Our affairs in India wear a more improving aspect than
of late, according to the vulgar criterion of improvement and well-doing. DOST MAHOMED, the active enemy of English interests, was sup- posed, when the previous accounts were received, to have sustained a check that he could not soon recover : but shortly after, he again mustered his forces, and was in a condition to give battle to the troops sent against him. Of the particulars of that affair we have yet no intelligence : from the number of officers named as killed and wounded, it must have been a severe engagement. The result was victory to the British arms, and the complete dispersion of Dosx MAHOMED'S army, followed by his surrender in person. Some hints are thrown out that the English troops, though victorious, did not act with their accustomed gallantry. Should there be just ground for such an imputation, the loss of prestige may render vic- tory as disastrous as defeat.
The 'Belooches continue troublesome, and the war with them chequered. It seems to be apprehended that the amount of the forces mustered against so daring and active an enemy is insuffi- • nt ; and indeed that our military strength in India is inadequate to the vast extent of its theatre of operation. Any notion of maintaining the tributary chiefs in subjection by other motives than fear, would be chimerical ; and, on the supposition that it is an advantage, or a necessity, to maintain our Eastern possessions in their present extent, means must be found for supporting an army adequate to the task they have to perform.
