down ahead, dead to windward. Darkness soon hid there; and a Commissariat Officer, from Kurnaul, has them from the sight of each other, and the Sir E. Ryan gone down to Shikarpore, to collect grain and anchored in these roads at 130 a. M. on the 27th, and the supplies for the army. Ariel not till 3. 30 P. M., or 14 hours afterwards."

ACCIDENTAL DEATHS.-The number of persons who applied on the 14th instant for alms, at the house of Baboo Aushootos Day, on the occasion of the funeral obsequies of his mother, have been estimated at nearly 100,000. Most of them received 4 annas each, which would make the amount of the donation to about 25,000 rupees. In the pressure of the crowd and their eagerness to get at the place of distribution, two persons were pressed to death.

On the 13th instant, a melancholy acci·lent took place on the river off Hautcholah Ghaut. A ferry boat was coming from Sulkea with a number of men, women and children, in indigent circumstances, and when within about three hundred yards of the Calcutta side, it was accidentally upset. The men and women only were saved, being picked up by the dingies that hastened to their assistance. When landed at Hautcholoh Ghaut, the scene was piteous, from the heartrending lamentations of the parents, who had lost their children by the accident.

Upwards of two hundred boats of every discription, have been destroyed during the late gale and very many huts and brick-built houses in Calcutta have been blown down, besides trees of every kind. Accounts have not yet been received from the country up and down the river; but it is expected that a very great sacrifice of human life has been caused by the storm. Several casualties occurred among the natives in Calcutta and the suburbs.

Mr. Hodson, our resident at Katamandoo, has quitted Nepaul!

Captain Wade, Political Agent at Loodianah, has submitted the subject of a scientific committee to accompany the Field Army in Affghanistan, to Lord Aucklan 1 At Loodihanah cholera still rages.

The Goorka General still continues at Loodihanah.

The infantry force of Shah Soojab, is already more than complete-indeed 800 men more than the comple

ment have been entertained.

has succeeded in enlisting several Goorkas, and he Captain McSherry, the Brigade Major of the force. expects to enlist 600 more of these hardy mountaineers, just the lads for the cold climate of Cabul.

Shah Soojah's regiments will, it is understood, proceed in advance of our own troops to Shaikarpore, and there await the artivel of Sir Henry's Army.

Letters have been recently received from Lieu. tenant Pottinger, dated Herat the 28th of August last, at which time the garrison still held out gallantly. The besieged had managed to get some supplies into the fort, and there was no immediate danger of the place falling into the hands of the Persians. The besiegers were it seems, expecting to receive considerable reinforcement.

Under the able directions of Mr. Ross Bell, the maPASSAOR OF THE CABOOL ARMY THROUGH LAHORE.-Let-gistrate and collector, the bridges of boats across the ters are in town, which speak with some show confilence Jumna, at Delhi, have been completed and opened to the of Runjeet Sing's assent to the passage of the Army of public. Cabul via Lahore and Attock being given at the personal interview between him and the Governor-General.

THE CABUL FORCE DOST MAHOMED. The following is an extract from a Mofussil correspondent's letter. "The Brigading of the 1st and 4th Irregular Horse, under James Skinner, has at last taken place. It is whispered that the Commander-in-Chief said he did not want such a rabble with his Army! But he will be wiser by and bye and find them useful enough, indeed essential in the work he has to do. The 5th N. I. on its way to join, is so disorganized by sickness that it is to be replaced by the 64th from Allygur, which will march as soon as it can be relieved by a wing of the 34th from Futtygur. Among our "on dits, 'is one that Dost Mahomed is willing to be bought out and to give place to Sha Soojah, if we are seriously going to take the latter by the hand, but that he will have nothing to say to the Seik Infidels."

MOFUSSIL.

Rumour says, that the Jeypore people are victualling their forts. Major Robert Ross, our political Agent, has arrived at the capital of Jey Sing, to look after their doings.

Goorka spices are busy, in their vocations, all over the country just now, but more especially in the Rajpootana states, of which the only one at all friendly to our rule is, probably, that of Bickaneer. One of the spies recently visited Delhi; he was speedily discovered and all his proceedings watched there by the authorities. He took his departure for Muttra.

Great sickness prevails in and around Delhi and throughout the Dooab.

An order has been issued from the Magistrate's office that all persons entertaining or lodging travellers or strangers, for one day or any length of time, are to report the same to the Police to be registered by them. This order has, it is said, reference to the many undetected crimes and robberries committed in the city, by strangers and temporary sojourners.

DELHI.-The force about to assemble at Ferozepore, will consist of nearly 13,000 fighting men. The whole LOODEANAH.-A large inflex of Punjabees is daily of the troops composing it, will reach Feroze pore by taking place into this station, for enlistment in Shah November, when the Governor-General's interview Soojah's Army. The heroes already enrolled in this with "the Lion of the Punjaub," will take place. After force, have heen instructed to supply their necessaries on the interview Lord Auckland will proceed to Lahore, credit, if they can get it in the bazar, 2,600 infantry now and the force of Sir Henry Fane, will march (about the 5th December) in progress to Shikarpore, where it will arrive by the 25th January next. Preperations will be then and there made for advancing on Candahar and Herat, and from the latter place the troops will move upon Cabul, and re-seat Shah Soojah on the Guddee.

Captain Burnes has proceeded to Mithunkote, for the purpose of throwing a bridge of boats across the river

muster.

SAUGOR.-Letters from Saugor state, that in consiquence of a local disturbance at Jhansi, the capital of an incon siderable Boondela chief, whose general territory also is so named, the 25th regiment of native infantry, had receiv ed marching orders, and were likely to leave the Head Quarters of the division for Jhansi onthe 15th instant This place is only some eighty miles from Keitah, bu

that being no longer a military station, a demand was necessarily made upon the Suagor Force, as Banda, the only other neighbouring quarter for troops, is not so strongly garrisoned as to admit of the withdrawal of a detachment of the strength required.

MOORSHEDABAD.—The Nawaub Rushen-Ood-Dowlah, has started for Calcutta, to urge his claim, which it is the prevalent belief here is a just one, to the Musnud of Moorshedabad. He will have a better chance now of obtaining justice, than when the late Nawaub's Treasury was brought to bear against him.

NATIVE STATES.

UMBALAH. A report prevails at this town, that 30,000 Dooranees, from Cabool, had reached Shikarpore, with a view of opposing the progress of our Army to the Northward.

THE MADRAS MEDICAL JOURNAL.A journal, under the foreging denomination,is to issue from the Madras press at the commencement of next year.

BOMBAY.

at the funeral of

SUTTIES AT OUDIPORE.-A letter from Guzrat, mentions the shocking circumstance, that the Rana of Oudipore, lately deceased, no less than eight unhappy females, his widows, were brunt with the corpse. This wholesale slaughter is horrible and loudly calls for some decided measure by our Government.

THE RAINS,There seems to have been abundance of rain in Candeish, and more than usual in Malwah; but throughout Guzerat and the Dekhan, there is a very alarming deficieucy. Five inches fell during four days in Bombay at the last quarter of the moon, but it has since cleared up, and should he present springs pass over with out a steady fall of at least ten inches, the most distressing tesults must, we fear, follow.

THE ATALANTA-WANT OF ENGINEERS -Among other gratifying news at the present moment, it is said that there is little chance of the despatch of the Atalanta from Bom. bay for any service, by reason of there being no engineers procurable to man the engine room.

VILLANOUS AEFAIR.

.-A person who gained his bread in Bombay by employing his pencil, recently seduced and ran away with the wife of a highly respectable indivudual n the island. The villain had been under considerable obligations to the injured husband, and besides making him this villanous return has, it is said, swindled several people in Bombay out of large sums of money.

LADY GRANT.-Lady Grant has arrived and is staying at Malabar Point.

purconcen

SIR JOHN KEANE.-No doubt now exists as to the accu. racy of the report of Sir John Keane being about to pro. ceed to Kutch, with as little delay as possible, for the pose of assuming command of the force which is trating in that quarter. The Horse Artillery has already reached Khandella, on its way down from Poona, for embarkation, but will remain on the top of the Ghaut until tonnage has been provided for its conveyance.

FAILURE OF THE CORPS.-Letters from various parts o the country mention, that there is every probability of an almost total failure of the corps of every discription, in consequence of the long continued drought. Every thing till within a short time ago wore a most promising appear ance, and a very slight additional fall of rain would have matured the productions of the season into a most abundant supply. The cultivators are anxiously looking forward to a few days of heavy rain, as the only chance they have of a portion of the crop being saved, but even this cannot prevent a great deal of distress among the poorer classes of the community and a serious defalcation in

our commerce.

IN KATTYAWAR.—ln> consequence of the failure of the monson in Kattyawar, Government has ordered the remission of all duties on grain exported to that province, until farther orders. Such a measure cannot fail to relieve a great deal of the distress which must be attendant on a failure of the crops.

REMISSION OF DUTIES ON GRAIN

CEYLON.

JOHN SMITH.-Johu Smith, who a few months since underwent the shaving of his head and another important operation necessary to his becoming a true beleaver" in the Prophet, has recently renounced his new faith and been There are amusing versions on both sides-Christian and again received into the bosom of the Roman Church. Mahomedan-of the cause of this change, each claiming the triumph. It is also said, that to prove the sincerity of his recantation he drank plenty of arrack-a beverage which is known to be strictly forbidden by the Koran; and that the Catholic Priest, to whom he abjured his for mer apostacy, sealed his re-conversion,by plying him with pork to repletion.

MUTINY.-The Captain of the bark Emma, together with ten of the crew, who are in custody for mutiny, arrived in Colombo to take their trail, which will not commence, till the early part of this month. The Emma was bound to London from Calcutta, with a large cargo on board,consisting of indigo and other valuable articles. About the end of July she was discovered to be very leaky, toms from an impression they had formed, that it was not and the crew began to show disorderly and mutinous sympsafe to proceed with the ship on the voyage. The Captain, consequence, had no other alternative than to put into Trincomalie harbour, where a survey was held upon her a few days afterwards, which terminated in the discoverey of a hole in her bows, made to all appearance with an auger. Whether it was, or was, not, done intentionally, and by any of the crew, is to be proved at present the affair is involved in mystery and many contradictory reports are in circulation in respect to it.

in

BURMAH.

The following are extracts from letters from Mouls Imein, of the 29th August:

"The A-ye-baing received Colonel Benson with agreat show of kindness, as long as the Rattlesnake was at hand; salutes and guards of honor were the order of the day the Colonel's visit, though he has had more than one but then the vagabond has not condescended to return, hint about it. To make up for this neglect, it is said tha BOMBAY NEW BANK.—It has determined to form a Joint he has lent his own poung (accommodation boat) to go up to Avain. We shall see what sort of a reception will be stock Bank at Bombay, and to commence operations on the arival of materials which had been shipped from Eng. met with at court. No redress has yet been obtained land under the directions of Mr. Arbuthnot and were dai- for the numerous murders and robberies committed on ly expected. Mr. Arbuthnot himself is a passenger by the our frontier under the orders of the Bileing Woon. A great August Steamer. Although this gentleman's advices show has been made of apprehending the petty fellows were favourable in regard to the grant of a charter by the who acted under those orders, but the leaders, the Bo- es home authorities, yet, as it had not reached Bombay, it of whom a list of sixteen was given in,instead of being pu was deemed expedient, in conformity with previous resolu-nished, have been made witnesses against men who were ions, to proceed without,

not accused. Nine unfortunate devils were condemned

a month ago on this evidence, but not one has yet been punished, nor will be.

"The last letter from the court, was that in reply to the annonucement of Col. Benson's appointment, and was a miracle of explicitness. You know that Burman 'et ters may usually be interpreted in more ways than one; but it is impossible to twist this one into anything but a remonstrance against his going to court. It says, that A-ye-baings have been appointed for the North, and for the South, for the East and for the West; that he of the South is charged with all matters connected with English affairs, wherefore then should the A-ye-baing come to the golden feet, when if he has any business to transact, the Rangoon A-ye-baing is authorized to represent the King, and to settle all affairs." They also complain that we have three residents instead of one, owing to Dr. Bayfield's having called himself an A-ye-baing who would be stationed at Rangoon. The resident will at best be merely tolerated at court, not received with good

will.

ARRAKAN.-Latest accounts from Arracan state, that the whole of the country at times was very quite; that the Government had done and was doing every thing in it power to render the situation of the residents as com'ortable as possible; that trade in general was looking up, the item of rice in particular, which used before to sell at the rate of four annas a maund now changed hands at the rate of one rupee a maund; that the quantity of shipping frequenting the port this year from the Madras side, was considerably greater than in any former year, and this bright aspect of affairs was in a greater mea sure to be attributed to the indefatigable exertious ands good arrangement of the Commissioner of the place, Captain A. Bogle.

Christians have been made slaves to the great Shuay. PERSECUTION OF THE KAYEN CHRISTIANS.-The Kayen 'gon Pagoda. They are compelled to labour in chains and to dig and clean away the grass, and remove the accumulations of dirt from the area on which the pago

da stands.

CHINA.

September 2d." The Diana steamer came in yes. terday, and announced that Col. Benson and suit made a fair start for Ava on the 28th ult., as doubtful though as ever of finally being allowed to reach the capital, the A-ye-baing at Rangoon having at one time appeared all Canton papers to the 11th of August, have been recourtesy, at another sulky and mysterious. His last act ceived during the month. Their contents are more than was to apprise Col. Benson, that during his stay in the usually interesting, in consequence of the sensation cre country, he, the A-ye-baing, would not transact any bu-ated by the arrival of Admiral Maitland, in H. M. S. siness with Dr. Bayfield, who must likewise move out Wellesley, accompanied by H. M. S Algerine, H. M. S. of the house provided by order of the King for the re- Larne was also at Tonk-Koo. The Vice Roy had issu sident. He has also got a very likely affair to set off against ed a special edict, ordering" the high sea cruisers" to the murders and robberies committed against our peo-proceed to the anchorage of the men of war, and order ple; some of our subjects on the Sandowe froutier, it them to return to their own country," and to take care appears, have been committing a dakoitee in company their officers and crew have no communication with the with people from the Burman side. The A-ye-baing shore, and that no supplies be sent on board." The gives in a list of eight residents, in Kha-reng-gyee-yawa, in ships were not to be permitted on any account to pass the Sandowe district, as concerned therein. Whether the entrance of the Boca Tigris; and all boats bound this is a got up story or not, I cannot tell. The place to Canton were to be searched in order to prevent Me said to be attacked is Kyan-hpyoo in the Yamwa-tee | leen [Maitland] and any of his officers going to the city district." on the sly." The announcement of two ladies and female servants being on board the Admiral's ship, had considerably increased the apprehensions of the worthy LUNCHE KEAN MIN FOO.

FATAL ACCIDENTS.-On the 7th of September, while Lieutenant C. Hopton, H. M., 63d regt., and three other officers, were returning from a shooting excursion on a canoe, the fowling-piece of Lieut. Hopton unfortunately went off and lodged its contents in his left arm. At the time the accident occured, the party were at such a considerable distance from the station, that nearly two hours elapsed before they arrived at the contonment, and although medical aid was instantly procured, the injury was found to be so extensive and the shock to the nervous system so great, that, notwithstanding the administration of the most powerful stimulants, he never rallied, and expired that night Two others of the party norrowly escaped, several grains of shot having struck them in the side and chest.

In virtue of these orders, the Forts at the Bogue fired at the Bombay schooner, and made her heave to; and a war-boat was sent to search her; but not finding maLEEN or any of the men-of-war's officers, she was allowed to proceed on her passage.

This incident, however, had increased the previous excitement; and it does not seem to have been known, how the Admiral would take it.

Captain Elliot had been to Canton in the hope of opening a direct communication with the Vice Roy and had sent a letter to the gate of the city under a blank cover; so that it might be mistaken for a petition. The On the 31st of August the long-boat of the H, C. Chinese authorities, however, did not bite, and the packbarque Amherst, which had been sent up to town for et was returned unopened. The Superintendent, in conprovisions, &c., while returning down the river, was sud-sequence, left Canton for the purpose of communicating denly struck by a squall and upset. There were ten persons on board, including the second officer of the Amherst, of whom Corporal Hubey, belonging to the detachment of artillery at Arrakan, was unfortunately drowned. The others, after having been in the water for nearly an hour, clinging to bits of floating planks, oars, &c., were picked up by the schooner Guyne and conveyed on board the Amherst.

with the Admiral, and see what was to be done in this embarrassing state of affairs. Things are now brought to that pass, that we must up anchor and be off, and admit ourselves fairly out-generalled, or we must hazard the stoppage of the trade, by vindicating the right of the Royal Flag to appear in all ports professing to be on amicable terms with us.

There is also papers, copies of correspondence on the duty on Cotton-Goods-on the debt's of King-qua's Hong-and further reports on the opium trade.

THE HYDROOSE.-On the 8th of September about 8 o'clock, the brig Hydroose parted from her only anchor on the ebb tide, went out among the rocks, and drove The Algerine had been dispatched by the Admiral to ashore close by the outside of the Little Island. The make enquiries on the Cost respecting the Antonio PeMaster Attendant, with an Assistant Pilot, immedi-reira. She is supposed to have been lost between Alaately proceeded on board with an anchor, and found the cranes and the Costs of China. vessel abandoned by her crew. As the flood tide came in, the vessel drifted up over the rocks and struck close inside of the pagoda, where she now lies bilged and filled with water.

The prices of Patna and Benares Opium had advanc ed under the supposition of the total loss of the Antonio Pereira's cargo.

THE

CALCUTTA MONTHLY JOURNAL.

1838.

ASIATIC NEWS.

PETITION OF THE LANDHOLDERS' SOCIETY.

the rent-free lands, which measures are so The largest public meeting ever held in grievous as to be felt by every body, and reCalcutta, took place on Wednesday the 31st quire no illustration. It is necessary now to October 1838, at the town Hall, From 1 P. remedy the evil. The petition that has been M., people from all parts of the country be-presented by the people and the letter which gan to assemble, and by half past two, has been prepared by the Landholders' Sociewhen the proceedings commenced, the whole ty to accompany it, shall now be read to you, arena in front of the Town Hall, was crowd and when approved, shall be forwarded to ed by conveyances of all descriptions. About Government. Should you be apprehensive this time, the number of people within the that it will be difficult to obtain justice from hall and in the lobbies, could not have been that quarter, in consequence of the very power less than five thousand, among whom were which is the guardian of our rights having most of the wealthy and respectable Natives grasped them, yet it would be proper, beresiding in and near Calcutta. The number of fore any other measure is adopted, to address Europeans could not have exceeded fifty. that power. Under these circumstances, genAt 2 o'clock, Prosonno Comar Tagore en-tlemen, you will hear the petition read to alteration you may think tered the hall and was received by the assem-you, and suggest any bly with loud acclamations. Dwarknath Ta- proper. After your approval, such as have gore, who came in shortly after, was like-not signed it yet, will add their names to the wise cheered in a similar manner, as also Mr. document. Dickens, who followed him. The bulk of the Ram Chunder Surmooa, the pundit of the people assembled, appeared to be quite ig- Landholders' Society, then read through the norant of the forms observed on such occasi- whole petition which was in Bengali, as well ons, and being anxious to approach the ta- as a Bengali translation of the Society's letble, became extremely noisy, frequently ter. The following is a translation of the Pebursting forth into loud exclamations expressive of their sufferings. Several Brahmins

tion.

held up their sacred thread and threatened TO THE RIGHT HON'BLE THE GOVERNOR OF BENGAL. to tear it as a malediction if nothing should

in Bengal, sheweth.

That Lord Cornwallis, at the time of the decenial settlement, published certain fundamental rules, resolutions, and declarations of

be done to protect them against the resump- The memorial of the undersigned landholders tion operations; others were seen repeating muntras or incantations for the same object. Great endeavours were now made to restore order, and quiet the people, but with little or no effect; a loud hum of voices continued throughout, and rendered it impossible for those who were at a distance to hear all that was said.

Government for the assurance and satisfaction of the people. Although his Lordship consulted the interest of Government more than that of the weak subjects, yet none of At half after 2, Dwarkanath Tagore propos- them even endeavoured to raise an objection, ed, seconded by Mr. G. Prinsep, that Rajah Radhacanth Bahadoor be called to the chair, which was carried by acclamation. On taking the chair the Rajah spoke in Bengali to the following effect;

being content with the general good treatment of the English towards them. The wrongs subsequently suffered by the poor people, in consequence of the promulgatian of various rules, contrary to the above regulations and Gentlemen :-This is a great meeting, declarations, it is hoped will be redressed when and its greatness is suited to the occasion. they are brought to the notice of GovernNever was so numerous a meeting held here.ment; but the hardship suffered by the rentThe object of inviting you is to consider the free landholders, is on this occasion the prinmeasures adopted by Government for resuming cipal object of our representation; and it is

boped that Government will be pleased to to Government, and the people were quite iggrant justice and relief. norant of them as they are even to this 2nd. We have lived from generation today. The measures now adopted by Gogeneration in the several provinces of this vernment, agreeably to the above regulaEmpire under the British rule, and have firm-tions, had never been anticipated before ly established ourselves without ever trying by the people of this country. If the goto quit it,either on account of human oppres-vernment were to interrogate upon oath sion or divine punishment. We alone can hundreds of Zemindars, Talookdars, and therefore call it our paternal Government, Free land holders, it will find that oneand our attachment to this country has al-sixteenth of them have scarcely any knowways been stronger than that of any other people to their country.

ledge that Government can lawfully perfer any other claim, but the fixed rent on the 3rd. European Kings, either being pleas- property of a Zemindar or Talookdar, or the ed, or by way of kindness, bestow various Free land can become rentable; for if they dignities and titles of honour, as well as do knew the latter, there would have been no nations; so have the Indian Kings and other sale or purchase of the Bromotro and other great men conferred rent-free lands upon free lands. When Government issues orders subjects and dependants. Therefore rent-on matters that concern both itself and its free lands in Hindoostan and the titles in subjects, such orders are repeatedly published Europe, considered as tokens of royal plea- in the newspapers with translations for the sure, are both alike. The rent-free lands are, guidance of the people who,falling into error or moreover, calculated to encourage the acqui- miscomprehension, may not suffer afterwards. sition of knowledge,to secure the maintenance But, through our misfortune, nothing concernof learned and ingenious men, and to pre-ing the resumption operations was published serve the observance of the religious orders but the Regulation book, the contents of and the sacerdotal functions which ought to which, however, we were not aware of, nor be kept unencroached upon by Government. do we know them fully even at this period. 4th. A great many kings of other con- So that if any steps are now taken by Gotries have reigned over India ; but none of vernment according to the above regulation, them did ever deprive any rent-free Land- such steps or arrangments must be considered holder of his possessions, nor fix a rent upon extremely unjust, his property. On the contrary, they have allowed more lands for free enjoyment.

5th. Many people in this country possess no other permanent livelihood but the possession of a small portion of rent free land; the profits of which can scarcely supply common food and dress. If they be deprived of this, they may have recourse to crimes and enormities, to check which it requires the Government to be as attentive and assiduous as it is to stop criminal proceedings arising from

other causes.

7th. On the issue of orders to produce the document off'rent-free lands, some poor and indigent people, or in other words those who possess the above land from 5 kottahs to 10 biggahs, to avoid the heavy expenses of the amlalis, jointly produced a paper, which being found to contain more than 100 biggahs, has at once, without further consideration, been subjected to assessment, according to the resumption regulations. So that it is feared, all the dwelling houses on Mohotron and other rent6th. It is now nearly 73 years since Hin-free lands will shortly be brought under redoostan has been in the possession of England, sumption. and during this time Government has never claimed the rent on free lands, nor did we ever think, until this day, that there would be rent payable on such lands. If there, however, be hint of this in the Regulation of the year 793, it was still unknown to us; for the regulations were not enacted till after the full possession of this Empire and were written originally in English, a language then very little understood among the inhabitants of Calcutta, and quite unknown in the mofussil. They were subsequently translated into the Persian and Bengally languages; but the books, not being for sale,were scarcely procurable, which is still the case. So that he matters declared therein were known only

any

8th. It is clearly expressed in Clause 1, Sec. II. Reg. XIX of 1763, that lands free from assessment previous to the year 1765, whether there be any document for them or not, by virtue of long possession alone, shall be allowed to remain in the hands of their possessors. This, however, is now disregarded by the Deputy Collectors and special commissioners, who all being partial on behalf of their employers, are calling for documents of rent-free lands dated before the year 1765. If no document be found, or if they are only such as releases, &c. granted by the public functionaries, they are always disapproved, and considered forgeries, and decrees are given in favor of the Government.