AGGRIEVED INTERESTS
67
dislike of change natural to a privileged class. So, too, there were men to whom the introduction of a regular judicial system and strict procedure had proved a capital misfortune. Immemorial estates pass away to successful decree-holders, and a time-honoured family is sunk in ruin. To such men the hour of revolution sounds a hopeful note. There were, no doubt, men in such a mood in 1857, who reflected that the Centenary of Plassey was at hand, and recalled with secret satisfaction the prophecy that the hundredth year of British rule was to see its close.
