1 ( 95 )
2 . gradually furnished to the Force, so that at the present time, out of eight
3 Regiments stationed on the-Frontier, four are now Rifles and the other
4 four are partly armed with this weapon. It is to be “hoped that Govern-
5 ment will ere long supply rifles for the remainder: Repeated expe-
6 riment has shown tat the musket can. inflict little loss on an
7 enemy scattered over a difficult hill-side and always more or less under
8 cover; while that enemy, with the clumsy jezail, can reach our
9 soldiers at along distance, and effect their retreat, before the latter can
10 close with them.
11 167. On the news of the war with Russia reaching the Frontier,
12 . the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Cavalry, and the Ist,
13 waar for Saris 2nd, 3rd and 4th Infantry of ae Punjab Irregu-
14 against Huse: lar Force volunteered their services, and there
15 can be little doubt but that all were ready to march whenever they were
16 Subscriptions to Patri Tequired. In connexion with this subject, it may
17 otic Fund. be added that the Force came forward, as did
18 also the organized Police, ae voluntarily subscribed £225 to the
19 Patriotic Fund.
20 168. Government have lately added considerably to the efficiency of
21 The Punjab batteries the Punjab batteries ; thirty men have been added
22 are strengthened, to each, making the whole strength one hundred
23 and thirty-six. The pay of the grass-cutters, which was inadequate to
24 secure men of this class, has-been raised from rupees 3} per mensem to
25 Rupees 4. Cooks have been allowed also to the batteries and water-
26 carriers for the whole Force. A second European Officer also has been
27 allowed to each battery.
28 169. During the period under report, two Subadars of the 1st and 8rd
29 Decoration of certain Regiments and a sepoy of the 4th anda Subadar
30 dative Solitons: and a Sowar of the Guide Corps, havé all received.
31 the decoration of the Order of Merit, and the increased pay which attaches
32 to their distinction.
33 170. - The discontent and disorganization which formerly existed in the
34 Discipline of the Sindh Sindh Rifle Regiment has at last been subdued ;
35 Bile Sore: 2 but not until it was found necessary summarily to
36 dismiss three Subadars. This last measure has proved decisive, and the
37 Brigadier commanding the Force has latély reported his satisfaction with
38 the discipline of the Regiment,