5 JUNE 1886, Page 3

Why does not the Prince of Wales, who takes such

interest in the Indian and Colonial Exhibition, ask Lord Dufferin to send home the Gates of Somnath, the " mighty gates of sandal wood, the carven gates divine P" Apart from their singular history, they are wonderful examples of ancient art, and could be sent home in three weeks with the greatest ease. They are, or were, standing unseen in the great hall of the arsenal at Agra, and could be forwarded by railway and steamer as easily as any other large doors. If carefully packed in waterproof, they would suffer nothing, and they could be returned at will. They are the Queen's property as prize of war.