Page:The Maharaja of Cashmere.djvu/183

 Intrigue, in the first place, which is the bane of most administrations in this country, is, it is to be regretted, as pre- dominant in Cashmere at this moment as it used to be before. And the reason is not far to seek. The Maharaja, though the ostensible head of the State, is still powerless to assert himself. His opponents are many and powerful, and they are naturally encouraged in their harmful policy of combining to oppose and thwart him, when they find they can do so with impunity and with advantage to themselves. The Maharaja has throughout tried to act with moderation and in a concihatory spmt, but his opponents have nevertheless not been satisfied. Selfishness and unlawful ambition do not find gratification in mere words. Besides, Cashmere officials, with some exceptions, are notorious for their malpractices, and most of them are therefore averse to a well-centralised administration with a wise and united organisation at its head.

Then, the Maharaja is impotent to