Page:Advice to the Indian Aristocracy.djvu/25

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greatly praises recent legislation in Madras and indeed all who know the Presidency must rejoice that the ancient Zamindaries have received a measure of protection, such as Lord Ampthill's Government has granted. It is not clear, however, how or why a money-lender should be bound to prove that the purpose for which money was borrowed is lawful. Concerning Estate management the Maharaja writes with the authority of an expert, but in this country one may be allowed to doubt if "Western people reap more enjoyment from their wealth than Hindus." The latter appear to me at any rate to be at least as happy as the English, the general expression of whose countenances can hardly be said to connote content and enjoyment to any exceptional extent. They might be reminded with advantage, as the Maharaja takes occasion to remind the Hindus, that according to the sacred writings enjoyment of life