DEDICATION. TO THE MOST NOBLE THE MARQUIS OF LANSDOWNE. MY LORD, The sound principles of internal and colonial policy which have ever characterized your Lordship's public life, encourage me to dedicate the following pages to your Lordship. Among the numerous objects of public interest which solicit your Lordship's attention, there is none which has stronger claims on a generous mind,-none which will more abundantly reward exertion with heartfelt satisfaction and lasting fame, than a Reformation of the Government of India. The grounds on which that question now rest are essentially changed, and greatly extended beyond their former limits. Having assumed the station of rulers of India, all former plans of civil and military administration appear inadequate to present security, still more disproportionate to future exigencies; and India presents, to the eye of the statesman and philanthropist, a vast field of interesting duties and illimitable improve ment. I have the honour to be, With the greatest respect, Your Lordship's most obedient humble Servant, THE AUTHOR. |