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 Idar have gone on service with their troops, while many other ruling Chiefs have volunteered to take the field

The loyalty that stimulates the feudatory Princes and brings them into closer union with the Empire of India, permeates their States, and is shared by their nobles and subjects—but it does more than that: it sets an example to the whole of India. It counteracts in a large measure the efforts of those who would seek to stir up discontent, and it emphasizes in the most unmistakable manner the advantages of an Empire founded on the confidence of the many tribes, castes, and religions of India as a whole.

Yet it is impossible to overlook the fact that the loyalty of the Chiefs and people of India is based not only upon the justice and equity of the Government, but in a greater degree upon their attachment to the Throne of England. Viceroyalty is not clearly understood, and therefore, perhaps, not fully appreciated; it is regarded as merely one of the many dispensations of Providence. To the people of India the Government is more or less of a myth—they recognise the power, admit its wisdom, and admire its benevolence, but they cannot grasp its origin. They see Viceroys come and go, they wonder who they are, whence they came, and whither they disappear—they look beyond the representative of the King of England and yearn for the Majesty of the King himself.

The first manifestation of this sentiment was in 1875, when the King, as Prince of Wales, visited India. It was the first real outburst of loyalty that had spread over the land since India came under British rule. Those who were serving in India during that visit will never forget the enthusiasm of the people—'the humble millions,' as Lord Curzon recently called them—usually mute, inscrutable, and mysterious. The native Chiefs vied with each other to do honour to their future King; they flocked to meet him on his arrival at Calcutta, and those who were honoured by his visit to their States were lavish in their entertainment and profuse in their gifts. Their homage was real and