THE WAR IN INDIA.

Maori Messenger : Te Karere Maori, Volume V, Issue 13, 30 June 1858, Page 1

THE WAR IN INDIA.

Many of our Maori readers have heard of India, and of the war in which the English troops are there engaged at the present time. They have probably heard various reports respecting the character and origin of this war, and of the incidents which have marked its progress, but it is scarcely probible that the imperfect information which Uiey have received has enabled them to form very distinct or correct notions on the subject, though we believe very many of them share in the deep interest felt by their Pakeha fellow Christians, and fellow sutyects, in the events which have occurred, and in the steps which are being taken, to restore tranquillity and order in India. We are therefore glad to place in their bands a brief

sketch of the country, its inhabitants, its connection with England, and the circumstances which have led to the present state of affairs, and to the necessity for the adoption by the British Government of active and severe measures to quell the rebellion and to punish those cowardly and treacherous Sepoys who have outraged every feeling of humanity* and, in their actions, resembled devils rather than men. Our Maori readers will see that the war in India Is not waged against the people of the country, who are happy and contented, and quite satisfied to remain subject to the paternal rule, and protected by the superior power cf England. The enemy, it will be seen, is a traitorous, overindulged servant ' who has rebelled against bis master who had cared for, fed, clothed, and armed him, and from whose hands be sought, by a sudden and. treacherous blow* to wrest (be sceptre of the country and seize it himself. It will be seen that he has failed, and that he lias already met a portion of bis well merited punishment. England does not delight in war. She engages in it only when compelled to do so, either in self-defence or in order to protect the weak from injustice and oppression by' the strong, as in the case of her recent war with Russia. It became necessary also *.o take up arms in the present case to prevent the anarcny and confusion which success on the part of the rebels must have brought upon a people which Diviae Providence has entrusted to England's care, and for whose welfare and good government she Is responsible. The diabolical cruelties perpetrated upon the helpless and unoffending women and children who fell into the bands of the rebels at the beginning of the outbreak, also demand heavy retribution, and the infliction of suitable punishment is a duty devolving upon the British nation, in- the execution of which she may confidently invoke the Divine blessing upon her arms.