The Government of India has adopted a most moderate and
reasonable policy on the frontier. The hill clans generally are to be let alone, it being considered that their recent lesson will keep them quiet for some years, but they must acknow- ledge British sovereignty, and the Khyber Pass is to be held with a strong hand. Forts will be constructed in the Pass, a good road will be carried through it, and the Government retain the right to lay down a railway if that should become advisable. Afridis will be admitted into our service, and will keep open the Pass for trade, receiving, besides, certain allow- ances, which will be peremptorily stopped in the event of any disturbance. That is sense. We keep our roads open, we let the hWmen govern themselves subject to an appeal to the Viceroy, and we give them something to eat. This is all they ask, except a reduction of the Salt-tax, which they ought to. have, and the restoration of their wives when they run away, which they cannot have. We cannot give up the right of asylum, even to conciliate them ; but we do not carry off the wives, as they know, for they sent their women into Peshawar for protection while they were in full rebellion, They will make capital soldiers, and are just as trustworthy as any others of their colour.
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