General and appoint another who knows something of Maltese law and language. But this was not the conclusion of the commission; its logic was of a peculiar kind, and prompted a different recommendation. The man is unfit, or said to be unfit, for his office; therefore abolish the office-but only temporarily. Either those who made this recommendation must have been able to boast of the most extraordinary perversity of intellect ever known, or the Attorney-General at Malta, anno 1838, must have been a person too formidable to attack directly-unassailable in himself, he could only be reached by attacking his office. This personal invulnerability night arise from his great power, or it might be owing to his high character; but however that might be, the office was abolished and its incumbent pensioned. This process of pensioning gave great offence to a gentleman who appears to have held the office of Governor of Malta-Sir HENRY BOUVERIE-and he kindly wrote to the Secretary of State, expressing a hope that the ex-Attorney-General would be set adrift without any provision. This is the way things are managed in the colonies. A gentleman learned in English law, but ignorant of that of Malta (so, at least, say his accusers), deeply versed, perhaps, in the language of ancient Italy, but unacquainted with that of the degenerate modern inhabitants of the country, is appointed Attorney-General for the dependency of the British Crown just named. No question is asked as to his acquirements, either in local law or language; but, notwithstanding his deficiency in both, he passes for a marvellously good Attorney-General for six years, till his son has the audacity to contaminate the balmy breezes of the Mediterranean with the filthy fumes of tobacco, and then it is suddenly discovered that the learned Attorney is ignorant of every thing which he ought to know, and must be got rid of in some way or other. But he must not be dismissed for incompetence. Oh, no! that would be direct and straightforward, and who ever heard of any thing direct and straightforward taking place in the Colonial Administration? And therefore the office must be abolished because the incumbent is alleged to be unfit to hold it. Still he is pensioned, although a "good-natured friend" tries to put in a veto to his disadvantage. The Attorney-General for Malta, who knew nothing of Maltese law, and nothing of the language of the colony, is pensioned,—and here ends act the first.

At the commencement of act the second, the curtain rises upon a gorgeous scene. It is the garden of the world-the rich and beauteous island of Ceylon ; where we find Mr. LANGSLOW installed as a district judge; but brief and transient is his career in that lovely island, which Professor WILSON believes to have been the primeval habitation of

man.

Mr. LANGSLOW did not dispose of the cases before him so rapidly as the Government thought he ought; he advertised his library for sale; he fined an officer for striking some one with a whip in his court; and he did something which does not very clearly appear in regard to an affray in which his son was concerned,-whether the young gentleman who loved smoking, or another, seems uncertain. To these specific charges is appended a supplement of generalities, including indiscretion, want of temper, insubordination, and the like, to add fulness to the sound of the accusations, and contribute something in justification of the conduct of the Colonial Secretary in removing Mr. LANGSLOW from his office; for in Ceylon he was removed

without circumlocution or disguise. He asks for redress or compensation, but seems little likely to get either; for though Mr. HAWES liberally expended his saponaceous resources upon him, and Mr. HOPE delivered a speech, mild and gentle as his name warranted us to look for, we expect that Mr. LANGSLOow is permanently shelved. He has got a plentiful allowance of what Sam Slick calls "soft sawder," but he seems likely to get nothing else. If, however, he should be subjected to the agreeable surprise of being employed, we earnestly recommend him to leave at home his son (or his sons, if he have more than one), that neither out-door smoking nor midnight brawling may again involve him in inconveniences.

Having acknowledged our imperfect acquaintance with the question, we shall not presume to say whether any of Mr. LANGSLOW's acts justified the line of conduct pursued towards him or not. The charge of want of rapidity in disposing of causes may be either a reproach or a commendation. Dispatch-reasonable dispatch, is an excellent quality in a judge, but we should be sorry to see the prac tice of the Old Bailey, where men are tried, convicted, and sentenced, almost before they know where they are, become a precedent for any other court, whether in this country or the colonies. When Lord ELDON held the great seal, and Sir JOHN LEACH filled the office of Vice-Chancellor, it was said that the one afforded an illustration of oyer sans terminer, and the other of terminer sans oyer. Both might be evils, but the latter was incomparably the greater and more mischievous. To estimate the ability of a judge by the quickness with which he determines cases, without any reference to the character of his decisions, is one of the greatest absurdities even of this charlatan age. One cause of Mr. LANGSLOW's apparent dilatoriness seems to be highly creditable to him. Contrary to previous practice, he insisted that before native witnesses were called on to sign evidence taken in English, through an interpreter, it should be read over and explained to them thoroughly, in a language which they understood. Another practice, it seems, also conducing to delay, and therefore an atrocious fault in the eyes of those with whom dispatch is every thing and justice little or nothing, was, that of giving reasons for his judgments. On these two points we cannot but think the conduct of Mr. LANGSLOW deserving of the highest praise. There are other matters in regard to which he does not appear in so favourable a light. His advertising his law books for sale, and assigning as a reason for parting with them the smallness of his salary, was very undignified and reprehensible, and his receiving complimentary addresses was quite inconsistent with his position. Nothing is in worse taste than getting up such addresses to a judicial functionary. The duties of a judge are so delicate and so sacred, that his character is sullied rather than vindicated by the breath of popular applause. Like woman's fame, the purity of a judge should never be brought into question without absolute and uncontrollable necessity. It is not a matter for discussion; and to tender to a judge a public acknowledgment of his integrity and independence is little better than offering a similar public testimony to the chastity of a lady whose character has never been assailed. A judge should stand above all such common-place flatteries. No man should acknowledge obligation to him; for to render justice is a judge's duty, and he can do no more. Some offensive instances of publicly flattering persons exercising judicial powers have latel

occurred in this country; but they are rare, and will, we trust, never become otherwise.

Among the more vague charges against Mr. LANG SLOW, one is very curiously expressed. The ex-judge is accused of having pursued "a system of insubordinate conduct and improper contempt towards the Governor." Mr. F. T. BARING, who quoted this singular specimen of English, wished for the opinion of the Attorney-General on the charge; but that learned person was fast asleep, and therefore could not give it. Without the high assistance called for, we must confess ourselves equally unable, with Mr. BARING, to make any thing of the accusation. It staggers us altogether; for as it charges the exercise, not of contempt simply, but of "improper contempt" towards the Governor, we must come to the startling conclusion that there is either a degree or a kind of contempt which may be shewn to the highest authority in a colony with perfect propriety. To save the incautious and inexperienced from passing the line, it were well that limits between proper contempt (for it seems there is such a thing as well as proper pride) and improper contempt should be exactly defined.

Waiting as we must till we are enlightened by the learned Attorney-General (of England, not Malta), we may observe that while a judge should studiously avoid even the appearance of disrespect towards political authorities, those authorities should be no less careful to avoid any approach towards interference with the independence of the judicial character and functions. A subservient judge is a public curse, and an attempt to pervert the course of justice, or indeed to influence in any way the minds of those whose duty it is to administer justice, is an offence of the deepest dye, whether it be the act of a private individual or of one intrusted with the preservation of law and of public order. It is indeed a more serious crime in the latter case than in the former.

DINNER TO PRINCE WALDEMAR OF PRUSSIA. On the 10th instant, a magnificent entertainment was given by the East-India Company to Prince Waldemar of Prussia.

The Chairman (Henry St. George Tucker, Esq.) presided, on whose right sat Prince Waldemar, his Excellency Chevalier Bunsen, Lord J. Russell, Lord Glenelg, Count Oriola, the Hon. Colonel Ashburnham, the Right Hon. Sir J. Hobhouse, W. Wigram, Esq.; Sir Harry Smith, Professor Struve, J. Loch, Esq.; and on his left Prince Löwenstein, Lieut.-gen. Sir James Law Lushington, G. C. B. (Deputy Chairman), the Earl of Auckland, Lord Elphinstone, Count Groeben, Baron de Laner, the Hon. Major West, Sir Robt. Campbell, Bart. K. C. H.; Sir James W. Hogg, Bart.; the Right Hon. Sir George Arthur, Bart.; the Right Hon. Holt Mackenzie, Lieut.-gen. Sir Charles Dalbiac, Bart. K. C.H.; Archdeacon Harper, Charles Mills, Esq.; Messrs. Melvill, &c. &c.

Grace was said by the Rev. Henry Higginson, M. A., the Company's chaplain, and the usual toasts having been given,

The CHAIRMAN said,-We are honoured with the presence of an illustrious Prince, Prince Waldemar of Prussia, who, in the military spirit of his family, was lately induced to join our armies in the field, and participated with them in the dangers and honours of a glorious victory. (Cheers.) His Royal Highness is not merely distinguished for his military ardour; he has claims to our notice which rest on other grounds-a love of science, and the pursuit of that knowledge which ennobles the highest rank, and gives grace and ornament to a throne itself. (Cheers.) He has traversed the plains of India, ascended the rugged fastnesses of Nepaul, and penetrated through the Himalayas to the frontiers of China. (Cheers.) Not more on account of that noble spirit which led him to the field, and engaged him in its conflicts, than for his devotion to literature and science, do I now with confidence and pleasure propose to you, the health of his Royal Highness Prince Waldemar of Prussia.

The toast having been drunk with all the honours,

The Prince WALDEMAR spoke as follows:-My lords and. gentleman, little acquainted as I am with the English language, I am sorry to say that I feel myself only able to express in a few short words my sentiments of gratitude for the highly flattering speech of your chairman, the distinguished manner in which I have been entertained by you this evening, and the kind, hospitable, and splendid reception I met with during the whole of my stay in India by the orders of the Hon. Court of Directors. (Cheers.) I cannot refrain from mentioning on this very proud occasion for me, how much I was pleased and flattered by the very valuable present I received of two Sikh guns, captured in my presence by the unsurpassed bravery of the army of the Sutlej. (Loud cheers.) This present will remain for ever a highly valuable commemoration to me and to my family. (Cheers.) But, gentlemen, proud as I am of the marks of esteem and distinction shewn to me in India, as well as in England, I am far from attributing them to myself alone-every one of my countrymen, I know, is well and kindly received in England, and I consider this as a proof that the old ties of friendship and alliance which so long, and even under very difficult circumstances, have united England and Prussia are still the same. (Cheers.) May these ties last long (cheers)-may they last for ever, for the benefit and strength of both nations. (Loud and continued cheers.)

The CHAIRMAN.-While we pay our tribute of respect to the illustrious Prince who has honoured us with his presence on this occasion, we must not forget the absent. His sovereign left a deep impression on the people of this country. The patriot King of Prussia, by his condescension, his gracious bearing, his numerous and most munificent charities, entitled himself to the high consideration of all who have observed his career. We all of us know his gracious and princely conduct. He is now gracing a throne, where he is endeavouring to engraft upon free institutions the welfare of his people. I hope and trust that his patriotic labours will be successful, and that they will endear him still more to the affections of his loyal and devoted subjects. I give you "the health of the patriot King of Prussia." Drunk with all the honours.

His excellency Chevalier BUNSEN, in acknowledging the toast, said Mr. Chairman, My Lords, and Gentlemen,-I am proud and thankful that it falls to my lot on such an occasion as this to return thanks, as the representative of the King of Prussia in this country, for the cordiality with which his Majesty's health has been proposed and received. I am sure it will afford his Majesty particular satisfaction to learn that his illustrious cousin has this day dined with the Court of Directors of the Hon. East-India Company, in the midst of so brilliant and illustrious an assembly; that you have received him here amongst you with all the marks of esteem and affection which greeted him in British India; and that, on the same occasion, you have remembered with so much warmth the sovereign head of his house and country, and alluded to the intimate relations existing between the two countries and nations. The stay of Prince Waldemar in India, and the reports he sent and brought home, have indeed contributed to increase that interest, and to deepen those sympathies, with which the King and the natives of Prussia look upon the British empire in the East. But that interest and those sympathies existed before. How, indeed, could it be otherwise, when we see how much strength, and power, and influence, flows from that empire to England-to those with whom we are so intimately connected-who have been our best allies in the struggle for our independence and that of Europe-with whom we have fought our last battle and gained our most decisive victory on the field of Waterloo? (Cheers.) But, besides, ask what Government, what monarch can overlook the immense importance of that empire which all powers, whether they see it with the eyes of friends, or of rivals, or of enemies, must look upon with admiration? The British empire in India is, according to my conviction, the prodigy of modern history; it is the pride of England; and, let me add, it is the glory of the middle classes of England-of that not only numerous and wealthy, but also enlightened, peace and justice-loving, loyal, and liberal class of the population on which, in our age, the strength of all modern states must principally rest. (Cheers.) Other empires, in other times, have been founded by mighty or adventurous chieftains, or by military orders and corporations, and they have, sooner or later, been lost by the death of the conqueror, or by the degeneracy or tyranny of the military aristocracy. But here you have an empire, founded by merchants, formed and governed by citizens subjects of the crown of Great Britain, and within less than a century grown up to a mighty empire of more than a hundred millions-an empire for which your nobles have fought, and bled, and died, and to which many of your most distinguished statesmen and judges have dedicated their lives-an empire which has nurtured, and is still

nurturing, the heroes of the age, from the Duke of Wellington down to our days, and in which illustrious statesmen find an ample and glorious field for developing their talents and serving their country. (Cheers.) It was with such views as these that the king, my master, soon after he had ascended the throne, sent a distinguished officer of his army to British India, there to improve his knowledge and enrich his experience - Captain Orlich, whose report, since published here and in Germany, does equal honour to himself and to the country he visited. (Cheers.) It is therefore natural that the same monarch, some years later, when a young prince of his house wished to travel, in order to become acquainted with what foreign countries might offer to him most interesting and important, favoured so decidedly the wish of that prince to visit your Indian empire. This prince was too young to have seen war himself, for he was born after the happy conclusion of the great struggle of his house and nation, in which his valiant father, Prince William of Prussia, had fought with so much glory. (Cheers.) But the prince had been brought up in all the arts and sciences of peace; he had received that liberal and scientific education which in our times is most necessary for princes, and most conducive to their own individual happiness. (Cheers.) Having been thus nurtured in all those branches of literature and knowledge which secure and adorn peace and civilization, he wished to see that mighty and almost fabulous empire. He went to India; and what did he see there? He saw a firm and just civil administration, bent upon the improvement of that country and nation which are intrusted to your care. He saw admirable and incorruptible courts of justice established in a country which has no historical record of having ever possessed impartial distributive justice, one and the same for the rich and the poor, the mighty and the friendless and helpless. He knew by reputation your Malcoms, and Sir William Joneses, and Colebrookes, and he was happy to find that their successors in office were worthily emulating their zeal and their glory. He knew your Cornwalis, and he found Hardinge. (Cheers.) With equal admiration the prince saw your political agents-that illustrious body of men of whom Canning is reported to have said (and I am sure justly), that he considered it the first of all diplomatic bodies in the world, for their skill, and character, and accomplishments. (Cheers.) There, too, he found worthy successors to Mountstuart Elphinstone and his contemporaries. In all these branches of civil administration, gentlemen, the prince saw the real secret of your strength-it is keeping your word, and dealing with fairness and justice. I have heard from very good authority that lately the Court of Directors received from a very high quarter an application to know by what means you had succeeded in conciliating to yourselves the goodwill and even the affections of millions of your Mohammedan subjects in India. Well, Sir, I think the answer is before the world: you have respected their religion, their laws, and their habits; you have respected the sanctuaries of the temple and of the house. others do likewise! The Prince was further pleased to see that literature and science were not forgotten by the conquerors and rulers of the empire. He perceived that the institutions founded by Sir William Jones and Colebrooke had continued to flourish under Mackenzie and Prinsep. And here it is my pleasing duty to express my gratification in having seen how lately this Court of Directors when requested to subscribe for a number of copies of an edition of the Vedas, the sacred records of the Hindoos, undertaken by a distinguished young scholar of Germany, nobly resolved, with the strenuous support and generous encouragement of that illustrious friend and patron of literature, the highlyaccomplished President of the Board of Control, to charge that same scholar to give to the world, under their sanction and at their expense, that most important book, the publication of which is so anxiously looked for by the whole literary world. (Cheers.) And then, gentlemen, he saw your armies; he lived with its officers. What shall I say he felt about this army, when one who came to India with avowedly hostile feelings, and has since written a book containing severe censures upon some parts of the Indian administration (Count Warren), cannot help saying that there was no more highspirited army in the world, and there was no more high-minded and kind-hearted and hospitable body of officers, than that of your Indian army? (Cheers.) And now, I ask you, after the Prince had, during a stay of eighteen months, seen all this, and lived with your army, and messed with its officers, how could he resist to offer himself to serve as a volunteer and fight with his brave friends and companions in a war undertaken to repel barbarous invasion, and to protect and advance the common and sacred cause of civil and religious liberty? (Cheers.) He did so; he won your admiration; he received the flattering marks of her Majesty's approbation; and he is now come to this country to express his thanks, and to see again some of the

Let

heroes he had the opportunity of knowing and admiring in India. (Cheers.) The king will be delighted, therefore, to hear how kindly he has been received by you on this occasion, and I beg to thank you again for the expression of your regard and your affection to himself. (Loud and continued cheering)

The CHAIRMAN.-I am sure we have all been highly delighted by the speeches we have just heard, so honourable to the iilustrious Prince and his Excellency the Minister of Prussia. (Cheers.) It is particularly gratifying to us to receive such testimony both in favour of the principles by which this country is governed and our successful administration of that great empire we hold in the East. ( (Cheers.) Their testimony is impartial, and we should not have had it if it were not just. (Cheers.) The next toast I have to propose is the "British Navy." We have a nobleman who presides over that branch of our service well known to the Court of Directors. (Cheers.) He has honourably served his country in various capacities, and in none more successfully or honourably than in India. (Loud cheers.) That noble service, the navy, is now confided to his care, and I am confident from what we know of his character, he will do full justice to the charge. (Cheers.) Let other nations fortify their cities and coasts, our bulwarks are on the deep. There we are unassailable, impregnable, our honour, our character, our interests secure among the nations of the world. (Loud cheers.) The Earl of AUCKLAND returned thanks. He cordially concurred with them in rendering homage to the illustrious Prince, who was willing to share in the dangers and triumphs of our army; and he rejoiced to see at that table his friend Sir H. Smith, who had on that occasion led our armies to victory. (Loud cheers.) The next toast was "The army," responded to by Sir CHAS. DALBIAC

The CHAIRMAN next proposed the health of "Lord John Russell and Her Majesty's Ministers." The administration of a mighty empire was in ordinary circumstances a sacred and important trust, far beyond the strength of most men; but Lord J. Russell, with the chivalry of his noble house, had accepted it surrounded by unusual difficulties, aggravated by a natural calamity.

"That cloud which late o'er pale Britannia hung"

he hoped was now dispelled, and that sunshine would gleam over our fields and gladden the hearts of our people. He earnestly wished the noble lord and his colleagues would succeed in restoring prosperity to this great nation. (Loud cheers.)

Lord J. RUSSELL.-I am happy to have this opportunity of coming here, in the first place to pay my respects to the leaders and governors of an empire, which, as it has been truly said by my excellent friend the Minister of the Court of Prussia, is, I believe, unparalleled in the history of the world-an empire of which the first beginnings are most extraordinary, and appear like heroic or fabulous times-an empire which has been cemented by wisdom and justice in later times; and which we have the happiness to know, from a very recent experience, should it be attacked by unprovoked, sudden, and formidable aggression, will be defended by as much intelligence in command and as much bravery in the soldier as ever it was the happiness of any empire to command. (Loud cheers.) I cannot fail to say this-seeing on my right hand one of the most distinguished of those warriors who have lately proved to India and to the world that however ancient empires may have degenerated from the luxury and effeminacy of the conquerors themselves, our conquests are still maintained by the same valour, the same stedfast determination, which won the first miles of territory in India. (Cheers.) I come, likewise, Sir, to pay my tribute of respect and honour to that illustrious Prince who sits on your right hand, whose object it has been not to make a holiday tour, not to satisfy himself with the shows and amusements of Italy, or the vestiges of ancient power, but who has visited in India a living dominion (cheers), who has searched the records of literature and science, and, when the trumpet of war sounded in his ears, hasted to the camp, and showed himself among the first and most gallant of those who stood on those bloody fields. (Loud cheers.)

The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the next toast, said it might be supposed by a casual observer, that in Indian affairs the strange anomaly existed of two administrative powers, likely to be antagonistic. But this did not necessarily, nor had it practically followed; the object of both being the same-the good of this country and the prosperity of that immense empire whose welfare was committed to their charge. It were base, indeed, if any personal feeling could be allowed to interfere with the performance of their public duties. No such interference had occurred during the periods or had held communication with the president of the board. He had to acknowledge the great courtesy and cordiality with which he had always been received at the Board of Control, and the anxious desire Sir J. Hob

house had always manifested to promote the good of the public service. They might have differences of opinion, no doubt, but by this means, truth was elicited, and reason generally prevailed. He had great pleasure in proposing the "Health of Sir J. Hobhouse, the President of the Board of Control."

The toast was drunk with loud cheers.

Sir J. HOBHOUSE rejoiced in being present when an illustrious Prince, who had recently witnessed the great exploits of our armies in India, condescended to partake of their splendid hospitality. Most happy was he to see in the person of that illustrious prince one who had the intelligence to understand all that he saw in that great empire over which we had the command, and who, understanding, appreciated the means by which that marvellous and stupendous empire had been raised. (Cheers.) Most satisfactory was it to think that that illustrious monarch, on the steps of whose throne the prince himself stood, was engaged in a great work of constitutional organization, which would carry down his name as a statesman and patriot king to a grateful posterity. (Cheers.) It was a gratifying thing, no doubt, to see among them the illustrious prince on the present occasion, seeing as he did some of those around him whose exploits he had witnessed in India; but, alluding to those who were present, he should be doing injustice to his own feelings if he did not regret the absence of one who, in times of difficulty and danger, restored and reanimated whatever was wanting in the hearts of his fellow-countrymen-he deplored the absence of General Pollock-(cheers)-not only because he missed him, but for its cause. (Cheers.) Associated with the name of the lamented Nott-(cheers)-a general whose services, when he formerly had the honour of holding the post her Majesty had been graciously pleased to bestow on him, came under his own special notice, and if they were there to celebrate the triumph of the living, they ought not to forget the merits of the dead(cheers)-associated with the name of Nott there would ever be found in one of the brightest pages of modern Indian history that of Pollock, who, through the most arduous career, performed the greatest services to the East-India Company, Cheers.) He believed they never would forget them. (Cheers.) He trusted his native air would reinvigorate that frame which General Pollock had worn out in their service, and that the chairman and his generous colleagues would not forget what they owed to that distinguished man. (Cheers.) It was only by protecting the character, cherishing the fame, and rewarding the services of those who had acquitted themselves so worthily, that they could hope to maintain their power. (Cheers.) He concluded by proposing "the health of the Chairman of the EastIndia Company." While that chairman was Mr. Tucker he was quite certain they would all feel that a more conscientious, a more zealous, a more vigilant guardian of the interests intrusted to him could not exist. (Cheers.) Allusions had been made to the possible difference that might arise in the conduct of Indian affairs. He would only say, if there were quarrels, they were the quarrels of lovers, which only led to the renewal of love. (Cheers.)

The CHAIRMAN briefly returned thanks, and proposed the health of Lord Hardinge, a nobleman alike distinguished for his civil and military virtues; whose gallantry in the field resembled that of a young soldier, a volunteer for the forlorn hope, with the prudence and judgment of a consummate general. (Loud cheers.) This was not all. Lord Hardinge, by his moderation, his pru dence, and his sense of justice, had brought order and good government into that country which heretofore was distracted by anarchy and rebellion. By his judicious arrangements, Lord Hardinge had endeavoured to make even his enemies happy and prosperous; he had already won their confidence and esteem, and he argued from his public services in India, if they should happily be continued, as many benefits from his civil administration as they had experienced from his military exploits. cheers.) He gave-" The Health of Lord Hardinge, and the Government of India."

Drunk with all the honours.

(Loud

Prince WALDEMAR then rose, and said,-My lords and gentlemen, I have received the permission of your chairman to propose a toast. I have very great pleasure in doing so. His name is particularly dear to my memory, as it was with the army under his command that I saw the first service and witnessed the well-known discipline and bravery of the Anglo-Indian army, displayed in so brilliant a manner on the banks of the Sutlej. (Cheers.) I need not relate to you the exploits and merits of that distinguished, gallant, and successful leader, Lord Gough, in that glorious campaign. His deeds belong to history, and his country has acknowledged them. I will only add my testimony as an eye-witness, that never had a more amiable and kind-hearted man or a more gallant general command of a better

or a braver army. I am sure you will all join me with full heart and full glasses in drinking to the health of Lord Gough. Drunk with all the honours.

The CHAIRMAN said he bad next to propose the health of a gallant officer who had earned so much renown in that wellfought field where the illustrious Prince was present; and he hoped he would soon be decorated with those honours to be bestowed to commemorate his glorious deeds. He was not competent to do justice to the military talents which had been displayed; but they all knew and felt that the battle of the Sutlej had raised the character of the army, and rendered illustrious the names of the leaders, Lord Gough, Lord Hardinge, and he would add Sir H. Smith. (Loud cheers.) The contest was with the most powerful native state we had ever to encounter in India-an army of fierce warriors, with the advantage of European discipline, and with an artillery perhaps equal to our own; but the courage of our troops and the skill of our commanders prevailed, as he hoped they always would prevail. (Loud cheers.) He begged to give "The health of Sir H. Smith, and the Army of the Sutlej."

Drunk with loud cheers.

Sir H. SMITH thanked the chairman for having associated his name with those of the gallant heroes, statesmen, and distinguished commanders, Lord Hardinge and Lord Gough. The illustrious Prince now present had condescended to come among them not only in the bivouac, but lived among them as man should with man. The Prince wore a good sword; he loved them and lived with them, and when they strove for victory he and his two aides-de-camp strove to join them. (Cheers). The CHAIRMAN next proposed "the Civil and Military Services of India."

Mr. H. MACKENZIE acknowledged the toast for the former, and Sir JAMES LUSHINGTON for the latter branch of the service. Several other toasts were drunk, after which the company broke up.

TESTIMONIAL TO SIR HARRY SMITH.

A public dinner was given to Sir Harry Smith at Whittlesea, on the 1st instant, on occasion of presenting him with a testimonial subscribed for by the inhabitants of that his native place. We regret that our report must be very short on account of the unusual press of other most important home matter, not the least of which are the lengthened debates in the House of Commons.

The Rev. Mr. Peyton was in the chair; on his right sat Sir H. Smith, Earl Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Aboyne, Lord Milton, and on the left, the High Sheriff, the Earl of Hardwick, Lord Charles Russell, the Rev. George Barges, &c.; at the other tables were seated the officers of the Yeomanry Corps, and many of the gentry of the neighbourhood.

The usual introductory toasts having been duly honoured,

The CHAIRMAN.-It was now about forty-two years since General Stuart, then of the 95th regt., came to that town to inspect the Yeomanry. He was particularly struck, as well he might be, with the appearance of the gallant general on his right, who was then a boy in the Whittlesea troop. General Stuart offered to take him into his own regiment; and his young friend was nothing loth. The result was, that in 1805 he joined the 95th regt., and in 1808, they found him in the Peninsula, where he continued during the whole of the war. (Loud cheers.) He then went for a period to the Cape of Good Hope, and after that he made himself conspicuous by his achievements in India. (Cheers.) After having been fêted and caressed by his sovereign, by the Duke of Wellington, and by various assemblies of his countrymen, Sir H. Smith had come down amongst his old fellowtownsmen to receive their congratulations. It was most natural that the gallant general should feel highly flattered by the proceedings of such a meeting. He would leave their gallant friend to express his own feelings on the subject of his reception. It was now his duty to request his acceptance of a piece of plate, as an humble and inadequate testimony of their respect and gratitude for his public services, and to drink long life, health, and happiness to him.

The piece of plate, which is valued at 3007., consists of a magnificent epergne, standing about three feet high, and tastefully decorated with martial insignia. It was the result of local subscription.

Sir H. SMITH said,-Rev. Sir, my Lords, and fellow-townsmen, I feel overpowered by the extreme kindness of this reception. It is true, as our worthy president has stated, that forty-two years ago I left my native land. Upon that occasion I parted with an affectionate mother; and dear to me is this day the commemoration of her birth. (Cheers.) The last words she made use of to me were, "I pray you, never enter a public billiard-room to play, and if you should be engaged with the enemies of your country remember you were born an English

man." That mother had three sons at the battle of Waterloo. Providence protected us all three, though we were engaged in the hottest part of the fight; and, I believe, there is no such thing on record—those three are now here present to feel and thank you for the honour done to me and the memory of my parent. (Cheers.) How I fulfilled the first part of her affectionate admonition I well know, for I never did play in a public billiard-room, and therefore, I never was drunk in my life. (Cheers.) How I performed the latter part of my promise, my sovereign, the Duke of Wellington, my country at large, and you, my fellow-townsmen, have declared. I accept with gratitude the piece of plate which you have offered to me; it shall be perpetuated in my family. (Cheers.) I have no children of my own; but I have two nephews, who were in India. I will not longer detain you. My heart is far too full for expression. Be assured of this, that however much I appreciate the many proofs of kindness and attention I have received after a long and eventful absence from my country, this mark of attention in my native isle, from my fellow-townsmen, goes deeper to my heart than all others. (Loud cheers.)

"The health of the Lord Lieutenant of the county 99 was then toasted, amidst great applause, and acknowledged by the Earl of Hardwicke, who proposed" The health of Lady Smith."

Sir H. SMITH thanked the company for the kindness they had shewn to one he loved so dearly, and who had followed him with the greatest devotion over many fields of battle, and in every quarter of the world. They had met under the most extraordinary, he might say sanguinary, circumstances-she at the tender age of fourteen, and he but a youth. Such, however, was the heroism she had displayed on his account, he should have been less than man had he not sought, not only her protection, but her hand. (Cheers.) From that period she had followed him with a devotion he could not express-not a devotion to him alone, but to the cause in which he was engaged. (Loud cheers.)

Several other toasts were drunk, and the conviviality was kept up till a late hour.

DEBATE AT THE EAST-INDIA HOUSE.

A special general Court of Proprietors of East-India Stock was held on Wednesday, the 14th inst., to consider and approve a unanimous resolution of the Court of Directors granting an annuity of 1,000l. per annum to Major-General Sir George Pollock, G. C. B. The resolution was dated the 30th June.

The minutes of the last quarterly, and also of the last special general Court having been read,

The CHAIRMAN (Henry St. George Tucker, Esq.) said, that he had to acquaint the Court that it had been summoned specially, in order to take into consideration a resolution of the Court of Directors, granting an annuity of 1,000l. per annum to Sir George Pollock, which resolution would now be read.

The resolution was read, and was in the following words :"To the General Court of the East-India Company. "The Court of Directors of the said Company, in pursuance of the By-Law cap. 9, sec. 3, do hereby report that they have passed a resolution in the words or to the following effect :

At a Court of Directors held on Wednesday, June 30, 1847. The Chairman calling the Court's attention to the arrival in England of Major-General Sir George Pollock, G.C.B., &c.

The Court, adverting to the eminent services of that distinguished officer,

Resolved unanimously-That as a special mark of the sense which this Court entertain of the foresight, judgment, decision, and energetic resolution evinced by Sir George Pollock whilst in command of the forces at Peshawur during his brilliant and successful operations in the Khyber Pass, for the relief of Jellalabad, and in his subsequent triumphant march to Cabul, by which he vindicated the honour and maintained the reputation of the British army and nation, an annuity of 1,000l. be granted to Sir George Pollock, to commence from the day he relinquished his seat in the Council of India, subject to the approbation of the General Court of Proprictors, and of the Board of Commissioners for the Affairs of India.

"That the grounds upon which the grant is recommended are the eminent services of Sir George Pollock, the grant being intended as a special mark of the sense which the Court entertain of the foresight, judgment, decision, and energetic resolution evinced by that distinguished officer whilst in command of the forces at Peshawur, during his brilliant and successful operations in the Khyber Pass for the relief of Jellalabad, and in his subsequent triumphant march to Cabul, by which he vindicated the honour and maintained the reputation of the British arms and nation.

"The documents on which the foregoing resolution has been fomed are hereunto annexed, all of which is submitted to the general Court."

The above report was signed by all the Directors.

The CHAIRMAN.-Gentlemen, I have seldom had a more agreeable duty to perform than in bringing before the Court of

Proprietors this unanimous resolution of the Court of Directors (hear,) being sure that it will be heartily responded to by all here. (Hear, hear.) In the few observations I am about to make, I shall not refer to the early services of Sir George Pollock, but shall commence with the month of January, 1842, when he assumed the command of the army about to be sent to Peshawur, nor shall I allude to the transactions antecedent to the year 1842, which lead to that expedition, and which abound with so many painful memorials. In 1842, Sir George Pollock was appointed to the command of the army. He crossed the Punjab, and joined the army at Peshawur. In April-he was appointed in January-he forced the Khyber Pass. You are all aware that this is a very serious and difficult mountain pass. Sir George Pollock, with admirable skill, forced that pass against a large body of the enemy. (Hear, hear.) The objects of this expedition were first, to relieve Jellalabad, which had been besieged for some considerable time, but manfully and bravely defended by that brave soldier the late lamented Sir Robert Sale. (Cheers.) The other object was to co-operate with the force at Candabar, commanded by that heroic officer and undaunted soldier the late Sir William Nott (hear, bear), who had maintained himself in the city, and who also faced the enemy, and dispersed them. (Cheers.) Sir George Pollock having surprised the enemy on the 13th, engaged and routed them at Jugdulluk. On the 16th he again engaged them under Akbar Khan, and again conquered. The enemy was completely dispersed. (Cheers.) He continued his victorious march, he penetrated to Cabul, and in one month he raised the British standard on the heights of Bala Hissar. (Loud cheers.) Here he was joined by Sir William Nott, who had led up his forces from Candahar. Sir George Pollock's services did not rest here. He rescued our forces from the captivity of the enemy. Providentially he arrived in time to relieve our army, and to rescue our officers and females, whose continuance in confinement would have indelibly disgraced our arms. (Hear, hear.) Happily they were rescued by Sir George Pollock, who not only gained a mighty victory, but rendered an important service to humanity. (Cheers.) I need scarcely remind you, that for these achievements Sir George was rewarded by her Majesty the Queen, the thanks of Parliament were voted to him, the thanks of the Court of Directors and of the Court of Proprietors were also awarded (hear, hear), while the Government of India bestowed on him the residency of Lucknow, an appropriate reward for such public services. (Hear, hear.) A higher reward was afterwards given to him. He was made a member of the Council of India, but his health gave way, and compelled his return to his native land with, I regret to say, a constitution impaired by his arduous services. (Hear, hear.) You are now called on to pay a tribute of respect to the gallant officer. I do not ask you to consider it a reward, but as a mark of respect. (Hear, hear.) The Court of Directors has unanimously passed the resolution which in full confidence I now submit for your confirmation. (Loud cheers.)

The DEPUTY CHAIRMAN (Lieut. Gen. Sir James Law Lushington, G.C.B.).—In seconding the motion, it must be perfectly unnecessary for me to say much after the able speech of my hon. friend the Chairman. I have reason to think that the health of Sir George Pollock was not good when the appointment to the head of the army was conferred on him by the Court of Directors, but a sense of duty prevailed over every other consideration, and he accepted the command, and undertook to establish the supremacy of the British arms, and to vindicate the honour of the British nation (hear, hear); and though his illness has compelled his return to England, I trust that his native air will restore him to health, and I hope that Providence will spare him for many years, to enjoy the honour and reward of his great and valuable services. (Loud cheers.)

Mr. FIELDER spoke of the moral character of Sir George Pollock in high terms. He had known him in his youth, and could bear high testimony to his good qualities. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. TWINING did not know whether he ought to apologize for intruding on the attention of the Court, but he thought that the vote under notice should not pass without some observation from that side of the bar. It was especially gratifying to find that the future life of an officer who had served his country like Sir George Pollock was cared for by a considerate government. (Hear, hear.) The judgment, foresight, and policy of that officer entitled him to some mark of respect at their hands. He regretted that the state of his health compelled the return of the gallant general, and trusted that in his native country his health might be restored. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. HOLT MACKENZIE expressed his cordial approbation of the annuity, and extolled the high character, military and political, of Sir G. Pollock.

Mr. SULLIVAN also approved of the grant, and stated that in