Page:Chandra Shekhar.djvu/295

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CHAPTER IV

john stalkart

t has been said in the preceding chapter that Kulsam had an interview with Mr. Warren Hastings. In relating to him, in detail, the incidents which brought her to Calcutta, she told him all about Foster's misdeeds. In history, Warren Hastings appears to be a great oppressor of men. But, it is an undeniable fact that men of action often become oppressive for the sake of their duty. The man upon whose shoulder rests the enormous responsibility of defending an Empire, is often compelled, on Imperial considerations, to play the role of an oppressor, although personally, he may be kind and even righteous. Those who are builders or defenders of an Empire, consider it expedient to oppress particular individuals when it is calculated to benefit the whole Empire. In fact, those who are competent, like Warren Hastings, to establish kingdoms and empires cannot possibly be unkind or unrighteous. The man who has not the heart to feel for others and has not the courage to adhere to the

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