104 



is little definite knowledge on the subject, it would 

 seem that such is not the case, or why the provision 

 for gelling- these lands subject to any i rights of pro- 

 perty' that may be established in them hereafter ? 

 The inference is inevitable, that the proposal is 

 nothing more nor less, than to sell that with which 

 the seller admits he can give but a doubtful title 

 a title that would not be recognised in any country 

 of Europe on the security of which, as it stands at 

 present, no English capitalist would advance a 

 shilling ; and it is consequently of some little import- 

 ance to examine carefully into the rights of the case, 

 so that what is done may be equitable, and that the 

 State, the natives, and the settlers, may receive, 

 each and every, their just dues. 



Native Rulers, brought up in the atmosphere of 

 native society, have doubtless been imbued with its 

 ideas. It may be asked, then, have they respected 

 these rights ? On the contrary History satisfies us, 

 that if they have silently acquiesced in their subjects 

 appropriating waste lands, they have seldom failed 

 to vindicate the principle of Adverse Possession, 

 by respecting no rights that did not pay, and 

 others only so long as it suited their convenience. 

 The British Government, however, has not a like 

 immunity from its own acts, and this fact has long 

 since been discovered by our Indian subjects, and is 

 often, I am afraid, turned to account to advance 

 claims to which neither Ancient Law, nor Ancient 

 Custom have given any sanction. As if, moreover, 



