Page:A Comprehensive History of India Vol 1.djvu/479

 Chap. IV.J 'IHK MADliAS TKESIDENCY. 445

off by a large contribution. Being thus undecided as to the character which they a.d. i74». ought to assume, they acted in the irresokite manner usually exhibited in such circumstances, and allowed themselves to be entrapj^ed into a negotiation which the king skilfully protracted till he knew that Nazir Jung had arrived in Arcot. This was a contingency which, though most probable in itself, had never once occupied their thoughts. Indeed, their first knowledge of it was obtained by a message from Dupleix. It had all the effect of a surprise, and they took the only course open to them, by retreating with precipitation towards Pondi- cheny.

While the Frendi were takinfj a decided part in the great struggle which strange was to determine the future fortunes of the Deccan, the English knew not how the Ma.iriut to act. The presidency had, on their own responsibility, become parties to a war in Tanjore, but the lesult had disappointed them ; and their interference now seemed to them not a precedent which they ought to follow, but a beacon which they ought to avoid. The success which had attended the French arms was as gall and wormwood to them ; and they would fain have employed all their force on the opposite side, especially if they had felt sure that it was to prove tiie winning side. This, however, was very doubtful ; and the result of inter- meddling, therefore, might be to subject themselves to the displeasure, and ultimately call down the vengeance of the successful competitors for the soubah and nabobship. These, and similar considerations, might perhaps have justified them in resolving to remain as mere spectators of the contest, but certainly could not justify the very extraordinary course which they adopted. When Mahomed Ali, who had shut himself up in Trichinopoly and assumed the title of nabob, earnestly implored their assistance, they at fii'st turned a deaf ear, and afterward.s, as if in mockery rather than in earnest, sent him a paltry reinforce- merit of 120 Europeans. By tliis act they committed themselves as much as if they had sent him 1000. They liad chosen their side and must maintain it; and yet, with monstrous and suicidal inconsistency, they at this very time declined Admiral Boscawen's offer to remain, and allowed him to depart with his fleet for Europe. So absurd did the proceeding appear to the French, that for some time they did not believe the departure to be more than a feint ; but at length, when satisfied that it was a reality, could not refrain from openly mani- festing their delight.

After the Briti.sh and French had taken their sides, both were naturally nritisi. an.i anxious to show that they had made the right choice, and given their support to opixisite those who had the best title. On this subject volumes were wi-itten, but to very natTve" little purpose, for two reasons: first, because, were it worth the while, it could i"*™""- • easily be shown that the titles of all the claimants were absolutely bad ; and, secondly, because it was mere hj'pocrisy on the part of the two companies to pre- tend that they were fighting for legitimacy, when it was well understood that the justice of the war was a matter of perfect indifference to them, and that their