Transcription

103

CAVALRY HORSES FOR INDIA HOW ARE THEY TO BE SUPPLIED..

"I regret to say that I fear we cannot at the present moment, with any degree of Security, rely on the fidelity of any of the regular regiments of the Bengal army".

The Government have drawn troops to Bengal, as it seems to me , very prudently and very properly, but in doing so they have left both Madras and Bombay almost defenceless. We know not the danger to which such a State of things may rise. In Short my Lords we are really — and I trust that her Majesty's Ministers are alive to the full extent of the danger – we are really in a position in which it becomes necessary for us to use every effort which this Country can make to maintain – perhaps it may be to recover — that great empire which we have acquired in the East. (Hear, hear.)"

"Our position in India at the present moment is that of being Compelled, not only by a Sense of interest, but by our Sense of honour as a nation as well of individuals, to protect our empire in that Country"

We have now however, a new war upon our hands, which will require an expenditure approaching that which was necessary for the Contest in the Crimea, and which will require, in addition to the force which it is now proposed to Send to India, an additional force of at least ten regiments of infantry, three regiments of Cavalry with their horse, for it will not be possible to horse them in India, and at least Six batteries of artillery, because at present in Some provinces the artillery force is very Small, and no troops can possibly move without guns" — Earl of Ellenborough (late Governor General of India). House of Lords, 30th June 1857.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD.

Sir — On Friday last there was Published in the Government Gazette a letter from the East Indian Government announcing their intention of Sending an officer by next mail to Purchase horses for two regiments of Dragoon Guards now on their way to India, Stating that "it would be a great Convenience if the Parties having horses for Sale Could be induced to have the horses ready for Selection at that time," also that, "from three to four hundred horses will br required from each of the Colonies of New South Wales, Victoria, and Van Diemens Land."

Since the East Indian Government Ceased to Purchase horses from us, the Circumstances of the Australian Colonies in regard to the Supply of horses has So Completely Changed, that unless the Colonists make Some movement and act from Some higher Motive than the desire to Sell their horses, the efficiency of our Indian Army during the Present Crisis will be Seriously impaired.

Since the gold discovery the Victorians have not only used up all their own available horses, but have drawn from this district and Van Diemen's Land

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