Page:The Maharaja of Cashmere.djvu/37

 The Native States had been thus treated down to 1856, and the Indian Princes, filled with consternation, trembled on their thrones, uncertain as to who would be the next victim. Yet, when in the following year the iSre broke out which involved the Empire in one mighty- conflagration, these very Princes voluntarily came to the side of the Paramount Power and manfully stood there till the fire was completely subdued and extinguished. How many instances does history furnish of such generous repayment? Lord Canning fully realised the situation and appreciated the valuable services so rendered at such a crisis ; and in the fulness of his gratitude des- cribed the Native States as break waters to the storm, which would otherwise have swept over the Empire in one great wave. 'The safety of our rule,' wrote he, 'is increased, not diminished, by the maintenance of Native Chiefs well affected to us And should the day come when India shall be threatened by