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ters, I am bound to-day to present to Mr. Harington the acknowledgements of the college and the public, for the Analysis of Mahomedan Law, with which he has enriched them both; a work, to which the scholar and the judge seem, as if in emulation, to have brought their choicest contributions. It is indeed, fitting in all countries, but indispensable in this, that those two characters should meet on the benches of our highest tribunals. Nothing can better illustrate the gains that accrue to all, by the kindly traffic amongst men of reciprocal benefits than this work. While Mr. Harington, as a man of letters, has gathered the flowers of literature from the native volumes of Mahomedan jurisprudence, he makes a rich return to our native subjects, in the pure dispensation of a law which they love and are accustomed to revere. That the learned forms of our college may long supply such magistrates, and that the venerable benches of our tribunals may long - return such scholars to preside in your council, is the wish of one, who, unlearned himself, is an ardent lover, both of learning and justice.

I am desirous, before I conclude, to address a few words to the younger part of my audience. In doing so, I should wish to lay down my authority, or if it must be maintained, let it be that of a parent, tempered with indulgence and affection. Two objects are proposed by these solemnities : First. The mere and pure satisfaction of justice; that merit may not be defrauded of its due neward, but may receive the best and highest external recompence with which it can be requited. I mean its manifestation to the world, and the homage of public acknowledgement and applause.

application and diligence in your present studies, during the short period of your collegiate life; application and diligence I say, not extreme but moderate, are conducive to the public good, and to your own individual benefits.

You are about to be employed in the adminis tration of a great and extensive country, in which, it would not be much beyond the truth to say, that the English language is not known. You will have to deal with multitudes, who can communicate with you, can receive your commands, or render an account of their performance of them, whose testimonies can be delivered, whose engagements can be contracted, whose affairs, in a word, can be transacted, discussed, and recorded only in some one or other of the languages which are taught at the College of Fort William. Were it only for your personal ease, security, and comfort, the vernacular and colloquial lan guage of Bengal would be infinitely valuable. But whoever considers the tediousness and delay, and, what is yet more material, the imperfection and error, which must attend the conduct, frequently, of trivial and ordinary, but often also of complicated and important affairs, by the clumsy and unsatisfactory transposition of loose discourse, or intricate discussion, ore tenus, from one language to another, must acknowledge the important advantage derived from the ready use of the native languages.

Tediousness and error are not the only nor the worst evils resulting from ignorance of the languages of India. It creates almost unavoidable, and almost unlimited dependence on native and subordinate officers. How much prejudice to the The second object is combined of justice and interests of the company; how much oppressive public policy. It is undoubtedly proposed, by vexation, extortion and cruelty, towards our native these ceremonials, to promote exertion by excit- subjects; and how much loss of character; how ing a liberal and ingenuous emulation, and by much disgrace and ruin to the unfortunate Eurokindling the most generous, and, at the same pean, whose ignorance has delivered him over to time, the most manly ardour that can inflame that helpless and dependant thraldom, and wedyoung bosoms, the love of generous and honour-ded his fair fame and his best hopes to the chances able fame.

of so foul a connection, making him responsible in his reputation and fortune for the corruption of a servant, whom this one defect has erected into his master, and into the arbiter of his fate; how much public loss and calamity; how much individual shame and ruin, have resulted and are daily resulting from this cause, a very short acquaintance with the affairs of India will too clearly shew.

It is here, too, that the only path which leads to that bright temple is discovered. The love of fame is not evinced, or at least will never be gratified, by a mere careless and inert desire to wear its feathers. That mistress must be won by constant and assiduous service; not by starts of energy which the very caprice of idleness can furnish, but by patient and stedfast exertion, by opposing repeated effort to repeated difficulty; awakening indolence by zeal; subduing fatigue and disgust by courageous and resolute perseverance; defeating seduction by principle, and finally terminated, ing all contest, and triumphing over all obstacles, by the establishment of virtuous habits.

Since our object, then, is to excite diligence and promote study, it falls naturally within the scope of nty discourse to exhort you on that head. You are young, but not boys; your occupations, too, are of a manly cast, and must have tended to mature, although they could not add to, your years. As men, therefore, I propose to address you, and instead of cajoling you with trivial and ineffecfual declamation, or assailing you with dry and harsh admonition, I wish to satisfy your judgments, to speak to your understandings, and to persuade, by convincing you.

For this purpose I have only to remind you that

To these serious evils, the government of this country has determined to oppose the best remedies it can devise.

Instruction in these languages has been providboth in England and in Bengal, for the junior members of the service: every imaginable facility is furnished, as you are now experiencing, to the diligent student; and, amongst other incentives, we are this day employed in one and not the least efficacious means to stimulate and quicken study.

It remains for me to announce the last branch of that important system, the object of which is to diffuse a correct and intimate knowledge of the principal languages used in these provinces, throughout the civil establishment of this presidency.

I have reserved, I confess, this point to the conclusion of my discourse, because, it presents to you motives somewhat less enlarged than I have hitherto set before you, as more worthy of your

generous time of life, and more congenial, I am persuaded, with your ingenuous minds and dispositions. Yet it is no reproach, amongst higher considerations, and in aid of a virtuous love of duty, regard for the public good, and relish for fame and public esteem; it is no reproach, I say, to feel also those inducements of fortune and advantage which in the world, are amongst the mature and legitimate rewards of merit.

It is at the same time a point of justice on my part to promulgate, and give authentic notice of laws, which are to affect eventually the condition and fortunes of those on whom they are to operate. I am desirous therefore, of explaining, thus publicly, the principles by which it is my firm resolution to regulate that important part of my administration, which relates to the selection of gentlemen for public trust and employment. I would speak more particularly at present to this point, as it may affect the junior part of the service; and I cannot declare too explicitly my determination to give the preference, in the first steps of their career, to those who shall have established at the college of Fort William, a reputation for good conduct, diligence, and talents, three qualities, which cannot fail of being evinced, and as it were, measured by their progress in the studies peculiar to this institution, that is to say, by their proficiency in the native languages of India. I shall consider this as a rule for the distribution of favour and promotion, both because the attainment in question is itself, an essential and indispensible qualification for the public business in India, and because that rdie of selection may be considered as reposing on the more general principle just estimated, namely: that the progress of a student in the particular study assigned to him may be regarded as a safe general criterion of character, application and abilities.

Let me now conclude by tendering to you the last, but not the least inviting inducement to exertion, I mean the assurance that your labours will be rewarded with success. You are too lit tle aware of the advantages possessed by that age, out of which you are impatient to emerge, and which might in truth be more justly an object of envy and regret to those who have passed beyond it. You will purchase one day the experience which now tells you through my lips, not only that the enjoyments of your time of life have a livelier relish than those to which your inexperienced fancies aspire, but that your mental powers boast also in many points the same superiority, even in the graver pursuits of your seniors.

Of this encouraging truth, you have on this day more than one convincing proof, in the hardly credible strides of youthful study. It is, indeed, matter of great encouragement to the young, and of wonder to the old; and makes, not boys, but men admire, to see how much can be achieved by the fresh faculties of youth, its happy facility, its keen edge, not wasted on the nuces et nugas, attracting, I allow, at that early period, but applied, in some rare instance, with the ardour of youth and the constancy of age, to the nobler pursuits of men.

On these foundations I rest my hopes of a still advancing progress during the ensuing year, and I leave with great confidence those gratifying ex pectations to be fulfilled by you. Distribution of Prizes and Honorary Rewards, The subjects of disputation were:

"In the acquirement of knowledge, genius can"not avail without application."Hindoostanee.",

"The Persian language merits attention, not "only on account of its utility, but also from the "beauties of the compositions in that language.", -Persian.

"The natives of Bengal are happier under "the British, than they were under any former government."-Bengalee.

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"On the utility of learning, and the advan"tages resulting from the institution of literary "seminaries."-Bengalee.

"On the utility of the study of the Mahratta "Language."Mahratta.

The senior part of my audience will, I am sure, add the testimony of their observation and experience to mine, in affirming, that with few exceptions, the distinctions obtained at early periods, in the free competition, and impartial judgement of great public seminaries or other large societies of youth has continued to attend the individual through life. They who have been remarked as good scholars, and as diligent and clever boys, on the forms of our public schools, have been eminent also on the benches of our judges; in the ca thedrals of our prelates; on the floors of our houses of parliament; in the cabinets of our sovereigns. Fame, in a word, and distinction have continued to follow and illustrate their footsteps through every walk of life. You, who are fond of honour, therefore, and aspire to future celebrity, remember that the tunick of your youth, discloses already to the discerning eyes before which you stand, the texture of that robe which-Fourth class. 22 Morrieson. 23 Robertson. is to clothe your manhood. If it is now of coarse materials, if it is already soiled and tattered, we can anticipate a poor and sordid garment for your future wear. If we perceive the gloss and lustre of genius and virtue in the young samples now before us, we discern through a short interval of time, the purple which is to adorn your manly years.

On this principle, then, rational in itself and ratified by experience, my choice, and I will venture to assure you, the choice of my successors, will be directed in confiding the great interests of this government to its servants.

HINDOOSTANEE.-First class. 1 E. R. Barwell, books value 500 rupees, and medal. 2 Alexander, ditto, 250 rupees and medal. 3 Sisson,' medal. 4 McNabb. 5 Colvin. 6 Tytler. 7 Lindsay. 8 Sotheby-Second class. 9 Braddon. 10 Chalmer. 11 Brown. 12 Bagge. 13 Ellice. 14 Warde.-Third class. 15 Thomas. 16 Furrieaux. 17 Sargent. 18 Cuthbert. 19 Tod. 20 Inglis. 21 Lambert.

24 Pond. 25 Jennings. 26 Forrester. 27 Lyon. 28 Chamberlain. 29 Tulloh. 30 Davidson." 31 Moncton.-Fifth class. 32 C. Smith. 33 Blagrave. 34 Wilder. 35 Trotter. 36 Harrington. 37 Smelt. 38 McKenzie. 39 Calvert. 40 Fraser. 41 F. C. Smith. 42 A. C. Barwell. 43. Sparks.

BENGALEE. First class. 1 Tytler, books value 500 rupees, and medal.-Second lass. 2 Diok. 3 Barwell, sen. 4 Ellice. 5 Monckton." 6 Bagge. 7 Mason. Third class. 8 Tucker. 9 Pond.-Fourth class.

10 C. Smith. i

PERSIAN.-First class. Lindsay, books value

[From Official Authority.]

500 rupees, and medal, 2 Alexander, ditto 250 OF CURACAO AND ITS DEPENDENCIES, rupees, and medal. 3 Colvin, medal.. 4 McNabb. 5 Sisson, 6 Tytler,-Second class. 7 Sotheby. 8 Mason. 9 Braddon. 10 Chalmer. 11 Moore. 12 Barlow. 13 Bagge. 14 Tod. 15 Warde. Third class. 16 Cuthbert. 17 Dick. 18 Furneaux. 19 Lambert. 20 Inglis. 21 Thomas. 22 Robertson. 23 Morrieson.-Fourth class. 24 Brown. 25 Forrester. 26 Jennings. 27 McLeod. ARABIC-1 Colvin, medal. 2 Lindsay. 3

Chalmer.

MAHRATTA.-1 Sotheby, medal. 2 Tytler. ENGLISH COMPOSITION.-Essay of third term of 1807. Subject, "On the advantages to be derived from a systematic knowledge of the laws "and regulations, enacted for the civil govern<<ment of the British possessions in India." Cuthbert, medal.

PERSIAN WRITING.-1 Blagrave, books value 200 rupees, and medal. 2 Chamberlain, medal. 3 Barlow. 4 Lindsay. 5 Morrieson. 6 Inglis. 7 Forrester. 8 Sotheby. 9 Colvin. 10 Warde.

11 Cuthbert. 12 Tulloh. 13 F. C. Smith. NAGREE WRITING.-1 E. R. Barwell, books value 200 rupees, and medal. 2 Forrester, medal. 3 Pond. 4 Warde. 5 Lindsay. 6 Ellice. 7 Inglis. 8 Wilner. 9 McKenzie.

BENGALEE WRITING.-1 Ellice, books, value 200 rupees, and medal. 2 Dick, medal. 3 Monckton. 4 Pond.

STUDENTS LEAVING COLLEGE.-Classed in the order of relative general proficiency. 1 A. F. Tytler, 1st in Bengalee, 1st class in Persian, 1st class in Hindoostanee, 2d in Mahratta. 2 A. J. Colvin, 1st class in Persian, Ist class in Hindoostanee, 1st in Arabic. 3 W. Lindsay, 1st in Persian, 1st class in Hindoostance, 2d in Arabic. 4 R. Alexander, 2d in Persian, 24 in Hindoostance. 5 T. Sisson, 1st class in Persian, Ist class in Hindoostanee. 6 J. M. McNabb, 1st class in Persian, 1st class in Hindoostanee. 7 E. R. Barwell, 1st in Hindoostanee, 2d class in Bengalee. 8 E. Bagge, 2d class in Persian, 2d class in Hinnoostanee, 2d class in Benga.ee. 9 W. A. Chalmer, 2d class in Persian, 24 class in Hindoostanee, 3d in Arabic. 10 F. Mason, 2d class in Persian, 2d class in Bengalee. 11 W. Braddon, 2d class in Persian, 2d class in Hindoostanee. 12

G. Ellis, 2d class in Hindoostanee, 2d class in Bengalee. 13 G. Warde, 2d class in Persian, 2d class in Hindoostanee. 14 W. F. Dick, 2d in Bengalee, 3d class in Persian. 15 S. T. Cuthbert, 34 class in Persian, 3d class in Hindoostanee. 16 W. Lambert, 3d class in Persian, 3d class in Hindoostanee. 17 T. Inglis, 3d class in Persian, 3d class in Hindoostanee. 18 W. Thomas, 3d class in Persian, 3d class in Hindoostanee.

N. B. Mr. Tod was also reported, as qualified, by his knowledge of two languages, to enter upon the public service; but has been permitted, at his own request, to continue another year in the College.

By order of the Council of the College,

W. HUNTER, Sec. C. C. See Panorama, Vol. I. p. 157, for a Sketch of the History of the College of Fort William,

The Spanish colonies appear generally to follow the impulse of patriotism, which has been given them from their European connections; and, espousing the cause of Ferdinand VII, they have not only welcomed an intercourse of political co-operation with the British, but seem inclined to afford greater facilities for the trading enterprises of our merchant adventurers than have been before enjoy. ed, even during the time of peace, under the watchful and monopolising policy of the Council of the Indies. Whether such commercial relations be avowed, or connived at, open or contraband, various stations in the West Indies will be resorted to, for the car-rying them on; and among them, none is locally or adventitiously more adapted for that purpose than the settlement of Curaçao. The conquest of that island from the Dutch, is one of the most brilliant exploits in the naval history of the present war. Authentic particulars respecting the late acquisition seem to be among our desiderata. The following communications, are most of them drawn from a very authentic source, viz. the Official Report made some years ago by the commissioners of the Prince of Orange, sent out by his highness, as stadholder of Holland, to examine into the state of the Dutch colonies in the West Indies.

This Report describes CURAÇAO and its dependencies, the islands of BONAIRE and ARUBA, as experiencing the evils of disorders in its municipal government, and of popular commotions, in consequence of the distracted state of parties in the parent countryMuch discontent appears to have arisen from the introduction into the island, of a new code for the regulation of judicial proceedings; which, though founded upon the funda mental statute of Holland of 1580, was not supposed to be calculated for the meridian of the colony; and various claims of special immunities or privileges were made on the part of the colonists. Jews, who are very numerous in Curaçao, were among the most forward in promoting disturbances. In con formity therefore, with the tenth article of their Escamot, which prohibits them from intermeddling in any opposition to the go vernment under which they live, and particu larly from signing any paper having such a tendency, some of them were excommunicat ed by their rabbies, but on their contrition the ban was taken off.

The government of Curaçao, was vested in a governor and nine gentlemen of the coun cil, six of whom held other military or civil offices; with a fiscal, or treasurer, and se

cretary, and an inferior council for the determination of less important matters.

The commissioners state that the revenues had lately much fallen off. In the five years preceding their visit, the receipts amounted only to 381,860 florins 14 st. (£34,714 128. 2d.) including all taxes and duties, excepting the hoofdgeld, or capitation tax on slaves, which had not been collected during that period. The expenditure in those five years, had amounted to 744,206 florins 2 st. (£67,655, 2s.) leaving a balance against the colony of 362,345 f. 8 st. (£32,940 9s. 10d.) Previous to the war with England in 1780, the Dutch West India Company drew large remittances from Curaçao; but during the war great expenses have been incurred, and a free regiment which had been raised, had alone cost the company 600,000 f. (about £54,550) though it was composed of Mulattoes, Mosquito Indians, Free Negroes, and other people of colour.

The company holds some lands denominated plantations, which, with the exception of such as are occupied by their servants, are leased out for about 7,000 f. (£635) per anu. In Bonaire, the company had 323 slaves. A vessel is employed in conveying from that island, and from Aruba, to Curaçao, wood, lime, cattle, vegetables, &c. but the expenses of the company's establishments in those dependencies are about 9,000 f. (£820) per annum; which is supposed to be very near the profit they yield.

There were ninety-nine buildings at Curaçao belonging to the company; their repairs had cost, during the preceding five years, 210,000 f. (about £19,100.)

The capitation-tax on the slaves, was one guilder (13. 9d.) per head; but all who were either too old or too young to work were exempted. In consequence of this regulation much evasion took place during the time it was collected, insomuch that, although the number of slaves in Curaçao was estimated at 13,000, yet the tax produced during twelve years, no more than 51,930 f. £4,718.) The slaves kept here are more for domestic and ostentatious purposes than for husbandry or toil.

The revenues derived from the duties on merchandise appeared to have been consider ably defrauded; and in one year, to no less an amount than 91,000 f. (about £8,545). For a long time the trade of Curaçao had been in a declining state; owing to two causes. In the first place, the difficulty of carrying on trade with the Spaniards, which must, on account of its situation, always be the principal traffic of this island; and secondly, because the vessels engaged in it are subjected to heavy port charges and duties.

This trade used to be chiefly carried on by vessels fitted out and laden in this island;

these conveyed the goods to the Spaniards, and received produce and specie in return; these vessels were either armed themselves, or were accompanied by other armed vessels to protect them in this contraband trade; but since the abolition of the company of Caraccas, the Spanish government has stationed so many guarda-costas, and placed so many vigies (watch towers) along the coast, that these barks must not now venture to run over. Hence all the produce brought from the main, is now conveyed to Curaçao by the Spaniards themselves; by license from the governor of the place whence the expedition is fitted out, and the perquisites arising from these licenses become no inconsiderable revenue to those governors. These licenses, are always very limited and conditional, and specify both the quantity and the quality of the goods allowed to be exported, and the place whither they are to be carried; the expor ters are moreover bound to bring specie in return, and no merchandise; the contravention of these regulations, if proved, is punished by imprisonment for life; and such information is not unfrequently given by some of the many Spaniards and Jews who reside at Curaçao, and who are in reality spies in the pay of the Spanish colonial governments.

It would greatly diminish the dangers and difficulty of this intercourse, if the quantity and quality of the articles thus brought over by the Spanish vessels could be kept secret; in which case the produce they would bring, would always be sure greatly to exceed their license. With regard to the return being in specie, recourse is had, to the stratagems of making up the deficiency by a fictitious heavy account of charges of repairs to the vessel, or similar disbursements.

According to the established regulations, the master of a Spanish vessel is reduced to the alternative of defrauding the company's duty, by entering no more than his liceuse allows, or of exposing himself to the danger of severe punishment on his return home. To meet this dilemma, the commissioners recommended a private custom-house, established on such a plan that none but those officers who were appointed to receive the duties could know the particulars of the cargo, the name of the vessel and the commander, the place whence, the goods shipped in return, and whatever else might be properly kept secret, It was further suggested that these contraband traders might be permitted to land their goods in such other parts of the island as might be most convenient to them, without obeing always obliged to come into the har bour; in which case, those goods might afterwards be brought round by the respective consignees, and the duties then paid.

In the second place, the commissioners adopted the ideas of some of the principal'

Curaçao merchants, namely to reduce the duties on the imported articles which are levied ad valorem, to one per cent; the amount to be fixed by the valuation of merchants appointed by government, instead of by an ancient tariff or rate as was practised. By this means foreigners would be more tempted to enter Curaçao, as the duty would then nominally appear to them to be very moderate; while the sum actually received, would, in consequence of the different basis upon which it is calculated, amount to at least as much, if not to more, than before.

The articles of importation from the Spanish coast, are, hides, Caraccas cocoa, indigo, Rio de la Hache wood (logwood, ent at Rio de la Hache), cotton, mostly in an uncleaned state or with the seed in, Varinas tobacco in cannisters, and coffee in its shell; from the French port of St. Domingo they got coffee, indigo, muscovado and clayed sugar; also cotton; and from Porto Rico, its excellent tobacco, sugar, and a little indigo.

raçao. The plantations are principally maize, and other articles of provision. Some small lots of land in the lower district of the island are laid out in sugar and cotton fields, but the quantity planted is inconsiderable; the qua lity, however, is excellent, particularly that of the cotton, which bears a much higher price than the best sorts of cotton from the other West India colonies. Some cattle are reared, but the island consisting of an entire rock, with only some few spots on which there is a sufficient layer of vegetable mould fit for cultivation, and the little soil therein being stony, together with the constant annual recurrence of droughts, renders this colony very insignificant in an agricultural point

of view.

Its commercial consequence also, notwithstanding its great local advantages, is precarious and temporary; but, as a naval station," it is pre-eminently important. Its secure and excellent harbour is capable of containing and" protecting against all winds, as well as against A bark, schooner, launch, or canoe, of any hostile force, upwards of 300 ships of whatever size, paid for clearing in and out, the largest size. All repairs can be conveat Curaçao, thirteen dollars and eight reals, niently made. In the time of war it may and every square rigged vessel thirty dollars. serve as a rendezvous for merchant vessels The latter, however, being generally large bound to Europe, who can always take reships with valuable cargoes, can much better fuge here, on account of its situation to afford to pay 30 dollars, than the others can to windward. A fleet defeated at sea, may pay 13; for the latter, generally open boats, find a safe asylum, and conveniences for rerunning over from the Spanish main with a fitting. It is an excellent station for privalittle cocoa, or a few hides, have often hard-teers, and in the war of 1780 the cruisers ly fifty dollars' worth of goods on board. from Curaçao greatly annoyed the English Though this trade would from that circum- West India trade; so that there was a balance stance appear trifling, yet, being constantly car-accounted for by the treasury of 190,000 f. ried on by night and by day, it becomes very (about £17,275) arising from the duties on considerable and is well worth encouragement. the prize-cargoes. This had been invested on It would even he advisable to revert to the mortgage for the benefit of the company. custom that prevailed in former years, and to permit the entry of all undecked boats free of all charges; except one dollar for a passport.

The North Americans supply Curaçao with provisions, and in return take hides, the only article they were legally allowed to export; and sometimes sugar, indigo, and other articles underhand: and this intercourse cannot be avoided, on account of the indispensable nature of the supplies they bring.

The governor should be a military man. The mixed nature of the inhabitants renders a strict and more arbitrary form of government necessary here than in the other colonies. Excepting a few merchants, there are scarcely any white inhabitants at the chief town, Williamstad, or on the opposite side of the harbour. Such as have any lands live upon them, and the public officers and servants of the company reside in or near the fort. The The vent of dry goods at Curaçao cannot townspeople are a mixture of Jews, Spaniards, well be again so large as it has been, because sailors, free mulattos, free negroes, Musquito there were formerly no more than two or three and other Indians. The licentiousness of the ships sent from Spain to supply all the Spanish negro slaves is very great here, and attributasettlements from the mouth of the Oro- ble to various causes; they are nevertheless noque to the bay of Maracaibo; but, since worse off than in other colonies, as in case of the abolition of the company of Caraccas, a scarcity of provisions the distress falls chiefly there are at least twenty-five ships dispatched on them. The manumission of slaves, as prac annually from Spain with supplies from that tised here, is very preposterous; for it is genequarter. The trade between Curaçao and St. rally when they are too old to work, that their Domingo has already greatly fallen off; first, proprietors pay a small fine to government to by means of supplies from other parts, espe- emancipate them, and then they must either cially from Dunkirk; but principally from acquire a precarious subsistence by begging, the commotions in that devoted island. or are exposed to perish by want, as there is Very little cultivation is carried on in Cuno provision for such objects. The treatment

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