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INDIAN POLICY.
Bombay Presidency, 13a July, 1860. Sin—Whatever difficulties may now be presented to a government on which rests the responsibility of establing a rule under which our power in India may not only be consolidated, but may be one tending to the advance- ment of the millions of its native races ; no course apparently presents it- self by which these may be more legitimately surmounted, than by carrying out the great principles and enlarged views held, in the early days of its history, by many of our distinguished countrymen whose judgment founded on a practical knowledge of native character, and matured by long experi- ence and residence in this country, has given to their opinions the weight they so justly merit. In these views were included the strengthening, in- stead of weakening, the power of native chiefs and princes ; wisely deciding that to their sovereignty must still be entrusted large portions of territory. Whilst it was foreseen, that keeping strict faith in our engagements, administering equal justice, and respecting native prejudices, must be lead- ing points in any general policy by which we might hope to maintain per- manently the attachment and goodwill of the people. Of later years, and especially since 1857, a disposition has spread, particularly in the army, look upon natives as habitually inclined to untruth and deception ; that trust in their inclinations towards us must be miaphiced; and that th will vary with the numerical strength of our troops. But those whose civil duties in the districts bring them in constant arid more healthy contact with the people, know that in this semi-barbarous so- ciety, virtue still exists, which some Christians might with advantage imi- tate; and that conciliation, by taking a leading interest in their welfare, must accompany despotism, if we would continue for any length of time to occupy the country. Experience in the character of men, rejects stigma- tizing as debased or corrupt any particular class, however individually ap- plicable it may be. Our present duty is clearly to elevate, not to depress the native mind; and not to persist in magnifying the worst features of their character.
There are signs of a change commencing with these people. To aid them in a new and progressive civilization would appear to be our destiny. But the work of progress will be quickened, if we be convinced that with us remains the responsibility of improving the social condition of the native races of Hindostan.
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