flowering of the bamboo well merited consideration. His, the evening, of which our repo ter regrets he has no record. The" Agricultural Association of the United In conclusion the chairman noticed the report of the Committee on Australian Cattle, and a communication from the Royal Asiatic Society requesting information (as we understood,) regarding the white bullock of .. Assam. There were numerous other speeches and toasts during one present.-Englishman, Jan. 31. Mr. C. Fraser and Mr. M. Ommaney were proposed as members, and Monsieur Jaubert, the distinguished French littérateur, as an honorary member. The proceedings of the previous meeting having been read, the secretary called the attention of the meeting to several new works that had been presented to the Society. Among others, were the Sankya Karitta-a translation from the Sanscrit, begun by Mr. Colebroke and concluded by Professor Horace Wilson:-Elemens de la Langue Georgienne, (from the Asiatic Society of Paris,) Captain Boileau's Narrative, the Report of the Com mittee for investigating the Coal and Mineral resources of India, &c. A letter was read from Professor Wilson, suggesting that Chantry's proposal to furnish a copy of the bust of Mr. Colebrooke (now in the E. 1. House) be accepted. It appears that the work will only cost £60. Mr. Jas. Prinsep suggested that a private subscription be raised for the purpose of engaging Chantry to perform the task, C apt. Sanders seconded the proposition, which was car. tied. Among the numerous letters (of small importance) read to the meeting, was one from the Court of Directors, ordering forty copies of the Journal of the Asiatic Society from the commencement onwards. The secretary stated, that the early numbers were all out of print. Some conthe whole work, but nothing was decided. versation ensued as to the practicability of reprinting The secretary intimated that Government had granted 1,500 rupees for the printing a vocabulary in the Cochia Chinese and English languages. The receipt of numerous stuffed birds from Capt. Pemberton (obtained during the march to Bootan) was announced. Numerous copies of inscriptions derived from temples, pillars, stones, &c. were laid before the meeting, together with some spears and arrows from Cuttack and the Goomsoor country. The meeting broke up at an early hour.- Eng. Feb. 9. NATIVE INFANT SCHOOL. The examination of the children belonging to the Lord Bishop, they said what colour the flowers were Native Infant School, which took place at the Town-as also their leaves. They did all this in English, hall yesterday, seemed to have excited greater interest which few children of their age could do in their own this year, than the last. The attendance of ladies and language; great credit is therefore due to Mr. Perkins gentlemen was decidedly a more respectable one, but and his as-istants for the improvement they have made. very few of the friends and relatives of the pupils, if we They repeated the Bengalli alphabet, and the tables could so call them, were seen amongst the audience, of weight and money current in this country. They perhaps owing to the hour being a little early for sang a number of little infantile songs, and their perHindoos in general. The number of boys appeared formance was exceedingly well considering their age, to have been much increased during the past year, and and the time they have been in the institution, which their improvement, indeed exceeded our expectations, in is only a little better than a year old. a great measure. Although there was not one amongst The Lord Bishop spoke highly of the regularity of them, who was more than six years old, yet the answers their movements and their correct pronunciation of Eng. they returned to questions put to them, seemed to as-lish, and touching upon the advantages likely to result tonish the whole audience. A bit of brass wire being from such an institution, expressed a hope that the laheld up, they described all its properties, namely, that dies and gentleman present would contribute subscripit was flexible, elastic, &c. They went to say so far that tions so that funds might be raised for the purpose of estait was not perfectly yellow but yellowish. A nose-gayblishing similar institutions in other parts of the counof roses being handed over by the Right Reverend try.-Hurkaru, Feb. 13. METCALFE TESTIMONIAL MEETING. At a public meeting of the subscribers and intending manner their appreciation of the merits and esteem for subscribers to the Metcalfe Plate. the character of that eminent man. JAMES PATTLE, Esq., in the Chair. Proposed by H. T. Prinsep, Esq, and seconded by Dr. Grant. Resolved. That a committee consisting of the following gentlemen, the Hon'ble the Chief Justice, General McGregor, Mr. H. M. Parker, Mr. C. R. Prinsep, Dr. John Grant, Captain T. J. Taylor, Mr. Longueville Clarke, Mr. R. J. Bagshaw, be formed, to collect the subscriptions of the residents in Calcutta, and put themselves in communication with the committees formed or to be formed at the other presidencies and stations, in order to receive the sums that may be forwarded; and that it be an instruction to the committee to call another meeting on some convenient day after not less than two months, and to report the amount available for the purResolved. That by combining together the different poses in view, with their recommendation as to its dispublic subscriptions which are now raising to offer testi-posal, in order that a final resolution maythen be come monials to Sir C.T. Metcalfe, it would enable the whole to in respect to the appro, riation of the funds. Indian Community to express in a more distinguished Hurkaru, Feb. 20. Resolved. That this meeting enters cordially into the feelings expressed by the meeting of the British Inhabitants at Agra, in their resolution expressing their desire to erect a statue in honor of Sir C. T. Metcalfe, and to present him with a service of plate, and doubts not that the community of British India will co-operate effectually in the promotion of these objects. Proposed by Mr. H.T. Prinsep, and seconded by Mr. William Patrick. Proposed by Mr. Longueville Clarke and seconded by Dr. J.R. Marim. CAWNPOOR RELIEF SOCIETY. nate alms-giving is often, nay seldom otherwise than baneful, and but a very equivocal evidence of benevolence; that alone is entitled to the dignified name of charity which first assures itself of the existence of distress, and then relieves it ;-examples as numerous as revolting could be adduced to support the above assertion, if support it need; but, perhaps it may be enough to testify, that the most abandoned and worthless have practised with much success on the liberality of the Christian public. The Committee of the Cawnpoor Relief Society have much pleasure in submitting to the subscribers, and the public in general, the report for the past year, presenting as it does, so favorable an account of the society's funds, and such decided testimony to the efficiency of its operations. They feel grateful that their call for confidence has been so liberally responded to, and that thereby they have been enabled to release many from suffering, and from the horrors of starvation. This exbibition of confidence has not only placed their successors in a position to relieve, but has also encouraged them to the work; and the state of the country, from the failure of both the khurreef and rubbee crops is such, that both funds and encouragement are amply needed. The money now available, even under the most economical and judicious application, will scarcely meet three months' demand: the committee therefore entreat a continuance of that reliance which they have hitherto experienced. 7,840 14 4 To the all-wise God alone, who doth not willingly afflict the children of men, is known the extent to which the present distress will range; appearances indicate a lengthened duration, and unless Christian philanthropy In hand on the 1st January, 1837....... 6,674 9 3 exert its genial influence, the sufferings of the past will not bear contrast with those of the future, the contemplation of which is sufficient to unnerve the sternest mind. Total receipts.... 14,515 7 7 EXPENDITURE. ...... The present is not the time to argue the question whether the establishment of relief societies be desirable or not, (the gratuitous support of the halt, the blind, the decrepid, and the detection of the worthless vagrant, intuitively recommends itself to our best feelings,) but it is the time to act; the labourer is without hire, the energies of life are sinking, and the land is filled with emaciation; casting aside, then, the question of the expediency of such institutions, the committee beg that each In hand on the 1st January 1838 ... individual will, during the present grievous affliction, give a portion of his monthly income to meet the exigency-be it only a fiftieth, if universal, it will be sufficient. They are aware that there are some who, though, they do not throw aught into common fund, distribute for purposes of relief to a great extent: but, it may be asked, how can that charity be discriminating and efficient, by which some receive abundance and others not enough? &c. &c. Government have, at the request of the Com Rs 14,515 7 7 Under the term anomalous is included the Govern. ment allowance of Rs. 900 per mensem, and under that of Sundries, the purchase of tools for the emigrants, temporary hospitals and addititional servants for the sick, At the close of the year 1836; the balance in favour of the society was Rs. 6,674.9.3; at the close of the past year amounted to Rs. 5,625-8-9 exclusive of dependencies not then realized. The statement below exhibits the nature of the receipts and disbursements. RECEIPTS. Monthly Subscriptions Anomalous Rs 818 00 2,752 7 6 2,832 15 0 1,437 7 10 Travellers... Monthly Pensioners (located)... Paupers from other districts 108 4 0 731 0 7 154 7 2 1,455 1 11 6,421 1 2 8,839 14 10 5,625 8 9 unlimited extent; and, it is hoped, considering the The number of located paupers perfectly helpless is 30. them. The plan of relief hitherto pursued is that of emplov-wanderings noted, and his trade checked: all that is they have fully succeeded: the vagrant is known, hising those able to labour in some work of acknowledged required to complete the efficiency of this branch of the public utility, paying to each of the men 4 pice, which, society's operations is a reliance on the judgment of the in the present scarcity can barely procure a daily meal, committee, by referring every petitioner unrelieved to and, to all others, as many cowries according to the load and distance to which is carried, as will enable them, by applicants is maturing, and, will tend materially, comThe system of monthly returns of travelling a little exertion, to gain sufficient to supply the demands bined with the confidence of the public, to frustrate the of nature. The labour has been employed on the public worthless vagrants' speculation. The number of traroad, parades, and the ground in the neighbourhood of vellers relieved is 32: the number of these considered public buildings; and the work now in hand is the ex- unworthy 10. cavation of a large tank near the Dragoon and Artillery Hospitals, and the filling up of the low ground in their In closing their report the committee desire to express immediate vicinity. The number of deaths from exposure a fervent hope that Almighty God may, of his infinite and starvation, which have come under the cognizance mercy, bless the means adopted to the attainment of of the society, may be estimated at 600 since the 1st of the end designed, and interpose to prevent the aggravaSeptember last, and including those throughout the station of the present unparralleled suffering from the contion, at 1,200 by the lowest calculation; and the average tinuance of the present drought, number relieved daily 1,300. J. RICHARDS, January 1st 1838. Seven houses capable of holding 14 individuals have been built during the past year, on the premises of the society, which now can afford shelter to 41 persons. CORONER'S INQUEST. cabin, the latter completely jammed up under one of After due examination, the jury returned a verdict of An inquest was held on Tuesday afternoon last on METCALFE LIBRARY. ALMONER, (Correspondence between Government and the Committee. | of an object of great utility, by granting to the inhabitants a piece of ground upon which to raise this monument of public gratitude for one of the earliest acts of the Indian legislature. We are induced, therefore, to request that Government H. T. PRINSER, Esq, Secy. to Govt. Genl. Dept.) Sir,-Under appointment as a committee for carrying into effect the rosolutions of a meeting of inhabitants of Calcutta to commemorate that act of the legislative coun-enclosure to the north of the tank in Tank-square, being We take the liberty to suggest, that the whole of the cil which establishes the freedom of the India Press, by unoccupied, that space would afford ground for the buildthe erection of a public building to be called the "Meting, desirable in every respect; it being so centrically calfe Library," we beg that you will oblige us by sub- situated as to be accessible to all classes of the communimitting to the Right Honorable the Governor of Bengal, ty, and most especially to those to whom the establishthat an amount of subscriptions for the above purpose is ment of a library is calculated to be of the greatest serraised, which we have reason to hope would provide for vice; while it is at the same time sufficiently retired from the erection of a commodious edifice, but which would the most noisy parts of the city, and is a situation where certainly not be adequate to the purchase also of a suffi- a simple but elegant building of the kind proposed might cient quantity of ground upon which to build it in any be made highly ornamental to the place. eligible situation. The objects of the institution will render it of importance to consult the convenience of many classes of well adapted. We trust that the consideration will that His Lordship has obtained a report from the civil plead as our apology for having taken the liberty to architect upon the site in Tank-square which has been point it out as that which would best answer the purpose requested for the "Metcalfe Building," and though obcontemplated. And we have further to request that jections have been stated to the proposed appropriation should that ground not be available, His Lordship will of the ground in question, yet it appears to his Lordship be pleased to grant some other spot in that neighbour- to be the most eligible of the sites which have been hood for the erection of the "Metcalfe Public Library." pointed out and that which may be most properly disposed of. We have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servants, (Sd.) W. Carr. J. Kyd. Dwarkanauth Tagore. Russomoy Dutt. July 14, 1836. (Sd.) J. Pattle, H. M. Parker. T. E. M. Turton. T. Dickens. W. N. Forbes. (No. 986.) To J. PATTLE, Esquire, And others, a committee for carrying into effect the re- I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, (No. 411) To J. PATTLE, ESQ. I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, And others forming a Committee for carrying into effect the Resolution of the inhabitants of Calcutta for the erecMetcalfe Library.” tion of a building to be called the " Secretary to Government. Gentlemen,-With reference to my letter, No. 1264, General Department, Fort William, the 20th July, 1836. dated the 28th September last, I am directed by the Right Hon'ble the Governor of Bengal to transmit for your information copies of correspondence noted in the margin by Mr. E. D. Barwell, on the subject of the assignmeut of a piece of ground in Tank-square for the site of a public library, and to state that His Lordship leaves it to you to determine, whether with reference to these objections and claims you think it advisable to persist in the selection of this spot for the proposed edifice. I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, 2. His Lordship has also learnt with much pleasure that the curators of the public library are of opinion that it would be of great benefit to their institution to have the use of such a building, and looking therefore to the just and liberal feeling with which the subscribers to its foundation have come forward, and to the general advantage which will be derived from a public library, they will be willing to waive all objection, and to grant to the committee the site in question as soon as he shall be satisfied that a sufficient and substantial building will be erected upon it on condition, in consideration of the inhabitants of the square, that the building do not exceed one story in height and that it be appropriated to no other purpose than to that of a library open upon liberal conditions to the public. (Sd.) T. Dickens. In laying this plan before the Right Honorable the Governor of Bengal, we shall be obliged by your explaining that it is submitted solely as exhibiting the scale of building, which the subscriptions would enable us to erect. The plan itself has not been decided upon nor considered with reference to eventual adoption, as it is our intention, should the Right Honorable the Governor of Bengal accede to the request contained in our letter of the 14th ultimo, to advertise publicly inviting plans and tenders. This however we should not feel fully at liberty to do until we are favoured with the reply of Government to our request. We have the honor to be, H. T. PRINSEP, Esq. Secy, to Govt. Genl. Dept. Sir, We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20th ultimo; and, as requested, to "Metcalfe hand you herewith a plan for the proposed Library," which has been drawn by a professional builted der with reference to the extent of funds that will be at our disposal. Sir, your most obedient servants. H. M. Parker. Calcutta, 11th August, 1836. T. E. M. Turton. 3. The plan is herewith returned. Letter from Mr. To J. PATTLE, ESQ. And others forming a Committee for carrying into effect the resolution of the inhabitants of Calcutta for the erection of a building to be called the " Metclafe Library.” H. T. PRINSEP, Esq. Secy. to Govt. &c. &c. Sir,-Understanding that application has been made to Government for the assignment of a piece of ground within the enclosure on the north side of Tank-square, to be appropriated to the erection of a public library, I take the liberty of addressing you for the purpose of soliciting information, whether it is intended to comply with the application, and should such a measure be contemplated, I would humbly request permission to bring to its notice circumstances which would, I trust, induce the Government not to grant the assignment in question. I have, &e. (Signed) E. D. BARWELL, Advocate of Supreme Court. 2, Old Post Office street, February 24th, 1837. (No. 349.) To E. D. BARwell, Esq. Gentlemen,-With reference to your letter of the 11th ultimo, and to the previous correspondence on the subject of the." Metcalfe Library," I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor of Bengal, to inform you vernor of Bengal to acknowledge the receipt of your Sir, I am directed by the Right Honorable the Go letter dated the 24th ultimo, relative to the piece of jam directed in reply to state that the circumstances men. ground on the north side to Tank-square to be appro- tioned by you in respect to the title of the ground, within priated for the erection of a public library, and in reply the enclosure of Tank-square, north of the tank, will be to communicate to you a copy of the letter addressed made the subject of particular enquiry, and in the mean under His Lordship's orders to the committee for erect-time the Committee appointed for carrying into effect the ing a public library under date the 28th September last. resolution of the inhabitants of Calcutta, for the erection 2. The right Honorable the Governor of Bengal can- of a building to the called the " Metcalfe Library," will not believe, that an ornamental building of the kind pro-be made acquainted with the nature of the objections and posed to be erected under the conditions imposed by His claims preferred by you. Lordship would be other than an improvement to the square, and to the property in the neighbourhood. 3. His Lordship will, however, be prepared to receive, and give attention to any objections that may be urged by yourself or any other parties interested. I am, &c. (Signed) H. T. PRINSEP, Secy, to Govt. Genl. Department. Fort William, March 1, 1837. To H. T. PRINSEP, Esq. Secy. to Government. Sir, I was honored on the afternoon of the 4th ultimo, with the receipt of your letter bearing date the 1st of March, and relating to the proposed assignment of a piece of ground in Tank-square for the site of a public library. As to the mere question of local improvement, it would ill become me to venture an opinion in opposition to the one so strongly intimated by His Lordship, the Right Honorable the Governor of Bengal, but I certainly was not without apprehension, that the sale of the property called Writer's Buildings, which has for a length of time been contemplated, would be materially prejudiced by a structure raised so immediately in front of it. I have, however, much more forcible objection to sub. mit to the consideration of His Lordship, viz. that the title to the ground proposed to be granted is (unless they have been divested of it in some way of which both the other member of my family in this country and myself are ignorant) in the trustees of the will of Mr. Richard Barwell, formerly of Calcutta, and of Stansted Park, in the County of Sussex, it will not, I apprehend, be necessary at present for me to disclose this title, further than to state, that up to this time Mr. Richard Barwell's estate, pays the ground rent to Government for upwards of eight beegas north of the tank and south of the great road running in front of the Writer's Buildings, as will appear by entries in the office of the Collector of Calcutta. I also find, on searching among some old papers, that reference is made to an agreement by Thos. Lyons (from whom Mr. Barwell purchased the property) not to erect a second range of buildings south of the 19 houses during the lease No. 52, to which Mr. Barwell was bound. This agreement I presume, remained in force during the subsequent tenancy of the buildings by the Company, which tenancy as to the greater part of the premises ceased with the expiration of the last charter. I am, &c. (Signed) H. T. PRINSEP, Secy. to Govt. General Department, Fort William, 8th March, 1837. (True Copies,) H. T. PRINSEP, Secy to Govt. Courier, February 5.] (No. 410.) To E. D. BARWELL, ESQ. To H. T. PRINSEP, ESQ. Secretary to Government, Sir,- We have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th, instant No. 411, to the address of James Pattle, Esq. and others forming a committee &c. transmitting copies of correspondence with Mr. E. D. Barwell on the subject of a piece of ground in Tank-square, for the site of a public library; and stating that the Right Honorable the Governor General of Bengal has been pleased to leave it to the committee for the proposed edifice to determine whe ther they consider it advisable to persist in the selection of the spot in question. We are directed by the committee for the Metcalfe Library to reply to your favour above quoted, and to request you will be so good as to submit to His Lordship their wish to adhere to the selection referred to; since they cannot find any situation in Calcutta so well adapted in every way for the purpose as the one referred to in Tank-square. The committee, therefore, solicits that His Lordship will obligingly authorize the proper Government officers to put us in possession, that the further necessary steps for the proposed building may be adopted. We have the honor, to be, Sir, your most obedient servants, (Signed) CARR, TAGORE AND Co. To H. T. PRINSEP, ESQ. Secretary to Government, Sir,-By direction of the committee of the Metcalfe Library Building, we take the liberty to beg your at tention to our letter of the 25th March last; and as we have not received any communication from the proper Government officers, who we anticipated would put us I have to beg that you will convey to His Lordship, my humble and thankful acknowledgments for the readiness with which he has accorded the request contained in possession of the spot of ground in Tank-square, sein my former letter and hope that the nature of my pre-lected for the site of the proposed building, we solicit sent communication may be such, as to convince His the favour of your intimating to us the necessary measures Lordship, that I have not been guilty of any wanton to be taken, and the authority to be applied to for the intrusion upon his valuable time, should he require fur-purposes of having the ground in question regularly ther information, and be pleased to allow me the honor of made over for the purpose contemplated, the committee an interview, I might perhaps put him in possession of having, in obedience to the desire expressed by the what little I know about the matter, in a shorter time Right Honoroble the Governor of Bengal, submitted than it would take to commit the same to writing. their wish to adhere to the selection of the ground referI have, &c. red to, no better situation in Calcutta occurring to them. We have the honor, to be, Sir, Your most obedient servants, CARR, TAGORE AND Co. Secys. to the Committee for the Metcalfe Library Building, (Signed) E. D. BARwell. 2, Post Office-street, 6th March, 1837. (Signed) Sir-Your letter dated the 6th instant, has been laid |