Lord Curzon on the 6th inst. made a speech to
the representa- tive Mahommedans of the Punjab which is of some interest. He acknowledged the greatness of the Mussulman Empire now ended, but thought men of that faith might find conso!ation in the fact that the Empress reigned over more Mussulmans than any other ruler in the world, and that they enjoyed perfect security of life and property: The Viceroy accepted their assurances of loyalty as genuine, and called the assertion that India was " bleeding under British rule " mere nonsense. Whether a dominant race ever thinks that dinner is a com- pensation for dominion may be questioned, but Indian Mussulmans are at least as inclined to be loyal as most Indian Hindoos. Lord Curzon was perhaps happier a few days before when he thanked the veterans of the Sikh regiments, men covered with British medals, for their mag- nificent courage and devotion to duty, and recognised the wisdom of the Sikh Princes in extending education, so that the most martial of communities may hold its own in civil life among "the wise, populous, and erudite peoples" among whom they are placed. A Sikh is usually splendidly brave, but likes his bravery to be acknowledged and praised.
Previous page
