3i6 



intention, but demand a distribution of taxation in 

 such a manner as to effect the restitution of their pro- 

 perty, on the ground that they were not consenting 

 parties to th transaction, I cannot foresee what 

 answer could satisfactorily be given to them. For, 

 should the Government he weak, the people would 

 certainly resist ; and. should it be strong, and carrying 

 things with a high hand refuse to listen to the re- 

 monstrances of its subjects, they would inevitably 

 inveigh against the injustice and bad faith of the 

 English, as of late has not been uncommon. In any 

 case, there is some reason to doubt the realization 

 of those political advantages regarding which all 

 seem now so certain. 



Nor do I raise objections merely for the 

 sake of argument, nor yet for the purpose of mak- 

 ing difficulties where none actually exist. I simply 

 state, knowing as I do the detestation of the 

 people of India of direct taxation, what has 

 taken place, and what I firmly believe would take 

 place again. The people of India, at present are whol- 

 ly unacquainted with European systems of taxation. 

 They cannot understand them; and though they will 

 submit to an} 7 tax that is not oppressive or inquisi- 

 torial without any apparent exhibition of dissatis- 

 faction, every fresh imposition is carefully registered 

 in their account with their rulers, and helps to 

 swell the measure of their disaffection, when any 

 violent revulsion of feeling calls for its exhibition. 



