Page:India—what can it teach us?.djvu/62

 Let me read you what he, Professor Wilson, says of his native friends, associates, and servants 1 :

'I lived, both from necessity and choice, very much amongst the Hindus, and had opportunities of becoming acquainted with them in a greater variety of situations than those in which they usually come under the observation of Europeans. In the Calcutta mint, for instance, I was in daily personal communication with a numerous body of artificers, mechanics, and labourers, and always found amongst them cheerful and unwearied industry, good-humoured compliance with the will of their superiors, and a readiness to make whatever exertions were demanded from them: there was among them no drunkenness, no disorderly conduct, no insubordination. It would not be true to say that there was no dishonesty, but it was comparatively rare, invariably petty, and much less formidable than, I believe, it is necessary to guard against in other mints in other countries. There was considerable skill and ready docility. So far from there being any servility, there was extreme frankness, and I should say that where there is confidence without fear, frankness is one of the most universal features in the Indian character. Let the people feel sure of the temper and good- will of their superiors, and there is an end of reserve and timidity, without the slightest departure from respect. . . .'

Then, speaking of the much-abused Indian Pandits, he says: 'The studies which engaged my leisure brought me into connection with the men of learning, and in them I found the similar merits of industry,