incompetent, unpopular
contributor right). "The office of _Punch_ is much coveted" (we should
think it was), "and all arrangements are by the Punch collectively" (if
the gentle reader could be present at one of our Saturday dinners, he
would see what very small beer we think of the Editor). "They act not as
persons having authority over the community, but always as
representatives, and on many subjects they consult their constituencies
before deciding." (When did _we_ not consult public opinion, and when
did _we_ claim any other authority than as representing the country at
large?) "There is generally in the village a leader of opposition,"
(poor creature!) "perhaps the defeated candidate for the last Punchship"
(obviously a rejected contributor), "who leads a strong party" (oh, dear
no! MR. CAMPBELL, you are misinformed on that point), "accuses the Punch
of malversation, and, sometimes, not without reason, of embezzlement"
(not on this side the water), "and insists on their being compelled to
render an account of their stewardship" (our proprietors' books are open
to all the world); "for there are abuses and grievances in all
corporations, in all parts of the world" (_i.e._ "even Punches are not
perfect"--a truth, probably, though we trust we shall never exemplify it
in our own case).

Such is the rule of the Punches of India--and now for its effect. It
produces communities, "strong, independent, and well-organized" (page
90). It is established over what MR. CAMPBELL styles "a perfect
democratic community."

In short, this rule of Punch is the only one MR. CAMPBELL is able to
rest on with entire satisfaction, as the model to which all the other
native organizations of India ought to be, as far as possible,
assimilated.

Yes--give every community its _Punch_, and India would be something like
what it ought to be--something like what England has become since the
rule of _Punch_ was firmly established here--something which would
render altogether unnecessary these dreadful Indian debates, and the
immense amount of Indian "cram" which members, journalists, and
conscientious persons, who follow the Parliamentary reports, are obliged
to bolt, and of which we have disgorged a sample, with great relief to
ourselves, at the beginning of this article.

* * * * *

A WITNESS ON AN ELECTION COMMITTEE.

I'm a free indepent Brish Elector--I swear--
And I'll have s'more bremwarra--anbanish d