Another victory has been won on the Sutlej. Some attempt
has been made to convert, in the columns of a newspaper, this victory into a defeat. General Sir Harry Smith was on his way to effect I junction with Brigadier God by, whose position at Loodianah was menaced by the Sikhs; the enemy interposed in strong force; Sir Harry continued his own strategy, manceuvered, refused bat- tle and effected the junction. His loss is called a repulse ; but things are not settled in that way by the shifting of words : it was no defeat, brit the price of a successful manoeuvre. It was followed by a brilliant victory: the enemy was completely routed, driven into the water, and despoiled of his whole artillery. The sequel is not quite so satisfying,—if it prove true that nothing more is to be done until the autumn • our troops in the interval incurring what is so much dreaded for a great army in that quar- ter, a long trial of inaction. However, the British were "in for it," and they could as little disregard the hot season as they could retreat.
Meanwhile, much curiosity was felt in the movements of Gholab Singh. This chief had been the last to make common cause with the rest, and had seemed to maintain separate interests. He has recently come down to Lahore from the hills where he keeps his state ; and the question was, whether he would adopt the Anti- British policy, or, seeing that to be a losing game, declare for the British alliance? If he chose the latter, it might prove an event equally advantageous to the British and to himself. He would at once become the greatest man of all his race. And in him the British would find an instrument for mastering the turbulent people of the Punjaub without prolonging a war lavish in trea- sure and blood.
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