"Christians, but are, in some instances, removed "three or four descents from them, and approxi"mate in the same degree to the habits and ideas "of their heathen neighbours; between whom "and themselves, however, the name of Chris"tian draws a line of distinction, which effectually cuts them off from them; and, united with "their poverty and ignorance, places their chil"dren in a worse state than the Mussulman and "Hindoo children around them; as these are "instructed in the learning of their respective casts, and fitted for situations in life, from "which the Christian name serves to exclude theirs, without bestowing on them any equiva"lent."-These children, previously to their admission (220 were admitted) into the Benevolent Institution," were under no kind of superintend+

66

ance, but were wandering in the streets and "lanes of Calcutta, in a state of the grossest ig 66 norance; and practising, uncontrouled, every "vice within their power." The managers of the Benevolent Institution submit, "That Chris"tianity, and even humanity, pleads for impart

ing to these children some degree of moral in"struction; or, at least, such a knowledge of the

Bengalee language as shall enable them to fill "situations equally with the Hindoo youth*."

* Address of Benevolent Society, before quoted.

5. Their employment by the State.-It was before observed, that the great increase of the race of Half-cast had been contemplated with much uneasiness by the India Government. Many expedients have been suggested, for giving them employment, and making their services useful to the State. But, as yet, every suggestion has been made in vain. People in England will perhaps wonder that it should never have been said, 66 EDUCATE THEM.' But they will recollect, that this would be as much as to say (adverting to the number of the subjects)," Promote Christianity in India-Give it a suitable re"ligious establishment."

This is, indeed, the remedy, the only remedy: and, painful as it may appear to many, it is that to which we must at last come.

If, then, the question be asked, "How shall these half descendants of the English become useful members of the state, and respectable members of society?"-we answer, Let them be well instructed; and they will soon be eligible to various important stations in British India; and, among others, to academical and ecclesiastical employments. They will form good instructors for the Hindoos, and for their own community. If every man among them were a teacher, he would find pupils sufficient in Hindostan. They are by no means deficient in natural talents. On

the contrary, they are generally quick in appre hension; and many instances occur, of extraordinary genius and ability. The chief complaint in the Calcutta schools, is, that they are prone to vice, and practise the arts of cunning and deceit at an early age. The truth is, we believe, they arrive sooner at manhood; and various vices begin to develope themselves earlier, than in European children. If, however, it be true, that they are more prone to vice than the Europeans, and if the arts of female fascination be dangerous to the English youth who are sent to govern India, the argument to be deduced from this fact is, that they should be raised from their debased state, and receive the advantages of a Christian education; and that they should not be left any longer to corrupt others, and to sink themselves into a deeper degeneracy.

6. It will undoubtedly be a wise policy, as well as a Christian duty, to admit the Half-cast Christians into the service of their country, in departments for which they are qualified; and, particularly, as Catechists and School-masters, in the various languages of Hindostan. And those of them, who shall obtain a reputation for learning and religious knowledge, may receive Ordination for the ministerial office.

7. Upon the whole, it seems very probable, "That the sons of Englishmen by Hindoo mothers will be made the instruments, in the course of time, of instructing the Hindoos in the faith of Christ." This providential consequence we are encouraged, by circumstances, to expect. But first they themselves must be instructed. Hitherto, they have been accounted the reproach of the service, as they certainly are; but this reproach, let us always remember, is derived from English origin. It is, indeed, time for the British Legislature to interpose, in behalf of the perishing Half-cast! It is time for the English nation to make some atonement for what is past, by bestowing on these our sons and brethren the blessing of Christian instruction and regard. It would be worth while to expend a sum, equal to that of five years of the proposed Ecclesiastical Establishment, to place the Half-cast Protestants in circumstances which will bear to be contemplated, in relation to the British character and interests in India.

IX. DISPOSITION OF CHAPLAINS AT THE

STATIONS IN INDIA.

A general view of the British Stations and Districts which require Chaplains, ought to be presented to the Legislature, that the real state of circumstances in India may be known. The following List of Stations in Bengal, and of the Chaplains appointed to them, will sufficiently exemplify the situation of the other Presidencies in regard to Christian instruction.

The Stations having a Chaplain are marked with a C.-The list of Disposition is taken from the East-India Register for 1813, corrected to the 31st December, 1812.