The severity of the Madras Famine is acknowledged in the
Queen's Speech, and we publish elsewhere some comments on the frightful statements made by the Duke of Buckingham, Governor of the Presidency, on the 9th inst. They signify that the bulk of the population of Madras is in danger, and that millions may die. The disaster is beyond the means of Madras, and the need of English help is, therefore, most urgent. The latest telegram, August 15, from the Viceroy states that prospects are a little better, but adds that there has been an addition to the number of men relieved in Madras in one fortnight of 385,000 persons. The total number under relief in the Presidency is now 1,984,600, of whom a little less than a million are in the relief camps, where, of course, the danger from epidemics is extreme, and where the skin-disease which marks true famine has already appeared.
