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Wellington Independent, Volume XXVIII, Issue 3886, 18 August 1873, Page 3

An Acheen correspondent of the "Samarang Courant" of the lGth May thus, describes the Achinese mode of warfare : — "The men are powerfully built and very handsome. Their dress is particoloured, and they are astonishingly brave. They come rushing upon closed squares as well as against breechloaders in line, for the rapid fire from which they don't seem to care in the least. Their champions (those who fight in front), dressed in white or in fiery red, have in each hand a long heavy sword and a long knife in the mouth. They have, besides, sharp spews which they throw with sure aim from a distance of fifteen paces, and swords like those of their champions, blunderbuses, a multitude of lillas, cannon, and fowling-pieces. In their cartridges, which we found on the slain, is twice and thrice as much powder as in ours ; their bullets are mixed with earthenware, glass, and rice grains ; from their large cannon they shoot out glass bottles, chains, small iron bullets, stones, &c. Their priests, who everywhere lead them on, have always the Koran with them. We have found cannon here in lofty trees, slung on anchor ropes, and excellently handled." Hiring a penitentiary is rather a queer kind of speculation. That of the State of Missouri' (with all the inmates there at present and likely to come) has been leased to four gentlemen, who agree to pay all the expenses of the prison and a bonus of lOOOdol. to the State, which retains, we suppose, the appointment of mest of the officers of the prison. The convicts will be worked for the benefit of the lessors, and it is estimated that Missouri will save over 100,000dol. annualy by this convenient arrangement. Here is at once an example and an opportunity for those gaol wardens of the colony who display ther economic and managerial qualities to such good purpose as to make a profit out of the establishments under their control. They should sound the Government on the matter. Perhaps they would have no objection to such a speculation as that quoted.