Private letters from Calcutta mention a very interesting project res-
pecting which some information had oozed out. It seems that amongst the auxiliary measures of which Lord Canning intended to strengthen British influence in India, was a plan for establishing an order like our European orders of chivalry, of a very distinct character. In the first instance, probably, the dignity would be conferred upon Europeans of the very highest rank, the most illustrious representatives of the British crown and chivalry ; and next in admission to the order would be the most illustrious of the Natives, particularly, of course, those who had con- tributed to the maintenance of our rule and the prosperity of the Empire. If we had received this information in time, we should have included this design amongst those measures with which Lord Canning is strengthening his general plan of restoration in India.
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