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 30th November 1891, Lord Lansdownej, after referring to His Excellency's visit to Cashmere and a few other Native States, observed— 'I dwell upon these facts because I regard it as a matter of first rate importance that the states in subordinate aUiance with Her Majesty should be so governed that we need have no scruple in preserving for them the measure of independence which they at present enjoy. Not only would it be an act of injustice to deprive them of the privileges of self-government to which they are entitled, but it would, I am convinced, be a distinct misfortune to the Empire if these interesting remnants of indigenous rule were to be entirely effaced. * * * It is instructive both for the natives of this country and for Europeans, that the two kinds of Government should be in force side by side, and in the full view of public opinion. We are all of us fond of dwelling upon the necessity of decentralising our administration, and considering all the pircumstances of India, I doubt whetliey