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The one thing that is being universally talked about at the present moment, is what is known as the "Diamond case." Sometimes ago an English firm offered, through a merchant, by name Mr. Jacob, to sell to His Highness the Nizam a diamond for the modest sum of 46 lakhs of rupees. And the diamond itself was sent through the merchant to the Nizam for inspection, His Highness lodging in some bank or other, 23 lakhs of rupees in the name of Mr. Jacob as security for its safe delivery back to owners in case it should not meet with His Highness's approval. It was duly inspected; but though approved of, it was not purchased, by the Nizam owing to the good counsel, if I am correctly informed, of our Resident, Sir Dennis Fitzpatrick. The diamond had consequently to be returned, and the refund of the 23 lakhs of rupees demanded of Mr. Jacob. But Mr. Jacob, the successful speculator that he is, does not mean to return the 23 lakhs entire in accordance with the demand. He says that the bringing down of the diamond from England cost him 5 lakhs, and so deducting the sum from that placed in his name, he will let is Highness have 18 lakhs of rupees. His Highness does not seem to agree with the merchant—and so there is a likelihood of a case cropping up at no distant date. Several officials of His Highness's Government are said to be involved in the affair; and it is to be hoped that we shall be given an opportunity of knowing what part each of them has had assigned to him in it.
