision. As Young Bengal who so often advocates female education and remarriage of widows, it is surprising he does not try to persuade his countrymen not to be tied to unseen females" for better and for worse." It is well worthy of their notice to recommend courtship prior to marriage as well. She says MR. LAWRENCE, the Chief Commissioner of the Punjab, has returned to Murree. Mr. Lawrence quitted Lahore on Monday evening by dâk, accompanied by his military secretary, Major Macpherson. He will probably not return until the arrival of the Most Noble the Governor-General in the Punjab.-Lahore Chronicle, August 23. SUBSCRIPTIONS IN AID OF SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' WIVES.Our readers will be happy to learn that sums realised and paid into the Bank of Bengal, in aid of the fund for the families of the soldiers and sailors engaged in the present war, fall but little short of twenty-two thousand rupees. As might have been anticipated, the military have contributed largely; the collection at Barrack. pore, upwards of Rs. 2,300, being by far the largest; next in order follows St. Paul's Cathedral and St. John's Church, and then some of the larger stations in the Mofussil. THE MUSSOORIE SCANDAL.-The Delhi Gazette, in reference to the Mussoorie scandal, states, that Mr. C. C. Jackson, com. missioner of the Meerut division, has drawn up a statement of the case, in which he entirely exonerates Mrs. Bignell from blame, as regards the charges of intoxication. This is a result upon which the lady may justly be congratulated, for Mr. Jackson is well known to be a most impartial and clear-headed man; one likely to form a correct judgment upon any case submitted for his deci sion. Mr. Jackson's opinion has been indorsed by Capt. Ryley, of the 5th cavalry, and Capt. Mill, of the artillery. THE 3RD BENGAL FUSILIERS.-This regiment has for some time attracted our attention, and we have regarded with feel. ings of admiration the happy state of mind of its officers, the discipline of its commandant, and the organization of its interior economy. The 3rd Fusiliers are a body that will yet adorn the pages of history with their deeds, for scarcely had the regiment's virgin colours floated over the bayonets of its brave men, than the battle and the victory of Chandernagore was emblazoned upon them by the finger of fame. The storming of Gibraltar, the taking of Ehrenbreistein, would not stand for a moment in comparison to the deeds that were done on that glorious day, when Chandernagore fell, and the victorious standard of that corps was planted upon the ramparts of a hitherto supposed to be impregnable fortress. We have been given to understand that three officers are under arrest; we mention no names, nor will we say why the pinions of their liberty have been clipped. Joking apart -how is the organization of this regiment going on? There must be something wrong about it, when it is whispered in military circles that everything is not going on right in the battalion. We are acquainted with one or two officers in it, and we feel no hesitation whatsoever in saying that its junior captain, the "boots" of the centurions, is a zealous officer and a first-rate gentleman. We repeat we are not speaking now ironically, although the colonel deserves richly to be hauled over the coals of journalism, for permitting his men to infringe the laws of nations by besieging Chandernagore, a settlement belonging to the Emperor of France, and our ally against the Russians in the present war. Taking a survey of the names of the officers we were struck by the numbers of subalterns with P. H. to their names. Could this have been an idiosyncracy of Lord Dalhousie, appointing orientalists to rule over British soldiers? Another mistake committed in the organization of this corps is that it is not well officered. If the military authorities (amongst whom we rank the Morning Chronicle) imagine that English or Irish, or Scotch soldiers can be kept in as good order as a battalion of sepoys, we tell them they are mistaken; and it is scandalous, yes, verily scandalous! to see how the 3rd Europeans are officered. Leaving the field officers out of the question, there are twelve captains in the regiment; of these twelve captains one is in commissariat, the second in civil employ, the third in the pay the department, the fourth in the department of Public Works, the fifth on medical certificate," the sixth present with his corps, the seventh is in the department of Public Works, the eighth commands the Behar-station guards, the ninth holds a staff employment in the 18th irregular cavalry, and the tenth is in civil employ!!!! So that only two captains, one of whom is Robert Patton, are undertaking the duties of the rest, bearing the brunt of regimental routine, while the other Lotharios are revelling in the ease and comforts of staff and civil appointments. Of the lieutenants, who count twenty strong, one has been accommodated with lodgings, free of expense, by her Majesty, in an institution called (genteelly) No. 1, Chowringhee, two more are gone home to England on sick certificate, three more are in "civil employ," whilst two more are holding staff appointments, one in a regiment of Irregular cavalry, and another in the Gwalior contingent !!!! If this is the way a regiment of English soldiers is to be officered, we must not feel surprised at such glorious exploits occurring as the surreptitious occupation of French settlements, and we are only astonished the 3rd Bengal fusiliers have not yet conceived the idea of marching down to Calcutta, and shying stones at the windows of Government-house.-Citizen, Aug. 25. CAPTAIN W. EDWARDS, 18TH N. I., has obtained leave of absence to 20th January, 1855, to visit Lahore and the presidency preparatory to applying for permission to retire from the service. Captain Edwards, who is thus designated in G. O. C. C., obtained his army majority by the recent brevet, and will retire on the pension of a lieutenant-colonel. CAPTAIN N. W. MAINWARING.-Captain N. W. Mainwaring, 73rd N.I., deputy superintendent second division Ganges canal, has sent in his resignation, and wishes to rejoin his regiment. He has grouded his application upon the plea of ill health; but we have no doubt that any one acquainted with the late and present ongoings of that division of the canal will be able to form his own opinion as regards this excellent officer's resignation.-Indian Standard, August 11. COLONEL R. HOME has resigned his appointment on the brigade staff of the army, and has been succeeded by Colonel H. F. Caley, nearly as old a soldier as himself, the former having entered the service on the 1st January, 1804, and the latter.on 14th of April, 1807. SUB-ASSISTANT COMMISSARY GENERAL LIEUTENANT JOHN LEVEN, 62ND N.I., has been appointed to act in the audit branch of the Commissariat Department during the absence of Mr. Dowleans, whose services the Government of India have placed at the disposal of the Central Committee for the Paris Exhibition, of which he is the secretary. With a view, however, of not depriving the auditor of commissariat accounts entirely of the services of his head assistant, it has been arranged that Mr. Dowleans shall attend the audit office every alternate day.-Hurkaru. SURVEY DEPARTMENT.-We have been given to understand that the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal has increased the allowances of Mr. E. G. Birch, superintendent of survey in the third or eastern division at Moorshedabad, from Company's Rs. 8,400 to 12,000 per annum, subject to confirmation by the GovernorGeneral. By this arrangement the salaries of the superintendents will be equalised, the controller of surveys only drawing the higher rate or Company's Rs. 23,000 per annum.-Hurkaru. NATIVE LANGUAGES.-The Delhi Gazette gives the result of the last half-yearly examination in the native languages, and we regret to observe that the number of officers who have passed is very small. Only three officers, one of the artillery and two of the 21st N.I., have passed the interpreter's examination. In Hindostanee the number who have passed is twenty-seven, five second lieutenants of artillery, and one of engineers, a cornet and .a lieutenant of cavalry, and nineteen officers of native infantry, of whom three belong to the 17th and two to the 8th N.I. POPULARITY OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN THE PUNJAB. -The Lahore Chronicle records a fact which speaks highly for the popularity of the British Government in the Punjab; nearly all the regiments of the Punjab irregular force have volunteered to serve wherever they may be required to go, but more especially in Persia or Turkey. NUMEERPORE, Aug. 8.-An experiment is being made here in turning the waters of one of the numerous lakes in pergunnah Mahobha of this district to some account for the purpose of irrigation. If successful, probably some 12,000 beegahs will be brought into cultivation. The Government have also called for reports on all the lakes and sheets of water, old bunds, &c. in this district, and in Banda, and seem determined to make use of them. The Jeitpore bund has been repaired at a cost of 2,000 rupees. Very little was or is known about the many sheets of water scattered about the neighbourhood of Jeitpore and Mahobha in the district of Humeerpore, but the Lieutenant-Governor being of a curious disposition has made up his mind to ascertain something about them. These proceedings show a disposition, at any rate, to develop the resources of the country-and it is "the misfortune of the Indian Government, that the good it does and is doing is rarely known to the public for some time after the completion of the work in progress.-Mofussilite, Aug. 14. MR. WYLIE.-We regret to state Mr. Wylie, the first judge of the Small Cause Court, was absent from his seat yesterday, again stricken down by illness, which, no doubt, has been occasioned by the extent of business that has fallen to his share since he rejoined the court on the 7th instant. An immense number of cases, which came up for hearing during his recent illness, were reserved for his special decision; a great many others, which the officiating judge was not able to hear, were also postponed to a future day; and all those several accumulations, together with the regular cases of each day, occupied his attention from the first resumption of his seat until yesterday, up to five, six, and seven o'clock each day. He has never been able to leave the court before five o'clock, and when it is considered that he is even still scarce recovered from his late dangerous illness, it seems a matter of regret that measures have not been adopted to lighten the weight of his labours, and thus guard against risk to a life so highly valued by the community.-Hurkaru, Aug. 31. THE BENGAL PILOT SERVICE.-We are informed that the branch pilot, J. W. Roberts, has retired from his duties on pension, and that Mr. Acting Branch Pilot W. Jackson will soon be confirmed in his acting rank. MAHARAJAH GOLAB SING.-Letters received from the Punjab mention the serious illness of our friend and ally, the Maharajah Golab Sing, whose health is represented to be in such a condition as to cause grave anxiety to his family and those about him, and must also be a matter of some interest to the British authorities. There is scarcely any room to doubt that the death of this remarkable and able man will, whenever it may occur, involve us in an immediate interference in the affairs of his heirs, and of the countries he governs. It is hardly probable that the succession to his throne and dignities will be effected in a peaceable and orderly manner, with a very unpopular son-Runbeer Sing-and a very popular nephew-Jawahir Sing-waiting events, and, we may naturally suppose, quite prepared to do a little Orientalism towards each other whenever the opportune moment shall arrive. Whatever may be the estimate formed of Golab Sing's character and career, there can be no doubt that he is an abler and a wiser man than any that is likely to succeed him, and that, consequently, his death will be a calamity to his kingdom, unless, indeed, which is far from improbable, it should result in its falling into the hands of the British.-Morning Chronicle, August 23. MANAGEMENT OF THE STATE OF NAGPORE.-The following, we are informed, are the arrangements made by the most noble the Governor-General of India for the management of the state of Nagpore, now declared by the honourable the Court of Directors to be a part of the British possessions :-One commissioner, on a salary of Co.'s Rs. 60,000 per annum (inclusive of personal allowance); one personal assistant to commissioner, on a salary of Co.'s Rs. 10,800 per annum; two deputy-commissioners, at Co.'s Rs. 1,500 each per mensem; two ditto ditto, at Rs. 1,200 per mensem each; one ditto at Co.'s Rs. 1,000 per mensem; eight assistant commissioners, salaries from 700 to 500 per mensem each; nine extra assistants, salaries from 500 to 150 per mensem each.-Hurkaru. THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.-We are informed that a separate establishment for the electric telegraph is to be kept in Government House and at Alipore to enable the Governor-General and the Lieut.-Governor to hold direct and confidential intercourse. The dialogues, if published, we think will be rather amusing. Let us suppose a very troublesome Omeedwar politely referred to Government House by the Lieut.-Governor. He drives off, but before he can reach it the message has preceded him. "That troublesome fellow C- has been bothering me all breakfast time to give so and so to his friend-I have referred him to your lordship!" Answer. "When he comes, I will tell him very sorry the place is disposed of."—Englishman, August 25. MYMENSING.-We extract the following from a Mymensing letter:-"On the morning of the 14th August the Lieut.Governor of Bengal arrived at this station, and was received by all the European and native gentlemen of the district. The steamer was anchored off the Cootee Ghat at 11 A.M., and a small boat was sent by the Lieut.-Governor to convey to the steamer the judge, the magistrate, and the joint magistrate, who were waiting on the bank, and after an interview of few a minutes they were brought back to the shore; next the collector and the deputy collectors were treated the same. At 3 P.M. the principal sudder ameen, the sudder ameen and moulvee paid visits with their certificates of good character. At 5 P.M. his honour, accompanied by the secretaries, inspected the jail, and at 6 P.M. returned to the steamer. On the 15th instant, at 10 A.M., he paid a visit to the magistrate's office, inquiring into different things as he was passing through; next he proceeded to the collectorate, and took his seat at the western side of the verandah for a short time and looked into the mode in which business was transacted. During this he put several shrewd questions to Messrs. Pogson and Wyatt, deputy collectors, and then left the collectorate for the judge's office, where he remained for a long time and received a mass of petitions. Several zemindars were also introduced to him. At 5 P.M. he inspected the English school, and was much pleased with the institution. On the 16th he remained till 4 o'clock in his steamer, and in the evening drove to the judge's residence, where he passed the night, and on the morning of the 17th instant left Mymensing for Dacca." RAMPORE.-The Lieutenant-Governor of Agra has approved and confirmed the heir apparentship of Nuwab Mahomed Saaeed Khan, on his eldest son Yousoof Ully Khan, which event the Nuwab announced by a salute of eleven guns, and grand entertainments and presents to his dependents. All the native princes, since the publication of the Most Noble the Governor-General's recent minute regarding the absorption of native states, are greatly alarmed, and think that his lordship will annex every principality in India. Hence rejoicings at Rampore. DR. O'SHAUGHNESSY was on his way to the presidency. His health has been restored, and he intends to superintend the construction of the telegraph from Calcutta to Prome. THE ANUNDONATH LIBRARY.-A correspondent of the Englishman mentions that the Lieutenant-Governor laid the first stone of the Anundonath Library at Beauleah on the 5th instant. This library, to be erected in accordance with a scheme originally suggested by Mr. H. V. Bayley, has been endowed by the munificence of Kour Aundonath Rai, who, besides a gift of Rs. 12,000, has devoted Rs. 350 annually for the maintenance of the institution. NEW PLAN TO CHECK ASSASSINATION.-A correspondent of the Englishman mentions a new plan adopted by the commissioner of Peshawar to check the constant assassinations. A sentry belonging to the 10th cavalry was murdered. The headmen of the neighbouring viliages were therefore ordered to produce the murderer within three days, or pay a fine of Rs. 1,000. This is the ancient Saxon system, under which the hundred was liable for all the crimes committed by its inmates. AGRA AND UNITED SERVICE BANK -This well-managed and prosperous concern has, it will be seen, declared a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum, out of its profits of Rs. 4,41,252, for the last half-year. The balance, equal to Rs. 3-13-10 per cent. per annum, has been applied in part to make up the reserve fund to ten lacs.-Agra Messenger, August 26. PERMISSION TO FAMILIES OF OFFICERS TO RESIDE AT HENZADA. The Gazette of Sept. 2 contains an order permitting the families of public servants to join them at the station of Henzada in Pegu. If we continue to receive such accounts of the tranquillity of Pegu as have reached us during several months past, we presume that it will not be long before a like boon is granted to the Government servants at other stations. If the visit of the embassy from Burmah should lead to the conclusion of a satisfactory treaty, possibly the restriction against the families of those employed in the new province joining them may be altogether withdrawn. UNPOSTED ENSIGNS.-It has been brought to our notice that while the number of ensigns "doing duty" is becoming very large, the many vacancies in regiments of native infantry, caused by the removals to the 3rd European regiment and otherwise, are remaining open for an unreasonable length of time. The delay in filling up these gaps is, we believe, felt as something of an evil and a hardship by the corps in which they exist; not merely because additional duty is thereby thrown upon the few subalterns present, but also and chiefly because of the detriment occasioned to regimental institutions, which depend so much on the support of a certain number of members, as for example the mess and the band. It is to be hoped that we shall soon see an extensive posting in general orders.-Agra Messenger, August 19. WRECK OF THE "ROB ROY."-Government yesterday despatched the Zenobia steamer to the Andamans to relieve the crew of the Rob Roy, and if possible to get the brig off. It is expected the Zenobia will be there by Friday. The Rob Roy is stated to be high and dry, and if the weather prove favourable, it is hoped both vessel and cargo may be saved. The cargo consists of 805 chests of opium, and is insured for about nine lacs. Nearly all the insurance offices in town have suffered more or less, those who have been doing business at reduced premiums having the largest risks, and consequently being the hardest hit. Forty-eight of the crew are on shore, well armed, and it is supposed able to defend themselves, and protect the vessel against any attack on the part of the savages. Those gentlemen are not opium-eaters, they prefer lascars, and would probably take nothing more than such iron and copper as they could conveniently detach. We have received the following details from a friend:-" Clipper Rob Roy, it appears, left this port about the 27th ultimo, and went to sea on the 29th, soon after which she must have experienced the very heavy weather that occurred at the Sand Heads, and which extended some distance down the Bay of Bengal on the 31st ultimo and 1st current. We understand that she was three days without an observation; and the fury of the storm must have swept her towards, and finally on, to one of the Andaman Islands, where she struck on the 2nd instant. The captain, his wife, and a portion of the crew left in a boat for Rangoon, and were exposed four days and nights, before being picked up by a ship. As soon as the natives discovered the wreck, they came down in a body, and shot arrows at the crew, who, in self-defence, were obliged to fire upon them. This is neither the first nor second time we have heard of our shipwrecked sailors being treated in this manner by these savages, and as we have no power over the wind and waves, and know not how soon another disaster like the present may again occur, we think it behoves our Government to give some consideration to the protection of our mercantile interests. Vast teak-forests are said to abound in these islands: it might pay Government to colonize them."—Englishman, Aug. 23. AN AMERICAN CLIPPER, the Typhoon, of 1,600 tons, has made the passage from the Isle of Wight to the Sandheads in eighty-five days. This is one of the most rapid voyages on record. THE LADY LAWRENCE FUND is, we are happy to observe, progressing favourably. The sum already subscribed amounts to Rs. 8,023, of which Rs. 3,320 has been paid. Dr. C. Hathaway, the secretary to the committee, will receive contributions. THE INDIA GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY has earned during the past half-year Rs. 94,238, or a profit of Rs. 71,521. Of this sum, Rs. 30,000 have been devoted to increase the reserve fund, and a dividend declared at the rate of Rs. 8 per cent. per annum. Shares are at present Rs. 200 above par. THE "LADY NUGENT."-The pilot of the Pekin was taken out to sea when she last left. He has returned, and reports that the Pekin passed near the island of Preparis, to the north of which are situated the rocks called Cow and Calf; and on one of them was clearly observed the lower mast of a ship lying in a slanting position, and over it was spread out a sail, as if it was intended for a screen or tent. It was proposed to put out a boat, but the commander was unwilling to run the risk, particularly as he had seen it publicly announced that the Lady Nugent was all right. The steamer passed near enough to distinguish men, and even smaller objects, had there been any on the rocks, but none were seen.-Hurkaru, Sept. 2. COLONEL TUCKER.-The recent advancement of the adjutantgeneral of the Bengal army to the rank of colonel, consequent upon his being nominated an aide-de-camp to the Queen, is said to have given dissatisfaction in military circles in the north-west. Considering how highly Colonel Tucker distinguished himself in the Punjab campaign, and how well he has discharged the responsible duties of his office, we were not in the least surprised to see him selected as one of the recipients of royal favour; and we think that the officers of the Bengal army ought to be gratified that the officer holding the highest military appointment in the army has received a rank, which, in our opinion, should always be bestowed upon the individual occupying the situation. It is true that Colonel Tucker has superseded thirty-five lieutenant-colonels, of whom twenty-eight hold that rank regimentally; but this is a trifling amount of supersession compared with what has occurred in numerous previous instances, and in this case is not likely to be fraught with the consequences which will result from others, because we do not believe that Colonel Tucker intends to take any command. He certainly would not accept a brigade, and should he, as it is reported he will, proceed to England shortly, we doubt if he would return to India for one; we even question if he will ever come out to take a division. If a new system of brevet promotion is to be introduced into the India armies, and advancement to high rank out of the regular course by seniority is to be made the reward of distinguished services and high qualifications, we shall be quite satisfied so long as the selections are as well made as in the present case; and the Bengal army need not complain if the next elevation involves no more supersession that the present, and the officer selected for promotion has as good claims to consideration as Colonel Tucker possesses, and has, like him, served upwards of thirty years.-Hurkaru. THE UNCOVENANTED SERVICE.-Lord Dalhousie has done more for the Uncovenanted Service, and for the natives employed in that service, than any of his predecessors. One of them bestowed the office of commissioner of the Sunderbuns on Roy Omacant Sein, and another made Baboo Russomoy Dutt judge of the Small Cause Court; but for him it was reserved to open a number of coveted appointments to the worst-paid and hardest worked body of the servants of the state. During his administration, and with his express sanction, the offices of assistant accountant general and assistant civil auditor, in the Bombay presidency, have been conferred on native gentlemen. In our own presidency, he has bestowed the office of clerk assistant to the legislative council on Baboo Prosono Coomar Tagore; that of junior magistrate on Baboo Huru Chunder Ghose; that of assistant collector of customs on Baboo Nogender Nauth Tagore; and now, according to a contemporary, we have a fresh instance of his liberality in the appointment of a native to the office of third assistant to the accountant general, on a salary of Rs. 800. We have no idea for whom this last honour is intended, but have no doubt that a fitting individual will be selected, because the natives are good accountants, and are much more likely to distinguish themselves in that line than as judges or magistrates. It would be unreasonable indeed to expect a man who has been bred up in a different walk of life to give entire satisfaction in an office of account the moment he has been installed into it; but there are many native gentlemen who have been professionally bred up as accountants; and who have already rendered good service in the financial department, and it is among these, we presume, that the choice will lie.-Hurkaru. BRIDGE ACROSS THE HOOGHLY.-The Englishman says, that a good substantial bridge upon iron boats could be erected across the Hooghly in a few months, and for five lacs of rupees. The estimate is about three times that sum ; but the bridge is becoming a necessity. The passage of the river from any of the lower ghauts to the railway station occupies more time than a trip of twenty miles on the rail. ACCOUNTANT'S OFFICE.-Under instructions from the Court of Directors, Government has called for a return of the establishment of the several branches of the accountant's office. It is said that the system of military accounts is to undergo a change, and the number of assistants is to be increased, as the Court requires that the accounts be more promptly closed than they hitherto have been. THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR, N. W. P.-It is decided, we are told, that his Honour the Lieutenant-Governor will spend the next hot season at Nynee Tal. It is not so certain, however, that he will in the meanwhile visit Agra, as his cold-weather tour in the Saugor territories may lead him away from this region.-Agra Messenger, August 12. A NEW JOINT-STOCK COMPANY.-The Hurkaru mentions that a new joint-stock company has been started. It proposes to establish a new bullock-train between Calcutta and Lahore. The capital is to be one lakh of rupees, divided into 200 shares, of Rs. 500 each. The profits are expected to be enormous, but the company depend upon Government giving up its own train. A bullock train, well managed, must pay, but we question if the competition of the government train is very dangerous. Unless the servants of that establishment can be brought under better regulation, it will soon be condemned as a public nuisance. The grand trunk road is nearly impassable. The carts are so large that, unless the drivers will go on one side, nothing else can pass, and the drivers positively refuse. They are Koompani-ka-noukur, and will make way for nobody but sepoys. RESIDENT AT LUCKNOW.-Sir Henry Lawrence and one of the Ramsays are spoken of to succeed Colonel Sleeman as resident at Lucknow; Sir Henry would hardly, we think, accept the acting appointment; Major George Ramsay is the only one of the name who could expect so high a post, and being resident at Nepaul, and acting resident at Nagpore, there would be nothing to carp at if he were sent to Lucknow. DEPARTURE OF MESSRS. PRINSEP AND DEVEREUX TO SINGAPORE.-We yesterday omitted to mention the departure, on Thursday evening, of Mr. Prinsep and Mr. Devereux to Singapore, in order to open that preposterous commission regarding Rajah Brooke, which will not be a warrant to the inhabitants of the Straits of the vaunted wisdom of Parliament. This will be a very pleasant trip for the commissioners. It will give them a breath of fresh sea air, and serve as an excellent "constitutional." But we imagine there is no sane man in this quarter of the globe that does not laugh at the humbug (yes, the proper and righteous phrase is humbug) of this proceeding.-Hurkaru, Aug. 19. EXTRAORDINARY CHESS-PLAYING.-A correspondent of the Englishman notices a native chess-player, named Koonja Beharee Chatterjea, who can play four games at once, without seeing the boards. This is, we believe, a feat which has been accomplished by only one European professor, Philidor, and was considered dangerous even by him, from the excessive tension of the mental powers. GOVERNMENT is going to construct an efficient steam-ferry between Calcutta and the railway terminus at Howrah; the machinery for the boats has been ordered in England, and nearly two years back the Military Board, now happily defunct, was directed to commence the ghâts. Under the new system, we may hope they will be begun at once, and completed quickly. A PESHAWUR letter, dated the 23rd instant, affords the annexed extract:-"The following force moved out last evening towards Michnee to coerce two Yagi villages in that direction, who have refused to pay tribute to Cæsar-two Horse Artillery guns, three companies of the 4th N.I., one squadron irregular cavalry. The whole under command of Major Chamberlain. You shall know the result of the operations. We have had an unusually dull and hot season at Peshawur, dearth of news, or excitement of any sort-prickly heat excepted-having been its chief characteristics. I hear the mountain train is to be stationed at Rawul Pindee, a false military position surely for a battery of that description, whose services should always be available on the frontier at a few hours' notice."-Delhi Gazette, August 30. ASSAM. Gold has been discovered in Assam, so says a correspondent, and to make assurance doubly sure the commissioner, Colonel Jenkins, is going to depute one of his assistants, Captain E. T. Dalton, he believes, to report on the same. The sum of Co.'s Rs. 1,000 has also been directed to be disbursed in anticipation of the sanction of the Governor-General for the expenses incidental on the same.-Bengal Hurkaru, Aug. 22. CAPTAIN DOUGLAS, of the artillery, is said not only to have discovered the secret of the construction of the Congreve rocket, but to have improved upon it; it is added, that he has been ordered to Meerut to exhibit his discovery before the permanent committee of artillery officers. AN INCIDENT AT THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL'S TABLE.-The other evening there was a capital scene at one of these entertainments, which created much amusement among those assembled. When the time came for rising from table, and after all that stupid staring that is exchanged between those who are to give the signal had been gone through, up rose the entire company, led off by the Governor-General, when suddenly the entire throng was electrified by loud shouts of "Come back, come back," from behind. You may guess the sensation and surprise that was created by a voice, of stern command, applied to the Governor-General and his hundred guests. The multitude turned round to see the cause of the uproar, which was explained by the sight of the Bishop of Calcutta standing alone in his place at table, and calling loudly on the godless multitude to return and join him in saying "grace" after the feast, which was done amidst the irrepressible smiles on the part of the entire company. This incident broke the habitual dulness of the evening, the society being indebted for the only moment of amusement or hilarity to the pious old prelate, who reminded them in the above pointed manner of their duty to the Giver of all things.-Delhi Gazette. COALS FROM AVA.-We would recommend to the notice of the agent of the Peninsular and Oriental Company the following extract from the letter of the Englishman's Rangoon correspondent:-"It is satisfactory to state that the Bentinck steamer steamed down from Prome her last trip on coal sent from Ava. What an immense saving to Government will be caused should coal be found in abundance up the country. It is at present brought to Rangoon by vessels direct from Aberdeen and London." It would be well worth while to send for a large sample of these coals, so that their quality may be tested, for if they are as good as English coals for the purposes of sea-going steamers, we presume that they might be laid in at all the coal depots of the P. and O. Company in the Bay of Bengal, and some other parts of the Indian waters at a cost so much under that now paid for fuel, as to make a material difference in the profits of the Company for the coming year, and do away with any excuse for a further increase of the charges for passage and freight. Should the coal fields of Burmah be of large extent, and their produce of good quality, they may yield a revenue to the Lord of the White Elephant, which will in a measure atone to him for the loss of the fair province of Pegu, and he may in the end find that the presence of the British on his present frontier will be an advantage to him by causing a demand for many of the products of Burmah for which there has hitherto been no market. To India the advantages derivable from the discovery of superior coal in such a locality would be very great, as with such a fine river as the Irrawaddy upon which to convey it to Rangoon the cost of transport would be light. Should Burmah become the field from whence we derive our supplies of coal for all the seagoing steamers which are continually crossing the Bay of Bengal, Rangoon will also in a few years become one of the most important seaports of the eastern world. THE LATEAL SYSTEM.-We hear that Mr. Fergusson, the magistrate of the 24-Pergunnahs, lately convened a meeting of the Zemindars of his district, and urged upon them the advisability of giving up the lateal system, and submitting their disputes to the decision of arbitrators. He pointed out to them, that by such a course not only would the public peace be preserved, but they would be saved the expense both of keeping up fighting men, and carrying on law-suits, which can advantage no party concerned in them. He is said plainly to have told them that unless they would attend to his advice, he would be reluctantly compelled to appeal to government to pass such Acts as would enable him to take measures for the suppression of the disgraceful practises now prevalent in Bengal, and that they, the Zemindars, would eventually suffer in purse, possibly even to the extent of ruin, while in some cases loss of liberty would probably result from a perseverance in their present courses. We think it would be well if others of the Bengal magistrates were to follow this good example, and warn the Zemindars, and also the Indigo planters, who keep up fighting men, of the expediency of coming to some arrangement for giving up this bad habit, and settling their differences, if possible, out of court, if not by an appeal to law. Fights attended with loss of life are now so frequent in Bengal, that it cannot be supposed that the legislative council will fail to pass some stringent enactment on the subject. This crying evil has increased to such a magnitude that it requires to be put down with a strong hand; and this we feel certain it will be unless those most interested are timely wise, and use the remedy, which it is still in their power to apply, and which Mr. Fergusson has so plainly and so consider ately pointed out to them. In the north-western provinces we hear little or nothing of these fights, which are of daily occurrence throughout Bengal, especially in the immediate vicinity of Calcutta; and we trust that the legislative council will lose no time in striking at the root of the evil, by passing an Act, which will bring all concerned, but more particularly the instigators of them, within the reach of the law, and subject such to most severe penalties.Hurkaru. MILITARY ON DITS.-We understand that Captain C. C. Robertson, of the 11th regt. N. I., is to be appointed assistant to the commissioner and Governor-General's agent at Nagpore. This will cause some slight promotions in the army commissariat, as Captain Robertson's acceptance of the above situation will oblige him to resign his office of assistant commissary-general, which he has hitherto held with so much credit.-The 10th Hussars will, it is now stated, remain at Kirkee for some time longer, ere the regiment proceeds home.-There is likely to be great promotion in the 18th regt. N.I. Major Brown, and Brevet Majors Edwards and Davidson, the three senior officers being all in treaty regarding selling out, and all likely to retire by January next.-We are given to understand that Captain R. Fagan, the superintendent of civil buildings at Lahore, has been, or will be, appointed to the charge of the buildings at the new Sanatarium of Dalhousie on the Chumba Range. His duties will commence about the 1st of October.-Colonel G. Campbell will, it is said, succeed Colonel A. Wilson, as commandant of artillery at DumDum.-It is believed that the chief engineer has recommended the separation of the appointments of garrison engineer and barrackmaster in Fort William, and the bestowal of the latter situation, with a suitable salary, on some old and deserving subordinate of the department of Public Works.-Lieutenant-Generals Sewell and McNeill will, it is said, have to vacate their divisional commands at Madras, in consequence of their promotion; no exception will, as once supposed, be made in their favour. GOVERNMENT GENERAL ORDERS. THE BREVET. Head-Quarters, Simla, Aug. 22, 1854.-1. The extensive brevet which has recently taken place has had the effect of removing, by promotion, from the staff of the presidencies of Bengal and Madras various superior officers of her Majesty's army, many of whom have served with much distinction, proudly recorded, in the active operations of the armies of India; and all of whom have rendered essential service in the exercise of divisional and brigade command through the period that has since elapsed. 2. Sir William Gomm is desirous of recording his sense of the cordial assistance which he has received generally at the hands of those distinguished officers throughout the term of his holding the Indian command; to which assistance, in co-operation with that tendered in a corresponding spirit by superior officers of the Hon. Company's forces, he mainly attributes the sound state of discipline and perfect readiness for any service, in which the entire army of India is seen to stand at this day. 3. To Lieutenant-General W. H. Sewell, C.B., Lieutenant-General R. Macneil, Major-General Viscount Melville, K.C.B., Major-General W. H. Breton, and Major-General the Hon. T. Ashburnham, C.B., the Commander-in-Chief desires to express his personal regard and an earnest wish that prosperity and distinction may attend each one in his future career of service. state of intoxication to the quarters of Capt. R. Patton, of the same regiment, and there conducted himself in an offensive and insulting manner to Capt. Patton and to Ens. McPherson, also of the same regiment, and made a threatening gesture with a stick towards Ens. McPherson. 3rd. In having, at Chinsurah, on the same day, proceeded in a state of intoxication to the quarters of his commanding officer, Lieut. Col. J. C. C. Gray, and there behaved with great disrespect to Lieut. Col. Gray. Finding.-Guilty of the charge, with the exception of the word "boisterously" in the 1st instance, of which they acquit him. Sentence.-To be dismissed. Approved and confirmed, (Signed) W. M. GOмм, General, C.-in-C. E.I. Head-Quarters, Simla, July 29, 1854. The name of Lieut. Penson will cease to be borne upon the returns of the 3rd European regiment from the date of publica tion of this order at Chinsurah, of which a report is to be made to the adjutant-general of the army, and to the assistant adjutantgeneral at the presidency. LIEUT A. PROCTER, 39TH N.I. Fort William, Aug. 21, 1854.-The proceedings of the general court-martial held at Prome on the 14th of June last, for the trial of Lieut. A. Procter, 39th N.I., and doing duty with the Arracan local battalion, have been submitted to the Supreme Government by his Excellency the Commander-in-Chief. Lieut. Procter, on Dec. 15 last, caused two Burmese, who had been caught in his camp, to be shot to death by a party of the Arracan battalion. He was accordingly tried on a charge of murder, was found guilty of manslaughter, and was sentenced by the court-martial to three months' imprisonment in the gaol of Calcutta, but was strongly recommended to mercy. His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief refused to confirm the sentence, and ordered Lieut. Procter to remain in open arrest, pending the orders of Government. In a case of so much importance, the most Noble the GovernorGeneral in Council has deemed it necessary to record the following observations, and to promulgate them for the information and guidance of the officers of the armies of India. The effect of the finding of the court-martial, and of the refusal of the Commander-in-Chief to confirm the sentence, is to exempt Lieut. Procter from the punishment contained in the sentence, and from all other punishment by law. The most Noble the Governor-General in Council has carefully studied the proceedings and the evidence before the Court; and although the finding of that tribunal has practically exempted Lieut. Procter from punishment, his Lordship in Council finds it impossible to regard that officer as free from blame or guilt. Lieut. Procter was in command of a detachment of 125 men of the Arracan battalion, in the district of Tharawaddy. The greater part of that district was in a lawless state, overrun by bands of armed men under the orders of Moung Goung Gee, by some of whom Lieut. Pocter expected to be attacked. The Burmese headman of the village had informed him that two spies were to be despatched from the camp of Moung Goung Gee to that of Lieut. Procter. On Dec. 15 (on which day Lieut. Procter had been reinforced by a company of the 10th N.I.), two Burmese were seized in Lieut. Procter's camp. They were declared to be the spies expected. Whereupon Lieut. Procter, within an hour after they were taken, tied them up, and had them then and there shot to death, himself giving the word of command. The Governor-General in Council cannot but regard this act as justly calling for the severest condemnation of the Supreme Government. Lieut. Procter's plea, that the destruction of these men as spies was justified by the custom of war, is, in the opinion of Government, utterly untenable. Admitting to the fullest degree Lieut. Procter's allegation, that his detachment was in the midst of hostilities-that armed marauders or insurgents were in his vicinity, and were expected shortly to attack him,-and that the men whom he seized were actually spies from the insurgents' camp ;-his act will, in the eyes of Government, still stand wholly without justification. The destruction of these two wretches averted no danger from his force, it could exercise no material influence on his opponent. Whatever danger might be involved in their presence as spies, had been counteracted, for they were already in his power; the Governor-General in Council considers it to be utterly idle to say that safe custody could be found for them only in death. The words employed by Lieut. Procter in his defence before the court-martial, "You may make it the moral of my court-martial -never assume responsibility, even for the purpose of saving bloodshed," are calculated to be effective as declamation before a |