Page:Earl Canning.djvu/17

Rh effectual method of acquisition — the rule definitely enunciated and vigorously enforced, that, on failure of natural heirs, the sovereignty of subordinate States should not descend to an adopted son, but lapse to the paramount authority. By virtue of this policy, various important Principalities passed from traditional and hereditary rulers to become mere items in an ever-increasing Imperial total. The closing hour of Dalhousie's rule had been marked by an annexation which, alike from the prestige of the Sovereign dispossessed, the richness of the annexed territory, and the historical interest attaching to it, had placed the policy of annexation in a striking light, and had obliged every Native Prince to recognise the fact that it was a doom that, sooner or later, was likely to overtake the most dignified and loyal of Native States. Such a conviction could scarcely fail to produce a general sense of uneasiness, and to weigh with the leaders of Indian society, when confronted with the embarrassing alternative of standing by the Government or of aiding the cause of rebellion.

In the zest of triumphant progress, Dalhousie ignored — perhaps he overlooked — certain important considerations — one, — that, however unquestionable may be the abstract advantages of a reform, change in itself is a painful process to the majority of mankind, and no feeling more distasteful than that of a world that is tumbling about one's ears: — another, — that to many individuals and even classes good government, in the English sense of the word, is a very doubtful blessing —