be, in batteries of Artillery, the manufacture of guns and ammunition in India itself, and the establishment of an Indian Navy on a proper footing, there would be but few defects in the defence of India for criticism or attack by friend or foe.
But there is another point which needs mention. While viewing with satisfaction all the improvements that have been effected in the Native Army of India since the Mutiny, and without overlooking the advantages to be gained by abolishing distinctions between districts or Presidencies, and by enlisting the army for general service, we must also bear in mind that it goes a long way towards the contentment of native soldiers to confine the circle of their ordinary service to the limits of their own province, and to march them only on an emergency into distant parts of the Empire. We have hitherto tried experiments in increased pay and batta which have not been willingly accepted in lieu of exile. It is therefore worthy of consideration whether more careful attention may not be paid to the fact that nothing can reconcile natives of India to long absence from their homes, and that if we keep regiments ordinarily in a circle near their homes, the service will be rendered more economical and more popular.
