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Rh the misery of their subjects; their ears have never been open to their cry. Secure of the safety of his person — secure of the stability of his throne — each successive ruler has passed his lifetime within the walls of his palace, or in the gardens round his capital, careful for nothing but the gratification of his individual passion — avarice, as in one; intemperance, as in another; or, as in the present king, effeminate sensuality, indulged among singers, musicians, and eunuchs, the sole companions of his confidence, and the sole agents of his power. Were it not for the support which the Government of India is known to be bound to afford the king against all domestic as well as against foreign enemies; were it not for the constant presence of British troops at Lucknow, the people of Oudh would speedily work their own deliverance, and would impose upon their Ruler the effectual check of general revolt by which Eastern Rulers are best controlled.'

'Colonel Sleeman,' continues Lord Dalhousie, 'thus bears his testimony to this important truth: "I am persuaded," he says, "that, if our troops were withdrawn from Oudh [Dominions], the landholders would in one month march over them all, and pillage the capital of Lucknow." I respectfully submit to the Honourable Court, that the time has come when inaction on the part of the British Government, in relation to the affairs of the kingdom of Oudh, can