Bombay, 1895-1890. By Sir W. W. Hunter. (Henry Frow de.)
—Obviously this book is not one to be criticised by a reviewer• Sir W. Hunter is an expert of the first eminence. Other experts may possibly differ from some of his views ; but that he speaks with authority would be conceded by all. His purpose is to toll the story of Lord Reay's Administration. The first thing that strikes a reader is the multiplicity and variety, often the oppo- sition, of interests which an Indian ruler has to consider. To take, for instance, the chapter on " Forests." The demand for a regular system of forestry, and the preservation of the forests from the incessant destruction which has gone on for many centuries, seemed perfectly reasonable. But there were tribes whose subsistance depended in a large measure on practices which such a preservation would forbid. A large timber trade, too, had grown up, which was thus abruptly checked. Lord Reay appointed a Commission to consider the subject. Another population whose interests had to be considered, consisted of aboriginal tribes, who subsisted by collecting forest products. This is a sample of the
multifarious cares of Indian rulers. Among the other subjects with which Sir W. Hunter deals are, "Dealings with Native States " (the Governor of Bombay supervises States which con- tain an aggregate population of 700,000, many of them scarcely known by name to the average English reader), " Education " (Lord Reay's policy was to substitute grants-in-aid for direct control), " Land Administration "—it is interesting to find pro- blems that have perplexed us here cropping up in India—" Public Works," "Excise and General Taxation," and "Protection of Persons and Property." Under this last heading, Sir W. Hunter states with judicious impartiality the Cran ford case, in reference to the difficult question of indemnities. The Bombay police num- bers 21,890 men, and Sir W. Hunter remarks that they would form a valuable armed reserve in case of an emergency. It is interest- ing to learn that " 66 per cent. of the subordinate officers, and 30 per cent. of the men, have had sufficient education to write an in- telligent crime report." That is more than could be said of the English force. The average number of prisoners is just under 7,000. Their maintenance costs something less than £5 per annum per prisoner, the actual charge for rations being £2. The Native Army numbers 29,902. The Marathas are the chief element; but they now furnish fewer recruits than formerly.
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