A good deal of needless obloquy has been poured upon
Mr_ Cowan for blowing away the Kookas from grins instead of execut- ing them in any other way. There appears to be an impression. that this method of execution is intended to destroy rebels' souls7 at least in their own idea,—a horrible refinement of cruelty. We believe, however, that it is entirely without foundation. Blowing away is not a cruel death, being singularly sudden, while it is. terribly impressive to the spectators, and was therefore employed during the mutiny as the most emphatic method of warning the Sepoys that Government would go all lengths. It is not con- sidered a dishonouring death, as hanging is, for the victims are not. touched by professional executioners, and it has no bearing what- ever upon the future state either of Mussulman or Hindoo. Its object is dramatic effect only, but it should be reserved for mutineers alone.
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