write on Coronation day, and head my letter with the first of the new postage stamps that T have seen.
T have just come hack from t' e Coronation service in our Pa charch very well attended, no* only avd Eurasians, bu- also by home dan officials, officers, jude: civilians. There is one v of thankfulness that the ceremony lis at last successfully taken plice, and that the threatened tragedy his been mercifully averted. The universal feeling throuiiout the country has bren the means of forging another bond of sympathy amongst the educated classes.
The Girst event of the past week has been the publication of the report of The Univ: rsity Commission.
Te appeared three days ago, and n'ready the papers are full of critic-ins and com-men's, The report of course is simply a draft of recommendations, and it has been wisely published at once, so as to give an opportunity for the fullest discussion, The whole tendency of the report is towards a reform of the present University system, and an assimilation as far as it is ible to the o'd Europew idea of a ersity. Up to the present Indian Universities have been merely examining, not teaching bodies, somewhat on the principle of the London University. Instruction is given in high schools and colleges, and even a course of study in one of these is not obligatory. Any one can appear for a University examination, and as long as he has qualified himself by passing the previous ones, no questions are asked as to where or how he gainnd his knowles \d_ prover!
appreciated than in India. But the adage "Knowledge is nowhere b "iter is somewhat differently understoo}, and has come to mean t+ the student Knowledge conveys the Power of yetting an appointment." Kuowledg is acquired, not for its own sake, but for the benefits it carries in its train. The examinations once passed and the quabtications for apsoi ment received, in nine eases out of ten the pursuit of knowledge is abandoned. There is absolutely no post-graduate life in Indix, and wish the rare exception of a few naturally inclined to a life of scholarship, men do not continue the studies they commenced in order to qualify for an official career.
The Visit of the Viceroy to Mysore.
My first recollection of Mysore dat-s back some thirty-nine years. In these days the railway only went as far as Bangalore, avd we had to march the 100 miles to the old capital by road. In the time I speak of the old Maharajah was alive. He.
had for many years been deprived of the actual government of the country, and all that he did was to spend the princely allowance made t" him and as much mere at he could borrow. "One of his ways of spending was to hold a race meeting every year, at which every Europ-can officer, civil or military, was a welcome est. He was expected to being his tent, is bed, his knife ami fork, and last, though not leas, his tumbler. Every: thing else was provided by Hiv Highness in the most. profuse janvier, and for ten days or so the Mysore race course was the scene of much festive life. Races, ordinar ries, and lotteries were the order of the day, and' the spirit of gambling was fostered by an unlimited flow of champagne. Chew Jugaces! these days are passed for ever! This year, however, an exception has been made on the occasion of the young Maha rajah's installation. Nearly 150 guests have Deen invited t" meet Lord Curzon, and every nerve has been strained to give them suitable accommodation. The Viceroy first stopped at Bangalore, where a dinner was given at the Residency, and afterwards an assembly by the Dewan or Minister. From Bangalore Lord Curzoa went to the Cauvery Falls at Siva Simudram, where the clectri¢ generating works are situated, re-which I spoke in my last. Here Ko started the sixth or last generator, which completes thy electric supply for the mines at Kolar. The visit was the oe: ofa banquet, xt which the electric engin came in for thir due meed of praise. From the works Lon Curzon went to Mysore to instal the Maharajah, ty whom, and by his guests, he was received in royal state, and then went in procession through the quaint old town to the building set apart for his residence. After the exchange of the usual ceremonial visits the ceremony of installation took place in the new Durbar Hall. It is described in the telegrams as a very brilliant affair. and was just such an occasion as Lord Curzon is peculiarly fited to adorn. In the banquet that followed Lord Curzon was again in his clement, and in his speech he traced the history of the sure house, of its connection with the British power, and of the wonderful progress it has male under its fostering care and protection. For many years each succceling Viceroy seems to have assumed a mood of self-satisfaction and pleasure when visiting Mysore; and the viceregal speeches have always been full of phrases of pleasantness and peace. Under these circumstances perhaps too may be allowd ts look up my history books and to indulge in
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.