Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/201

Rh public calamity, it was also very puzzling to know how to apply an efficient remedy; for, contrary as it may appear to the pre-conceptions of some, it is nevertheless a fact that successive governments in India have been extremely reluctant to absorb territory, and have invariably delayed this sometimes necessary proceeding as long as it was possible to do so. Unless, then, the offending prince was deposed and another placed on the throne, — obviously a step which could only be taken in the most extreme and exceptional cases, — either British officers had temporarily to assume the administration of the country, or a native minister had to be found who could take the reins of government into his hands with some prospect of success. The former of these alternatives was objectionable; it was a violent remedy, and made it difficult to revert to native rule. The latter was also highly undesirable, for it placed the country in irresponsible hands, and gave the minister who was selected for this delicate task — and who had naturally to be supported while he undertook it — a power and position which was too often abused. An instance occurred in the state of Haidarábád, which, producing painful and undeserved consequences to Lord Hastings, illustrates the complex problems which surrounded a Governor-General of India at that time, and the difficulties of his position.

The Nizám had unfortunately proved himself to be utterly incapable of ruling, owing to which disorganisation had prevailed in the principality to such