PREFACE.
The deep interest imparted to Indian affairs during the recent deliberations of the Senate, in the columns of the political journals, in reviews and pamphlets, and, indeed, wherever a vent for public feeling could be found, induces the Author to believe that no apology is needed for the publication of this volume.
Much has been already written on the subject of Indian affairs. No ordinary amount of ability has been brought to bear on most of the topics embraced in what is popularly termed " the Indian question." It was nevertheless felt that a work was still wanted which should place the public in possession not merely of such facts as bear upon the political phase of the subject, but also of a faithful picture, social and industrial, of the many races composing the people of British India.
A residence of many years in the East, a long connection with the Indian Press, and an acquaintance with civilians, mer- chants, and planters of the three Presidencies, have emboldened the Author to call Indian things by their right names. The vastness of the interests involved forbad their being handled less firmly.
The recent legislation upon the government of India is but the prelude to great and momentous changes, which cannot long be stayed; which must come — peaceably and lawfully, if we will — but they must come, as surely as the broad daylight of intelligence is penetrating the hearts and souls of a hundred millions of our fellow-creatures.
It is not by such means as the solemn farce enacting in the Committee-rooms of the House of Commons that this work will be aided. The dullest mind of the poorest Indian ryot must see through the transparency of that judicial mockery which pretends to give fair play to the plaintiff, by examining no other witnesses than the clients of the defendant. It is in India, and
