Page:Sir Thomas Munro and the British Settlement of the Madras Presidency.djvu/59

 IV A R WITH TIPU 51

side, loses as much on the other. But there are times and situations where conquest not only brings a revenue greatly beyond its expenses, but brings also additional security. The kings of England knew this when they attempted the reduction of Scotland. There is, however, another example which would apply better to our position in the Karnatik. When Spain was, in the last century, engaged in a war with France and Portugal, would not the possession of the latter country have added much to her strength and security^ by removing every possibility of attack from the frontiers of France 1 By subduing the country below the Ghats, from Palgatcherry to Ambur, we have nothing to fear. The sea is behind us, and in front we gain a stronger barrier than we now have, which would enable us to defend the country with the present military establishment ; but as this, with the civil expenses, would be nearly equal to the whole revenue of the country, let us advance to the Kistna, and we shall triple our revenue with- out having occasion to add much to our military force ; because our barrier will then be both stronger and shorter than it is now.'

In the following letter, dated April 28, 1792, Munro criticizes the negotiations with Tipu and the terms of the peace that were entered into. Sub- sequent events showed how correct was his view of the situation and his foresight as to the steps that should have been taken to prevent a recurrence of hostilities On the part of Tipu.

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