nobody of power thinks it their interest to prevent us."
Here spoke the voice of true statesmanship. The purely trading era had passed away! That of the administrator had dawned.
The English never had any reason to repent their trustful action in renewing their connexion with Bengal. The Mogul Nabob was a man of peaceful and benevolent disposition, more of a student and philosopher than an administrator. He genuinely desired that there should be a lasting accommodation and used all his influence to smooth matters for the Company. It was, however, not until February 10, 1691, that what may be termed the title deeds of Calcutta were obtained by the issue of an imperial order authorizing the English to trade on the payment of Rs. 3,000 yearly in lieu of all dues.
Now the feet of the English in Bengal were on firm ground. They had what they had been long striving for, a conveniently placed headquarter settlement from which they could prosecute their trade with some assurance of freedom from irritating interference. How upon this site finally arose the vast city which ranks amongst the world's greatest capitals is a story which is part of the history of British India and need not be related here. But as in the case of Bombay, and to a lesser degree as in the case of Madras, the comparison between what was and what is affords an inspiriting exercise to all patriotic Britons. A forlorn waste for the most part when first occupied, it has become by the energy and enterprise and policy of the paramount race a populous centre of abounding wealth and prosperity. Its merchants are amongst the world's leaders of commerce; its trade touches the
