A telegram from Bombay announces that the new Begum of
Bhopal, Secundra II., has been invested with the Star of India, and appeared at the ceremony veiled. That is, if we are not mis- taken, a departure from the older Indian etiquette, which allowed queens regnant to appear unveiled, just as in Turkey the Sultan, and the Sultan alone, has the right to enter a subject's harem and see the faces of his family. In both instances there would seem to exist a notion of the sacredness of power, of a personal sanctity in sovereigns before which etiquettes disappear. The late Begnm of Bhopal appeared unveiled, and the Ranee of Jhansi during the Mutiny rode habitually at the head of her troops. Any new etiquette restricting their freedom would greatly reduce the efficiency of the female sovereigns in India, who, as Mr. Mill has observed, usually administer much more ably than the men.
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