REDUCTION OF' THE INDIAN ARMY.
Bombay Presidency, 15th October, 1859. Sin—The inability of the Indian revenue to meet the heavy drain forced upon it by the severe events of the last two years, had not escaped the at- tention of practical men in this country, who had looked forward to such a result as their inevitable accompaniment. But in England it seems scarcely to have been anticipated that a deficiency so serious could only be met by means of a new loan ; to be followed perhaps by another ; whilst the ques- tion of an increased taxation, so as to press fairly on all, the Native as well as the European, was found to be beset by difficulties of no common order ; the resources of this vast country being as yet undeveloped. When an ex- penditure exceeds the annual income, retrenchment becomes absolutely necessary. It should begin with the Army, the main drain. Taking first the Native force,let me suggest that it be at once redueed one-half. Also that the Police force be organized so as to be efficient, but that an equal re- duction be made in its strength. In the village districts, the people will be sufficiently quiet and. contented, provided they be only left undisturbed. Next the European force. It should be concentrated at stations of medium elevation above the plains. There is no lack of these heights in the Pre- sidencies. Peace being reestablished, this portion.of ourforce need not now' be frittered away on detached posts, whose occupation, until lately, the war rendered necessary. On these conditions, its strength might now be safely reduced to 60,000 men. Its lowest standard; 50,000. In the above sug- gestions, this principle has been kept in view : that we cannot hope to govern India by means of the sword only. It is an impossibility. Our rule should be despotio, but conoiliatory. Let the assessments be equitable ; and let all undue severity towards the Natives on the part of the executive officers of every rank be rigidly' checked; to be followed in each case, when proved, by dismissal. We must look upon these races as men who must in time learn the art of self-government. Under such a system it will:soon be no exaggeration to say, that the people of India are at once contented and
happy. A VETERAN.
Previous page
