bond of mutual understanding, common experience, and companionship in labour. Thus for ten years he exerted power which was almost as great morally as it was officially. That power he put forth for the vindication of this vast property in land, belonging not to the million only but to several millions of men. The principle has been better understood and followed since his time than it was before or during his day; and others besides him have contended for the same object. But on the whole it may be said that no Briton in India ever battled for this principle more opportunely and effectually, or ever carried it out more authoritatively and practically, than he. For this cause alone (irrespective of other causes) the Natives of India ought to hold his name in everlasting remembrance.
But as the people gradually perceived the value of the proprietary right, disputes regarding the interests of individuals, always more or less rife, began to multiply; and he knew that if these could not be settled by his executive officers, recourse must in the last resort be had to the Civil Courts. He was naturally anxious to avoid this ultima ratio if possible, and to encourage the revenue authorities to adjust such matters on the spot. He would have this adjustment made when the Record of Rights was prepared for the first time. If not effected on that occasion, it was to be undertaken afterwards when the Record came to be revised and rectified. These informal tribunals with their rustic surroundings were about this time
