of Luxoomun Rao Sinday, of Torgul, took place at Torgul on the 7th March.

SINGAPORE.

CUSTOM DUTIES.-The merchants at Singapore called PARGUD. The Gudkurees of Pargud, being dissatis upon the Resident to explain the nature of the rumoured fied with the conduct of the Carcoon placed over them, intention of the Supreme Government to impose customs' and being unable to obtain redress after repeatedly peti-duties upon the trade of Singapore, and received from him tioning Government, sent their families to places of security and revolted. Troops were immediately sent against them, and Pargud was conquered without a single shot being fired, the people readily giving up their arms to the English.

SUPPOSED MURDER.-A short time since the body of a weaver woman was found on the border of a deserted well at Belgaum. It is supposed the unfortunate creature was murdered on account of the ornaments on the person by a young goldsmith who had purchased a piece of cloth from her the day before and had taken her home on a plea of paying for the same.

THE SENAI BRAHMINS.-A great deal of commotion has been created in the village of Soda, by a Byraghee having been mistaken by the Senai Brahmins there for one of their caste who had absconded from his home some time previously. The man was admitted into several of the families on this supposition, but after remaining with them for some time he again deserted, and it has since been discovered that he was not of their sect. The people of the villages which had given their consent to receive the man, and those who had come in contact with the families which had received him, have been pronounced polluted by their Swamy, to whose notice the affair has been brought.

ATTACK ON THE LADY GRANT.-The following is an account of the attack of the pirates on the Lady Grant, opium runner :

cable.

a letter in reply, stating that he had been directed to submit a scheme to that effect in order to cover the expenses of a flotilla and custom house, and that it was therefore proposed to suggest a tax of 2 per cent. upon certain articles of export and import of which he annexed a list. In consequence they held a public meeting on the 4th ultimo, at which it was agreed to petition both Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Government of India against a measure which would be most impolitic with reference to the particular circumstances of Singapore.

The Syed Khan after passing Singapore, sprung her mainmast and was obliged to put back. The damage was, however, soon repaired and she sailed again on the evening of the 24th of January.

DISTURBANCES IN

BURMAH.

ARRAKAN.-Letters from Arrakan, dated as late as the 23rd ultimo, represent the state of the interior as still disturbed by banditti. One letter of the 21st states, that the detachment sent out from Akyab were still in pursuit of the "Rob Roy" of Arrakan, but as he was too cowardly to come to " were obliged to follow him as he retreated into the open fight," they interior. The last intelligence which had been received from the detachment previously to the above date, was accompanied by two prisoners, and purported that the people in the hills had come forward to assist in the discovery of the haunts of the marauders. Several persons had been arrested in Akyab on suspicion of being in alliance with the robber-chief, and witnesses had come forward offering to depose against them. Another letter of the 23rd mentions, that a detachment of two companies with three officers from KyoukPhyoo were at Ayab, for the purpose of rendering any assistance which might become necessary, and it is further added-"we have no news from the jungles this-morning, and we think the detachment may have come up with Keechyung and his gang, and, consequently, have no time for writing." The small military force at Akyab has been repeatedly called upon to perform similar excursions in the interior, and although they have been as often successful in breaking up the robber-bands, they have not yet succeeded in crushing their disorderly spirit.

It appears that the Lady Grant was attacked on the 2nd February by no less than five Malay praos off Pulo Jarra. The praos were observed standing out from the Sambelangs, and as the wind fell light, they lowered their sails and pulled towards the Lady Grant. On observing their approach, Captain Jeffrey fired at them, when they hoisted the black flag and redoubled their exertions to get at the schooner. She, however, taking advantage of a light breeze that then sprung up, did not await their onset, but glided away and left them, in the darkness of the evening, out of sight. The moon soon thereafter rose, when the wind died away, and left the clipper again to the mercy of the pirates, or rather to the defensive resources of her crew. Happid for the opium under-writers, these were not founwanting and her able Commander most judiciously del termined on coming to an anchor with a spring on his About ten o'clock the praos were observed right a-head, pulling quietly but eagerly for the schooner. A small piece on the forecastle was immediately fired at them on which they yelled, beat their tom-toms, and continued pulling towards the schooner. Captain Jeffrey in the meantime, by the assistance of the spring on his cable, had brought the Lady Grant's broadside to bear on them, and kept up a constant, and from the result, evidently a well directed fire, the guns being ably served by the officers and six or seven British seamen shipped as Seacunnies. The largest prao came on in advance; this vessel, Captain Jeffrey says, was nearly as large as the Lady Grant, and so full of men that it is supposed it was the intention of the pirates to carry the clipper by a coup de main on boarding from her They had in this instance miscalculated, for being now within pistol shot the rounds of grape and cannis- Letters recently received from Akyab contain further ter from the Lady Grant drove them from their information respecting the insurrection that has broken sweeps to take shelter below, and their vessel was al-out in those parts. The leaders of the insurgent robbers, lowed to drift away with the tide. Before daylight the it seems, are the principal Mugh residents of the country, Lady Grant had weighed and made sail to an incrers- who having secretly collected a quantity of muskets and ng breeze, and nothing more was seen of the pirates. ammunition and sent them into the interior, and got a

desperate character to head them, collected a large body of men and commenced their work of indiscriminate plunder and rapine. On the first intimation of the Advices from Bangkok up to the 221 Jan. have been insurrection reaching Akyab, two Lieutenants with a received. The insurrection in Coch in China, and conparty of Mugh sepoys, were sent against the rebels, but

they were over-powered by numbers and forced to re-sequent disturbances which have prevailed there for treat. Fresh troops were, however, speedily sent to rein- the last three or four years, are now quelled. The force the discomfitted party, and the rebels were soon de- country is quiet and in a good state of defence. A feated and dispersed, and the ringleaders of the insurrec

rumour is now current at Bangkok that the King of a descendant of the Arracan King, and as such was in Siam is about to give his favorite daughter in marriage the enjoyment of a pension from the British Government, to CHAN-FAU, and elevate him to the rank of second and several others held respectable situations under it.

Suspicion also attaches to the Mooroogree of the Court. King or Premier, in which case nothing but death A letter from Rangoon of a recent date, states, probably will prevent his succeeding to the throne.

that the amount of duties and customs in kind, which had been collected during the preceding year (October 1834 to October 1835) exceeded what had ever before The second officer of the Fairy Queen, who was been realized. The customs in kind exceeded 34,000 unjustly seized and imprisoned for the purpose of extortpieces and the duties in cash amounted to 45,000

rupees. This increase is attributed to the experimenting a squeeze, has been released from confinement. A which the late Woonghee adopted of lowering the por party of Englishmen, headed by Mr. Gibb, penetrated charges or a time; and the Resident has been endea- within the walls of the city with a petition to the Fooyuen, vouring to persuade the Court of Ava to adhere to these reduced rates, but has hitherto been unsuccessful. demanding his release, which after a great deal of riot Capt. Hannay arrived at Mogaung on the 6th of and fighting with cudgels, they succeeded in delivering, January and had proceeded towards Assam on the 22nd and shortly after he was given up. of that month.

The steamer Jardine seems to create a considerable sensation among the Chinese, and is regarded by them

The following items of intelligence have been received with great suspicion. Having been ordered away from

The Immaum of Senna is dead, and has been suc-ply with his mandate, she was, while passing the Bogue, ceeded by his son Ally-bin-Abdoolla Munsoor, who is about twenty-five years of age; the people of Senna give out that their new Prince is about to set out on an pedition to recover his country from the Turks.

fired on from every fort on both sides. The Jardine backed out of the fire, and on her commander demandex-ing an explanation from the admiral, he was informed that the admiral was positively ordered by the authorities not to let the vessel pass. The operations of the Jardine has been therefore put a stop to for some time, as the representations of the merchants to Howqua in her favor have been unattended to.

REVIEW OF THE CALCUTTA MARKET.

(From A. E. Kuhn's Monthly Price Current, March 31, 1836.)

The Governments of Agra and Bengal have since our last number rescinded the regulations imposed on interual transit duties, accordingly all goods and merchandize may after the 1st April next, pass to and from the territories under the said Government free of permits, rowanahs, &c. but the town duties are still continued. A strong recommendation from the Board of Customs for the immediate abolition of the town duties has however been brought under the consideration of Government, and we understand a plan is laid before the Chamber of Commerce for raising an increased revenue from the Sea Customs in Bengal sufficient to compensate Government for the loss of the internal transit and town duties, for which it is said a sum of thirteen lacks net would be sufficient.

COTTON.-Transactions have been on a limited scale during the whole month; the few Sales reported are intended for China and France. Shipments to England are suspended. SALTPETRE.-This article has been well sustained by the demand for England, France and the United States. The prices of the assortments are reported as in

our last.

SUGAR.-The Sugar market continues to improve, some demand has been felt for shipments to Europe, and business has been rather active during the last week.

LAC.-Lac Dye.-Without alteration in regard to prices.
Shell Lac.-Prices steady.

Stick Lac. In limited inquiry, at steady prices. RICE.-There has been an active demand of Mungby and Bellam Rice, for shipments to Bourbon and the Mauritius, and prices of these qualities remain steady as quoted in our last. Should tonnage become more available, the prices of Cargo Rice are likely to have some improvement, WHEAT. Shipments for Bourbon, the Mauritius and for Sydney continue. The tonnage available in this port is insuffiSeveral parcels have changed hands with an advance of 10 cient for the demand which exists for Exportation to these to 15 Rs

INDIGO.- Freights, which receded during the middle of the month, have again advanced, and may probably rule high during the remainder of the season, and very likely also during the next, if there be no addition to the tonnage usually avail. able at this port.

Importation up to this day amounts to

Accounts from the interior state in general that the sowing is going on very favourably. Some factories complain how ever of injury to the plant of early sowing from continued dry weather.

OPIUM. The market was rather inactive during the whole month and only a few parcels changed hands. The 3d sale of the Honorable Company's was held on the 30th. There was a numerous attendance, the first 4 lots were bought at 1340. but prices receded immediately afterwards.

The following is an abstract of the result of this sale. highest lowest

average. Behar. 1325 1310 1305 1310 7 10 Benares 1150 1210 1200 1206 8 4 The recent advices from China, per Red Rover, and Cowasjee Family, arrived on the 29th instant, appear to be not so favourable as was expected, the stock is becoming heavy, and the Chinese decline to bye at the present high

prices.

RAW SILK.-The advices from home continue to influence favourably upon the prices, and supplies from the interior are insufficient to satisfy the demand. The March bund which is now arriving is reported large and good.

SILK PIECE GOODS.-Continue in active demand for Shipment to England and the United States; prices without alteration.

places.

HIDES. Are in limited inquiry for the American markets. LINSEED. Remains as reported in our last. No sales have come to our notice

SPICES, DRUGS, &c.-Business to some extent have been done in these articles.

METALS -The Copper market appears to be disposed to improvement and holders are firm, expecting a further advance in prices. The stock in the bazar is reported to be small. Peruvian Slab has further advanced.

Spelter.-Importation having been moderate during the month, the price of this article obtained some improvement. -The Mirzapore Price Current is however somewhat below the Calcutta valuation, giving the price of this produce as Sonat Rupees 6 4 which is equal to Current Rupees 6 15 p. fy. md.

Lead. We have only one sale to report; prices are quoted without alteration since our last. Iron.-The assortments are reported as in our last; the market is firm at our quotations.

Steel. Very little doing; no sales of importance to report. Tin Plates-Continue dull of sales, without variation in our quotations.

Quicksilver.-No sales to report and the price remains as in our last number.

TWIST.-Prices of the assortments have declined since our last and the market bears rather an unfavourable aspect. Transactions have been on a limited scale during the greater part of the month, sales to some importance have however been effected within these last few days. The following importations have occurred since our last: 92 bales, 92 trusses, and 4 boxes per Mary Dugdale. 19 bales per Coromandel. 32 bales and 13 trusses per Sterlingshire. 5 bales per Argyle. 286 packages, 144 Cotton Yarn and Twist per Jupiter. 1 bale, 42 bales Cotton Yarn per Donna Carmelita. 265 bales and trusses per Comala. 5 bales per Futteh Salem. 400 per Mona.

COTTON PIECE GOODS.-The market has been rather active during the month, owing to the late arrivals. Prices are steady, and demand continues firm.

WOOLLENS.-Market inactive as usually at this season.

PUBLIC MEETING AT THE TOWN HALL.

12TH APRIL, 1836.

Pursuant to the requisition made to the Sheriff, a pubhe Meeting took place at the Town Hall on Tuesday, which was very respectably attended, for the purpose of taking into consideration certain measures, internally affecting the good Government of Calcutta.

At a quarter past ten o'clock, the Sheriff was mously called to the chair.

resolutions conclude by one "that the preceding resolutions be communicated to the Judges of the Supreme Court and that they be respectfully solicited to favour the Committee with any suggestions to which the proposed measure may give rise."

and

My opinion of the convenience and expediency of unani-introducing Jury Trial in Civil causes in the Supreme Courts of the King in India are already known to the public of Calcutta, and my experience as a Judge of the The chairman commenced the proceedings, by read-Supreme Court at Calcutta has only strengthened and ing the requisition, which has already appeared before confirmed them. our readers. He said that upon two of the objects embraced in this requisition, the introduction of trial by I should have great pleasure in offering to the comjury, and the proper constitution of the Court of Quar-mittee such suggestions as might occur to me, ter Sessions, it would be unnecessary for him to dwell at any length, as they comprised measures, which had been frequenty discussed in that Hall. Respecting the third object, the adoption of which would form the subject of the discussion of the present Meeting, he meant the extension of the local limits of the Town of Calcutta, he believed it had never yet been asked for, or as far as his knowledge went, been taken into consideration, as a measure to be requested at the hands of the Government. It would form one of the chief objects of the present Meeting to determine upon the propriety of doing so

now.

of

Mr. CLARKE in moving the first resolution begged to be permitted to say a few words on his own account, and as explanatory of the position in which he stood in relation to the resolutions about to be proposed. It might perhaps happen that, those who were not aware of that position, might raise objections to his taking so prominent a part in these proceedings on the score of his profession. But whether or no, any objection were raised to the man, there could be none to the measure. But the truth was, that although he should always be ready to suggest and promote every measure calculated for the public good, he was in the present instance but the instrument of third parties. He had long been counected with a most respectable body, forming part this community-he meant the Trade Association, whose counsel he had the honor to be, and in supporting one of the present measures, he was advocating an improvement the suggestion of which had emanated from that body. But all three of the measures were in their objects and consequences so intimately connected together, that he was of opinion they ought all to be simultaneously asked for and obtained. Upon the subject of the extension of trial by Jury enough has already been said, upon the many occasions in which it has been discussed. It will suffice to say, that, the Judges of the Court, the practitioners of the court, and the suitors of the court, were unanimous in calling for its introduction. It has been petitioned for again and again, both here and at home; and no reason on earth exists why, when the inhabitants of a British City call for participation in that which is regarded as a Briton's birth-right, it should be refused to them. The present Chief Justice in 1829, expressed his decided opinion in favour of its introduction, and Sir John P. Grant, both when at the Bar and since his elevation to the Bench, has spoken in equally decided and equally favorable terms of the measure. In confirmation of this Mr. Clarke read a letter from Sir J. P. Grant to the following effect:

Calcutta, 8th July, 1835. Dear Sir,-I have had the honour to receive from you a copy of the resolution passed at a Meeting of the Committee for promoting trial by Jury in Civil causes held on the 4th July instant. I observe that these

W

which I might think useful upon this important subject
if I did not think from the situation that I hold I shall
more contribute to the success of the measure by ab-
staining from entering upon a consideration of its practi-
cal details till it shall be ripened and put into form as I
hope and trust it may be at no distant period.
I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your most obedient humble servant,
(Signed) J. P. GRANT,
LONGUEVILLE CLARKE, ESQ., Chairman of the
Committee for promoting Trial by Jury in Civil

Causes.

This letter he had read to the meeting, in order to shew what was the opinion upon this subject, of one of our learned bench, who was himself a Scotchman and had witnessed the beneficial effects of the introduction of trial by Jury in Scotland; and whose experience at Bombay and subsequently here, had fully enabled him to form a correct judgment as to the eligibility of the introduction of juries here.

submitted to our local Government, it has received no With respect to the petition that we have already reply whatsoever; but whatever be the fate of that, he would recommend the inhabitants of Calcutta to apply over and over again, and in short never to cease in their efforts in this matter till those efforts were crowned with

success.

To advert to another object of our present meeting, it will greatly facilitate the adoption of juries and lighten the burthen of jurymen, if we extend at the same time our jury list. This we may calculate upon effecting to a very considerable extent, by enlarging the limits of the Town so as to comprehend the populous suburbs, which have grown up around it since the ancient boundary was established. By this means instead of a Jury list comprising only from 800 to a thousand, we should have one containing from two to three thousand; and thus, although the number of trials would necessarily be encreased, with extent of jurisdiction, yet the jury list would be far more than proportionately increased, to meet them. The adoption of the measure of extension of the limits of Calcutta at the present day, will be perfectly consistent with the reason, upon which they were established as they now subsist, for when first defined they were made to comprise all the inhabited portions of the town, and the adjusting the present boundaries to the present inhabitancy, will be acting on the same principle as that upon which the limits of Calcutta were originally established. Either it is wise and politic to establish certain and distinct limits, or it is not. If the latter, abolish them altogether; it the former, let them be established according to the true and real state of the town, and do not leave them in this present anomalous state, calling them the boundaries of Calcutta, when in fact they exclude a very large portion

of the town. The consequence of this state of things] By this act, the convictions before a Magistrate are is that you have persons of the same religion, the same appealable to a Court of Quarter Sessions-you have no birth and country, residing in the same street, who are such Court, and the consequence is that an individual severally subject to two totally different codes of Law; who from ignorance of Law, from prejudice or other those living on one side of the street shall be subject to cause, suffers injustice at the hands of a convicting English Law, and those on the other to Mahommedan magistrate, has no remedy, owing to the supineness Law, the latter exposed to the additional inconvenience which has suffered the Court of Quarter Sessions to or rather absurdity of having their case made and stated become extinct. In reference to the other powers which in Persian according to Mahommedan practice, by some ought to be vested in a Court of Quarter Sessions, and Moonshee who might write down, either what he chose the subjects that ought to be cognizable by them, I need or, what he might be paid to write. Is not this an evil, hardly enlarge upon the state of our police, the state of and an evil calling loudly for remedy? (Cheers.) our conservancy establishment, the state of our public streets and ways and the nuisances by which they are disgraced and rendered offensive. The reason of all this is plain enough, and may be plainly stated-the head of that conservancy department is a civil servant of the Company, and as human nature is human nature, in whatever service employed, we cannot expect that he will do other than what he considers will be grateful to his employers. We cannot expect him to look after our affairs with the same sincerity and zeal, that he attends In the hands of the to their wishes or commands. Government are placed almost all the funds of the Town, but I should wish them to be placed under the control and management of an able and intelligent body of men sitting as an efficient Court of Quarter Sessions, and till we have them, we must not expect the good Government of Calcutta in its Conservancy Depart

It oc

There is another strong reason, urged Mr. Clarke, that the present limits of Calcutta should be extended to its actual boundaries. The present state of things keeps open a door to the most extensive fraud. curred to him to see the letter of a debtor of one of his clients, the former an East Indian by birth and a resident in the Mofussil. The proposal that he sub mitted was to this effect, "I owe you 6,000 rupees, I will give you 2,000 if you chuse to take it; if not, I am not subject to your law and you may sue me in the Mofussil court and by appealing again and again, I will contrive to keep you out of the money for 12 years." Under these circumstances he recommended his client to chuse the least of two great evils. But it is too bad that a man who comes every day into Calcutta, gets his livelihood here, and his credit here, and yet is amenable to no jurisdiction here; but to that law only which, as we have seen, gives the prospect of a decision after a period of 12 years.

ment.

Mr.CLARKE then moved the following resolutions, and was seconded by Mr. Bagshaw :

RESOLVED, That the solicitations of the Inhabitants of Calcutta for the extension of trial by jury to civil cases, not having been complied with, another petition be presented to the Right Honorable the GovernorGeneral in Council praying for the immediate adoption of the measure.

Gentlemen, said Mr. Carke, on the subject of the court of Quarter Sessions, which forms one ground of our application to Government, I cannot but say, that the non-existence of such a court is a disgrace to the Town of Calcutta. It was in consequence of your own complaints of the defects of your criminal code, that the 9th of Geo. 4, the Indian criminal act, was passed, but through the supineness of those for whose benefit RESOLVED. That the petition also pray for the estabthat act was passed, and from the neglect of Govern-lishment in Calcutta of a Court of General and Quarter ment, the virtue of the act has been in a great degree Sessions in which His Majesty's Justices of the Peace nullified. I do not ask you to take my own bare asser- may be vested with the same powers and jurisdiction as tion, I will read to you what was said by Mr. Justice are exercised by the Magistracy in England. Ryan in his charge to the Grand Jury on the occasion of introducing the Act into Calcutta :

"I know that it has been considered a question of some doubt and difficulty, whether any of the Statutes

RESOLVED. That the petition pray that a new proclamation be issued extending the local limits of Calcutta so that the Inhabitants of the populous suburbs may be subject to the same Code of Law and Courts of Justice as the residents of the city.

enable Justices of the Peace under commissions of this court to hold a Quarter Sessions, for any other purpose Wг. WYBURN rose and said that according to the than those of making an assessment. I will not now speech of Mr. Clarke he was led to infer the adoption of enter into the difficulties to which the various Statutes the trial by Jury in civil cases, was intended as a mearelating to this subject give rise. sure of reform in the judicial system of the Supreme

"I can only say that whatever may be the inconveni-Court, of Calcutta. "I consider it, Sir, to be my duty ence (which I should have thought would have been to point out that unless something more is stated explapresent to those who assisted in the framing of this Act)atory of the nature and operation of trial by jury in civil cases, the inhabitants of Calcutta might perhaps be it will be absolutely necessary that a Court of General induced to adopt a measure which would perhaps turn or Quarter Sessions should be held, in order that the out far less beneficial to this community than they directions of this Statute may be complied with. This apprehended. That trial by jury in criminal cases necessity is the more apparent from the provisions of was an inestimable good, could not be denied, but for the 48th and 49th sections. the very reason, that it was good, was the trial by jury If a man "The 48th section provides that in all cases (not in civil cases to be considered otherwise. limited to conviction under this Act,) where the sum were tried for a crime, he was either acquitted or conadjudged to be paid on any summary conviction shall victed; and if acquitted, it was not in the power of the exceed fifty sicca rupees; or the imprisonment ad- Judge to send him back to another jury to be judged shall exceed one calendar month; or conviction tried over again. But it was far otherwise as regarded shall take place before one justice only; any person himself dissatisfied with the verdict as found by the jury, the verdicts of civil juries, for in these, if the judge felt who shall think himself aggrieved by any such conviction, may appeal to the next Court of General Quarter it was a matter of course to grant a new trial, toties quoSessions. The clause goes on to direct the notices, &c. ties, till the judge was satisfied with the verdict found. which the party appealing shall give, and provides for his discharge, if in prison, under the conviction on his giving sureties to try the appeal. The Court at such Sessions is to hear and determine the matter of the appeal.

He would instance the question of libel, in which he would cite the case of one Levi, which is reported in the books, when a jury said it was no libel, the judge said it was; upon which there was a new trial; a second jury confirmed the verdict of the former; and then it was sent