some very pretty, and resembling Scotch plaids, mustard deed. The returns are mostly, salt, dried or salted fish and beetlenut. The silk appears common enough, (not in texture,) for every man who can afford it generally glories in a silk. At Akyab I have noticed chupkuns in addition, made of black velvet, richly flowered, generally worn by the Mughs on high days and holidays; these 1 presume are imported from China. I Of the road commonly called the Paieng road,' have learnt the following particulars from those who have passed over it, viz. the Shans. Route from Waddi in Arracan to Choungprewguine on the Irrawattie; so pronounced by the natives to me.. ARRACAN 1st. Dubbrubang-on the Aeng river, distance four miles, encamping ground small. 2d. Tantobain-water scarce, distance ten miles. BURMAH. 3. Shakaguen-village and chokie twenty-five huts fourteen miles. 4th. Thenahun-village and chokie, twenty huts, eight miles. 5th. Paieng-300 huts, on the Khekeong nullah four miles. 6th. eight miles. Mongkeong-road by, or in the bed 7th. Keothewah-Keong, road ditto, distance six miles. 8th. Chungprewguine-Irrawattie river, distance twelve miles. Distance from Waddie to Chungprewguine, by native calculation of two miles to the koss, 96 miles. 24 about..... From Aeng to Waddie about..... I shall here bring my account to a conclusion by remarking, that the probable expense requisite to make the nullah, Aeng Pass on the Arracan side practicable for the passage of artillery, and to build wooden bridges over five thirty-hill streams flowing between Aeng and Surrowah, to obviate the obstruction formed by them at all seasons, would not exceed Rs 5,000 and it is to be hoped, when an official roport of the present state of the road shall have been made to Government, that honorable body will be sufficiently alive to its own interest, and the protection it naturally owes to its subjects, to accede to the just claims this (politically speaking) important province, has on the distribution of money from the public purse. 'If it be done, 'twere well 'twere done quickly.' Or write me down a N. B.-In the above distance, both may be made ad. lib., the road being along the bed of the nullah, from which water can be procured in the driest season. Englishman, Jan. 24, 25 & 26.] By this route total. 120 Distance from Aeng to Memboo on the Irrawattie via Nazagain ... } 102 ......... Here are two branches by which two divisions might debouch on the plains of Ava, by regulated marches at, one and the same time. But I have reason to suspect the Paieng pass is not practicable for artillery or wheeled carriages of any kind. The Shans, whom I questioned, said it was too rocky way; this we may easily suppose when one half the route has no better claim to the name of rod than what the bed of a hill stream may chance to afford. However, in the case of a rupture with the Burmese, there is every probability that a light division my traverse this route if capable of carrying provisions for twelve days, leaving a depôt at Waddie, where a divisions on either route. stockade may be formed, as a support to the advance l For this purpose, there is a very advantageous site at Waddie, commanding a watering place, and immediately on the main road. The only disadvantage of this position is on account of its being commanded by the steep ridge in its imme iate front, though the distance is so great as to be scarcely within the range of musketry. But once our divisions a-head, there would be no fear of an attack on the depôt, in their rear especially, if both the Peang and Natzagain routes are in occupation. DISTRESS IN THE UPPER PROVINCES. It has rarely, if ever, been our lot to record the pro- sion, and in his own simple but impressive manner exceedings of a meeting so highly honorable in every way horted them not to be backward in the work of benevoto the humanity and public spirit of the inhabitants of Cal-lence at a crisis so momentous to thousands of their curta, as that which took place yesterday afternoon at the countrymen. Mr. R. D. Mangles, to whom had been Town-hall, having for its object the consideration of the entrusted the first resolution, rose when the Bishop had best means of alleviating the distress of the population of concluded, and, after felicitously adverting to the obliga the western provinces. Notwithstanding the numerous tion imposed upon men of all creeds and kinds to percalls which have been lately made upon the finances of the form the offices of charity to the poor and the hungry, community, for worthy and honorable purposes, every read the following paper, which sufficiently explained body seemed to feel that the present was an occasion what had been done by the Goverument of the north which left no excuse for parsimony, founded upon past western provinces, and what was expected from the priliberality and indulgence. But we must briefly record vate bounty of the community at large: the proceedings. MUGH. NOTE. At about half past four the meeting began to assemble, and by five, upwards of one hundred and fifty persons, Lieutenant-Governor, north western provinces, dated By J. Thomason, Esq., officiating secretary to the comprising the principal inhabitants of the town, and a great many natives, had collected. The efforts of Government for the alleviation of the distress in the north western provinces have been direc ted : The Lord Bishop being called to the chair, at the instance of Sir Edward Ryan, seconded by Mr. W. W. Bird, His Lordship obeyed the call, and addressed the meeting at some length, expatiating upon the condition of the perishing thousands-stating what the Government had done towards the mitigation of suffering, and what it now behoved the public at large to do. His Lordship First. To a suspension of the demand for the Government jumma. Secondly. To the employment of the able-bodied destitute on works of public utility, such as the construc were encamped, shaded by the lofty and gorgeous foliage of a forest whose mighty tenants bent gracefully their sun-gilded boughs to the mountain breeze. But amid romantic scenes, the little wants of life will force themselves upon our recollection, as well as in the crowded city or the solitary cell. Soon therefore had we the satisfaction of watching the arcana of our breakfast preparations, while the truant smoke ascended, Courting in wantonness the morning air. Well might human nature be a prey to appetite, after such a walk as we this morning had taken. The few sepors we took with us seemed to look with envy on the fine plain of the Irrawattie, so different was the aspects of their own country, compared with what they beheld on the Burmah side. me, would On the summit of Natzagain, a few posts, and a double trench, still mark where the Burmese had a line of stockade for the defence of the pass, while a hollow, whether natural or artificial, I could not determine, has evidently served for a reservoir for the reten-ion of rain water. The only inhabitants of these bills appear to be apes. While we were ascending, we After discussing eight or ten eggs mingled with heard them making a kind of barking noise, but did not some thin slices of an especial brisket of my own selec. get a sight of any. The ascent to the summit is carried tion, and making an addenda of sundry sardines, plum is very difficult on account of the loseness of the ground up the face of the mountain in a zig-zag formation, but jams, and Wilson's biscuits, confirmed by no given and slate rock, with which it abounds. About half quantity of Bass's imperial, we lit our manillas and began contemplating the ascent of Natzagain, whose lofty way on the ascent, was a large pile of stones, and every and o'ertow'ring brow we had fully determined on form-man as he passed by, added to the heap, by throwing ing an acquaintance with. Accordingly, taking a few a stone on the muster. I enquired the reason, and men with us we set out about twelve o'clock for the the spirits of the mountain, by the observance of which was informed, that it was a species of devotion paid to purpose. And here Mr. E., I must confess, I became they hoped for strength to overcome the difficulties of amenable to the Martin act, id est, had the circumstance the ascent. occurred in Great Britain or Ireland. I have no where tain air for half an hour, we made the best of our time After enjoying ourselves in the cool mounstated that I had urged or exacted assistance from the in descending; the only difficulty being in keeping miserable looking tattoo, whose garniture had the honor of my previous notice. But to ascend Natzagain I had a proper equilibrium, and a firm footing on our precipi no alternative, for had I attempted to scramble up, 170°, sunset 65°. On the 16th at day light 62°. This tous path. Thermometer at moon in tent at Karowkee should (like merry Jack) have so larded the lean earth, morning returned to Waddi, but having exhibited the that every soul who might attempt to track have made as much progress as a turnspit at work, a and noted every difficulty worth recording that may be general character of the country on my advance route, squirrel in a trundle-cage, or a gentleman at the tread) mill. I determined to mount the aquine quadruped out expected by others, whose lot it may be to follow this of mercy to my fat sides, and for stirrups, I supplied for; I shall therefore conclude by a few general retrack hereafter, recapitulation is unnecessary and uncalled my extremities with supports by stringing a small rope maiks, with an addenda of some particulars obtained double over the saddle, inserting my feet in the depend- from native report, of a route called the Paing, or Peang ent loops. Thus the shadow of a Hudibras in horse road diverging in a north easterly direction from Waddi, equipment and person I marched me up the hill, nearly finding my way to the ground, though on more occa of the Iriawattie. across the Yooma longs into Ava as far as the banks sions than one my villainous apology for stirrups and have had occasion to mention a hill tribe called In the course of narration I leathers, not being properly made fast on the saddle, began trimming like a member of parliament who can-them which has met with neglect from my pen. Kyens, but there is one practice current among not make up his mind as to which side he may find it his In former times, report says, the women of this tribe interest to support, first on one side, then on the other, according to my preponderance of pressure. possessed an share of loveliness which At length, rendered them objects of attraction to the oppresby dint of a most strenuous exertion on the part of my sors of their country, and led to the abduction of the tattoo, who was much better and stronger than his looks fairest and most beautiful among them, by the ruthless at first led to me to suppose, I found myself safe on the bands of foreign despots. To prevent these occurrences summit of the mountain, and 4,590 feet above the sea. the chiefs and elders of this oppressed clan devised the Here a most splendid panorama presented itself: for cruel operation of tattooing the faces of their female on one side at a distance, perhaps of sixty miles, like a offspring, deeming the beauty of women, as nothing reflector, interspersed by numerous blemishes, lay the compared with the loveliness of chastity. I made no Bay of Combermere, with all its connected estuaries particular enquiries, but give it as my opinion, that no resembling streaks of silver on an emerald ground; matron had a voice in the conclave when the tattooing above and about us, rolled vast volumes of murky act was passed, and the young ladies were positively clouds, obedient to the sightless couriers of the air, ever excluded. The process of creating fire by friction, also and anon unveiling the mountainous region below to our came under my inspection; but a this is an act of savage wondering gaze. Having satisfied our curiosity on this life very' generally comprehended, I merely notice side the mountain we made an advance over the bor the circumstance in a casual manner, as being a means der' and there we stood, as Moses stood, and viewed of ignition generally in use among these, as with savages the landscape o'er,' though the atmosphere on this side in other quarters of the globe. was misty. We children of the mist' saw with admi Tation the vast champaign country, as it were, flowing tributary to the Burmese monarch, I must quote rather On the inland trade from Shan and other states with milk and honey before us. The descent on this side is much more precipitous than on the other, averag-of bullocks annually visiting Aeng, or Yowadeat averfrom report than occular demonstration. The number ing one foot in ten. From the point on which we obtain. ed our observation, the Irawattie and Man rivers were ages 10,000; the imports consisting of the following distinguishable, gliding through what possessed the variety, viz. bees' wax, called juree, khut, an a stringent appearance of a highly cultivated country. The mino of a lady's toilet apparatus, cotton, kapas, threads, red, eaten with pawn, chownakah, a bark used in the arcana eminences on the Burmese side extend but a short dis-black and white, shan pawn boxes, sweet oil, a small tance from the great ranges, at least by the coup d'ail kind of onions, tall ka goor, a with which I was obliged to content myself, such was the impression effected. uncommon • coarse sugar, Burmese dhows, for wood cutting, silks of various patterns, We now returned to our own side the boundary, and drank success to the next war. • Average in P.'s report stated to be only 3,000 in the yeas 1931 and 1835. 1st. Dubbrubang-on the Aeng river, distance four miles, encamping ground small. 2d. Tantobain -water scarce, distance ten miles. 3d. Shakaguen-village and chokie twenty-five huts fourteen miles. Thenahun-village and chokie, twenty huts, 5th. Paieng-300 huts, on the Khekeong nullah four miles. 6th. eight miles. 7th. six miles. Mongkeong-road by, or in the bed nullah, Keothewah-Keong, road ditto, distance thirty 8th. Chungprewguine-Irrawattie river, distance twelve miles. Distance from Waddie to Chungprewguine, by native calculation of two miles to the koss, 96 miles. From Aeng to Waddie about.......... 24 about.... N. B.-In the above distance, both may be made ad. lib., the road being along the bed of the nullah, from which water can be procured in the driest season. Here are two branches by which two divisions might debouch on the plains of Ava, by regulated marches at, one and the same time. But I have reason to suspect the Paieng pass is not practicable for artillery or wheeled carriages of any kind. The Shans, whom I questioned, said it was too rocky way; this we may easily suppose when one half the route has no better claim to the name of rod than what the bed of a hill stream may chance At about half past four the meeting began to assemble, and by five, upwards of one hundred and fifty persons, comprising the principal inhabitants of the town, and a great many natives, had collected. I shall here bring my account to a conclusion by remarking, that the probable expense requisite to make the Aeng Pass on the Arracan side practicable for the passage of artillery, and to build wooden bridges over five hill streams flowing between Aeng and Surrowah, to obviate the obstruction formed by them at all seasons, would not exceed Rs 5,000 and it is to be hoped, when an official roport of the present state of the road shall have been made to Government, that honorable body will be sufficiently alive to its own interest, and the protection it naturally owes to its subjects, to accede to the just claims this (politically speaking) important province, has on the distribution of money from the public purse. 'If it be done, 'twere well 'twere done quickly.' Or write me down a Englishman, Jan. 24, 25 & 26.] DISTRESS IN THE UPPER PROVINCES. MUGH. It has rarely, if ever, been our lot to record the pro- sion, and in his own simple but impressive manner exceedings of a meeting so highly honorable in every way horted them not to be backward in the work of benevoto the humanity and public spirit of the inhabitants of Cal-lence at a crisis so momentous to thousands of their curta, as that which took place yesterday afternoon at the countrymen. Mr. R. D. Mangles, to whom had been Town-hall, having for its object the consideration of the entrusted the first resolution, rose when the Bishop had best means of alleviating the distress of the population of concluded, and, after felicitously adverting to the obliga the western provinces. Notwithstanding the numerous ion imposed upon men of all creeds and kinds to per calls which have been lately made upon the finances of the form the offices of charity to the poor and the hungry, community, for worthy and honorable purposes, every read the following paper, which sufficiently explained body seemed to feel that the present was an occasion what had been done by the Government of the north which left no excuse for parsimony, founded upon past western provinces, and what was expected from the priliberality and indulgence. But we must briefly record vate bounty of the community at large: the proceedings. NOTE. Lieutenant-Governor, north western provinces, dated The efforts of Government for the alleviation of the The Lord Bishop being called to the chair, at the in-distress in the north western provinces have been direc stance of Sir Edward Ryan, seconded by Mr. W. W. Bird, His Lordship obeyed the call, and addressed the meeting at some length, expatiating upon the condition of the perishing thousands-stating what the Government had done towards the mitigation of suffering, and what Secondly. To the employment of the able-bodied it now behoved the public at large to do. His Lordship destitute on works of public utility, such as the construc ted: Thirdly. To the preservation of the public peace, and proclaimed and enforced by the Government, and some more especially to the protection of the trade in grain. unaccountable impression which obtained currency First. The regulation of the demand on behalf of the amongst the people, that crimes of the kind would be The distressed districts are mostly cornGovernment has been left chiefly to the Sudder Board cont.ived at. of Revenue, in whose views on the subject, the growing countries, where large quantities of grain are Government coincide. They entirely suspended the usually stored in the several villages by capitalists, who first kist or instalment, and made the two next very light, buy up the surplus produce of plentiful years. An ig. throwing the weight of the collections on the latter norant population were driven to exasperation, when they kists. As, however, the year has advanced, the saw these stores opened before them, and the grain for agricultural distress in the centre of the Doab and along the want of which they were starving, exported to a bet the right bank of the Jumna has greatly increased, and ter market.* of course all attempts to realize the heavier kists will be As soon as occurrences of this nature were foreseen abandoned. In the districts where the settlement has or reported, full authority was given to the commissionnot been revised, the suspended demand will be allowed ers to strengthen the police sufficiently to provide for to lie over till the revision of the settlement, and will the public peace. The enegerdic measures which were then be recommended for remission or realized according consequently adopted, proved successful. and confidence as the circumstances of each village require. In the was soon re-established. districts where the settlement his been revised, an attempt will be made to recover, during the latter years of the leases, the suspended demand of this year, in conformity with the principal on which the settlement was made. The realization of this expectation evidently, however, depends on circumstances which cannot now be foreseen. Tucavee advances for seed grain have! also been largely given, and this mode of relief may be here appropriately mentioned. of this policy. As the season advanced, although the Subsequently events have confirmed the soundness distress increased, and prospects became more gloomy, the grin merchants opened their stores as soon as they were assured of protection, and price fell rather than rose. It only remained by affording employment to the destitute to place within the reach of the food which was exposed for sale. It is hoped that these measures may have some effect Secondly.-The employment of the able-bodied destiin lessoning the injury which the country will suffer tute, on works of public utility. This was at first restricted in amount, but as the distress increased, the ma- from this heavy affliction, and it is gratifying to hear from every quarter, that wealthy landed proprietors † are gistrates have been empowered to grant employment to Government and not any amount with a view to the support of the people, and emulating the example of the not with any expectation of a profitable return for the merely abstaining from any demand on their tenants, but even expending large sums for their support. It must, capital laid out. Inclination to work was in fact adophowever, be some time before the country can ted as the test of degree of destitution. Gratuitous suprecover. The cattle bave perished in numbers; the port of the infirm was not given, as this appeared a more appropriate object for the private charity of individuals, people have emigrated, or been swept off by the diseases which was generally and liberally bestowed throughout which want and exposure engender, and time will the country. It did not also appear practicable to lay necessarily elapse before the cattle can be replaced or down rules which should admit of this mode of relief by the villages re-peopled. the Government, without liability to very great abuse. The officers employed in the construction of the grand trunk road, were also empowered to expend each Rs-2,000 W. H. Mc NAGHTEN, per mensem, in the employment of the destitute, and a Secy. to the Govt. of India with the Govr. Gen. supply of blankets to the most deserving was sanctioned. In the Cawnpore district, where the revenue and magis- Mr. Mangles mentioned that the revenue remitted terial functions are performed by different persons, the by the Government amounted to not less than sixty lacs deputy collector has been especially empowered to em- of rupees. He added what was now required of society ploy the destitute in the distressed pergunnahs of his was not grain-for of that there was sufficiency-but district, as far as may be practicable, in the neighbour- money wherewith the local authorities might purchase hood of their villages. It is anticipated that this may be food for those who were without it. Mr. Mangles finished advantageously performed through the agency of the by proposing the following resolution, which was tahseeldary establishments, under the personal superin-seconded by Russomoy Dutt, who earnestly dwelt upon. tendence of the deputy collector. the importance of his countrymen's coming forward on "The Government,' said the Thirdly. The preservation of the public peace, and the present occasion. worthy Baboo, "has done its duty," the Europeans more especially the protection of the trade in grain, ex-would doubtless do their's :-it was for the natives to tensive disorganization of the agricultural population, shew that they were not backward, when so serious a has been the natural result of the distress. It first arose in Rohilcund, but was checked there by a timely fall of rain. It then broke out in the Allygurh, and Furruckabad districts, and last of all in the Delhi division. In the last case it was quickly and entirely suppressed, but in the former, although its extreme violence lasted only for a short time, a frightful increase of crime has continued for a long period. Stores of grain, boats laden with grain, and Brinjerrah bullocks have been the main objects of attack; but in many cases, violent and designing men have been able to work on the necessities of their fellow creatures, and engage them in more general schemes of depredation. The natural liability to disorders of this kind was heightened, by the freedom of the trade in corn, call was made upon their bounty. The native inhabitants of Furruckabad deserve special mention. They have formed themselves into an association, who systematically and carefully distribute the large sums, which they raise by subscriptions amongst (Signed) J. THOMASON. (A true copy) 46 Resolved, that authentic information has been received of the existence of the extreme distress, in consequence of the draught in certain parts of the north western provinces, and that, under the orders of the late Lieut. Governor, measures for the relief of this distresshave been taken by Government by the remission or suspension of the public demand for revenue, and by directions given to the civil authorities to afford employ ment without limit, to all persons willing to work. But the Lieut. Governor did not deem it expedient to sanction the grant of eleemosynary aid from the public coffers to persons unable to work. That this meeting is of Evidently ignorant of the first principles of political economy. + Tajodeen Hossain Khan in Cawnpore, Loomer Singh, Agra; Petumber Singh, Muttra and Allygurl L opinion that it is the office of private charity to step in to supply the void above alluded to, by affording, as far as possible, the means of support to the aged and the young, and to those too infirm to labor." the Guicowar... Rs 2,000 1,000 The resolution having been unanimously carried, Sir Rushtomjee Cowasjee.... Walljee Rushtonjee and Cullenjee................... ... 500 25 Pallorjee Dorabjee..... 50 Jotha Rutchra.. "That with this object, a subscription be opened at both the banks, books be circulated and other measures taken to invite the contributions of the public, and especially of the native community for the relief of the dreadful distress known to exist in the north western provinces." 200, and numerous others 100 rupees and 50 rupees each, while many natives of humbler rank and limited means, gave their gold mohurs. We should mention that when Sir Edward Ryan was addressing the meeting, he put in the following paper, containing subscriptions raised by Rushtomjee Cowasjee, the perusal of which elicited loud applause: Monohurdoss Ameerchund... 3d Resolution-That the following gentlemen be requested to form themselves into a committee to realize the subscriptions, and to dispose of them to the best advantage for the contemplated object: A. Apcar... R. Belilios... M. S. Owen..... Baboo Prosonno Comar Tagore proposed the third resolution, prefacing it with the highly gratifying informa. tion that his friend Neilmony Day, on hearing of the prevailing distress had sent up to Government 500 rupees, to be applied to the purposes of relief, and the munifi- E. J. Emin.... cent Dwarkanauth Tagore (whose bounty is as boundless as the deep') had authorised the subscription of a similar sum, if any attempt should be made in Calcutta to assist the sufferers in the western provinces. A Friend to the Poor... P. J. Sarkies,.. A Friend to the Poor... M. A. Vertanes... P. A. Cavorke..... Mr. Mr. Thos. Holroyd, Mr. W. Bird, Capt. Birch, A. Friend to the Poor.. C. W. Lewis, Junr.... Mr. Mr. Fisher, Rossomoy Dutt, Prosonno Comar Tagore, A Poor Man. Ramanauth Tagore.. .... .... ... 25 25 25 25 15 16 16 5 25 10 5 10 16 8 5 5 50 50 100 The business of the meeting having now nearly concluded, Sir Edward Ryan proposed the thanks of the assembly to the respected chairman, our amiable Diocesan, whose promtitude to answer the calls of distress, Sir Edward very happily and justly eulogised. Mr. W. Bird seconded the proposal with much becoming warmth, and in the course of a well-delivered speech did the Press the honour to acknowledge its instrumentality in directing public attention to the subject which the meeting had assembled to discuss. Sir John Peter Grant then, with much good humour, deposed the Bishop, and usurping the office of Chairman, put the resolution of thanks to the vote. The resolution being carried by acclaim, the Lord Bishop remarked to the meeting, (which was then dispersing,) that he thought the business of the day could not be better finished, than by every person present putting his name down at once for as much as he felt disposed to subscribe. The hint was promptly taken, and in the course of a few minutes, nearly fifteen thousand rupees were subscribed on the spot; the Bishop and Mr. Maddock subscribing one thousand each; Mr. G. Cheap, Mr. Win. Prinsep, Mr. James Prinsep and Mr. W. Carr (by Mr. W. We conclude by announcing, for the guidance of such Prinsep) 500 rupees each; Sir Edward Ryan, Col. Pow- of the committee as were absent at the close of the proney and Mr. T. Smith, 300 each; Mr. Shakespear 200, ceedings, that the committee will meet this afternoon at Total......4,761 When all present had signed the subscription paper, the meeting broke up, Mr. Mangles suggesting that it be an instruction to the committee to send up authority to the relief committees in the interior to draw monies for the purposes of buying grain to the extent that may at any time be subscribed. He seemed to think, and with good reason, that expedition in the present case is half the battle. We are too much pressed for time to go further at present into the question of what is required of the country in this great emergency; but we shall not fail to re cur to the subject until every Englishman and every native has done his duty. |