ACCOMMODATION IN FRENCH STEAMERS.-The following is an extract from a letter dated Malta, the 12th of January last, and completely sets at rest the rumours float in regard to the bad accommodation and worse are to be found on board the French steamers.

THE HINDU HOLIDAY BAROUNIE CHOLERA.-This is a

easily conceived. Lieut. Millar had been assured by those whom every one considered to be the best informed, that there was no chance of an attack, but he nevertheless took every precaution, posting sentries, &c. The stockade being extremely small, and much crowded, a party of Singphoos were allowed to sleep in a hut just outside the stockade at their earnest entreaty. Early on steamers. Splendid ships and fitted up in the most "I came from Alexandria by the French line of the morning of the 10th February a horrible yell was beautiful manner, with pannels of the rarest woods, heard from the direction of this hut, and it was found inlaid in a style that might suit a royal yacht better than twenty-one of these poor wretches, men and women, had been butchered in their beds!! It had been rain-cabins are capital, and the table kept after a very resa steam packet. The accommodations of the private ing hard all night, and the morning was consequently pectable fashion; in short the richest man in Europe, extremely dark, but a fire was instantly opened in the could not a few years ago traverse the Mediterranean, direction which the villains took, and from marks of with the luxury of expedition and comfort, that a private blood having been tracted for some distance through the jungle, it is believed that some were wounded. From person can now command for a few sovereigna." a prisoner subsequently taken it was learnt, that these murderers had been hired by the Peshee, that the party consisted of one hundred and were only armed with dhaws. The only object appears to have been blood, for nothing was missed, except one or two muskets. It is possible that the Peshee, maddened with revenge, may not so easily leave the Company's territories; and it is understood, stockades and barricades have been erected. Lieut. Millar's stockade was surrounded by spies; in clear nights they could distinctly see the Peshee Gaom's movements, who doubtless, when a favour. able moment occurred, intended to commence the attack. In these thickets our trops fight under the greatest disadvantage, the enemy firing from ambuscade and then flying off in different directions in small parties. Major White was not far off, and had proceeded to join Lieut. Millar, with a party of 90 men, and had also ordered another officer to follow him, with a company of the Assam Light Infantry.

MEETING OF PODARS-PICE.-It is said that there has been a general meeting of the podars in Calcutta, whereat it was determined to drain the mint office, with a view to storing up the pice, and, in the consequent scarcity, disposing of them at a manifest disadvantage to the public. The annoyance entailed by the practices of these people, which are now reduced to a system, calls for the interposition of authority.

WANT OF WATER.-Great distress is experienced in the country from the scarcity of water, occasioned by the extreme drought this season.

celebrated bathing festival, at which thousands of Hindus repair to Trebanee ghaut, a few miles above Hooghly, for the purpose of purification. This year the boliday occurred on the 23d ultimo. For two days previous, the roads leading to the ghaut were crowded with people, and at one time there were not less than probably 30,000 assembled at, and near the ghauts. The rush to the river was so impetuous that great numbers were with difficulty rescued from drowning by the activity of the police. The greater number of those who went to ribanee on Saturday last, came from distant parts, there being very few Bengalis among them. In going to and returning from Tribanee, these people slept by the road side, so that the roads for miles were lined with them. Exposed to the vicissitudes of the present remarkable season, thousands of them have been seized with cholera and many have already fallen victims so that fatal

disease.

THE BORE-The bore during last springs was very severe and caused several accidents to the craft on the river. Two vessels, the names of which we have not been able to ascertain, were torn from their moorings, and one of them had the side of her poop and her jib-boom smashed;-the other also, we are told, received some slight injury. Many boats were swamped on both sides of the river, and others severely damaged by being dashed against one another. A gentleman who was going over when about three parts of the way across the river, and to Seebpore in a bauleah, was caught by the bore, although the boat's head was promptly turned to the foaming surge, she was capsized, and every body on board obliged to swim for their lives. All, however, luckily escaped, with merely a good drenching. Another gentleman was overtaken by the flood, near Gollahdunga ghaut, and had his jolly-boat dashed to pieces and two of his men much hurt: he, however, escaped uninjured himself. We have been informed that three dinghee-wallabs perished through the bore gelth pate being caught near the Sumatra sand and buried in the waves. Parties crossing the water during the full and new moon, should be extremely vigilant, or they will stand a chance of losing their lives. The best way to escape the force of the bore, is by pulling into the middle of ASSAM-PROSPECTS OF WAR.-Letters have been re-down the river, with the boat's head opposed to the ad the stream, when they see or hear it coming, and rowing ceived from Akyab to the 16th instant. All then was quiet on the frontier; but the writer of the epistle has passed, they should pull in as far as possible to vancing tide; and then, immediately after the first surf doubts, in most poetic phrase, whether it be not the within fifty or eighty yards of the shore, where their calm which proceeds the storm," "the quiet which per-boat will easily bound over the two back surfs, and they vades the grass-covered volcano, while the fiery elements with in are raging to burst forth," or

DISTRIBUTION OF ALMS.-On the 23d instant, Baboo Dwarkanauth Tagore distributed alms to beggars, between fifty and sixty thousand in number-eight annas each to the privileged order, namely the Bramins, and four annas to others, without distinction of caste creed or age; on the occasion of his mother's shrand, which took place the day before. There were women seen amongst the crowd with children scarcely more than a very few days old, but no accident occurred. The beggars were first of all put in native houses, having the largest squares, from one end-of the town to the other, which being done, about four in the morning, the distribution commenced, and was over before ten.

"The torrent's smoothness, ere it dash below." Tharrawadie has ordered a general counting" o arms to be made throughout his dominions, and return to be made of the numbers capable of bearing them. I appears to be the Burmese custom never to embody an army, until it is actually required for service; so it is

may afterwards land, with ease. in perfect safety.

The bore on the nights of the 26th, 27th and 28th ultimo, was very violent and did much mischief to the banks and boats on the Howrah side of the water. We learn that on the night of the 28th, the chains of the Bethel were snapped asunder, and that several vessels dragged their anchors. A pariah sloop was stranded and several boats swamped.

the share-holders of the Oriental Life Insurance Office, held on the first instant, agreeable to advertisement, the several propositions submitted by the directors were unanimously adopted. The shares of this institution are at a considerable premium on the amount subscribed The principal features in the alterations in the practice of the society proposed by the directors,-at least the one most interesting to the public, is,-that by an altered scale of premiums now adopted, military and naval lives are insurable on the same charge as civil lives, which has been the case hitherto in the long established laudable societies only.

EXPORTATION OF COOLIES-It appears that the exportation of coolies from Bengal to Mauritius is to be put a stop to until further notice. Nothing is said about those who have been shipped off for the Mauritius since the commencement of 1838; but, perhaps, when they arrive at the Mauritius they will be allowed to land This is interesting intelligence to the shippers here. ROADS.-The new line of communication called the Burdwan and Benares road, commencing from Sulkea, even in its present unfinished state, is the best that has ever been travelled on in India. and when finished will indeed constitute a splendid testimony of the liberality of British rule. It was commenced upon in October 1832, is to be 340 miles long,-to cross over two ferries, the Ganges and the Soane, and seven fords,-the Bolance Modhur (two branches) Leela-gam, Mohanna and the Barakha twice-to have altogether 40 bridges and 600 drains. The road is 30 feet wide at the top,the average height is three feet, but on the Ramghur Hills it is only one foot high,-and between them and the Ganges two feet. The cost may be estimated at Rs. 3,50,000 The line of road which it has been determined to construct between Cachar and Munnipore is fast progressing, and is likely to be soon completed, to the great convenience of the troops that may be re quired to advance for any military operations. The coperation of the political authorities and the Munnipore Government are contributing greatly to facilitate the completion of that undertaking.

CULTIVATION OF TEA AT ASSAM. It is stated that the superintendent employed in the cultivation of tea at Assam, has recently furnished some samples to the committee, which on trial have been pronounced by that body, and the Government, to be sufficiently good to constitute a merchantable commodity. The only great difficulty which the Committee have to overcome is, to upon the most advisable means of package, securing it from the effects and changes of climate and landing it as fresh in England as it has been received by them The lead which the Chinese use in the packing of their cases, is of a peculiar description, and some time must elapse before the native work men, however skilful they may be, are able to manufacture it.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE TO UNCOVENANTED ASSISTANTS.

The following rules have been drawn up by the Sudder Board of Revenue, for granting leave of absence to uncovenanted servants:

"1. If an uncovenanted assistant shall obtain leave

of absence from his office for any period not exceeling one month, on a medical certificate granted by a medical officer of Government, and declaring that he is disqualified by sickness from attending office and performing his duties, he shall not be liable to any deduction from his salary.

"2. If his term of absence on medical cerificate shall exceed one, but shall not exceed 3 months he shall be liable to a deduction of one sixth of his salary for the whole of the term of absence.

"3. If his term of absence on medical certificate shall exceed three months, he shall be liable to a deduction of one third of his salary for the whole of the term of absence.

"4. If he continue absent after the expiration of the six months, his salary shall altogether cease.

"5. If the head of an office shall see fit to grant to an uncovenanted assistant leave of absence on urgent private affairs, for any term not exceeding fifteen days, the assistant shall not be liable to any deduction from his salary.

"6. If the leave of absence granted to an assistant shall exceed fifteen days, but shall not exceed two months, he shall be liable to a deduction to the amount of onethird of his salary, for the whole term.

་་

ZEMINDARY ASSOCIATION.-At four o'clock on the 25th ultimo, a second meeting of the zemindars resident at and about Calcutta, was held at the Hindoo College, at which Rajahs Kalikissen, Radhakant and Rajnarain, and Baboos Kamanauth Tagore, Prosonno Coomar "7. If leave of absence shall be granted to an uncoTagore, Ralinauth Roy and many other respectable venanted assistant for a period exceeding two months, but native gentlemen, were present. The proceedings were not exceeding three months, he shall be liable to a deducconducted in Bengally, and Rajah Radhakaunt presidenttion of one-half of bis salary for the whole time. in the chair. A resolution was passed for the purpose of "8. If an uncovenanted assistant shall be absent calling a public meeting at the Town hall which, our on private affairs for a period exceeding three months, he informant states, will take place in the course of the cur-hall not receive any salary for the whole term of his rent month. Much enthusiasm was displayed by all present, and the formation of a society under the above name is now beyond a doubt,

A NEW STRAND ROAD.-Before long the in habitants of this City of Palaces are likely to have a new strand road, as it is stated that Government has in contemplation the making of one. The alluvials on the banks of the river from Hautcolah down to their southern extrimity, have already been surveyed, and it has been ascertained what would be the probable amount to be realized by selling them off. This our informant adds has been found to be sufficient to cover the expenses to be incurred by the measure.

A NEW SOCIETY.-A society is about to be established in Calcutta under the name of" The Society for the acqui sition of General Knowledge." The projectors of it are certain native gentleman famous for their extensive knowledge of English, and of unexceptionable character in every other respect.

MR. CHESTER.-It is said that Mr. Chester, has been appointed secretary of the Theatre, in loco Mr. Farmer,

absence,

"9. In all cases of leave of absence granted to uncovenanted assistants, for a period exceeding fifteen days, it shall be competent to the head of the office to provide for the discharge of the duties of the absentee, by the appointment of a substitute, whose salary shall be charged in a contingent bill. But it shall not be competent to a collector to grant leave on private affairs for a period exceeding fifteen days, nor to a commissioner, or civil or session judge to grant similar leave for a period exceeding one month, without the sanction of the Sudder Board of Revenue or the Sudder Dewanny Adawlut of Nizamut Adawlut respectively, as the case may be.

"10, Fifteen days during the year shall be the limit to which leave of absence in private affairs shall be granted to any uncovenanted assistant free of deduction of salary.

STABBING. About 10 o'clock on the night of the 4th instant, a European seamen wounded two Mosulmans in the Chitpore road, a little above the Laul Bazar

beat of drum, many of the inhabitants of the village assembled, and by their assistance twelve of the ruffianwere secured, together with their weapons. On investigation being made by the darogah of the division subsequently, it has transpired that the prisoners were all inhibitants of Calcutta, and it was supposed that they, perhaps being aware of Rs 2,000 being sent from thence to Mr. Watson's factory at Ghautal, were proceeding thither for the purpose of robbing that factory.

and the other in the breast, Both were taken to the | but the number of the latter being greater than that of Chandney Native Hospital, for medical assistance; but the former, they had very nearly succeeded in making Bucka-oollah, died the next day, his intestines having their escape, when the chokeedars giving the alarm by protruded from the wound. The other man is out of danger. The circumstances were, that the aggressor and a companion of his had purchased some segars a little before, and a Bengally happening to throw the same down accidentally from the hands of the former, he ran after him with a knife in his hand, but could not overtake him, being much under the influence of liquor. The Bengally managed to get into a house and shut himself in it. The police then coming up to take the sailor into custody, he got more exasperated, and attempting to stab them, they were obliged to retreat. At this time the individuals in question were passing along the street quietly and were attacked by the inebriest. The

case has been tried before the Coroner, and, in conse

quence of the witnesses not being able to identify the homicide, a verdict of wilful murder was returned against some person or persons unknown.

OVERLAND MAILS.-At a meeting of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce on the 8th instant, it was determined to address the Government respecting the delay in the arrival of the Bombay dâk; and to urge the expediency of entertaining extra runners to convey the overland mail; the appearance of which at Bombay can now be calculated with precision.

It was proposed also, to requ est the Government to DACOITY. A native arrived from Barasat, states that take measures, so that the communication with England a dacoity had taken place in that zillah during the las via the Red Sea shall be continued without any week. About midnight the house of one Juggut Caun-interruption, even under the contingency of steamers der, sircar, a resident in the village of Kankhara, pur-being despatched to he Persian Gulph. gunnah Haulishahur, was stormed by a gang of dacoits who besides carrying off 600 rupees cash, and gold and silver ornaments, &c. to the amount of about two hundred rupees, inflicted severe wounds upon one of the

inmates.

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.-The veteran sportsman, Brigadier Showers, has given up racing, and his worthy jockey, Hall, is expected shortly at Calcutta, with twelve of the Brigadier's best horses for sale.

GOVERNMENT CHANGE SHOPS.-In order to do away effectually with the complaint so generally made of the difficulty experienced in obtaining change at the Government shops, and to prevent the extortion of the Bazar podars, both in giving and receiving change, the Government, at the recommendation of the mint-master, have come to the resolution of granting licences to individuals who will be furnished with pice from the mint, at the rate of 66 for the rupee, and required to retail the same in the THE CHITPORE ROAD WATERING FUND.-We understand market, at the rate of 64, thus getting two pice on every that the Government have directed a meeting of the sub- rupee as remuniration for trouble, and yet give the scribers to the Chitpore Road Watering Fund to be cal-public what is now only obtainable at the Government led without delay, for the purpose of determining upon the best mode of using the amount subscribed.

GOOMSUR.-Extract from a letter of Captain Campbell, dated Goomsur, 25th February, 1838:

"I have been most fortunate in my late expedition among the wild Konds of Goomsur, and have rescued no less than one hundred and three children of various ages. who were intended for sacrifice by these barbarians, and that without the application of force:-these children are now at head-quarters, and form a most interesting group, happy such as were aware of their situation, in having escaped the fate which awaited them."

change shops. On the other hand parties desirous of obtaining rupees in change for pice at the licenced shops, will get one of the former by paying 65 for the latter.

MURDER.-A boy about seven years of age was murdered on the night of 27th ultimo, within the third division, by the paramour of his mother. A verdict of wilful murder has been returned against the assassin.

NEPAL WAR.-A correspondent of the Hurkaru hints, that there is a likelihood of a brush with our friends the Nepaulese, who are now busily engaged in fortifying

themselves.

ASSISTANT ROAD-MAKERS.-Government has been pleased to sanction a monthly salary of 200 rupees each, to Lieutenants Sale and Allardyce, of Engineers, and to any other officer who may be employed under Captain Guthrie, as an assistant in the construction of roads upon the eastern frontier. It is in contemplation to appoint, besides the individuals named above, other European agents: the extent of the road, the nature and probable donation of the work being such as to require this additional superintendence.

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.-At the monthly meeting of the proprietors of, and subscribers to, the Public Library, on the 3d instant, a report was made of the number of new books purchased or presented during February, and of the number circulated in the course of the month. The latter amount to seven hundred and fifty-three. Seven new subscribers have been added to the list, and two have withdrawn on account of their leaving Calcutta ; Mr. Cameron has presented Rs 100 to the vested fund, thus raising that fund to Rs 3443; and the whole return of the pecuniary affairs of the institution MR. FARMER'S BENEFIT PLAY.-The play for Mr. Farindicates a gradual and steady advance towards prospe-mer's benefit was a complete failure. The elements were rity and permanence.

most unpropitiously disposed towards the ex-secretary. The only part of the play that was effective, was the deluge, which was by accident, we suppose, not mentioned in the programme. The wind blew, the rain poured, and the waters covered the interior of the theatre, and made the boxites fly for shelter under the seat of the gods.

CAPTURE OF DACOITS.-Between nine and ten o'clock on the night of the 27th of February last, a gang of dacoits were captured at the ghaut of Gopeegunge, within the thannah of Culmeejole. They were sixteen in number, and were noticed by the chokeedars of the place, on their crossing the Damooda. The chokeedars discovered that they were provided with arms of almost

ACCIDENT AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE BY LIGHTNING.-The

storm which occurred on the morning of the 30th ultimo. from the Lucknow court, chargeable on the interest of The lightning seems to have been attracted by the figure the loan lent to Government during the Burmese war. of Britannia on the top of the dome. or rather by the spear in her hand-which it shivered to pieces and threw down. The marks left by the lightning are visible on its broken point. After demolishing the spear it seems to have passed down the upper part of the dome and penetrated in some invisible manner into the Ball Room of the House in three separate places. It broke one pier glass and slightly injured two others, besides committing some other little damage, and then poured lower down, into the marble hall, from which locality it escaped in the same unaccountable manner in which it entered.

NUSSEERABAD.-At Nusseerabad, much sickness prevails. Both smallpox and influenza are raging. Several gentlemen have been attacked by the former, while Influenza has recently made its appearance in the carcely an officer in the cantonment had escaped the station, but has attacked only a of the residents.

There is a report that the post office depart-the evening, they exhibited their heavy battery practice, ment of the north western provinces, will be separated from that of Bengal, the Governor-General having discovered that the Calcutta branch know nothing of the department as in operation in these provinces.

at Nusseerabad, on foot, shot a large tiger a little beyond | scarcity into the commission of numerous depredations Rajghur, to the westward of that station, being the thir within this state, which the Rajah has ineffectually atteenth tiger killed dy this officer, on foot, since his arrival tempted to suppress. in that part of the country.

A REFRACTORY CHIEFTAIN.-The 39th and 49th regiments of native infantry, and the 4th local horse are ordered to march immediately from Neemuch agains a refractory Chieftain of the Oudypore state, who resides at a stronghold, called Joora, 15 coss to the west of the city of Oudypore, in the heart of the Bheelhills and jungles.

The chief is said to have declared himself independent and refused the payment of the usual tribute; and to be loud in protestations that he will not yield as long as his head remains on his shoulders.

Native exaggeration magnifies his followers to 20,000 men; and that the affair is of some consequence, may be gathered from the fact that the Deesa Force is expected to co-operate, from the west, with Marwar troops, from the east.

The theatre of operations is a terra incognita on Our maps! but from the descriptions we have received of the proposed site of junction of our troops, it must be somewhere in the vicinity of Mount Abboo, which, if the contest be a all prolonged, as is not improbable from the nature of the country, and the character of the enemy, will thus be rendered a rather insecure sanatarium for the invalid officers and their ladies who have proposed passing the hot season on its summit.

RAJPOOTANAH.-Accounts from Rajpootanah mention, that the small-pox was carrying off numbers of the population of Mairwara, and the cantonments of Beawr in particular. Pallee was still suffering from the pestilence, and the town is now nearly deserted.

At Ajmere, Nusseerabad and Neemuch there had been a considerable quantity of sickness from colds, coughs, fevers, agues, small-pox and similar unwelcome, because unseasonable, maladies, which the vox populi, with one consent, lays to the charge of the air.

MADRAS.

PRINCE HENRY OF ORANGE.-Prince Henry of Orange, reached Madras on the Belloua, on the 1st instant, and was to have landed on the next day.

On the 13th ult. His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Orange, took his departure from our shores homeward bound, after having experienced and appreciated the hospitality and attention his high rank and mild and attractive manners so eminently entitled him to. He expressed himself much pleased and gratified with his visit to this presidency, which has, since his arrival, been a continual scene of gaiety.

BURMESE WAR.-It was lately stated that H. M. 63d regiment had been ordered over to Moulmein forthwith by the Supreme Government. Report has since stated Further orders to have been received by our local authorities, for their holding four native corps available for prompt transmission of Rangoon in case of a necessity rising. This betokens a desire, however tardily aroused, to place our relations with the Court of Ava upon a less questionable footing than they have held since the surpation of Tharrawaddie. The only matter for aporehension is, that the moment of decision may have arrived too late to effect the quantum of good desired at the least possible cost, that the time shall have passed by when the idea of attack upon us might have been overawed, and we be, perhaps, left now to resist and overcome hostilities already commenced to our disadvantage.

COLONEL NAPIER versus E. F. ELLIOT, ESQ.-The cause of Colonel Napier versus E. F. Elliot, Esq. for crim con, was heard in the Supreme Court on the 19th ultimo ; the damages were laid at Rs 50,000, and a sentence in favor of the plaintiff awarded 25,000.

MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT.-A melancholy accident occurred between 10 and 11 o'clock of the 9th instant, in the Government gardens. It appears that one of the Whatever crops are raised in Rajpootana this spring antelopes made its way into the place where they were will be entirely owing to irrigation; and the poor villa busy preparing the fireworks for the grand display. In gers affirm that to afford any return, each field must be attempting to drive him out, the animal overturned a watered eight or ten times. By constant labour at the lantern amongst the gunpowder, which immediately exwells a limited but oasis of cultivation now surrounds ploded, setting fire at the same time to all the fireworks most of the villages in those parts, beyond which the prepared. Two unfortunate men, we deeply lament to boundless plains present an aspect of the most hopeless say, were killed on the spot, two more were frightfully aridity! Travellers report, notwithstanding all this, that burnt and expired shortly afterwards, and two more rethe agricultural state of Rajpootana, is considerably suceived severe injury from the effects of this deplorable perior to that of the Dooab."

CAWNPOOR.-A Field Officer has been put in arrest at this station.

ASSAM.-A report has been received by Government of a fire having broke out on the 6th instant in Goalparah, (Assam,) by which the whole of the cutcherry, treasury, and jail, and nearly the entire town have been consumed. KURNAL. A letter from Kurnal, of the 9th March, says that rain had at last fallen, and was turning the barren land into a fruitful plain.

NATIVE STATES.

accident.

THE HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION.-The Horticultural exhibition on the 24th of February, was not quite so fully attended as the one last year; but the show was excellent; and that part of it which was produced by market gardeners very far exceeded any thing before witnessed.

NEWSPAPERS.-The Conservative has been discontinued, and the conduct of the Male Asylum Herald has fallen into Conservative hands.

THE MASTER ATTENDANT.-This officer proceeded on board the Bellona, on the 1st instant, and on returning to the shore was met by a note from the Deputy Master Attendant recommending him not to land, as the surf was very high. The signal "there is too much surf to land" was also ying. He accordingly went on board one of the ships in the roads, where he remained until the warning signal was taken down, the surf having