for months been evident, could end only in the discomfiture and destruction of the insurgents. They had a good effect in placing before the many millions of Indian subjects, instead of the intangible and mysterious abstraction known as 'The Company,' the living personage of a Sovereign interested in their lot, desirous of their welfare, powerful enough to crush opposition, but inspired by sentiments of justice, and prompt to exercise the grand prerogative of mercy — the mother of sons who could come amongst them, one of whom was one day to be their Sovereign; another who could lead their armies; a third whose office reminded them that they were subjects of the greatest naval Power in the world.
The sentiments entertained by the vast masses of India to the dynasties who at various periods have conquered, governed and, frequently, oppressed them, have never, it is reasonable to suppose, been those of enthusiastic affection. If he is left to till his field and eat its produce in peace, the Indian peasant recks little of far-off, vague thrones and authorities, which touch him less nearly than the behaviour of his landlord or the course of the seasons. But the millions of Indians know that they are no longer harried by invading armies, trampled on by lawless magnates, or pillaged by licensed robbers under the guise of officialdom: and they know that for these ineffable exemptions the English Ráj is the safest guarantee.
Many of the Princes and Chieftains of India are, there is reason to believe, bound to the English throne
