The small discontents clustered around
this grand error, and broke out in the mutiny. After its suppression, one
of the first reforms of the government was to change the proportion of the
soldiers; and now they are as one European to two natives. The government
is liberal in the introduction of improvements. Now all the strategetic
points are under the control of our own soldiers; and at present they
constitute nearly the whole of the artillery force of the country. Peace
and order have reigned since 1858, and it is not now believed that a
rebellion is possible. I expect and hope to be with you for some time to
come, and my companions and myself will do our best to inform you in regard
to everything in which you may feel an interest."
The viscount bowed very politely to his audience, and was hailed with all
the enthusiasm which could be gathered up by a baker's dozen Americans. All
of them testified that they had been exceedingly interested in his address,
especially that part relating to the mutiny.
"We shall be exceedingly happy in your company, my Lord, as long as you are
pleased to remain with us," added the commander. "I have done something
towards preparing a route through India; and I should be glad to have the
advice of such counsellors as we were so fortunate as to pick up in the
midst of the rage of the stormy ocean.
Pages:
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146