The experiment of stationing black troops in the Mauritius has
not succeeded, they " getting out of hand," and Lord Curzon now proposes to raise two more Punjabi regiments, who may be employed to garrison the island. They make splendid soldiers and are always orderly, and the offer will probably be accepted. The Punjabis, however, we fear, will be disappointed. They will like the climate, and understand the people, but they will get weary of the peacefulness. Experienced officers tell us that the young men in the Punjab, full of warlike traditions, begin to pine under the tranquil monotony of our role, and long for adventure, excitement, and the " rapture of the strife." They were ready to go to Uganda in thousands because they were told that hard blows were passing, and would volunteer en masse, if they could, to have a share of the "fun" in South Africa. This state of feeling should be noted, because it indicates one of our dangers as well as of our strengths. Life in India was once intensely interesting to its inhabitants, all prizes, and all careers, even thrones, being open to the brave and lucky, and throughout the Empire those who dream great dreams grow tired of our " leaden " sceptre. They say it is a good sceptre, and a heavy, but that it is only of lead.
Previous page
