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THE "FALKLAND."-The Honourable Company's sloop-ofwar Falkland has received orders to prepare for sea forthwith; her destination is supposed to be Singapore and the China Seas.Telegraph, August 23.

UPPER SCINDE.-We are informed that the Upper Scinde Brigadier, with his staff, is to be removed to Hyderabad, together with all the regular troops. Upper Scinde will, henceforth, be held only by the two regiments of Scinde Irregular Horse, and the two Belooch battalions raised by Sir Charles Napier. The command of Upper Scinde will be conferred on Major John Jacob, Sir Charles's protege.-Poona Observer, August 16.

MAJOR PITT KENNEDY has devised a plan for connecting Kurrachee by railway with Bombay and Lahore. The line will run from Bombay to Baroda, thence to Kurrachee via Hydrabad, and thence vid Mithunkote to Lahore.

THE Assaye, the H. E. I. Company's new steamer, will be ready for sea in October next. She is now taking in her engines.

FROM A RETURN OF MORTALITY for the town and island of Bombay and Colaba, for the month of August, 1854, we perceive that the total number of deaths has been 1,352. Of Europeans, there have been 34 natural deaths, and 2 violent; Indo-Britons and Indo-Portuguese, 11 natural; native Christians and Jews, 47 natural, and I epidemic; Mussulmans, 259 natural, 15 epidemic, and 3 violent; Parsees, 68 natural, and 3 epidemic; Jains, and all Hindoos, 849 natural, 44 epidemic, and 5 violent; others and unknown castes, 10 natural, and 1 epidemic. The total, 1,278 natural, 64 epidemic, aud 10 violent.

COMMAND OF THE INDIAN ARMY.-The Sinde Kossid has it on excellent authority that Lord Frederick Fitzclarence is to be the successor of Sir William Gomm in the command of the Indian army, and that Lord Melville takes his place at Bombay.

COURT-MARTIAL.

LIEUT. H. A. FRASER AND THE OFFICERS AND CREW OF THE 66 MEDUSA."

Commodore's Office, Bombay, Aug. 31, 1854.-The subjoined sentence of a court-martial assembled on board the H.C.'s ship Hastings, in Bombay Harbour, on the 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th days of July, 1854, is published for general information.

At a court-martial, assembled on board the H.C.'s ship Hastings, at Bombay, on the 25th day of July, 1854, and by adjournment every day afterwards to the 28th day of July, 1854,

The Court, pursuant to an order from Sir Henry John Leeke, Commodore, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Navy, dated the 19th day of July, 1854, directed to Captain J. P. Porter, of the H.C.'s ship Hastings, and second in command in Bombay Harbour, having been duly sworn according to the Act passed by the Right Hon. the Governor-General of India, in council, on the 25th day of May, 1844, entitled, an Act for better securing the observance of an exact discipline in the Indian Navy, proceeded to the trial of Lieut. Hugh Alexander Fraser, together with the remaining officers and ship's company of the H.C.'s late steam-vessel Medusa, on the following charge

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For that he, the said Lieut. H. A. Fraser, of the late steamvessel Medusa, with the remaining officers and ship's company of the said late ship, on the 9th day of December, 1853, all of them being at that time in actual service and full pay, did, through negligence, run upon a sunken rock in the river Irrawaddy, about ten miles from Prome, the H.C.'s said late ship, thereby causing the said late ship to be wrecked and lost.

And having heard the narrative of the said Lieut. H. A. Fraser, of the circumstances relating thereto, and examined the remaining officers and ship's company (except of those absent on duty and discharged from the service) when the vessel was lost.

And having deliberately weighed and considered the said narrative and the whole of the evidence brought forward, the Court is of opinion that no blame whatever attaches to Lieut. H. A. Fraser, or any of the officers or ship's company of the said steam vessel Medusa, for their conduct and proceedings on the occasion of her loss, as it appears to the Court that all possible precautionary measures were adopted for her preservation, and the Court doth in consequence thereof adjudge the said Lieut. H. A. Fraser, the remaining officers and ship's company of the H. C. late steam vessel Medusa to be fully acquitted, and the said Lieut. H. A. Fraser, officers and ship's company, are hereby severally and respectively fully acquitted accordingly.

And the Court cannot separate without recording its approbation of the conduct of Lieut. H. A. Fraser, and the officers and ship's company, then on board the Medusa, in the exertions they made to save that vessel.

(Signed) H. J. LEEKE, Commodore,

Rear Admiral Commander in Chief of I.N.

CIVIL.

APPOINTMENTS, &c.

CLARKE, A. W. to be asst. to civ. auditor, Aug. 26. D'OYLY, W. to be settlement officer in Rutnagherry. GOLDSMID, H. E. returned to pres. to res. ch. of offices of govt. director of bank of Bombay, and of mem. of mint committee, also ch. of revenue, financial, and separate departments, Aug. 30.

LAW, J. T. permis. to ret. canc.
LODWICH, R. W. to be 2nd asst. to accountant gen. Aug. 26.
ROSE, J. N. to be coll. and mag. of Dharwar.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

LAW, J. T. fr. Aug. 13 to Dec. 10.

MILITARY.

APPOINTMENTS, &c.

BAUMGARTNER, Lieut. M. to be an asst. to superint. of rev. surv. and assessment, Khandeish, fr. June 24.

BERTHON, Lieut. H. P. B. adj. Scinde div. to com. 3rd comp. 4th batt. with No. 9 lt. field batt. attached at Kurrachee.

DOUGLAS, Lieut. H. M. art. fr. 4th to 1st batt. to com. 1st comp. &c. attached to Sholapore.

NIXON, Lieut. J. P. 25th N.I. serv. placed at disp. of gov. of India.

THAIN, Lieut, D. D. 24th N.I. to be a 1st class commy. agent. WHITEHILL, Capt. S. supt. of police at Sholapoor, resu. ch. of his duties, Aug. 9.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE.

BOLTON, Lieut. W. M. S. 2nd N.I. 1 mo.
BRETT, Lieut. F. P. F. 11th N.I. to Oct. 1.
CLARKE, Ens. R. T. 24th N.I. to 31st Oct.
DE VETRIE, Lieut. W. art. to Oct. 20.
DODD, Ens. C. D. J. 8th N.I. 1 mo. m.c.
HART, Maj. marine batt. 1 mo.
HORT, Lieut. marine batt. 1 mo.
RICHARDS, Capt. R. 3rd N.I. 1 mo. m.c.
SAVILL, Lieut. J. W. 2nd Eur. L.I. 1 mo.

SCOTT, Capt. G. B. 26th N.I. to Oct. 5, Poona.

SCOTT, Lieut. S. asst. supt. rev. surv. Rutnagherry, 1 mo.

MARINE DEPARTMENT.

APPOINTMENTS, &c.

CARPENDALE, Mids. T. C. R. to be mate, Sept. 4; to be acting lieut. Sept. 5.

DUVAL, Mate, of the Elphinstone, to be act. lieut. Sept. 2.
GROUNDS, Lieut. to join the Hastings.

HURLOCK, Mids. R. G. fr. the Falkland to the Hastings, Sept. 5.
SAWYER, Capt. J. to be on the senior list, v. Lawrence, dec.
SELBY, Lieut. to rejoin the Palinurus as lieut. com. and surveyor.
TEMPLER, Mids. C. B. to be mate fr. Feb. 6.

DOMESTIC. BIRTHS.

COUSENS, the lady of Lieut. S. 13th N.I. d. at Girgaum, Aug. 29.
CROSS, wife of J. N. s. at Mazagon, Sept. 3.
NEWNHAM, wife of Lieut. d. at Dhoolia, Sept. 3.
VEARS, wife of W. s. at Bombay, Sept. 3.

DEATHS.

GREEN, Prof. at Bombay, aged 43, Aug. 4.
HARRISON, D. A. widow of the late J. at Girgaum, aged 34.
LYE, Fanny M. wife of Capt. H. 13th N.I. at Bombay, aged 25,
Aug. 27.

NEALE, Henry F. O. s. of Lieut. W. A. 3rd N.I. at Shulapore
Aug. 25.

PHILLIPS, A. E. inf. s. of G. F. at Bombay, Sept. 6.

RIGBY, A. at Bombay, Aug. 25.

THOMPSON, wife of G. J. at Hyderabad, aged 20, Aug. 25.
WALSHALL, N. at Sattara, aged 32, Aug. 31.

WATKINS, inf. s. of the late E. C. at Ahmedabad, Aug. 27.
WIGSTROM, Asst. surg. R. B. H.M.'s 14th Lt. Dragoons, at
Bombay, Sept. 8.

YOUNG, wife of Command. J. W. 1.N. at Bombay, aged 36, Aug. 28.

SHIPPING. ARRIVALS.

AUG. 30. Steamer Pottinger, Stead, Hong-Kong, Singapore, and Galle; Sea Queen, Rowe, Kurrachee; steamer Malta, Pinchase, Galle; Thomas Sparkes, Kelly, Liverpool; Ann Nelson, Nelson, Glasgow; George Arkle, Hooper, Liverpool.-SEPT. 2. Phantom, Todd, Glasgow.-3. Steamer Mountstuart Elphinstone, M'Donald, Surat; steamer Pottinger, Stead, Hong-Kong, Penang, and Galle.-4. City of Palaces, Hamer, Mauritius; Foam, Findlay, Liverpool; Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, Fitzmaurice, Whampoa; Suez.-11. America, Gardyne, Geelong.-5. Steamer Semiramis, Steamer Semiramis, Finshand, Aden.

DEPARTURES.

AUG. 30. Earl of Selkirk, Harrison, Liverpool.-SEPT. 1. Steamer Cadiz, Roberts, Galle, Penang, Singapore, and Hongkong.-4. Steamer Eaglet, Turnbull, Colombo; Hamoody, Tingate, Calcutta.-5. Steamer Mount stuart Elphinstone, McDonald, Surat.-6. Sea Queen, Rowe, Calcutta ; Natoaka, Ferguson, Liverpool.-11. Steamer Auckland, Aden.

PASSENGERS DEPARTED.

Per Sea Queen (Sept. 6), to CALCUTTA.-Mrs. Rowe.

Per Mountstuart Elphinstone.-Lieut. J. Warden, Mrs. Moyles. Per steamer Auckland (Sept. 11), to ADEN.-Capt. and Mrs. Henry Willoughby, and 2 children, Mrs. E. G. Fawcett, W. B. Tristram, Esq. Capt. R. C. Holmes, 10th Hussars, and H. G. Robison, Esq.

PASSENGERS ARRIVED.

Per steamer Mountstuart Elphinstone (Sept. 3), from SUBAT.-F.W. Bartholomew, Maj. Hebbert, and Capt. Gordon.

Per Pottinger (Aug. 30), from HONG-KONG, &c.-Dr. Bain, Mr. Mackenzie, and Dr. Evans.

Per City of Palaces (Sept. 5), from MAURITIUS.-Mrs. Hamer.
Per Hamoody, to CALCUTTA.-Mrs. Tingate.

Per steamer Semiramis (Sept. 5), from SUBZ.-Maj. Morse, 1st Bombay Fus.; Asst. surg. Lofthouse, H. M.'s 86th regt. ; Rev. B. M. Huntington, Bombay establishment; Mr. G. G. H. Fulton, cadet, Bombay army.

Per Auckland, from KURRACHEE.-Lieut. and Mrs. Hamilton, I.N.; Lieut. and Mrs. Grounds, and 3 children; and Capt. Bruce.

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IMPORTS (Bombay, Sept. 11, 1854).-The amount of business in which has been to a fair extent; the bulk of the transactions, however, having been brought about by the desire which a few of our largest, and hitherto apparently firmest holders have shown to realize, but it evidences a better feeling on the part of dealers who, with large stocks in hand, for which there is yet no outlet, are increasing their supplies. Under these circumstances it is satisfactory to notice that prices have been well supported, and with only firmness on the part of holders there is no reason to doubt a much improved state of matters as the season advances. Cotton Piece Goods.-Prices for such as are wanted and light in stock have an upward tendency. Grey Shirting, 40 inches by 38 yards, has been taken to the extent of 13,000 pieces-6lbs. at rs. 3 8 ans., 64lbs. at rs. 3 9ans. 6lbs. at rs. 3 10 ans., and 7lbs. rs. 4 14ans. to rs. 4 2 ans. per piece. Metals.-Only a moderate business has been done. Iron-British and Swedish Bar. Nail Rod, round and square, and Sheet, have all advanced in value, while Nail and Hoop are rather easier. Copper, there are no sales, but Sheathing, from being scarce, has further advanced in price about rs. 2 per cwt. Lead-Pig dull, Spelter the same, and slightly lower in price.

CEYLON.

DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN NUGGETS.

The Moon Plains Diggings, Neura Ellia. We have abstained from noticing from time to time as accounts reached us, the progress of these works as there was no new feature to report the gold having continued in dust or small grains-now however that nuggets have been found we at once put our readers in possession of the fact. Yesterday reports reached Colombo that on the previous day, the bed rock having been reached, five or six nuggets were found in the washing, besides a larger proportion of gold dust than had previously been obtained.

We have always stated it as our opinion that such would be the result, and we have now before us the sections and diagrams of the gold regions of New South Wales and Victoria; the close similarity of the geological structure of the mountainous ranges in Ceylon and in those colonies is really wonderful, and would lead any one to believe, that if similar formations produce similar re

sults, the production of gold in Ceylon will rival that of Victoria. Turning to another quarter of the world, we may mention that we were told yesterday that Mr. Davidson, formerly of Ceylon (of the firm of Gibson, Read, Davidson, and Co.), and now in California, had written to a friend, urging him to search for gold in the mountains here-from having noticed the same similarity in the structure of the Californian rocks and the Ceylon, that we have just mentioned as existing between them and the Australian. At present the depth reached is but small (about 40 feet), and it was at about the same distance below the surface that the diggings ranged in Victoria for a considerable period; now, however, we hear of all the richest diggings in Australia being at a depth of 150, 160, and even 180 feet-and we trust similar results will be obtained here. We would recommend also, that a trial should be made on the Horton plains. They are some 600 feet higher than Neura Ellia, and it is clear from the formation of the country that the great body of water that at one time swept over those now elevated lands, passed in a direction from the Horton plains to Neura Ellia. It probable, therefore, that by heading as near as may be to the original of the flood, richer deposits would be met with; and, certainly, by adopting this course the locality of where the gold exists situ will be determined. These experiments should be at once commenced; and we much regret that there is no labour of the requisite character available; nor will the Governor do anything in aid of the discovery. Applications for assistance in any form are met by him with complete indifference; and requests that are granted, as of course, in aid of other operations here, have been refused in aid of the gold works. He cannot, however, prevent, though he may retard, the export of gold from Ceylon; and the colony, in the place of thanking him for assistance in developing the resources of the island, will in this, as in all other matters, look on him as an OBSTRUCTIVE rather than as a WORKING Governor. We repeat, GOLD, in nuggets, has been found at NEURA ELLIA.-Examiner.

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The LONDON MAIL of August 9th arrived at Point de Galle September 5th (per Bengal), and the Cadiz proceeded on the 6th ult. to Hong Kong with the London Mail for China.

COLONEL BRAYBROOKE, of the Ceylon Rifle regiment, has obtained eighteen months' leave of absence to proceed to England on urgent private affairs. Captain Pally, of the 37th regiment, has been appointed staff-officer of Trincomalie.

PROBABLE RETIREMENT OF SIR GEORGE ANDERSON.-The Ceylon Observer says:-" It is now understood that Sir Geo. Anderson has requested that his successor in the Government of Ceylon may be named so as to relieve him in the month of February next. Lieut.-Genl. Bainbrigge will doubtless be relieved by his successor in the command of the forces immediately. A local journal has named Major General Reed as the choice of the Horse Guards.

THE SHIP Morayshire has been destroyed by fire about 250 miles from Colombo. The captain and crew made their way here in the long boat.-Ceglon Observer, Sept. 12.

DOMESTIC.

BIRTHS.

DAVIDSON, wife of A. d. at Badulla, Aug. 19. MILHUISEN, wife of G. s. at Small Pass, Aug. 31.

DEATHS.

ANDREE, A. s. of A. B. at Colombo, aged 1, Aug. 29.
BOAKE, Sophia, inf. d. of Rev. B. Boake, at Ceylon, Aug. 24.
BURKE, inf. d. of G. J. at Kandy, Aug. 24.
RAE, T. at Caltura, aged 51, Aug. 25.
RIBERG, C. F. at Jaffna, aged 60, Aug. 28.

CHINA.

The LONDON MAIL of June 24th arrived at Hong Kong on August 8th (per steamer Singapore).

THE COLONIAL CHAPLAIN.-The Rev. William Baxter, late rector of Fyfield, has arrived in the colony, and his appointment has been notified in the Government Gazette. We understand that the bishop of Victoria has formally signified to the local Government his intention not to license the reverend gentleman to the colonial chaplaincy, nor to allow him to officiate in the cathedral, at least until replies have been received to certain communications with parties in England, which may enable the bishop to form his final decision on the case.-Overland China Mail.

WRECK OF THE "LANCASTRIAN."-The British ship Lancastrian has been wrecked below Fuh-chau, and we are told that Sir John Bowring has applied for the Saracen to proceed immediately to survey the entrance to the river Min.-Ibid.

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· Per Candace.-Rev. William Aitchison, and Rev. Henry Blodget.
Per Singapore (Aug. 8), from BoYBAY.-Capt. Watkins, Qr. mr.
M'Donald, Dr. O. Neil, Messrs. Melisch, Grant, Trotter, Cohen, Moore,
Foudnier, Broullion Boordilon, and Yandiole.

Per steamer Powhatan.-Drs. Bettelheim, Young, and Burns.

Per Bella Gallega.-Messrs. Shipley and Carey, and Dona Melania and family.

Per Shooting Star.-Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Galliard, Dr. Wright, and Mr. Rodinburst.

Per Lady Pierce (Aug. 8), from JAPAN.-Mr. Burrows, and Mr. Burrows, jun.

Per Rattler.-His Excellency Sir John Bowring and suite, and Mr. Caldecott Smith.

DEPARTURES.

AUG. 6. Paon Shun, Burt, Calcutta; Caroline Smith, Paulson, New York.-7. Lightfoot, Prince, London; Stornoway, Hart, London.-16. Hurkaru, Crowe, London; Emont, Stockdale, East Coast.-22. Steamer Singapore, Galle.

PASSENGERS DEPARTED.

Per steamer L. M. Wood.-Messrs. J. Marshall, Cary, R. R. Tyers, E. King, Patullo, J. J. Green, Rev. Messrs. Fournier, Bourdillean, and Borullion; Mr. Clifton.

Per steamer Singapore (Aug. 22), to GALLE.-For SOUTHAMPTON.-Mr. George F. C. Bateman, Mr. George J. Barnett, Rev. W. Burns, Dr. Young, and 1 child. For GIBRALTAR.-Don Pio F. de Castro, Brig. Don Jose L. Balanos and daughter, Surita Clara Blaanos. For MARSEILLES.Mr. James Napier. For ALEXANDRIA.-Messrs. W. P. Livingston and T. Pyke. For PENANG.-Mr. Harris. For SINGAPORE.-Mr. E. Duclos and Don Antonio Orberto.

COMMERCIAL.
China, Aug. 22, 1854.

EXCHANGES AND BULLION.

On London, 4s. 9d. 4s. 8d. to 4s. 8d.

On India, none; such business as has been done was at 238 to 240 Syce, 2 per cent. prem.

FREIGHTS.

To England, noml. at 57. 10s. To the United States, 10 to 18 dollars.

MAJOR MACINTYRE . THE LIBERTY OF THE PRESS.-Our reporter informs us that, when attending the court-martial assembled for the trial of Lieut. Thomson, 15th N.I., the president, one Major McIntyre, of the 78th Highlanders, objected to the reporter aforesaid sitting near the prisoner. Some of the members of the Court, however, being less factious and more men of the world, raised some little objection at this, which resulted in the doors being closed, and strangers, witnesses, and prisoner being ordered out, until the mighty subject could be discussed. On the doors being opened, it was found that the Court had decided the reporter might sit near the prisoner, and so the gallant president made nothing by his move. Some two years ago we were somewhat, but only deservedly, hard upon Major McIntyre, for the absurd and very bullying manner in which he brought a young ensign of the 78th, named Elrington, to trial. We won't say that the gallant officer attempted this petty mode of venting his spleen upon our reporter by way of retaliation, nor will we be hard this time upon an old officer who has been thirty years in her Majesty's service. It is quite in our power to treat the major to a couple of columns about the rights of man" and "the liberty of the press-that glorious bulwark"-and all the rest of it. But as we are strong we'll be merciful, and only request Major McIntyre, for his own sake, not again to meddle with the gentlemen of the press, or he may not get off quite so easily as he has this time. Hoping, therefore, that this reprimand will have the desired effect, we forgive the gallant officer this once, trusting he will not repeat the offence.-Bombay Telegraph.

EDUCATION IN INDIA.

NO. III.

WE have not forgotten this important subject, and we trust that our readers have not forgotten it either. The pressure of other matter has prevented our earlier resumption of a subject to which we now gladly return.

The affiliated institutions which are to be the feeders of the proposed universities are to be selected with reference to a single condition only-their capability "of supplying a sufficiently high order of instruction in the different branches of art and science in which university degrees are to be accorded;" and when we mention that those quoted in the despatch as illustrations, comprise Hindoo and Mahomedan establishments, native seminaries which appear to have no especial religious aspect, colleges of the Church of England, of the Church of Scotland, and of various classes of Dissenters from both, it will, we think, be admitted that the plan has not a rag of exclusiveness upon which an opponent can lay hold; and unless there be any (and we fear that there are still some) to whom the very name of Him in whom the Christian world glory and rejoice is a stumbling-block and an offence, it is not easy to see what can be objected to it. If one of the elder school of Anglo-Indians should say that it is reprehensible because it does not proscribe Christian schools and Christian teaching, his case is one for pity, not for argument.

To ascertain the quality of the instruction imparted in the affiliated institutions, those institutions are to be visited periodically by Government inspectors. Passing over the ornamental flourish about "a spirit of honourable rivalry," this inspection at first sight scarcely appears necessary; for if the youths from any particular institution were constantly to surpass those from all other institutions, it would be pretty evident that the seminary which sent out such pupils could not, in respect at least of the required studies, be a very bad one. But there are other parts of the plan which render inspection advisable, if not absolutely necessary. It is observed that the scheme of education in the Anglo-vernacular languages should provide for a careful cultivation of the vernacular languages; and in the Oriental Colleges for a sufficient instruction in the English and vernacular languages. And now we meet with the following paragraph which calls for some notice.

"It is to this class of institutions that the attention of Government has hitherto been principally directed, and they absorb the greater part of the public funds which are now applied to educational purposes. The wise abandonment of the early views with respect to native education, which erroneously pointed to the classical languages of the East as the media for imparting European knowledge, together with the small amount of pecuniary aid which, in the then financial condition of India, was at your command, has led, we think, to too exclusive a direction of the efforts of Government towards providing the means of acquiring

a very high degree of education for a small number of natives of India, drawn, for the most part, from what we should here call the higher classes."

We answer this by another quotation from the despatch before us, and one not lying at a great distance from that just made, but being the commencement of the very next paragraph.

"It is well that every opportunity should have been given to those classes for the acquisition of a liberal European education, the effects of which may be expected slowly to pervade the rest of their fellow-countrymen, and to raise, in the end, the educational tone of the whole country."

This is a sound view. If you would raise a country in civilization, if you would diffuse among its people the advantages of education, begin, we would say, with the higher classes, and give to as many as possible of them a high measure of learning. It will descend to those immediately beneath them, will, in the language just quoted, "slowly "—and, be it remembered, all real improvement is slow in its progress-will "slowly pervade the rest of their countrymen, and raise in the end the educational tone of the whole country." Experience attests this. Taking our own country, for instance, we find the earlier efforts for the extension of learning were directed to that of a high character. Suppose that, instead of universities and grammar-schools, we had possessed national and Lancasterian schools, and nothing beside,-what would have been the condition of England now? To educate a few highly, will be found far more efficient, with a view to the ultimate education of the whole, than to impart to every individual in the multitude a modicum of elementary knowledge. It was, therefore, wise and well to divert a great part of the Government funds to institutions aiming at least to imbue their pupils with something more than the acquirements of a hedge-school.

Entertaining these opinions, we cannot concur in that avowed in the despatch, that it is "still more important" to convey useful and practical knowledge to the people in general, than "to train highly a few youths." We are not opposed to the education of the masses; probably we are more friendly to it than the majority of those who bawl most loudly in its favour. We would give them as large a measure of education as circumstances will allow; but we are not ready to sacrifice to this comparatively unimportant end the raising of a fabric of sound and liberal knowledge which shall be the intellectual light of the country for ages to come, constantly increasing in splendour and utility, constantly extending its brilliant effects, till the whole of India and all its people should be irradiated by them. In the mean time, we would protect and encourage vernacular schools, though they give no instruction calculated to elevate the mind and extend its power, and can give none such for a period not to be estimated; but they impart instruction useful in the details of ordinary life, to those who without them would know nothing, and therefore would constantly lie at the mercy of those who had by some means scraped up a trifling degree of knowledge. The wonder excited by Goldsmith's Village Schoolmaster because, amongst other things, "it was reported he could gauge," is not peculiar to the British Isles: everywhere the reputation of superior knowledge causes wonder; wonder is followed by reverence; the enjoyment of reverence leads to influence; and this chain of causes and effects is perhaps more complete in the eastern parts of the

world than in the western. The natives of India are ten times as covetous, ten times as rapacious as the greatest money-hoarders in this country; but money is not there, as is unfortunately too much the case here, the sole ground of respect. Claims to veneration resting upon grounds quite distinct from the possession of wealth, are there pretty generally recognized: these claims involve neither merit nor utility, but they enable those who set them up, to lord it over their fellows in no measured style. Education would in time put an end to this, and in the meanwhile the distinction conceded to real learning, even though of moderate amount, would certainly be far preferable to that accorded to a moving mass of imposture and filth, demanding respect as a being of superior nature to

those by whom he is surrounded.

There is, we may remark, in the despatch before us somewhat too much of the go-ahead style. Though admitting that at present the vernacular languages possess neither books nor schoolmasters, and hinting even at the poverty of the languages themselves, it seems to be thought that these deficiencies may be supplied in no very long course of time. We fear that the difficulties to be surmounted have not been contemplated in their full force. How many years have passed since the first missionary efforts were made? What are the present results?

We now come to a very important feature of the proposed system-grants in aid. Here we shall let the despatch speak for itself.

"The system of grants in aid which we propose to establish in India, will be based on an entire abstinence from interference with the religious instruction conveyed in the schools assisted. Aid will be given (so far as the requirements of each particular district, as compared with others, and the funds at the disposal of Government may render it possible) to all schools which impart a good secular education, provided that they are under adequate local management (by the term 'local management,' we understand one or more persons, such as private patrons, voluntary subscribers, or the trustees of endowments, who will undertake the general superintendence of the school, and be answerable for its permanence for some given time); and provided also that their managers consent that the schools shall be subject to Government inspection, and agree to any conditions which may be laid down for the regulation of such grants. It has been found by experience, in this and in other countries, that not only is an entirely gratuitous education valued far less by those who receive it than one for which some payment, however small, is made, but that the payment induces more regular attendance, and greater exertion, on the part of the pupils; and, for this reason, as well as because school-fees themselves, insignificant as they may be in each individual instance, will, in the aggregate, when applied to the support of a better class of masters, become of very considerable importance, we desire that grants in aid shall, as a general principle, be made to such schools only (with the exception of normal schools) as require some fee, hower small, from their scholars."

Here again we find something with which we can agree, and something from which we must dissent. We think, in the present state of India, grants in aid are advisable. We think, too, that as the funds of Government are not inexhaustible, it is desirable to require some contribution from parents or others on account of the scholars; but we denounce the miserable cant which, after being canted to death in this country, is now called upon to do duty in India,-that "an entirely gratuitous education" is "valued far less by those who receive it, than one for which some payment, however small, is made." What efforts are made in this country to obtain free education at schools and universities; and seeing this, can it be affirmed that there is any dislike for the gratuitous, or any very warm preference for payment? If men can procure gratuitous education for their children, they will procure it; and they

would be great fools if they did not. But with these things before them, how can men go on repeating such phrases as that above quoted, as if they embodied established truth, and not mere sophistry or something worse? There is one other point on which we will touch, and only touch, the government inspection. Where a government bestows money, it has an unquestionable right to see that it be well applied. The expediency of inspection is no less clear than the right; for everywhere, and nowhere more than in India, are such funds likely to be perverted, unless a good look-out be kept. But judging from what occurs elsewhere, it is just possible that the inspectors might need a little inspection themselves. We do not mean to throw any doubt on their integrity-that is not our ground. But in England, where government aid is given, and consequently the right of inspection accrues, the inspectors are sometimes found to be something more than inspectors, namely, great nuisances. Overbearing men seek to become supreme comptrollers; men of little, peddling, contracted minds, to whom nothing is either great or small, but everything of equal importance, niggle at petty points of detail, being incapable of anything better; crotchetmongers ride their hobbies, and those very troublesome persons, known as "active men," will throw everything into confusion for the mere love of excitement, while a more calculating set of men will exert themselves to no good purpose, solely for the sake of impressing their superiors with a high sense of their value. All these possible evils beset a system of inspection; but inspection must, we fear, be had, and we can only hope that care will be taken to guard against them. Perhaps it might be dispensed with, if a rule were made that a school or college enjoying a grant for a certain time, and producing no fruit in the shape of well-trained youths, should be cut off from the list of recipients. We offer this with hesitation, but think it is worth a trial.

We have not said all that we are prepared to say on this most important subject of education; but our space wanes, and we must forego the execution of our intention of concluding our remarks in the present article.

THE MEDICAL SERVICE.

THE advertisement issued some time since as to the examination of candidates under the new system, for appointments as assistant-surgeons in the Indian service, has been re-issued, with some notes. The first of these notes struck us at first sight as indicating some improved views. It is to the effect, that candidates who, at the time appointed for the examination, may not have been able to attend an asylum for the insane, or an ophthalmic hospital, for three months, will not be excluded. This seemed well, inasmuch as it can be of no consequence whether an attendance for such a period as three months has been given or not. But that which follows mars all this; for, if successful in passing, the candidate will be required to produce a certificate before proceeding to India, of having in the mean time attended such practice; it is not said for what time, but we suppose it is the magical three months. Three months to accomplish a man in two of the most difficult branches of practice in either medicine or surgery!

IRON IN INDIA.

IRON, the most useful of metals, abounds in India. In the words of a scientific inquirer, "it is easier to tell where it is not than where it is to be discovered." Yet India continues to be supplied with iron from England at an immense additional cost for freight and several profits. How is this? The enterprise of British merchants and the apathy of the Indian people, assisted by some false steps on the part of the Government, afford an answer to the question. Not long since, some interesting articles on the question appeared in the Friend of India, from one of which we propose to make an extract. It must be premised, however, that there was formerly a tax on iron. This tax it was proposed to abolish, and here our story is taken up by the Friend :—

"The Board refused to consent to the abolition, which was, moreover, bitterly opposed by the iron-dealers. They fancied that the duties acted as a protection, and the result proved that their anticipation was correct. The exportation of iron from Gwalior amounted at this time to about 50,000 bullock-loads, but the moment the protection was removed by the abolition of the duties, it sunk to 15,000 loads, and has never since recovered. The native manufacture was swamped by the importation from England, and at the present moment English iron is used to build bridges facing iron-mines. On the northern road from Almorah to Nynee Tal, there is an iron bridge over a stream which flows downwards from Ramghur. It is built of English iron, and one end of the bridge actually rests on one of the abandoned Ramghur mines."

Thus much for the unmixed evils of protection, of which we hear so much. Out-and-out free traders of course will be prepared to show that all this was for the benefit of India; and we leave them to do it. The manufacture of cotton fabrics in India has been destroyed by English competition, and this, we have been assured over and over again, is for the benefit of the former country, where, we suppose, starvation agrees with spinners and weavers. Perhaps the time may come when it shall be proved and admitted that free trade, like everything else, has its advantages and its drawbacks; but as the mere hint at such a thing is at this time little better than treason,-indeed, may be considered something worse than treason,-we are content with hinting, and are astonished at our own temerity in venturing so far.

Iron, however, is abundant in India, but its mines are for the most part closed, and in the few instances where worked, it is in a manner most rude. The subject deserves to be looked into, and we rejoice, therefore, that it has attracted the notice of the ruling powers, and that it has been determined to send out a staff of engineers, consisting of a mining engineer, a practical assistant, a smelter, and a working miner. The especial field destined for their operations is to be that of the iron districts of Kumaon and Gurhwal. We believe both countries will repay the cost expended on them. On Kumaon, where mines and forges are at work, we find the following in the article of the Friend of India, to which we have previously referred :

"In the valleys of the Kotelar and the Khetsaree, in that district [Kumaon], according to a report before us, there are seven mines, affording ore for 146 forges. These forges support 627 families; and although the processes are rude and wasteful in the extreme, the profit appears to be sufficient. The extent to which the ore can be procured cannot be ascertained without experiment, but it exists over a range of hills thirteen miles long. No idea of its richness either can be obtained, for the miners work upon a system which would in Europe render the realization of a profit simply impossible. They excavate the ore without steel tools, draw it from the mine in barrows made of a dried cowhide, give it to their children to break up for the smelter, and throw away the dust. The iron remains in the furnace for twenty-eight hours, and the blast' is made continuous by the use of a series of buffalo hides, after a most primitive fashion. When one is emptied, another is squeezed, a process that would extort a groan from the humblest fireman on

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