ty that the repeal of the navigation laws will bring ruin on
your memorialists and the commercial marine of Britain.

"That by such a measure, admitting the cheap foreign ships, half-paid
and ill-fed foreign seamen, of which your memorialists have the most
correct personal knowledge, it will reduce, by a competition, the lowest
in the world, the condition of your memorialists, and their families,
and strike a blow at their very existence.

"That thus your memorialists will be driven to seek employment in
another state, speaking the same language and possessing similar laws,
where seamen's interests and seamen's rights are carefully attended to,
and where thousands of British seamen have already found protection--so
weakening your majesty's empire, and giving additional strength to an
already great maritime competitor.

"Your memorialists, therefore, urgently pray your majesty to throw your
royal protection around your memorialists, and the commercial marine of
Great Britain, whose predecessors in all ages in time of war and danger,
your ancestors and this kingdom have ever found their best protection
and their greatest glory.

"God bless your majesty, and counsel you in wisdom, your petitioners
will ever pray."

This demonstration, while it postponed the repeal of the navigation
laws, did not avert various modifications in our maritime code,
which were made in the ensuing year. The consequences were not so
disadvantageous as those who objected to the experiment feared, whereas
the abettors of repeal contend that free trade in ships and sailors has
proved, like free trade in corn, advantageous to the country.

Soon after the demonstration, Sir George Grey wrote to Mr. Mather,
assuring him that her majesty had received the memorial in the most
gracious manner.

REWARDS FOR INDIA SERVICE.

The conduct of the officers and men, who had served so gallantly in
the Punjaub, received the approval of the country, parliament, and the
throne. Medals were struck off for officers and privates alike, and
clasps appended for the separate battles of Sobraon, Aliwal, and
Perozashooshah. Honours of various kinds were conferred upon the
officers who had distinguished themselves. Lieutenant Edwardes was
promoted to the rank of major; but the Company's being a seniority
service, the friends of routine vigorously opposed the gallant and
skilful young lieutenant's promotion. He was also made a C.B. The
Company, in other and sub