17 AUGUST 1839, Page 1

During the current week we have received a variety of

papers from the Colonies and foreign dependencies of the British Crown. We do not recollect any complaints against the Government at home from South Australia, but with that small exception no ac- count front the Colonies is agreeable. The war in India is of a nature to cause much anxiety. It would seem to be a piece of good fortune that the invaders of Affghanistan had not

stroyed on their march ; for the army was in a state of iit er.1141.1.-17 gitnization for some time, owing to waut of provisions, tithe Ousty withheld by a native prince. Serious resistance may yet be en- countered from DOST MOHAMMED; but suppose him routed and banished, and the object of the expedition apparently attained, it becomes a question how the invading army is to get back ; and in the meanwhile, another load of debt will press upon the already impoverished Hindoos and Bengalese. Of the Chinese quarrel we say nothing at present : the loss of two millions sterling is no trifle, but that is only a beginning. Discontent with the local Government, and a sense of ill-treat- ment and neglect from Downing Street, arc loudly proclaimed in the journals and letters from New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land.

From the West Indies there is no comfort. The Negroes are indolent and insolent, the Planters poor and frightened, the Gover- nors and their Houses of Assembly involved in acrimonious dis- putes.

The North American Colonies are exasperated by the postpone- ment of their aflhirs to a more convenient season. The British settlers in Upper Canada talk and write freely of separation from the Mother-country, and of the intolerable evils of being governed by clerks and Vuder-Secretaries, three thousand miles off. A troubled winter is expected, and the costly military force cannot be diminished.

Such is the state of affitirs at home and iu the Colonies. It does not afford the prospect of a very pleasant recess.