and that he must explain the principles on which such discretion should be exercised. And he added: 'I like better to address myself to the reason of my fellow-servants, than simply to their sense of obedience.'
At that time there were serving under him many men who have subsequently become famous as rulers, and who were really brought up in the great official school of the North-Western Provinces. Foremost among these was John (afterwards Lord) Lawrence, who thoroughly agreed with Thomason's principles and ideas. Next was Sir Robert Montgomery, mentioned in chapter V, who afterwards succeeded Lawrence as Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab. Another was Sir William Muir, who afterwards became Lieutenant-Governor, then Finance Minister of India, and is now Principal of the University of Edinburgh. Others may be mentioned, Sir George Edmonstone, Sir Donald Macleod, Sir John Strachey, Sir Henry Davies, Sir George Campbell, Sir John Morris, all men of the ruling class by virtue of merit and capacity. To these might be added the names of some who have been distinguished in the cabinet, or in arduous service, or in literature, such as Henry Carre Tucker, John Thornton, Edward Thornton, George Barnes, Charles Raikes, Robert Needham Cust.
When in 1849 the administration of the Punjab was freshly formed under the Lawrences, many of the best and most rising men under Thomason were taken by
