From India we have tidings of more revolutions among native
governments, and more contemplated assumption of territory by the British. The Punjab, which has witnessed a succession of incompetent rulers since RUNJEET SINGH'S death, has been the scene of revolt, assassinations right and left ; and now, after a fre- quent fashion among Indian revolutions, a little child is placed upon the throne. The turbulent character of that government, thus forcibly exemplified, is a constant souree of anxiety and trouble to the British ; and it is assumed that the territory will be annexed to that which is directly under our rule. Some of the arguments against other acts of annexation do not apply in this instance; since it would not be an extension of frontier, but a positive dimi- nution of frontier ; it would scarcely enlarge, but would consolidate our territory ; it would lessen, instead of adding to the work for our troops. It would not draw upon us, like the Afghan aggression, a gratuitous addition of trouble, but would abolish a reservoir of disorder kept up in the midst of our possessions. On grounds of expediency, then, many arguments for the measure might be found, should it be deemed unavoidable. The more elementary question of right and justice remains : what right have we to make conquest of an "independent" people, with whom we have treaties ? It will not do to justify one wrong by another, and say that our right in this case is as good as in every other of Indian conquest. It might be urged, indeed, that this precise juncture is a most infelicitous one for commencing a new moral code on that head ; that imperfect right was never so well pieced out with substantial reasons of policy and necessity ; and that there is a kind of compulsion to round off our territory, all acquired as this is to be acquired. Such reasons may avail ; and foreign countries who have weight with us are not likely to show any jealousy about an interjacent province lying within our frontier. Russia might feel secret vexation ; but she must dissemble any interests beyond the Afghan heights, remember Caucasus and Poland, and hold her peace. It would seem, then, we may do as we like : and it will be well if we pay the debt we have incurred in India by rendering her all the benefits which our rule ought to confer; no longer contenting ourselves that we have treated llin- dustan better than the Moslem did, but treating her according to our own honour and dignity, and to our sense of parental responsibilities voluntarily assumed.
