of Bhurtpur, the dam being seized by the besiegers in the nick of time, preventing the besieged from flooding their moat (XI); Gardner drawing his sword upon his Native Indian sovereign when provoked by insult in open Durbar or Levee (XIII). These striking scenes are but specimens of the great repertoire of historic scenery which Mr. Keene's narrative comprises, and of the picture-gallery it contains. Near the end of the book, in Chapter XIV, doubts are apparently expressed regarding the internal policy of Dalhousie and Lawrence, though their political virtues are acknowledged. As they are statesmen of a school to which I have been proud to belong, these doubts naturally are not shared by me. Some questions, too, are raised regarding some branches of recent British administration, such as education, sanitation and the like; here also I am unable to concur, while I admit, on the other hand, that these subjects are all the better for free discussion. This, however, in nowise hinders me from giving the most cordial adhesion to the historic truths and the political principles most ably and effectively set forth in the main and the essential portions of this work. RICHARD TEMPLE. TO THE READER. THERE is a danger of the Indian Empire being too much taken for granted in the daily cares of our nation's life. It is easy to forget what a mighty task we have undertaken there; and that the introduction of British power was an essential stage in the social evolution of the various races who people that vast and varied region. At the dawn of the nineteenth century all seemed dark; the stars were paling, and it was not by any means plain what the day was likely to be. None the less was it preceded and prepared by the labours of individual Europeans, who served competing native chieftains, and set up a standard of order, preparing men's minds for some vague ideas of discipline and duty. Some notion of these men and of their work is helpful in recognising the need for intelligent leading in such conditions. It is here offered, as found in contemporary records; including letters from General De Boigne and others. The chapters appeared originally in the "Calcutta Review," and the author has to thank the Editor and Proprietors of that serial for permission to reproduce them in the present form. The letters of which mention is made above have never been published: for the use of them thanks are due to Mr. S. Sutherland. Information as to Perron has been courteously communicated by one of his descendants, Colonel the Marquis de Brantes. This little book was not undertaken in any spirit of controversy. But there are mistakes made about British India; and the writer will not deny that he would gladly think that it was in his power to give them any correction. Many, both in India and in England, believe in a splendid past to which the people are debarred the return by an alien dominion. Any knowledge of the facts will be beneficial by which such persons can be disabused. H. G. K. |