The Indian Government appears to be perplexed, for about the
twentieth time, with the problem of keeping arms out of India. It does not do, it is said, to prohibit the importation of muskets or other arms, for the hunters and other people want them ; and yet if the importation is not strictly checked, the arms get into wrong hands, particularly on the frontier. Anybody can now get a musket for eight shillings, and that is regarded as a danger. Well, if it is a danger, why does not Government stop it, prohibit the import altogether, set up a gun manufactory, as we have set up a cannon manufactory, and sell the guns, well stamped, only when and to whom it pleases ? It would then know how many guns were likely to be in native hands, would have good guns for its shikarrees, and would make a profit besides.
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