AS IT OUGHT TO BE UNDER THE NEW CHARTER ACT. IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTED. BY MAJOR WILLIAM HOUGH, BENGAL RETIRED OFFICER, MANY YEARS A DEPUTY JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL, Author of several Works on Military Law-of the "First Campaign to Cabool under Lord Keane"- LONDON: PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR BY MESSRS. W. THACKER & CO., 87, NEWGATE STREET. ADDRESS. TO THE FRIENDS OF INDIA. Ir is pleasing to an old Indian Officer to observe that the affairs of India are now becoming of considerable interest and importance in Great Britain; indeed in the United Kingdom. The period of the renewal of the lease for a further term in the hands of the East India Company appears even to be regarded by the apathetic as an event of some moment; for in 1874 the East India Stock will cease, and the profit and loss question is deserving of consideration. Those who have retired with the means of enjoying otium cum dignitate may think it a bore to be reminded of a residence in India during the hot winds;* others have no appointments to ask for, and get reconciled to the dull monotonies of a London Club life; or like to rusticate in the country, or to pass their time in travel, to drive away ennui. But even great legislators have not those reminiscences, they have grave and important *Thermometer at 96°-steady strong wind. evidence to reflect on; many may not have read the despatches of the late and celebrated Duke of Wellington. As to subjects connected with the natives, the Author will quote His Grace's sentiments, which deserve to be printed in golden characters:-"I would* sacrifice Gwalior, or every frontier of India, ten times over, in order to preserve our credit for scrupulous good faith." THE AUTHOR. Oriental Club, London. May, 1853. * Despatches, vol. 3, p. 168. Letter to Major Malcolm, 17th March, 1804. In regard to the chapter 2nd, on "Suttee " and "Infanticide," I think it my duty to make my most sincere acknowledgments to Lieut.-Col. J. Ludlow, Bengal Army, for his kind assistance. India is much indebted to him, for his very great exertions in the cause of humanity. THE AUTHOR. |