“Your memorialists, therefore, urgently pray your majesty to throw your royal protection around your memorialists, and the commercial marine of Great Britain, whose predecessors in all ages in time of war and danger, your ancestors and this kingdom have ever found their best protection and their greatest glory.
“God bless your majesty, and counsel you in wisdom, your petitioners will ever pray.”
This demonstration, while it postponed the repeal of the navigation laws, did not avert various modifications in our maritime code, which were made in the ensuing year. The consequences were not so disadvantageous as those who objected to the experiment feared, whereas the abettors of repeal contend that free trade in ships and sailors has proved, like free trade in corn, advantageous to the country.
Soon after the demonstration, Sir George Grey wrote to Mr. Mather, assuring him that her majesty had received the memorial in the most gracious manner.
REWARDS FOR INDIA SERVICE.
The conduct of the officers and men, who had served so gallantly in the Punjaub, received the approval of the country, parliament, and the throne. Medals were struck off for officers and privates alike, and clasps appended for the separate battles of Sobraon, Aliwal, and Perozashooshah. Honours of various kinds were conferred upon the officers who had distinguished themselves. Lieutenant Edwardes was promoted to the rank of major; but the Company’s being a seniority service, the friends of routine vigorously opposed the gallant and skilful young lieutenant’s promotion. He was also made a C.B. The Company, in other and substantial forms, indicated its approval of this officer’s very valuable services.
REFORM OF THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY.
The syndicate, regarding the study of classics and mathematics as the basis of a superior education, yet nevertheless was of opinion that greater encouragement ought to be afforded to the pursuit of various other branches of learning, which in the general community were acquiring more importance, recommended various improvements in the curriculum to that end. The study of mental and moral philosophy, natural history, chemistry, &c., were in future to be stimulated, and every facility afforded to those who desired high attainments in these and some other branches of learning. This movement was not very popular in the university, but gave great satisfaction to the general public.