E702. zutelligence respecting India. 223 
real weaknefs by its divisions and decay, that one can 
! : a Ly i 
scarcely clafs it among the military powers of the peninsula. 
There are, besides, some other sovereigns in Indostan ; 
‘but they cannot make a figure among those just now men- 
tioned ; however, the author enumerates such as merit any 
attention. After having stated the interests of each, he 
fhews the situation of India, as having still been in a 
tottering condition since the departure of Dupleix, the on- 
ly person perhaps who understood the moral connection 
of affairs in this part of the world. They are wrong to 
establith projects upon a foundation so unsteady. ‘ Am 
excellent general, a good economist of an army, numerous 
forces, money sufficient for two campaigns; such is the 
‘true politics to secure a triumph in Asia; these can sup- 
ply the place of every other, and when the commander by 
sea fhall have defeated the fleet of the enemy, and when 
the commander in chief by land fhall have taken Madras 
or Bombay, that will be the time for the Indian nations to 
study our politics, which, in this case, must regulate theirs.” 
The work concludes with an advice of sound philosophy 
and excellent policy. 
‘ Let us be cautious not to frighten the princes of India, 
by a rage for great territorial pofsefsions. What interest 
can they take in our efforts, if we with to’ expell the 
Englith only to put ourselves in their stead? The true 
conqueror of this rich part of the world, fhall be the man, 
who, after having deprived his rivals of the dominions that 
they have invaded, fhall restore these to the princes who 
ought to pofsefs them, and who fhall annex no other terms 
_ to the resignation of these territories, except the stipulati- 
“on of trade in his favour, with a liberty to admit, under mo- 
_derate restrictions, the other powers of Europe. Let us 
be this conqueror. Let us set the world this example 5 it 
will be as glorious as beneficial, It is worthy of French- 
men,’ 
