Page:The Maharaja of Cashmere.djvu/187

 would regain its former place, in respect of its good faith to the people and the Princes, in the minds of the Indian population. An act, fraught with so much good, carries with it its own recommendation, and hardly requires any arguments to press it upon the approval of the wise and the far-seeing.

It may be contended that there is the Resident to help the Maharaja in all his difficulties. This contention looks plausible at first sight, but a little examination will shew that it is not a sound one. Firstly, it is unjust to retain the Maharaja any longer under the Resident's control ; secondly, it is proper and reasonable that the Maharaja should be allowed a free hand to set his house in order when he has given abundant evidence that he is competent to do so j and lastly, the help of the Resident cannot be always available to the. Maharaja, even if the Resident were at all times ready and willing to afford it to him. The Resident can-not always be on the spot ; but even if