were not yet in a condition to appreciate the value of newspapers, and that it was absurd to force them on their acceptance. If that Editor were in London, he would see that not a single mouth, nay, scarcely a single week, passes in which, newspapers, daily or weekly, are not given up for want of adequate support. The Represen tative,'The British Press, The Pilot, The Statesman,' each of which had lasted as long as, and many much longer than any Native paper in India, are now no more. But does any one infer from this, that the people of England do not appreciate newspapers, or that they are forced on their acceptance? The Editor of The Hurkaru' has the following remarks on this subject:

The Government Gazette' of Monday, in announcing the cessation of The Shems al Akhbar,' whose Editor, finding it an unprofitable task, has "determined to repose on the couch of conclusion," tells us that the Native papers "owe their institution rather to a precarious imitation of English manners than to the wants of the people." In about a hundred years, he thinks, they may expect to receive sufficient support at the seats of the Indian Government; and by that time their readers will have acquired sufficient discernment to separate the true from the false, and duly to estimate "party misrepresentation and ridiculous pretension." If these qualifications are requisite for newspaper readers, it is to be feared that Europeans are not much in advance of the Natives; at least their discernment cannot be rated very high by a journalist who writes a long article about the innocence of King Ferdinand. The horror which The Government Gazette' entertains of European institutions being prematurely forced upon Indian practice is well known, and sufficiently accounts for the opinion that Native newspapers are not wanted. They are, perhaps, not sufficiently well conducted at present to afford the quantity of useful information of which they might be made the vehicles; but even in their present infantile state, it may be doubted whether they are not equal to those which flourish in some of the more civilized parts of the world, and especially in the dominions of that innocent monarch of whom The Government Gazette' is the self-constituted defender.'

The following paragraphs relating to Asam, the Punjab, Chittagong, and Ellichpore, are from The Government Gazette' of June 14th :

'From Asam, we learn that the course of inquiry has been latterly prosecuting to the eastward, in the country of Bor Kamptis, at the head of the Kyenduen river, inhabited by a people who speak a language similar to that of the Siamese. The latest advices from the travellers in this direction, are dated the 2d May, from a place called Phakhong, the last village on this side of the snow. On the 1st of May, they crossed a stream called the Duffa Panee, about eighty yards in breadth, being conveyed across in a kind of cradle, suspended on two canes, and drawn by a third. They also crossed

from the right to the left bank of the Dehong on the same day on a raft. They had experienced heavy rain the whole of the way. The passage of the Langtan mountains, at which they had arrived, was expected to occupy ten days. This ridge is topped with perpetual snow; where it was to be crossed, the snow was reported to be a foot thick, and as solid as ice. We are sorry to learn, that the Abors, on the Dehong, continue to show little inclination to assist in the exploring of that river, and there seems little prospect of undertaking it successfully, without their occurrence or co-operation.

We have been favoured with advices from the Punjab, which, although of an earlier date than the Akhbars, contain some particular details. Runjeet Sinh was at Amritser, where he arrived on the 6th of April, travelling in his tonjohn by easy stages. He encamped in the Rambagh, a garden formed by him some years ago, in the centre of which stands a stately edifice richly decorated with mosaic work, like that of the Taj at Agra, removed from the tomb of Jehangir, at. Lahore, the spoils of which have contributed to the embellishment of several buildings erected by the 'Sikh chief. Whilst in the Rambagh, the son of Yar Mohammed Khan, the ruler of Peshawer, arrived he is described as a handsome boy, of a fair complexion, about 12 or 13 years of age; he was attended by about a dozen persons, who all presented nuzzers. On the part of his father, the lad presented twenty-four horses, all fine animals, although rather out of condition after their journey;-a horse of great celebrity, Laili, is said to have died upon the road. The Rajah, however, suspects this not to be true, and his officers in Peshawer have orders to secure the animal at any risk. He seems more anxious about the horse than the government of Peshawer, which Yar Mohammed is allowed to retain. Runjeet Sinh has lately admitted a Mr. Mævius, a Prussian, into his service; he has now six Europeans, and one IndoBriton, attached to his army; the latter commands a regiment of cavalry. Of the Europeans, five are French. During his stay at Amritser, the Rajah repeatedly reviewed several of his regular battalions, who were encamped on the plain in front of Govind Gerh, a fort built by Runjeet, and supposed to be the depository of his treasures. The battalions, commanded by the French officers, remained in the neigbourhood of Peshawer, and were expected to continue there for some time. The religious enthusiasm excited against the Sikhs, is far from being abated, notwithstanding the defeat of their leader, and may yet give the Rajah no inconsiderable trouble. The utter want of resources, however, as well as military skill, on the part of the Mohammedan insurgents, leaves no doubt of the result.'

'From Chittagong, we learn that the dawk was laid on Lieute nant White's new route from Chittagong to the Cantonments at Ackyab round the head of the Naaf, on the 16th ultimo, and that the dawks have hitherto travelled speedier by it, than they ever did by Oriental Herald, Vol. 16.

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the old road. The dawk that left Ackyab on the 28th of May, at 4 r. м., although coutinual heavy rain was experienced, reached Chittagong at 4 A. M., on the 2d instant, and Calcutta on the 7th, which is five days quicker than it ever travelled before at the same season of the year. Two companies of the 52d regiment Native infantry, put into Coxe's Bazar, a few days since, on stress of weather, and one of the sloops having been disabled in a gale that was experienced on the Arracan coast, the detachment landed, and marched from Gurjiniah to Mungdoo, by this new route, with perfect facility: an officer also has lately travelled the whole route to Ackyab, making two marches a day, which renders it probable that a high military road is practicable, and would be productive of much advantage. The new route from Mungdoo to Chuckereeah, was only commenced the 1st of March last. It is twenty-four feet wide, and upwards of eighty miles in length, with bridges over every nullah for the dawks: many miles extend through immense forests of valuable timber, whose trunks are chiefly twelve feet in circumference, and seventy feet in height. There has been very creditable diligence, therefore, used in its preparation. We have given insertion to a letter upon Lieutenant White's claim to the discovery of the above route, in justice to that gentleman, but shall decline any further correspondence on the subject. We have no wish to question the merits of others, but, as already observed, the road has been made by Lieutenant White, and, we are fully satisfied, without his being indebted to any other person.'

'We have received the following communication from a Correspondent at Ellichpore: "Intelligence having been received of the return of Shaik Dullah to his old haunts near the fort of Narnulla, a small party, consisting of one havildar and eight troopers of the 5th regiment Nizam's cavalry, stationed in that fort, proceeded on pursuit, and after a march of ten coss, succeeded in surprising the Shaik's party, and capturing twelve horses, a number of spears, pistols, swords, &c. The Shaik's famous grey mare was also taken, the fleetness of whose paces has so often enabled the free-booter to elude the most close pursuit. Two of the party were wounded, and taken prisoners, and the Shaik himself escaped by plunging on foot into ravines, where the mounted troopers could not follow. The above-mentioned fine mare is now the property of Captain Rideaut, commanding the regiment."

The following information relative to China, and some of the northern states of Hindoostan, are from The Government Gazette' of July 2:

'We have received Penang Gazettes to the 12th of May, and the 'Malacca Observer' of the 10th of April. From the Chinese news contained in the latter, it appears that the rebellion in Tartary is far from suppressed, and supplies and reinforcements, to a great extent, are required by the army. In an engagement, near Aksu, the leaders

of the rebels are reported to be annihilated, not one of them having escaped; his imperial Majesty anticipates, therefore, that the advance of the army to Cashgar and Yarkand will not be a matter of difficulty. In an article, dated Canton, there is a description of his Majesty, which is rather curious, if actually contained in any public record: "The Emperor," it says, "is now in his 46th In early life he was passionately fond of martial exercises, archery, horsemanship, &c.; to increase his muscular strength he took medicinal preparations, called strengthening pills, which occasioned the loss of his teeth. He is tall, lank, hollow-cheeked, blackvisaged, toothless, and, consequently, prominently chinned."'

* Maharaja Runjeet Sinh.—Advices from the Killadar of Khairabad, stated his having sent Ashref Khan, the Sirdar of the Yusef Zeis, as prisoner to Atok. The son of Yar Mohammed Khan having attended, was told that his father was relieved from his government of Peshawer, and that he should come to the presence as soon as he had an opportunity. On hearing of the approach of the Captain Salieb with the presents from the Governor-General, the Maharaja asked Dr. Murray if the Captain was skilled in military affairs; to which the Doctor replied, that all English gentlemen were, according to their tastes, conversant with military matters. On the 20th, two French officers, who had come from Herat, arrived, and were admitted to an audience.'

'Gwalior.-No change had taken place here to the 25th of May. On that day, Hindu Rao reported to the Bai that the several Sirdars who were expected from Berhampore, had arrived within fifty coss, and orders were given to prepare for their reception.'

Poonah.—The Resident of Hyderabad received letters from Raja Chundoo Lall, stating that the Newaub was residing in one of the minister's gardens at Gagrahi Ghat, near Tahinpur, and the cholera was raging with indescribable violence at Hyderabad. Vast numbers had left the city in alarm, and taken up their abode in the country, at the distance of six or seven coss. Chundoo Lall had employed five hundred Brahmins to expel the malady by prayer and sacrifice.'

'Oude.—A violent gale occurred at Lucknow on the morning of the 2d Zikada, in which the minar of the mosque of the Motee Muhul, and the golden bastion of the palace of the Begum, were blown down, as were no fewer than thirty-one minars in various parts of the city. On receipt of the intelligence of the death of his Royal Highness the Duke of York, the nuobet knana was silenced for three days, and sixty-four minute guns were fired. His Majesty, putting on mourning, paid a visit to the Residency.-Jami Jehan Numa,

The same paper, of the 5th of July, contains the following paragraphs:

Advices from Gwalior, of the 19th instant, announce the eleva

tion to the musnud of Mookt Rao, son of a distant kinsman of the late Dowlut Rao Sindhia. Previous to his being placed upon the throne, he was adopted by Baiza Bai, on behalf of her late husband, and married to her youngest grand-daughter. He takes the titles of Maharaja, Ali Jah, Junkajee, Rao Sindhia, Behader. His installation took place on the 18th. We hope to give some further particulars of this event in our next.'

'Bengal Club. We understand that the preparations for commencing proceedings are now nearly completed, and that every thing will be ready in a few days more. It is in contemplation, we understand, if it should be found convenient to the Right Honourable the President, to hold the first general meeting on Friday, the 13th instant, when those members who are residents will be invited to dine together. Due notice will be given them.'

We are happy to learn that Captain Dawson, of the late ship John, reached town yesterday evening, he and the rest of the crew who were left on the wreck having been brought off by the boats of the outward-bound ship Woodford. Two men alone were unfortunately lost. The Nereide Yacht passed the wreck on Tuesday, when the lower mast-heads were just above water. We understand that the vessels at the Sand-heads have experienced very severe weather.'

By the return of the brig Guardian to this port, we understand, the copy of the ratified treaty with Siam, bearing the seals of the king and the six ministers, has been received. Captain Burney, the late envoy, landed at Queda on the 14th of last May, where he had an interview with the son of the Raja of Ligor. He thence proceeded to Trang, where he met the Raja, to whom he delivered the ratified copy of the treaty, with which he was charged, and received in return that which has been now brought round. We have been favoured, on this occasion, with some further topographical and commercial details, which we shall take an early opportunity of laying before our readers."

One of the most interesting proceedings, of which these Papers contain any account, is that of a meeting held in Calcutta, to do honour to the memory of the late Marquis of Hastings. The following is a report of the meeting, from The Government Gazette,' of July 9, 1827 :

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'A most numerous and respectable meeting of the inhabitants of Calcutta, convened by the Sheriff, was held this forenoon at the Town Hall, for the purpose of considering the best mode of paying a tribute of respect to the memory of the late Marquis of Hastings. The Sheriff read the requisition to the Meeting, upon which Sir Charles Grey was voted to the chair by the Honourable Mr. Bayley.

The motion being unanimously acceded to, Sir Charles Grey took