THE FRENCH IN THE EAST.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 174, 6 June 1862, Page 5

THE FRENCH IN THE EAST.

(Froni the Singapore Free Press; March 20.)

The question of the transfer of the government of these settlements from the Governor-General of India in Council to the Colonial Office still remains uncertain, and opinions differ considerably on the subject. We are told that a gentleman, a member of parliament, and who is likely to be well informed on the matter, seemed to think that the transfer would soon take place—probably Carly this session—while another stated that he had . excellent authority for saying that in the meantime the affair was shelved! We have no doubt that considerations of a financial nature are tho chief hindrances to the transfer, and that these may yet cause considerable delay, but_ it must sooner or later take place. The probability is that when ministers are made aware of the progress which the Emperor of the French is making fin acquiring a permanent footing in this quarter of the world, and that in addition to his conquests on the mainland of Cochin China, he has seized upon a group of islands near it, commanding the route from both Europe and India to China, they will be stirred to action, and take over the Straits Settlement from the Indian Government. But it must be recollected that ie takes a long time before these matters can be brought properly to the cognizance of the ministry. The information must be conveyed through the proper official channel before it can be acted on. The Governor-General of India, with the engrossing duties entailed upon him by tho Government of Continental India, can ill spare time to manage, not only the internal government of the Straits' Settlements, but to decide the many questions constantly arising with the natives around us. Wliun, in addition to this, it is considered that the Dutch are no longer the only European power in the Archipelago with whom complications may occur, but that we now have the French as near to us and far more restless and pushing, it is very evident that the interests of Great Britain will demand that she should have a representative on the spot in direct communication with the Government of England. At present any information from the Governor of the Straits, relating to matters of general policy which requires to be laid before the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, must travel a most circuitous route before it reaches its destination. It must in the first place go to -the Governor-Ge-neral in India, and follow him there perhaps into the heart of the Himalayas. From the Viceroy it has to be sent to tho Secretary of State for India, and by the latter is at last handed to his colleague. In general, information transmitted in this manner must be at least two months longer in being received than if it were transmitted direct from this.