PKOaHESS. 
the Sinhalese been the ruling power, and the white 
men the rebels. What a history of cruelties would 
have been recorded. Since this so-called rebellion, the 
Sinhalese have made very rapid and steady progress, 
in knowledge and general intelligence : the result, 
perhaps, in some measure, of being settled down and 
contended, for it most certainly does make a great 
difference for the better, in the advancement and 
progress of any nation or people, where they are con- 
tented and satisfied with the ruling powers, and the 
general system of government. They give up talking 
and thinking about politics, and devote the whole of 
their attention to progress and advancement in their 
several ctillings and occupations. The results are soon 
apparent in increased comfort and prosperity. One 
little comfort suggests the necessity for another. A 
^little pr,>sperity induces a craving and striving for 
more, until many of the upper and even lower classes 
of Sinhalese have now in a great measure adopted 
European cusLoms and habits of life. Their houses 
are furnished in European fashion. Call in upon any 
one. You will be handed an English-made chair, 
and asked to take some refreshment, in English 
bottled “Bass,” a glass of sherry, or brandy and 
water. 
Even in Oreat Britain is it not a fact that when 
the bul;<. of the working men commence and devote 
much n tteutioii to politics, disclaim against grievances 
real or imaginary, is it not a f ict tint their work is 
apt to liecoine neglected, and their earnings less, and 
as a matter of course their homes less comfortable? 
From these causes many other evil results arise. 
The^^ consider themselves oppressed and underrated 
by their su2:)eriors and employers, and all the ills under 
which thoy suffer arise they imagine from this cause, 
whereas, instead of blaming others for the low state 
of their posi ion, were they thoroughly and impartially 
to examine themselves, very likely, in many or at 
all events some instances, there is some latent cause or 
causes within themselves, which, if shaken off, would 
make them step onward. How often do we see that 
an increased rate of wages brings no increase of com- 
fort or contentment, but quite the reverse. Increase 
of wagvs or remuneration of any sort is hardly an 
advantage to any class of labourers of any nation, 
colour, or climate, under the sun, unless they have 
knowledge or discretion how to manage it. I have 
know many a good native servant, and even coolies 
utterly spoilt and rendered almost useless by the 
master raising their pay. 
The writer once had a very good servant who 
had been in his employment for many years. He 
