90 HENRY E. ROSEBOOM AND CEDRIC DOVER 



which it was optimistically believed would contribute to economic rehabili- 

 tation. Quite recently, for example, the memorandum of a deputation to 

 the Secretary of State for India did little more than provoke an official 

 criticism of the accuracy of the figures contained in it. And other schemes 

 that are now being promoted, such as a scheme for the establishment of 

 Eurasian agricultural colonies in various parts of India, display so marked a 

 disregard for the conditions to be encountered, the obstacles to be sur- 

 mounted, and the capacity and adaptability of the people, that they can 

 only be successful by Providential interference. Unfortunately, however, 

 the age of miracles has passed. 



CHARACTERISTICS 



The characteristics of the Eurasian community have never been investi- 

 gated in any detail, but have been the subject of comment by many novelists 

 and not a few scientific observers. Thus, E. B. Reuter (1918; quoted by 

 Dover, 1929) writes: 



Physically the Eurasians are slight and weak. They are naturally indolent and will 

 enter into no employment requiring exertion or labour. This lack of energy is correlated 

 with an incapacity for organisation. They will not assume burdensome responsibilities, 

 but they make passable clerks where only routine labour is required. ... In manhood 

 they are wily, untrustworthy and untruthful. They are lacking in independence, and are 

 forever begging for special favours. . . . They recklessly resign from any and every post 

 when, for some reason or without reason, their feelings are hurt. . . . They are despised 

 by the ruling whites and hated by the natives. 



To these criticisms other writers would add a host of defects, including 

 cultural inferiority, immorality, cowardice, and slave mentality. 



The candid student must admit that such statements contain an element 

 of truth, but there is a difference between deliberate vilification and a calm 

 statement of facts as a preliminary to constructive suggestions for improve- 

 ment. We should not only observe effects but endeavour to seek their 

 causes. And the causes of the unfortunate characteristics of the Eurasian 

 community are to be traced to environmental conditions, to generations 

 of repression, prejudice, and economic and social boycott. To be fair, 

 therefore, the critics of the community should not ignore its potentialities, 

 its many successes in the face of unusual difficulties, and the role it may 

 play in the future progress of the East and the growth of internationalism. 

 Indeed, until a comprehensive scientific study of the community has been 

 made, it would be wiser to refrain from criticism at all. 



Such investigations as are available may, however, be considered. Maha- 

 lanobis (1922) has studied a fairly extensive series of measurements, taken 



