OR PRIVATE CIRCULATION. TO I H. THE MAHARAJA GAEKWAR, SAYAJ1 RAO lit, G.C.S.I. BY RAJA SIR T. MADHAVA RAO, K.C.S.I. MINOR HINTS. BOMBAY : PRINTED AT THE BRITISH INDIA PRESS. Arvindkumar Desai Antiquarian Book-Seller 1786, Gandhi Road, Ahmedabad-1, INDIA. CONTENTS. CHAPTER. ] v I Subscriptions ... 1 II Personal Conduct ... 4 III Menials and Intriguers S IV Anger ... ... ... 24 V Firmness ^7 VI Advice from others ... ... 35 VII Compromising Spirit ... ... 43 VIII Maharaja's Absence ... ... ... ... 4ii IX Fame 48 X Personal Pleadings by Vakils. . . ... ... ">" XI Deputations .. 52 XII Taking Counsel -V, XIII Work 03 XIV How to avoid worry ... ... ... ... <>"> XV Judgment 68 XVI Proposals 70 C A. Means for Success ., "'* XVTT ' I B. Treatment of High Officers 74 XVIII Good Faith 77 XIX Rewards... 7!) XX Power of Pardon 82 XXI Respect for others' feelings ... ... ... s ~> XXII Newspaper Opinions. . . ... 86 XXIII Private Study 88 XXIV Concluding Advice 91 XXV Fundamental Principles ... 03 XXVI "Fundamental Principles (contd.) The Police 112 XXV11 Fundamental Principles (contd.) The Military Force 1 2.". Administration of Justice 131 11 CONTENTS. CHAPTER. PAGE. XXVIII Fundamental Principles (contd.) Laws and Customs 155 XXIX Foundamental Principles (contd.) Duties of Kings 169 XXX Fundamental Principles (contd.) Public Health 182 XXXI Fundamental Principles (contd.) Food-Supply 191 XXXII Public Works Department 206 XXXIII Education 215 XXXIV The Palace Department 224 XXXV The Palace Department (contd.) 233 XXXVI Huzur Cutcherry 243 XXXVII Heads of Departments 258 XXXVIII Salaries 269 XXXIX Public Service 280 XL Relations with British Government . . . 285 XLI Relations with British Government (contd.) 294 XLII Internal Administration of Native States. 305 XLIII Rights of the British Government ... 321 XLI V Advice of the British Government . . . 334 XLV The British Resident 342 XLVI Conclusion ., 355 MINOR HINTS CHAPTER I SUBSCRIPTIONS His Highness the Maharaja is sure to receive Numerous ap- numerous applications for subscrip- phcations. tions and contributions to various objects and institutions. One applicant will ask for a number of copies being taken of a book which he is about to .publish. Another will solicit aid for building a temple, or a ghaut, or a dha- ramsala. A third will solicit a donation for horse- races. His Highness' liberality will be invoked in favour of schools, hospitals, theatrical per- formances, horse-shows, fine arts, new industries, and diverse other purposes. (2) It is obvious that all such applications can- Judge each on not be complied with. Due discri- mination will have to be exercised by the Maharaja. Each case will have to be judged on its own merits, but the following con- siderations may afford some useful guidance. 2 MINOR HINTS (3) It is to be remembered that the money con- Subscription to cerned is part of the taxes paid by pie or Baroda. the people of Baroda, and therefore cannot be arbitrarily or capriciously given away. Grants of such money may be made mainly for objects which directly or indirectly benefit the people of Baroda. (4) Contributions destined to be spent within ^ Baroda territories are Prefer local contributions. generally to be preferred to those which are to be spent outside those territo- ries. (5) Those which benefit the poor are to be pre- ferred to those which benefit the And those to the poor and to rich. relieve pain. . ihose which relieve pain are to be preferred to those which afford pleasure. (6) The amount of contribution should be moder- A mount to be a ^ e so as ^ necessitate and induce others also to contribute. In other words, our contribution should not be so large as to induce others to say " From Baroda alone much of the required funds have come. We need not therefore give anything ourselves." (7) Anything given should be in reference to the The object to usefulness of the object, and not prompted by a mere spirit of vanity or rivalry, or by the pressure of importunity on the part of the applicant. SUBSCRIPTIONS 3 (8) It is better to give donations once for all or Discourage at sufficient intervals, than to corn- periodical sub- scriptions, mit the State to continuous monthly subscriptions from which it would be difficult to vrithdraw when necessary or desirable, owing to altered circumstances. Examples. ( 9 ) X ma Y here adduce a few instances in elucidation of the fore- going principles. (a) Baroda should not contribute to horse-rac- ing at Bangalore or Bombay in short, any place outside Baroda. Even at Baroda any expenditure in this direction must be moderate and occasional as our people do not take much interest in racing. (b) Baroda should not contribute to fine arts in Europe or America, but it should not be indifferent to the fine arts of India. (c) Better to contribute for the construction of a bathing ghaut on some river in utfflty. Baroda territories, than for one on the Godavery, or the Krishna, or the Cauvery. CHAPTER II HINTS ON PERSONAL CONDUCT 8th June 1881 By way of some variety, I purpose to offer a few minor hints bearing on personal They are Self- evident, conduct. They will be offered just as they occur, but may be easily arranged in some order at the end. The hints are for consideration and for such attention as they may be found to deserve. Several may possibly be unnecessary, because they are self-evident, or because they are already known. Yet they are offered with the rest, because it is not easy to distinguish the one from the other. (1) When things have to be ordered from merchants, shop-keepers, etc., etc., No Correspond- . TT . , ,, , T ence with trades- liis Highness the Maharaja need not address letters to such persons under his own signature. All business, in short, with such persons should be conducted for His High- ness by some of his officials, such as- Mr. Raoji Vithal. HINTS ON PERSONAL CONDUCT R (2) All sorts of individuals will constantly address His Highness private letters Private cor- respondence to on various subjects. Great care and discrimination will have to be used in sending replies. The needless growth of private correspondence should be prevented. Letters and notes from the Maharaia x ^no,\ri(l be rather rare as < x^"^ a rule. It would not be -'good that lots of com- mon people should go about saying that they cor- respond with His Highness and parading his letters and notes. Many things lose their value by becoming too common. (3) Arrangements should be made for keeping copies of all letters or notes sent by kept eC rd t0 be the Maharaja. It will be useful in many ways. So communications received by His Highness should be kept regularly by some official. Very small matters sometimes become important, and hence the papers must be available. (4) In many instances, some official will have to address communications as direct- corn unieations ed by His Highness. Great care seen 6 l& * must be taken in order that the official does not go beyond the di- rections of His Highness, or use language not intended or desired by His Highness. Communi- cations addressed as directed by His Highness, of course, commit His Highness and hence the 6 MINOR HINTH care required. As a rule, the drafts of such com- munications should be previously seen by His Highness and initialled with a view to prevent mistakes. (5) Letters and notes from His Highness should be on the most approved paper. Use the best stationery. The best ink, envelopes, &c., should be used. Everything should be neat so as to befit His Highness' exalted position. (6) The personal visit of the Maharaja is in itself a great honour. Its value visits 5 notcbe should not be diminished by making too common. i . . , such visits too common. I refer to occasions of marriage and other ceremonies in private families. What precedents exist, may, of course, be attended to. But care has to be used in going beyond those precedents. (7) If any stranger desires to pay a visit to His Highness, he must not do so Introduction of . , , . . strangers by a without somebody to introduce cer P S not a him. The general rule should be that he should be properly introduced to His Highness, otherwise, all sorts of objection- able people will obtain admittance, which would not befit His Highness' position and dignity. It might be even unsafe. It would not suffice that anybody introduces the strangers to the Maharaja. For instance, ja- soods, menial servants and such persons are not HINTS ON PERSONAL CONDUCT 7 proper parties to introduce. The introducer must be a person of position and responsibility. He should be held responsible that he does not intro- duce improper persons to His Highness, such as bad or condemned characters, low persons who are not in the category of gentlemen, unscrupulous adventurers and so forth. The introducer is res- ponsible to fairly satisfy himself of the respecta- bility of the stranger before introducing him to the Maharaja. In this respect the Palace arrange- ments may well be like those at Government House, Bombay or Calcutta. (8) When a stranger is to be introduced to His Highness, His Highness should have The Maharaja . . ,. ,.' ,. to have previous some previous information regarding information. ,, ,, , TT . TT . , that stranger, so that His Highness may know how to receive and treat him, what to say to him, and so forth. (9) Many persons will press His Highness with many solicitations. The Maha- Promises not . to be made raja has to be caretul not to commit himself to hasty opinions or hasty promises. Generally, it is desirable for the Maha- raja to take time to consult and reflect before expressing any decided opinion, or making any definite promise. Great caution has thus to be exercised by those who are in high positions and power. CHAPTER III MENIALS AND INTRIGUERS Wednesday, 22nd June 1881 The Maharaja should avoid familiarity with menial servants. These must be kept Avoid fami- liarity with at a respectful distance, and must menials. be limited to their respective duties. (2) The menial servants must be placed under the control and supervision of chec'k'them to some responsible official who should see that they behave properly ; and such official should have some power over these servants, so as to be able to influence them by means of hope and fear. (3) The menial servants should be prevented from overhearing the Maharaja's They should ,. ,. not overhear. conversations and reporting them abroad. Unless vigilantly looked after, they are generally only too apt to sell news of this kind. (4) They should be prevented from going about to see the Sirdars, Darakdars, Nor be allowed , , -, ,, ~, to beg. &c., and also the officers, sowkars and people generally, and begging for presents and gratuities on one pretence or MENIALS AND INTRIGUERS 9 another. The Maharaja's servants making money in this way would be quite opposed to the dignity of the Maharaja, while it would put people to inconvenience. (5) The arrangements in relation to visitors to the Maharaja must be so made, Visitors to be independent of that they may be quite independent of the favour or disfavour of these menial servants, (6) The menial servants must, on no account, be permitted to speak to the Maha- Menials not to indulge in criti- raja, or in the presence of the Maharaja about matters which are far above them. For instance, they must not indulge in political discussions, or speak of the merits of Ministers. (7) They must not be allowed to introduce strangers to the Maharaja, or to Nor to present .... ,, ,, , petitions. present petitions to the Maharaja on behalf of any stranger, or indeed on behalf of any one. (8) They must be enjoined to To be polite. be polite to visitors and others, (9) Whenever any sudden, violent, or suspect- ed death of any servants indeed of Post-mortem J examination anv one occurs in the Palace, the when necessary. J Maharaja should, by all means, direct a regular post-mortem examination,- with the view of ascertaining and recording the real cause 2 10 MINOR HINTN of death. This is a very necessary precaution to avert serious scandals or suspicions. (10) As far as possible, fix the wages or Wages to be remuneration of the Palace servants in cash. This is most convenient to all concerned. The allowance of "seedhas" (provi- sions in kind) is always liable to great abuse. (11) Palace servants are generally in the posi- NO arbitrary t ^ on ^ private servants. Yet, it is dismissal. desirable that they should feel confi- dent of continued employment, so long as they behave well. In other words, as a rule, they should not be arbitrarily or capriciously dismissed; and they should be promoted according to their good behaviour and as opportunities occur. (12) Such menial servants as have much to do personally with the Maharaja should ries^o personal have really liberal salaries and should be so treated as to feel great personal devotion to His Highness. In instances of any specially good behaviour, they may be occasionally rewarded so as to encourage them. The same remarks equally, apply to servants personally in service with the Maharanees and the children. (13) The minor faults of such servants should not be too rigidly noticed or punish- be p^iSfuto! ed - AU menial servants have such faults more or less. We must only see that they do not go beyond minor faults, MENIALS AND INTRIGUERS 11 (14) If any of the Palace servants so mis- behave as to call for punish- The Maharaja not to take a ment, even then the Maharaja had personal part. better not appear to take a very prominent or active personal part in their punish- ment. Let that punishment be by the Palace officers, or by the public Magistracy, as the case may be. The object is to avoid, as far as may be possible, His Highness becoming an object of per- sonal hatred. (15) Giving effect to the hereditary principle The hereditary m re gard to Palace servants, as far as ptoyment hd ma y be convenient, is rather a desir- able thing within certain limits, as it is conducive to greater attachment on the part of the servants. If an old servant dies or becomes disabled from age, sickness, or other cause, better give some employment to his son or brother, and so on. But the hereditary princi- ple is quite objectionable in the public service where special qualifications are required. (16) All Palaces are, more or less, infested by intriguers. The Maharaja has to Avoid intri- . . ., guers. exercise constant vigilance against falling into their snares. As soon as the Maharaja is installed in power and even before these intriguers will try their tricks. Therefore, a few hints in this direction may be of use. 12 MINOR HINTS (17) Intriguers are generally persons who are very selfish in their motives and They are sel- , , . , . , ~ . , . fish and only who are devoid of, or deficient in, flatter. i mi good principles. They are exces- sively fond of secret representations. They make false or reckless statements. They grossly exag- gerate matters. They give a false colouring to circumstances. They endeavour to make them- selves agreeable by constant flattery and obsequi- ousness. By bearing these distinguishing qualities in mind, and by means of close observation, some intriguers may be found out. When the Maharaja is able to discover intriguers by such means, His Highness should refuse to give ear to them. They should be kept at great distance. In short, the less the Maharaja has to do with them, the better will it be for His Highness' interests. (18) Again, if any person is known to have been an intriguer in past times, he past times'to be may be generally presumed to be an intriguer at present also, unless there is any clear reason to suppose that the person has undergone a complete reformation. As a general rule, therefore, the Maharaja should keep at a distance such persons as are known to have practised intrigues in past times. (19) Again, if the Maharaja is assured that Trust faithful 8UC ^ anc ^ SUC ^ a P erson * 8 an intri- advisers. g uer agsure( j by some of those 13 whom the Maharaja recognizes as his sincere well- wishers and faithful advisers His Highness will do well to accept such assurance and keep the intriguer at a distance. At any rate, the Maharaja should specially scrutinize the man. Acting on the foregoing hints, the Maharaja will be able to get rid of numbers of intriguers though not of the whole lot. (20) On further consideration, it appears to me that what I have thus far stated of an intriguer is not sufficient. To make the wisher. 3 matter still more clear, I proceed to give below, in juxtaposition, the qualities which mark an intriguer and those which mark a real well-wisher. INTRIGUER. REAL WELL-WISHER. (a) An intriguer is not a (a) A real well-wisher is real well-wisher what he is. Not a real u well-wisher. but one who simulates a well-wisher (6) In other words, an (6) A real well-wisher is intriguer is base a solid mass of gold. Base- metal only coated with gold. (c) An intriguer is gene- (c) A real well-wisher's rally one whose antecedents show him to be eedents ante antec e d e n t s a blameless man. show him to be an intriguer. 14 MINOR HINTS (d) An intriguer is gene- rally known as Known as such by good such. men. (e) An intriguer is gene- Diseontent- ra % a discont- ** ented man and thinks that he has been bad- ly treated and kept down. (/) An intriguer has gene- rally a very Thinks to much of high opinion himself. Qf Selfish. Hope of large benefit. (d) A real well-wisher is generally known as such by good men. (e) A real well-wisher has no particular discontent and is satisfied with his lot, like any ordinary man. (/) A real well-wisher esti- mates himself at his work. lity and skill. (g) The principal actu- ating motive of an intriguer is selfishness. (A) An intriguer works with the object of obtaining some large be- nefit for himself for in- stance, he wants high em- ployment in the public ser- vice, etc. (i) An intriguer will gene- rally make No secret of his de- representations slgns ' which directly or indirectly points to the de- airablenesss of his being bene- titted in the way he desires. (gr) The principal actuat- ing motive of a real well- wisher is not selfishness. (h) A real well-wisher aims at the good of the Maharaja and of the people. () A real well-wisher will not confine himself to topics in which his personal interest is involved but wU! speak more at large. MENIALS AND INTRIGUERS 15 Attacks men. ( j ) An intriguer will generally speak more against men than against measures. (k) An intriguer will ge- nerally speak Particular- ly those in most against his way. those men who stand in the way of his obtaining the benefit he desires. ( I ) An intriguer will generally give Gives them no credit. no credlt what ~ ever to those men, but will condemn them in every way. (m) Against those men, the intriguer Speak vague* .,, , i y will speak in general and very vague terms. For ex- ample, he will say that those men are bad ; that they are unfaithful ; that they are doing mischief ; that they are selfish ; that they wish to get the favour of the British Government at the expense of the Native State, and so forth. (j) A real well-wisher will speak more against measures than against men. (k) A real well-wisher will speak generally of al men. ( I ) A real well-wisher will give credit where due. He will be more discrimi- nating. (m) A real well- wisher will be more specific. If he finds fault, he will exact- ly say on what account. MINOR BINTS (n) An intriguer will Draws ad- draw adverse verse infer- ences, inferences from any facts indiscriminately. For instance, if the revenues have increased, he will say that the people suffer from increased exactions. If the re- venues have diminished, he will say that the State has suffered loss owing to misma- nagement. If the expenditure has increased, he will say that it is the effect of extra- vagance and carelessness. If the expenditure has diminish- ed, he will say that it is the effect of stinginess and of unfair reductions. (o) An intriguer has little Mlsrepre- or no scruples. ' sents facts. He will for his own selfish ends, misrepresent or distort facts and circum- stances so as to tell against those who are opposed td his own interests. (p) An intriguer will even tell downright Even tells lies. falsehoods to serve his own purpose, where the falsehood is not easily discoverable. (n) A real well-wisher will give more impartial opi- nions. He will distinguish between legitimate and ille- gitimate causes of variation. (o) A real well-wisher will scrupulously state facts as they are. (p) A real well-wisher will never tell falsehoods. He will be perfectly truthful. Though he may criticise mea- sures he will generally give credit for good motives and MENIALS AND INTRIGUERS 17 For instance, he will im- pute all sorts of bad mo- tives or intentions to his opponents. ( q ) An intriguer will be Calls errors most eager to acts of mis- chief, lay hold of mere errors or slips, such as the best of men must, more or less, commit and will con- strue such errors into delibe- rate acts of mischief on the part of his opponents. ( r ) An intriguer is gene- Works se- rallv fond of cretly. darkness. He would actually prefer to make his visits during night. He always wishes to meet you secretly. He is full of mys- terious whispers, hints and predictions. He makes it appear that what he discloses to you is only a very small part of what he knows of the misdoings of his oppo- nents. He would frequently request you not to divulge what he sa}^ to you and would thus prevent you from obtaining the means of test- ing the truth of his allega- tions. good intentions. ( q ) A real well-wisher will act more generously. He will recognize the fact that the best men are not infallible. He will recognize the great difference between mere error and a deliberate act. ( r ) A real well-wisher behaves differently from all this. 18 MINOR HINTS ( s ) An intriguer, when he has not Promotes , , much to say on bad feelings. public grounds, is extremely fond of trying to bring about bad feelings between you and his oppo- nents on private or trivial grounds. For instance, he would say that such an officer looks upon you with contempt ; that that officer, the other day, said so and so about you and so forth. Ask the intriguer where the officer spoke so ? The reply would be that the words were spoken at home by the officer to one of his friends. Query Would that friend tell me all about it if I refer to him 1 Answer Would he betray his friend ? Ques- tion How did you, then come to know of it ? Answ- er A certain servant of that officer overheard the contempt uous words. Question Would that servant say all about it to me if called be- fore me { Answer H o w would the servant betray his master { Question Let me ( s ) A real well-wishe r would not stoop to such pro- ceedings. He would rathe" advise the Maharaja not to listen for a moment to such tales nor to listen to what this man or that man said in private, even if true, for an officer's conduct is to be judged by his official acts. MENIALS AND INTRIGUERS 19 then ask you again, how did you come to know of it ? Answer- As you press me I must reveal the truth. The servant of that officer and my servant are friends. The former gave the information to the latter. My servant told me all about it. Ques- tion Would your servant repeat it to me ? Answer I am not sure but he may, if assured of protection. There- fore, perhaps, the simple Maharaja actually sends for that servant of the intriguer and questions him, after as- suring him of protection and holding out some prospects of reward. And the ser- vant repeats what he had been tutored by the intriguer himself to say ! The Maha- raja, ignorant of the rules of evidence, considers the matter proved ! The intriguer then submits a few general remarks. He says it was a fortunate thing that the matter was proved to His Highness in this instance. But in many instances, ] such matters cannot be proved. 20 MINOR HINTS If so severely cross-examined by His Highness and put to proof it would be very hard, and it would be better here- after not to give any informa- tion. The Maharaja is thus induced to say "Never mind, 1 am now satisfied. You may go on giving me informa- tion without any fear." Under some such assurance, dose after dose of poison is administered, until the officer concerned is ruined in His Highness' estimation. ( t ) Another characteris- tic of an intri- guer is that he would do any- thing to please the Maharaja. He would never express any opinion different from His Highness'. On the contrary, anything His Highness says, however trivial; he would applaud in terms of admiration except as regards matters relative to the opponents against whom his intrigues are directed. He would assiduously cul- tivate the friendship of the Maharaja's principal friends He would do anything to please the Maharaja- (t) A real well-wisher would avoid flattery and adulation. He would frankly express his own opinion, whether it happens to coin- cide with yours or not. He would behave with self- respect. He would be polite to your principal friends and relations, but would not go out of his way to court their favour in the manner as the intriguer would do. MENIALS AND INTRMUER8 21 and relations by various means, as for instance, by lending money, making ac- ceptable presents, promising to do all sorts of service for them when he gets into power, and so forth. (21) Your Highness will .do well to study thoroughly the foregoing character- Thc Maharaja ... . i. to study cha- istics. 1 have given you the result of long and careful observations. The foregoing furnish to you pretty good means, wherewith you may be largely able to judge for yourself to say that such a person is an intriguer and not a real well-wisher to say that this is brass and not gold. Of course, you will have to apply the tests patiently and attentively. The motives, the aims, the allegations, and the deport- ment of the given individual will have to be very carefully observed, with reference to the criteria. I have categorically stated. The Maharaja has frequent occasions to do this, for he has frequent occasions to judge of men. The process may appear somewhat laborious first. But repeated exercise will make it easy till you are able to judge almost with the rapidity of natural instinct. (22) What an intriguer may say may be re- Generai aiie- garded in another aspect. What- gations of fact of no practical ever he says must consist of allega- tions of fact and of opinion. Now, 22 MINOR HINTS opinions from such a source are entitled to little or no weight. If the Maharaja seeks opinions, he may go to the reliable, recognized and responsible source. Allegations of fact re- main. These are either vague and general or clear and specific. Vague and general allegations of fact are of little or no practical use. They may be generally rejected. Thus there remain only clear and specific allegations of facts. If these are of sufficient importance, and if they ap- pear probable, or are supported by prima facie evidence, the Maharaja may take some notice of them. (23) To make this further clear, let us take an example. Suppose an intriguer An example. n/r i -t T\T A says to the. Maharaja, 'Mr. A. is a very bad judge. He takes bribes. In such a case, the other day, he took a bribe of 1,000 Rupees from such a person." Here, the first sentence merely expresses an opinion entitled to little or no weight. The second sentence contains a vague and general allegation of fact of little or no practi- cal use. It is only the third sentence which con- tains a clear and specific allegation of fact. If the person alleging is prepared to give evidence or to point to evidence, then the Maharaja may direct his Minister to make such enquiry as may be desir- able, and to report the particulars of the enquiry and the result thereof, MENIALS AND INTRIGUERS 23 (24) The example I have above given is an ex- tremely simple one, intended simply allegations 1 * 01 of ^ m &ke my meaning clear. But fact to be con- n , ,-, i j n sidered. allegations ot the kind are, generally, long and complex. They should all be sifted carefully with reference to the foregoing suggestions ; and we should find out what the seve- ral clear and specific and important allegations of fact are, which alone have to be considered. In the course of my experience, I have found many an intriguer unable to stand such a sifting process. (25) The Maharaja must know and constant- ly apply this sifting process. Other- Beware of un- . . n , . , scrupulous per- wise, he will be apt to be carried away by long and wordy statements to be deceived by designing and unscrupulous persons. CHAPTER IV ANGER Wednesday, 29th June 1881 The best of us are, at times, liable to anger. And a Maharaja's position is such temper that his temper and patience will be I exposed to daily exposed to trial> Again, the Maharaja being the highest person- age in the State, there are few persons who can exercise a check on him in this respect. Lastly, it is to be remembered that any harm or mischief arising from anger would be much greater in the instance of the Maharaja, than in that of a private individual. (2) These circumstances show how the Maharaja has need to be specially coouy 6 thingS careful against the evils of anger. His Highness should, therefore, use his best endeavours to avoid anger altogether. Repeated efforts will establish the habit of taking things calmly and coolly. (3) When, however, in spite of every effort Anger is tem- to the contrary, the Maharaja finds porary madness. J.T. _ j. , i , i tnat anger has taken possession of him, then His Highness will do well to remember ANGER 25 the following considerations. Anger is an excite- ment of the mind which is, in many respects, like temporary madness. In that state of excitement, the mind takes one particular direction in a violent manner, and is blind to those facts and reasons which require to be taken into account in order to form a sound judgment. In short, during anger, the most necessary and the most valuable faculty of judgment is in a state of paralysis. (4) In such a state of mind the safest course to pursue is to altogether refrain When angry, ,. , . , . . refrain from act- from acting or even speaking in ing or speaking. ^^ to ^ mattep which hag ex _ cited that state of mind. Better altogether drop the matter for the time, and turn the mind to something else going to sleep will be a capital thing, for, it has such an excellent pacifying effect, or His Highness may take a long ride or drive ; or His Highness may devote himself to reading some interesting book. (5) I would strongly recommend that the mind be thus drawn away from the mindTway and subject matter of the mental disturb- s a a V ntLs. Unplea " ance - If possible, better not return to that subject matter for a week or ten days. By following this somewhat simple advice, the Maharaja will save himself from many wrong acts and offensive expressions, which, if 4 26 MINOR HINTS indulged in, might involve him in political embar- rassment, or might entail upon him the loss of friends and well-wishers, or might inflict serious discouragement upon his faithful servants and dependents. How TO GET ANOTHER'S OPINION (1) If the Maharaja desires to invite any per- Avoid expres- son ' s opinion, the Maharaja had bet- sing your own. ^ ref^n f rO m expressing his own opinion at the outset. His Highness' own opinion had better not be even indicated or implied. Even should the person spoken to ask for His Highness' opinion, better avoid expressing it, if possible. (2) There are two main reasons for this suggestion : (a) If His Highness' Two reasons . . , (a) the other per- opinion be expressed at the outset, the person addressed might hesitate ent opinion. , .~ to express a contrary or different opinion. At least he might feel a certain degree of restraint. But the object is to get the person's opinion as freely expressed as possible, (b) Again, (6) The Maha- an y P inion prematurely formed by raja's opinion the Maharaja formed before know- may be incor- rect - ing the opinions of other persons- might be incorrect ; and it is not desirable that His Highness should needlessly run the risk of expressing crude and incorrect opinions which would have to be given up upon due deliberation and consultation. CHAPTER V FIRMNESS 20th July 1881 Firmness is a virtue which is desirable in all persons, and exceedingly desirable in A Maharaja those whom Providence has made must be firm. rulers. If a Maharaja is wanting in firmness, it becomes very difficult to carry on public business. He has one opinion at one time and a different opinion at another. He has one purpose at one time, and a different purpose at another. He orders one thing now and orders a different thing shortly afterwards. (2) Genuine firmness is the result of careful study of facts, careful reasoning, and Careful rea- , T , . ,, soning makes correct conclusions. It is the cons- ciousness of having carefully studied the facts, of having carefully reasoned and of having correctly judged, it is the consciousness of having properly performed these processes, that makes the mind firm. A Maharaja who has him- self performed these processes will be quite right to feel and manifest firmness. 28 MINOR HINTS '(3) It would, however, be impossible for the Maharaja to himself perform these steady" processes in the thousand instances in which he has to act. Is he then to be fickle in all those instances ? No. If he were to be unsteady in all those instances, the con- duct of public business would suffer very much. (4 1 ) In those instances, then, the Maharaja should trust his trustworthy and res- sibic counselors! ponsible counsellors who have them- selves performed the processes above mentioned. He should generally, in such in- stances, accept the opinions and advice given by such counsellors, and show firmness of mind in acting upon such opinions and advice. What I have just mentioned is a very important principle which the Maharaja should thoroughly understand. If he does not understand and act upon that principle, he will be constantly placed in painfully embarrassing positions in daily life. Remember, it is only in a few very few instances, that he can himself collect facts, reason on them, and form a correct judgment. In the great majority of in- stances in which he cannot perform these processes, what is he to do? Is he to be fickle? Then, the public business will materially suffer. Is he to form an arbitrary conclusion and stick to it? Then the public business will suffer still more. It is a bad dilemma. FIRMNESS 29 (5) History shows many examples of public affairs suffering in the manner just Firm rulers know how to se- stated, because of the ruler concern- lecl their men. ed not understanding and acting on the principle under advertence. It will be found that those rulers who have been remarkable for the virtue of firmness have eminently known the principle, how to select worthy and faithful coun- sellors, to accept the carefully formed opinion and advice of such counsellors, and to exercise the virtue of firmness as founded thereon. ( 6 ) From what I have already stated, it must be evident that firmness in a virtue when it is exercised in relation to right conclusions only. It is then a very valuable virtue in rulers. But the moment it comes to be exercised in relation to wrong conclusions, the quality ceases to be a virtue. It becomes a mischievous vice. It becomes simple obstinacy. (7) The vital difference between the virtue of firmness and the vice of obstinacy Difference be- . tween firmness arises from the conclusions in the first and obstinacy. place being right and the conclusion in the second case being wrong. Every ruler has, therefore, need to make sure that he is firm and that he is not obstinate by making sure that his conclusion is right and that it is not wrong. A firm Maharaja will do much good. An obstinate Maha- raja will do much harm. 30 MINOR HINTS (8) This difference between the virtue of firmness and the vice of obstinacy Obstinacy not to be mistaken must be constantly remembered, lest obstinacy be mistaken for firmness. The virtue and the vice have much in common, and therefore a weak-minded ruler is only too apt to mistake the latter for the former. But a strong- minded ruler, with the advantage of education, and with the further advantage of previous warning, will remember the essential difference between the virtue and the vice, arid make sure that he has the virtue and not the vice. (9) It follows that a wise ruler is open to A wise ruler conviction, that is to say, he is open Ws Uld view! an ^f to argument and ready to change his view when it is shown to be wrong. On the other hand, an unwise ruler is obstinate- is not open to conviction is not accessible to argument and will stick to the wrong conclusion. (10) It further follows that a wise ruler, in his anxiety to make sure that his Consult freely. . . . , . . conclusion is right, will, in matters of importance, freely consult his trustworthy and responsible counsellors and compare their con- clusions with his own. On the other hand, an unwise ruler will think it beneath his dignity to consult such counsellors and will constantly run the risk of wrong conclusion and of all the mis- chief which must arise from the same. FIRMNESS 31 (11) One man, however able and experienced, cannot be sure of himself forming C nClU "ght conclusions in public affairs without consulting others. He may err in his fact ; he may err in his reasoning ; he may err from disregard of local conditions and circumstances. A dozen wrong conclusions may be found in any one case while there can be but one right conclusion. Hence it is necessary for every ruler, who is anxious to save his people from the evils of wrong conclusions, to verify his conclusion in every matter of importance by the means suggested above. (12) Your Highness knows that I have dealt s with the public affairs of important arise by co- Native States for many years. I operation. a J may venture to say that I have not been consciously wanting in care and diligence in dealing with important interests. Yet my expe- rience has convinced me that I should make many serious errors of fact or of judgment, if I did not freely avail myself of the assistance of others. I am credited with some success in the management of the public affairs of the Native States con- cerned. Let me tell Your Highness that one great secret of that success is that I have tried to be guided by the principles and considerations above set forth. But my own is a very humble example. Your Highness may refer to persons immeasurably 32 MINOR HISTtt higher and Your Highness will still find what I have said is true. (13) To stick to a wrong conclusion is really most culpable. Men are sometimes Hypocrisy. tempted to do so by the desire to appear firm. But it is no real firmness. It is spurious firmness. It is simple obstinacy. The public very soon discover this and blame the man concerned for obstinacy and hypocrisy. (14) The wisest course for a ruler is to take every possible precaution against Discuss con- wrong conclusions before acting on elusions quietly. the same. Let those conclusions be made known, tested, discussed, and thoroughly settled in council. All this may be done very quietly and without the public know- ing anything about it. The public judge by the results. If the results show that the ruler avoids wrong conclusions only, then the public praise him as a good ruler and will not care by what means the ruler does so. To sum up. By all possible means make sure of your conclusion being right, and then act firmly in respect to it. Firm- ness thus exercised is a great virtue in a ruler. (15) Before concluding this part of the sub- ject. I have to offer just a few fur- A ruler to be * . jrm but kind (a) ther remarks, (a) Firmness, standing by patiently ex- plaining to the by itself, is one of the sterner virtues, party. Its harshness needs to be softened hi FIRMNESS S3 practice. A ruler should be firm, yet kind and considerate. Each case, as it occurs, must suggest how this object can be accomplished. It is a mat- ter of habit and the habit may be acquired by care and attention. Generally, the harshness which is an element of firmness may be mitigated by pati- ently explaining matters to the party who consi- ders himself aggrieved by your firmness. Let him see that your refusal to comply with his wishes is, by no means, due to your want of kindness, but due to the claims of justice, to the principles of government, to the force of precedents, or to some such other cause, which makes it your duty to act in the particular manner and which leaves you little or no option. If you yourself have not sufficient time to offer such explanations, you may easily direct the departmental head to do so. (6) By obliging ( ^ ) Another way in which the harsh- s5me othf/ieg? ness of firmness may be mitigated is timate manner. to try ftnd obHge ^ gome extent t h e party concerned in some other and legitimate manner. One example will suffice to make this clear. A certain public servant has become old and useless, and is, therefore, dispensed with. He comes and bitterly complains, I would not cause him to be rudely pushed out. I would hear him. Then I would explain to him how neces- sary it has become in these days that the adminis- tration should be efficient ; how the administration 5 34 MINOR HINTS would become inefficient if superannuated servants do not retire ; that all of us must sooner or later become old and useless and give place to others ; andsoforfch. And if the person concerned deserves the favour, I would offer to employ his son some- where according to his merits. The great thing is to be firm yet sympathetic and obliging. CHAPTER VI ADVICE FROM OTHERS Wednesday, July 1881. The Maharaja's position is a very exalted one. His Highness will have to deal with Judge eharit- .,, , ably of persons many persons. He will have re- peatedly to judge of persons and of their acts. His Highness will, therefore, do well to cultivate the important habit of judging charitably. Men's acts and motives present various aspects. The Maharaja will do well, as a rule, to prefer that aspect which is most favourable to the person concerned. In other words, if an act or motive is open to several in- terpretations, the Maharaja will do well to prefer that interpretation which is most in favour of the man concerned. In other words, again, place the most favourable constructions on men's acts and motives. (2) The reason of this advice is that, except Because men where the man concerned is known to be a bad man > men ma y be to bad acts. sumed to prefer good acts to bad 36 MINOR HINTS acts, and to prefer good motives to bad motives. This is a reasonable presumption arising from the natural state of things. It is a presumption dic- tated by justice and generosity, which ought always to characterize the highest personage in the country I mean the Maharaja. ( 3 ) Such presumption accords also with good "'-The Maharaja P olic y- When the Maharaja judges is then univer- j n a charitable spirit as indicated sally respected. above, men regard him all the more with respect and affection. They are positively grateful for the justice and generosity exercised towards them. Good men are pleased that the Maharaja avoids treating their acts and motives with injustice, and they become all the more anxious that their acts and motives should be good, and that they should thereby stand well in the estimation of so just and generous a master. If it should so happen that a bad man has been the object of the Maharaja's charitable view, even then the bad man feels ashamed and often changes his attitude and conduct for the better. (4) To make the matter further clear, I will Examples : nere ^ ve some practical examples. SUe?son bS fSm () Suppose that an important officer or sirdar who had been invited to attend the Durbar, is found absent. The omis- sion to attend the Durbar may possibly be at- ADVICE FROM OTHERS 37 tribu table to indifference, or to carelessness, or disrespect, or to sickness or accident or other un- avoidable innocent cause. The principle I wish to impress on Your Highness ought to induce you to attribute the omission to some one of the un- avoidable innocent causes rather than to some of those causes which imply blame on the part of the absentee officer or sirdar. (b) Again, a good Minister advises the Ma- haraja to yield some point to the (ft) The advice ->*.,, , n . , ~, , . of a Minister. British Kesident. I he advice may be attributable to good or bad motives. The Maharaja should attribute it to good motives rather than to bad motives. (c) Again, the Resident advises the Maharaja to undertake as little of judicial work as (c) The advice -11 mi TT i i i j of the Resident, possible, i he Maharaja should not attribute the advice to a desire on the part of the Resident to weaken the Maharaja, but should attribute it to his desire to save the Maharaja needless trouble and needless responsi- bilities. ( d ) Again, a political philosopher advises the Maharaja to make the machinery of (d) That of a , . Philosopher. his government, to the utmost ex- tent, self-acting, self-regulating, and self -correcting. The Maharaja should attribute such advice to the best intentions towards himself and towards his people, and should not attribute it 38 MINOR HINTS to a desire to make the Maharaja as powerless as possible. (e) Again, a friend and councillor says to the Maharaja "such and such a person is (e) Of a friend. an unprincipled and intriguing charac- ter. I would advise you to avoid that person." The Maharaja should attribute the advice to good intentions, and not to, say, selfish interest. (5) Let us take now some smaller examples. (a) A jewel is stolen from the Palace. Smaller exam- '_,, . ... ,. pie : (a) theft of The Dewan institutes an active in- quiry which involves the examination of even some personal attendants of the Maharaja. Perhaps the Dewan makes some of the servants concerned responsible for the value of the jewel, as a corrective of their carlessness and as a warning for the future. Such action should be presumed to be the result of the Dewan' s wish to protect Palace jewellery from loss and it should not be presumed to be the result of any bad motives. (b) Again, a Mankari misbehaves in a State- procession, draws his sword, and (6) Misbeha- ,. , mi viourofaMan- causes a disturbance. I he Dewan kari takes due notice of it and does some- thing by way of punishing the Mankari for such misbehaviour. The action should be attributed to good intentions and not to bad intentions. Many more similar examples might be given, such as occur ADVICE FROM OTHERS 39 daily in life ; but it would bo needless. The great thing is, as I have already said, that the Maharaja should cultivate the habit of interpreting men's acts and motives charitably, unless the man concerned is known to be a bad man. (6) The principle I am explaining generally requires also that, when an act is Attribute an act . ., to error rather attributable to error or misapprehen- than to mischief. . . , , ... sion on the one hand, or to deliberate mischievous intentions on the other, the Maharaja should prefer to assume the former rather than the latter. Such a habit of judging charitably is, as I have said above, a matter of justice and genero- sity and of good policy also. I may here add that it will be the means of conciliating people, and of avoiding the needless making of enemies. It will make the Maharaja's career smooth and agreeable. It will save the Maharaja's mind from constant irritation or painful suspicion, and secure it a calm composure and an elevated dignity, such as constitute one of the greatest ornaments of the throne. I feel quite sure that the cultivation of the habit I am speaking of, and its non-cultiva- tion, will make a great difference in the happiness of the Maharaja. (7) A Maharaja, who has succeeded in acquir- it is a safe- ing the excellent habit I am speaking guard against intriguers. of, will possess a great safeguard against intriguers. It must be remembered that an in- 40 MfXOR HINTS triguer generally almost invariably puts the worst possible interpretation on the acts and motives of his enemies. But the Maharaja, who has ac- quired the excellent habit I am speaking of, will reject such uncharitable interpretations and pre- fer those which are charitable. Even if charitable interpretations do not readily suggest themselves, the good Maharaja will actually seek for such. He will actually try to conceive such. (8) The principle of charitable interpretations I have been speaking of, will generally nation from operate admirably when the Maharaja person affect ed - has to judge in a rough and ready manner, and to pass on to other matters. There may arise, however, important occasions for the Maharaja to determine, with some degree of cer- tainty, which of the available interpretations is really applicable to a given case, especially when circumstances suggest an unfavourable interpreta- tion. In such circumstances, it is a good rule, not to come, to an unfavourable conclusion until after- giving the person affected a fair opportunity to afford any explanations in his power. The prin- ciple is, "do not condemn a man behind his back. Do not condemn him without hearing him." (9) By way of illustration, suppose the Palace officer represents to the Maha- piaints of raja that a certain expenditure which he (the officer) had incurred under the ADVICE FROM OTHERS 41 orders of His Highness, is refused to be passed by the Auditor. The Palace officer may represent the matter in such a manner as to be quite dis- agreeable to His Highness, and as to induce His Highness to be displeased with the Auditor. But I say, do not be at once displeased with the Auditor without hearing what explanation the Auditor has to give. Let the Auditor be, in due course, called upon to explain why he de- clined to pass such expenditure. In nine cases, out r of ten, the Auditor will give quite a satis- factory explanation. If however, the explanation is not satisfactory, then, and then alone, blame him. (10) The course thus recommended will en- able the Maharaja to avoid errors, and Arrive at right eoneiu- to arrive at right conclusions. It will enable him to do justice to his ser- vants, public or private. It will inspire the ser- vants themselves with confidence. Otherwise, they would feel that they are at the mercy of whims, caprices, and misrepresentations. All good servants should be made to feel that they would, on no account, incur the Maharaja's displeasure without real good cause. (11) To recapitulate briefly (i) When an act or motive is liable to several interpretations, the Maha- Summary. . . raja should prefer that interpreta- 6 42 MINOR HINTS tion which is most favourable to the person affected. (ii) If circumstances suggest that an unfavourable interpretation is the more probable one, the Maharaja should call for explanation from the person affected, and then judge. CHAPTER VI! COMPROMISING SPIRIT. 14th September, 1881 I have already explained what genuine firmness is, as distinguished from spurious Firmness to n -\ ,1 , be controlled by firmness ; and how usetul the virtue is in rulers. But human affairs are such that it is not always possible or desirable to exercise firmness to its fullest extent ; to exercise inflexible firmness. In rulers more especially, the exercise of one good quality has often to be con- trolled by other good qualities. Firmness has, for instance, to be controlled by prudence and circum- spection. (2) Suppose A and B have much to do with each other in life. If, in any matter, Exercise a judi- . . , . -. n cious spirit of A is determined to be so nrm as to yield nothing to B, and B is deter- mined to be so firm as to yield nothing to A, how can they get on at all ? Difficulties and unpleasant- ness will ensue, and a dead-lock may be the result, or A and B will have to part ; or some other serious mischief may be the consequence. It follows that firmness has sometimes to be judi- ciously relaxed with reference to the circumstances 44 MINOR HINTS of each case as it presents itself. When the firmness of one person encounters the firmness of another, some concession may have to be made for the sake of conciliation, peace and co-opera- tion. In other words, some judicious compromise should be effected. The wisdom of a wise ruler is shown in exercising a judicious spirit of com- promise. There are many instances of rulers gaining much by this spirit of compromise. On the other hand, there are also many instances of rulers losing much from want of this spirit. (3) It is quite certain that there is nothing disgraceful or derogatory in exercis- Statesmanship . . ,. . . ., ,, is a series of ing a judicious spirit oi compromise, compromises. T . ,.. ., , In private lite, every sensible man often exercises this spirit. In public life, the greatest men often exercise the same spirit. So much is this the case, that statesmanship is almost a series of compromises. No statesman expects to have his own way in all matters and at all times. All this must be well remembered lest a ruler should feel a false sense of humilia- tion, and refuse all compromise, and thereby draw down serious difficulties or dangers on himself. A ruler has often to give and take. (4) How far concessions should be made in any matter for the sake of effecting Avoid ex- . ,. ,. . , tremes. a compromise, is a question tor judg- ment in each case. It will depend COMPROMISING SPIRIT 45 on the strength of conviction, on the value of the principle at stake, on the force of the circumstan- ces demanding concession and so forth. Conces- sion much beyond the necessities of the case may be weakness ; and refusing concessions up to the necessities of the case, and thereby incurring serious difficulties or dangers, may be unwisdom. The right mark must be hit. The loss arising from a proposed concession should be carefully weighed against the gain arising from the same ; and if the scale incline to the latter, the concession may be made. (5) It may perhaps be briefly but usefully stated here that other things being equal, The stronger party to recog- where concessions between govern- nise the claims of reason. ments are concerned, the weaker party may have to concede more than the stronger. But the disparity, in this respect, is diminished in proportion as the stronger party recognizes the claims of reason, justice and liberality as superior to the advantages conferred by mere might. (6) Without a judicious compromising spirit, importance of individuals would make families the compromis- ing spirit. unhappy, statesmen would make nations unhappy, and kings and rulers would make the world unhappy. The foregoing consi- derations need to be fully kept in view, and they should be allowed to modify to the necessary degree the exercise of the quality of firmness. CHAPTER VIII MAHARAJA'S ABSENCE 2Sik September 1881 It is desirable that, except for occasional tra- velling, or on the ground of ill-health, The Maharaja , , ^ , . , , , should spend as tne Maharaja should not needlessly much time as , . . possible in his leave his terntones, and spend his time outside. Some persons may recommend to His Highness to go to Matheran or some other locality outside, and spend the sum- mer there. Other persons may similarly recom- mend to His Highness to go somewhere else and spend the winter there. The cold weather with its festivities may in its turn tempt His Highness to leave his territories. But the subjects of Native States do not at all like their Maharaja's absence in these ways. They wish to see their Maharaja living in their midst and spending his share of the revenues in the country itself. They wish to see His Highness constantly among them, looking after their welfare. It is natural for them to dis- like their ruler leaving country and people in search of personal pleasure. MAHARAJA'S ABSENCE 47, (2) Moreover, a Native Prince attended with a large retinue is not generally welcome The several re- , , ^ strictions, while at places or resort by the Jbjuropean community. Disturbance to sanita- tion and to public convenience is apprehended, and hence restrictions come to be imposed, by no means agreeable to the Native Prince. There are the other restrictions about carrying arms and ammunition. Disagreeable questions arise about the Prince and his followers paying tolls and other municipal taxes. Difficult or delicate questions arise as to the relations of the Prince and followers with the British Police, Magistracy and Courts. Suits are apt to be preferred even when supplies and carriage have been fairly paid for. (3) Considering all this and also considering that the residence of the Maharaja pense 6 ^without outside his territories leads to great fhe y state. efi1 extra expense without the least benefit to His Highness' subjects, it seems clear that His Highness should not needless- ly absent himself often from his country. CHAPTER IX FAME The Maharaja should not be in a hurry to NO short cut become famous. Fame, as a good the f8 re ward* of an( ^ benevolent ruler, is indeed a legitimate and laudable object of a ruler's ambition. Nothing is more gratifying in this world to noble natures than being recognized as the benefactors of communities. But such fame requires time to achieve. It is the reward of long years of the purest intentions, of the highest disinterestedness, of patient and careful study, and of sustained and arduous exertions for the public good. There is no short cut to such fame. The ruler who sufficiently realizes these facts will avoid an unnatural and feverish activity which would inconsiderately meddle with many re- settled things meddle merely for the sake of notoriety. He will pursue an even course steadily and smoothly. (2) That ruler would soon make himself miser- No hungering ^le wno hungers after applause after applause. every day and ftt every step The world has too much business of its own to spare FAME 49 time to applaud its rulers so often. Nor would the world be acting wisely to make its applause so cheap as to be given on trivial occasions. (3) A ruler, who would not wait, but is impa- Aceounts of tient to get fame, sometimes em- hired flatterers end in failure. ploys puffing in the newspapers. Hired flatterers write long accounts of the most trifling acts of the ruler and invite the public to admire his bottomless wisdom and benevolence in every movement of his. But such attempts to force fame soon end, as they ought to end, in signal failure. A discerning public does not require a long time to discover the false or exaggerated claim urged by mercenary advocates. (4) The best advice, therefore, to young rulers is Do good steadily, constantly and unostentatiously. Thus deserve Fame, and leave it to come when it will ; come it will in the end. CHAPTER X PERSONAL PLEADINGS BY VAKILS October 1881 The Maharaja may occasionally have to enter into the merits of cases with a view Should Vakils ., < i ir ,1 , plead before to satisfy himself that justice has the Maharaja ? , mi u i been done. This is all right and proper. But the question arises, whether His Highness is to allow Vakils, Mooktiars, Lawyers, etc., to appear before him personally and to plead the cause of their clients. (2) It is not desirable that His Highness should allow such a proceeding. Even the Governor-General and the Governor do not allow it. The reasons are cogent. In the first place, the Maharaja could not at all spare time to hear professional pleaders. In the next place, it would hardly suit the dignity of His Highness' exalted position. Again, it would subject His Highness to grave difficulties and embarrassments. It will, therefore, be desirable to let it be known, on the first occasion which may present itself, that His Highness will not allow personal pleadings before him. This position will have to be maintained with great firmness. PERSONAL PLEADINGS BY VAKILS 51 (3) The principle should be that His Highness judges for himself from the record the record oMhe of the case which must include the pleadings on both sides. The parties have already had opportunities to set forth their respective facts and arguments, and they cannot bring in fresh matter at the last stage. (4) As a general rule, neither vakils nor even the parties themselves should have Parties to be heard in special the right to be heard by the Maha- cases. raja. If in any special case it pleases His Highness to do so, His Highness may send for the parties and give them a hearing. This appears to be the safest, most convenient, and most dignified position. CHAPTER XI DEPUTATIONS 16^ November 1881 The Maharaja has to be very careful in receiving deputations personally. If Every deputa- His Highness be known to be dis- tion not to be received by the posed to receive, deputations would endlessly demand interviews with him deputations from sections of his own sub- jects, deputations from neighbouring cities and towns, deputations from Bombay and Poona, and deputations from even more distant communities. They would present long addresses and make long speeches. They would even enter into troublesome discussions and expect His Highness to make definite replies. They would embarrass His High- ness with matters civil, religious, political, aesthetical, and what not. And whatever His Highness says to them or even does not say to them, would be publicly criticised with unsparing severity. (2) As a general rule, therefore, let the ordi- nary deputations be referred to the ordinarydepu- Ministers of His Highness. If, for tations to be Minims t0 the instance, a deputation has to make a representation on a revenue matter, let it go to the head of the Revenue Department. DEPUTATIONS 53 If a deputation has to make a representation on an educational matter, let it go to the head of the Educational Department. And so on. The head of the department concerned will receive the deputations, fully hear them, and do whatever may be necessary or desirable. In important mat- ters the deputation may go to the Dewan or Chief Minister. This appears to be the best and the most convenient course where the deputation has to do with matters of business. (3) His Highness may consent to receive the deputation personally, only when the cases consult the matter, or occasion, or the deputation itself, is very important. . Such cases must be rare, and may be distinguished from the others by some consultation with the Dewan. (4) Even in such rare cases, the Dewan should be previously informed of the nature The Dewan to an d object of the deputation. The be previously in- formed of Us Dewan should see the address or nature. representation to be preferred by the deputation, in order that he may be enabled to prepare His Highness for the same. (5) His Highness' replies to deputations must Th reply to ^ e care fuUy an d cautiously framed. be f^ 1 5 . 1 .^ When the reply can be clear and framed and Ks preparation to specific, let it, by all means, be so. be entrusted to responsible Min- .g u t it often happens that a clear and jsters. specific reply cannot be immediately 54 MINOR HINTS given by His Highness. The matter requires to be maturely considered hereafter. If so, His High- ness' reply should not commit His Highness to any opinion or action prematurely or incautiously. The reply should raise no hopes much less make any promises such as it might be difficult or embarrassing to fulfil hereafter. In short, such replies require much judgment and tact. It is not any person who merely knows to write the language correctly, that can properly prepare such replies. His Highness will do well to entrust the preparation of such replies to his responsible Ministers. Even European sovereigns follow this course. CHAPTER XII TAKING COUNSEL 1st December 1881 Some weeks ago when we met here, I dwelt at some length on the importance, and The object is . , , , . - , ,, , to arrive at right indeed the necessity, of the Maha- conclusions. . . . , . , . ,, raja s taking counsel in all matters of public importance, 'the great object in view being to reach right conclusions for the purposes of good government. (2) The question arises, whose counsel is the Maharaja to take ? Surely not the Whose counsel i t, j i_ ^ should the Ma- counsel ot anybody or of everybody. Scores of people are ready to under- take the honour of giving advice to the Maharaja in any and in every matter. And the most ignorant men are perhaps the most forward in this respect, because they are seldom troubled with doubts and difficulties. (3) The Maharaja has to exercise care and judgment in the choice of his coun- Select the J counsellors with se llors. This is one of the greatest care. and imperative duties of His High- ness. This is one of the most essential conditions of his success as a ruler. 56 MINOR HINTS (4) The Maharaja should exercise care and The necessary judgment to choose advisers possess- quaiiflcations. mg ma j n iy the following qualifica- tions : (a) Knowledge of the theory or of the principles or of the (a) A real knowledge. science of the business to be done. (b) Practical experience which shows (6) Practical how that knowledge is experience ^ be applied and which supplies details. (c) Love of truth, justice and disin- (c) Love of terestedness as supplying truth the best motives. (5) Let the Maharaja firmly grasp these qualifications, and choose advisers Grasp these . ,. qualifications possessing these qualifications, and he will thereby prove to the world that he himself possesses ability and judgment. There is no doubt that the Maharaja's reputation and success as a ruler depend, in no small mea- sure, upon the right choice of his advisers. (6) It follows that the Maharaja need not Don't seek ad- see ^ advice from persons who do not vice from others. p ossess the qualifications summarised above. Any advice coming from such persons would be of little value. On the contrary, it might be positively mischievous. If, therefore, any such TAKING COUNSEL 57 persons volunteer their advice to His Highness, as they are often too apt to do, His Highness will do well not to pay much attention to the same. Indeed, it would be waste of time and attention even to listen much .to such advice ; and any serious consultations held by the Maharaja with such persons might only lower His Highness in the estimation of the enlightened public, and might have the further effect of shaking the confidence of His Highness' real well-wishers in His Highness' judgment ; for, these well-wishers would say or at least think " The Maharaja does not seem to be able to distinguish between competent and incompetent advisers. Hence it is a mere chance whose advice will prevail." (7) I have dwelt at some length on this topic, DO not over- because there are instances indeed rule wise advice. thefe afe t(X) many instances m Native States in which the soundest and the wisest advice has been over-ruled by the advice of an intriguing Karkoon, and even by that of a mere Jasood, or of a narrow-minded priest, or of a clever musician. It is thus that some Native States have been misgoverned, and others have been ruined. (8) By digesting and remembering the hints Avoid incom- gi yen above, the Maharaja will be petent advisers. abfe to Te]ieye himself from the dis- tractions of a crowd of incompetent advisers who 8 58 MINOR HINTS abound in Native Courts (Palaces) .and who seek every possible opportunity to offer and even to press their advice. The Maharaja getting clear of incompetent advisers is a grand condition to begin with. Before, then, the Maharaja seeks or accepts any particular person's advice in any matter, let His Highness ask himself these questions : Does the person possess some theoretical and practical knowledge of that matter, and is he known to be a lover of truth, justice and disinterestedness ? If the questions can be answered in the affirmative, the person in question is a competent adviser. If the questions cannot be answered in the affirma- tive, then the person in question is not a compe- tent adviser. (9) Let us suppose now that the Maharaja has HOW if advi- successfully learnt how to choose sers differ. competent advisers. If these compe- tent advisers all agree and give the same advice to the Maharaja, well and good. But the question arises, what is the Maharaja to do if these compe- tent advisers disagree, and give conflicting advice ? The Maharaja may, at any time, be placed in this position, and it is very desirable that His High- ness should know how to proceed. (10) When differing or conflicting advice is Then Judge gi yen by competent advisers, it will carefully. manifestly devolve on the Maharaja himself to carefully judge, which advice should be TAKING COUNSEL 59 selected as the best for adoption. This is a great function of the Maharaja and must be performed with intelligence as well as with care. (11) I offer the folio wing hints which may be of considerable use to His Highness in Prefer the ad- vice or a respon- performing this great and necessary sible officer. function. Ihe choice ot the best ad- vice must be made on a combined view of several considerations, the chief of which I proceed to sub- mit. Give decided preference to the advice which is given by the responsible officer over the advice which is given by an irresponsible individual. The latter, however able and conscientious, is not generally in the position in which the former is for judging correctly. A full sense of responsibi- lity a full sense of the loss of reputation, etc., which might be entailed in consequence of having given unsound advice to the Maharaja- forms a great security for sound advice, a security which must be wanting or must be imperfect in the instance of an irresponsible individual. (12) In order to obtain the full benefit of this His advice to security, the Maharaja may, on im- be in writing. pO rtant occasions, well ask that the advice given him may be committed to writing in the shape of a memo, giving the reasons for that advice and bearing date and signature. It is a matter of experience that many a person who 60 MINOR HINTS gives evidence without much thought and in an off-hand manner in oral communication, feels a far greater and clearer sense of responsibility when called upon to record that advice. What- ever he records will be more deliberate, more clear and more precise than what he merely speaks. (13) Again when, the subject of the advice is one of general principles, pre- Prefer the advice of an ex- ier the advice oi that person pert. who is best versed in those prin- ciples. Similarly, when the subject of the advice is one of practical experience, prefer the advice of that person who most possesses such experience. (14) Again, subject to the other considerations, And that of ^at advice which the majority of the majority. competent and responsible advisers give should be preferred to that which the minority may give. (15) Again, subject to the other considera- tions, prefer that advice which least anf fe cons?dera- disturbs the existing state of things. Again, subject to the other considera- tions, prefer that advice which least opposes the sentiments and wishes of the people. Again, similarly prefer that advice which is most in con- formity with the course followed by a good neigh- bouring Government, especially by the British BAKING COUNSEL 61 Government. Again, similarly prefer that advice which the Government of India is more likely to approve of in the interests of this state. The foregoing are important guiding considerations, all or some of which will enable the Maharaja to decide which advice he should consider the best for his adoption. (16) The most perplexing case will be that in which all the foregoing considera- conddfrations tions do not tell the same way, but for and against. j. n p <- j some tell m favour of, and some against, a given measure. In such a case, the con- siderations for and against must be carefully weighed, and the Maharaja's decision should be according to the balance struck. How the con- siderations for and against should be weighed, and how the balance should be struck, it would be difficult to say exactly. It is a matter of habit and practice. (17) It will often better enable the Maharaja to decide correctly if his competent an( * responsible advisers be made to ^scu 88 th eir differences freely in His Highness' presence. His Highness himself may take some part in the descussion and put questions in reference to the grounds of pre- ference set forth above. Such a discussion may result in all reconciling their differences and reaching a common conclusion. 62 MINOR HINTS (18) If, however, a common conclusion is not arrived at, and if the Maharaja finds that he cannot, with confidence, ponTthe matter strike a clear balance of consideration as above suggested, then the safest course may be, if possible, to postpone the matter altogether for future consideration and decision. At some future time, the way becomes more clear. (19) If, however, the posponement of the matter be not possible and circum- /,^ r r t " st - 1 the stances require some immediate deci- Chief Minister. sion, then, the safest course for His Highness will probably be to trust to his responsible Chief Minister's advice above that of all others. C HAPTER XIII WORK 1th December 1881. A Maharaja ought not to overburden himself Moderation of with work ' He OU g ht not to under- work necessary . take &Q much WQrk thftt hig health would suffer thereby, that his recreations would be cut off or reduced, and that the work itself could not be done with that knowledge and deliberation which are necessary for its proper performance. (2) It is to be remembered that the Maharaja has to work all his life. It is not as if The Maharaja has to work ail ne should work very hard for a few his life. years and then retire from business. This circumstance, all the more, imposes modera- tion of work. (3). Roughly speaking, the Maharaja should Work about have work for not more than four four hours. Qr fiye hourg per ^^ Thig ^ leave time for health, for recreation, for study, for family and social duties and pleasures. Whenever there is special extra business, His Highness may especially devote extra time to the same. 64 MINOR HINTS, (4). A great number of details His Highness may well devolve on his ministers. Do not do everything your- i n respect to these, instead of His self. Highness passing orders in each indi- vidual case, His Highness may well give some general orders which will apply to whole groups of cases. This course will save time and labour. The principle should be that His Highness should not burden himself with such work as he can get others to do equally well. His Highness' position is like that of an engineer. The engineer need not himself turn every wheel in the engine. On the contrary the more skilful the engineer, the more successful is he in arranging that the engine shall do the greatest amount of work so as to leave him abund- ant time to supervise the whole and to devise important improvements. CHAPTER XIV How TO AVOID WORRY For the preservation of the Maharaja's physi- cal and intellectual health, it is very P r o C t e ?c t i ng necessary that His Highness should protect himself against the terrible worry to which he would certainly be constantly exposed, if he were not to take the requisite precautions. (2) Numberless individuals are apt to pester His Highness with pressing solicita- How worry may arise. tions for favours of various sorts. These may be mainly particularised as follows : (a) Solicitation for appointments, promo- tions, increase of pay, and transfers from one place to another. (b) Solicitation for granting of Nemnooks, for their increase, or restoration of Nemnooks, resumed or reduced. (c) Solicitation for granting of Warsha- sans, for their increase, or restora- tion of Warshasans, resumed or re- duced. (d) Solicitation for presents of jewellery, Poshaks, money for marriages. 9 f,0 MIXOR HINTS (e) Solicitation for Seedhas. (/) Solicitation for loan of carriages, horses, sowars, &c. (g) Solicitation for loans of money, advance payment, of Nemnooks, &c. (h) Solicitation to set aside, alter or re- open decisions alread}^ given. (i) Solicitation for religious and charitable grants or contributions. And so forth. (3) A great proportion of the worry thus arising may be avoided by remembering General prin- -, -, -,. -. cipies to avoid and pleading a few general princi- ples. These may be briefly stated here. (a) In those cases in which His Highness has given power to the heads of fa) Non inter- ference with the departments to act, His Highness heads of depart- ments, may, as a rule, refuse to interfere. This is only right and proper. (b) In many cases His Highness may, as a (b) App'hant rule, tell the applicant that he should to be asked to apply through apply through the head of the the proper chan- nel, department concerned. (c). In some cases His Highness may say that he is unable, as a rule, to increase to ir crease 'e/ the existing limits of expenditure, as it is most important that the expenditure should be kept below the income as at present. HOW TO AVOID WORRY 67 (d) Past dakh- (^\ j n numerous cases the limits las to be ap- plied - of past dakhlas may be applied to. (e). In others, the principle may be enforced that, when a matter has once been (e) The im- propriety of re- fairly considered and decided, it opening a mat- ter once decided cannot be allowed to be re-opened, unless upon fresh and cogent ground. CHAPTER XV JUDGMENT Men who are in a high position and exercise Cultivate habit great power, especially rulers- need to cultivate, constantly, the habit of judgment. It is the habit of weighing reasons on the one side and on the other, and striking the balance. It is a most necessary and useful habit, and may be acquired by making an earnest effort. (2) Whenever anything has to be preferred Let reason be out of several things let not the year guide. i ., ., preference be arbitrarily or capri- ciously made. The preference should be made for some good reason. This principle applies to small as well as to great matters. In short, on every occasion, let reason assert its sway. Any ruler who constantly walks under the guidance of reason will walk a safe path. (3) If any one recommend anything to the Ask lor re- ruler, let the ruler ask for the rea- sons for the recommendation. By doing everything according to reason, the ruler is greatly strengthened ; because all reasonable JUDGMENT 69 men take his side. He commands the sympathy and support of his subjects and of the general public. (4) In fact it is the capacity of judgment which makes the greatest difference Greater success is achieved by between one man and another. better j u d g - ment Given any two men in similar cir- cumstances, that man will generally achieve the greater success who has the better judgment. (5) But the judgment is not an intuitive The quality of quality. It requires to be patiently judgment to be ,, . patiently cuiti- and constantly cultivated. Its vated by daily . . i reading. right exercise also requires the pos- session of a large stock of sound general principles. It is further desirable to study how men of acknow- ledged eminence judge in difficult or intricate matters. A part of daily reading may, therefore, be very advantageously directed to this end. CHAPTER XVI PROPOSALS Whenever anything is proposed for his con- Exhaustive sideration, His Highness will do well consideration of any proposal. to consider how that thing will affect (a) himself, (6) his own subjects, (c) the subjects of other States, (d) the British Government, (e) the general public, and (/) all cases of the same sort occurring hereafter. It is in this manner that the consideration should be exhaustively gone through in matters of importance. (2) One other important test of a measure is The cardinal to consider how we should like it if principle: Do to , others as we others adopted such a measure, be "done by* This has reference to the cardinal principle of doing to others as we should wish to be done by. What I mean is that the bearing of a given measure on the several interests con- cerned should be fully examined, and it should be examined in regard to the immediate present and in regard to the future. PROPOSALS 71 (3) Some Maharajas are very fond of wishing Disposition to to make some alteration or other alter proposals . i i r not desirable. HI any proposal placed before them to make the alteration merely for the sake of making one, such a disposition needs to be guarded against. It is a disposition likely to impede the progress of business. (4) The disposition has its origin generally in Every aitera- petty vanity. The owner of the dis- tion not proof ... ,, , , ,. , of superior wis- position supposes that he displays the superiority of his wisdom by making some alteration in the proposal before him. But this is, of course, a mistake. Any and every alter- ation cannot be a proof of superior wisdom. It is only when an alteration is supported by valid rea- son, that it implies superiority. On the other hand, when an alteration is made without valid reason, and when it is made merely to lead other people to inferior or superior wisdom, it is the result of positive weakness. People soon discover the weakness. They distinguish the pretence from the reality. (5) The Maharaja may, to any extent, scru- tinise the proposal before him. He Alter when necessary. may discuss it. He may suggest objections and obtain explanations. He may alter the proposal when he feels satisfied that there are good reasons for an alteration. But, what is to be strongly deprecated is, insisting upon alterations 72 MINOR HINTS merely for the paltry motive of asserting supe- riority or power. (6) Such a motive is not chimerical ; for I R . ? ot a ^ e have seen it existing and operating ; guided by flat- terers and I have seen it fostered and stimulated by flatterers, from whom few palaces are altogether free. (7) That Maharaja greatly facilitates business who has the strength of mind firmly Trust the ofTi- > _j cers for details. to say, I concur, when he is satisfied in the main, and when he may trust his officers in regard to details. This is the only way to prevent a block of business and to realise sufficient leisure for His Highness to deal with the more important questions worthy of his attention. (A) MEANS FOB SUCCESS To do anything well and successfully, the first necessary condition is to get a clear Get a clear . ,, conception of conception ot the end to be accom- the end in view. ,. , -. TTT1 , . ,, . n , , plished. What is the specific end to be accomplished and what is not ? These ques- tions should be put and unequivocally answered. (2) This being done, the next consideration Consider the should be directed to the choice of best means. the meang> There may be ft variety of means to accomplish the end in view. Which of these means is the best ? Determine this as carefully as possible. (3) Having selected the best means, consider and forecast all the possible difficul- -I he , possible ties and accidents which might occur difficulties. to disturb or defeat the object in view, and adopt or be prepared with the neces- sary measures to prevent or counteract such diffi- culties and accidents. (4) Then proceed with the undertaking with n ,. due regard to time, place, and cir- Otner con- siderations for cumstances. If such a course is attaining suc- cess> pursued, success will be maximised ; that is to say, success will be attained in the majority of cases, 10 74 MINOR HINTS (5) Simple and almost obvious as is the course Give fun at- above suggested, many persons ne#- course - lect it or adopt it more or less imper- fectly. It is the degree of attention given to the course above indicated which mainly makes the difference between one man and another in regard to their success in their careers. The person who pays full attention to the course is seldom taken by surprise. He simply goes through a care- fully pre-arranged programme. On the other hand, the person who acts otherwise proceeds loosely, and is exposed to confusion and dis- comfiture at the several stages of the given under- taking. (6) The remarks I have offered apply to all persons in general, but they apply The remarks especially to rulers who have con- specially applic- able to rulers, tinually to act, and who have often to act in important matters. (&) TREATMENT OF HIGH OFFICERS. Assuming that high officers have been carefully Treat officers selected for their capacity and pro- with confidence. bity> the Maharaja should treat them with confidence. It would be unjust and impolitic to suspect them of a disposition to misrepresent matters to His Highness, or to misguide His Highness in disposing of the same. A Maharaja who has not learnt how to repose con- fidence in others, will be able to accomplish but TREATMENT OF HWH OFFlCtifiS 76 little in his career, because he will not secure cordial co-operation. (2) The self-respect of the high officers should Preserve their *>e preserved and strengthened by self-respect Hig Highness treating them with courtesy and consideration. (3) Men perfect in every human quality, are TO err is no ^ ^ ^ e f un( l m this world. Some human., imperfections may always be found in the most gifted. His Highness should make generous allowance for this manifest truth. Take the man as a whole- Be to his faults a little blind, Be to his virtues very kind. (4) Let every high officer be permitted to Allow freedis- f ree ly discuss matters and especially cussions. ^ Q ex p ress differences of opinion. (5) As a rule, abstain from speaking unfavour- ably of the high officer behind his ill ohim behind back. Every unfavourable remark would be noted and printed abroad, and people would soon cease to feel that respect for him without which he could hardly fulfil his duties properly. (6) For similar reasons, do not permit com- mon persons, who frequent native Nor allow Wm courts, to abuse high officers of to be abused. the State in a light and reckless manner. 76 MINOR HINTS (7) Also, do not admit petitions which speak DO not admit of high officers in needlessly disres- petitions against , 1 them. pectlul terms. (8) If there is occasion for His Highness to Make remarks sa y anything unpleasant to a high privately. officer, better say it to him privately than while others are present. (9) In short, let the country see that the The ruler and Maharaja and his high officers form i^Tpa a coherent and compact body with body * all the strength which arises from identity of motives, sentiments and actions. (10) I have advised that the Maharaja should not overwork himself. His High- cers 6 not g to be ness should also see that his high over-worked. officers are not over-worked. Let them have time for health, study and some re- creation. They will do all the better service for being thus taken care of. C H A P T E II XV III GOOD FAITH Good faith is absolutely necessary in the con- duct of public affairs. It is even Good faith . necessary in more necessary in the conduct 01 public affairs. i , . . T , public than ol private anairs. It may be generally affirmed that every virtue is even more necessary to a Government than to an individual, because the effects of Governmental action are immensely more extensive. (2) Good faith particularly requires that pro- mises made should be made with the should be ful- sincere desire to fulfil them, and promises made should be faithfully fulfilled. (3) I am sorry to say that this principle has not been sufficiently attended to quenee of breach in many Native States. What is the of promise. mi . ,. consequence ? I he promises 01 Native States are not sufficiently believed in, not even the most deliberate and solemn promises. (4) How this matter stands in Native States illustration: anc ^ m British India may be realised fng P moeJ en ?o and measured by means of one Government. illustration. Suppose a Native State announces a loan to the public that is to say, 78 MINOR HINTS the Native State desires to borrow money from the public. Suppose the British India Government similarly announces a loan, it is certain that the public will rush to the British Government with funds, but not so to the Native State. The Native State may offer even a higher rate of interest ; yet the public will generally prefer to lend money to the British Government at lower interest. Why this great difference ? Because the public feel that the British Government will faithfully per- form its promises, whereas they do not feel so to the same degree as regards the Native State. (5) Public ease, security and confidence, and public progress and prosperity, re- to be Recklessly quire that the Maharaja should scrupulously fulfil the promises he may make to individuals or to the community. But this again requires that promises should not be recklessly made. Before any promise is made, let there be full enquiry and full deliberation. CHAPTER XIX REWARDS The Maharaja should not be extravagant and indiscriminate in giving rewards, Extravagance and parsimony. b u t he ought neither to be parsimoni- ous nor too discriminating. He should be just and liberal. To be so is a public duty because it pro- motes public good. (2) Rewards are pecuniary or honorary, or both combined. Their object is to Rewards stim- -. -. .. , , uiate useful comer pleasure and to stimulate useful service. It follows that he who bestows rewards should take care that this fundamental object is fulfilled that the reward proposed in a given case is adequate enough to confer pleasure . and discriminating enough to stimulate useful service. (3) The ordinary pay which a servant draws is his remuneration for ordinary No special , T . , j rewards for ordi- service, therefore no special reward need be granted. Indeed, it might even prove mischievous to grant special rewards for ordinary service. The question of reward 80 MINOR HINTS should be entertained only if service beyond that ordinarily expected, has been rendered. (4) A fortiori it follows that no rewards should be granted where there has been No rewards for ,.,, little or no little or no service of any kind ren- dered. I mention this because there are not wanting in Baroda, persons who expect special and liberal rewards because they have incurred large debts, because they belong to old families, 'and so forth. (5) In matters of pecuniary reward, whether the Maharaja gets the reputation of A small differ- ,.-1 ,., ence may be liberality or parsimony, turns in a sacrificed, to ob- ,. ,. ,. , tain the reputa- proportion oi cases on comparatively small differences. A policeman does some extraordinary good service. Give him a re- ward of 75 rupees, it is deemed stingy. Give him 100 rupees, it is liberal ; the difference being only 25 rupees. Take another example. A worthy officer retires from the public service. Give him a gratuity of 9 month's pay, it may be stingy. Give him a gratuity of 12 months' pay, it is liberal, the difference being only three months' pay. Again, a Poshak is to be presented. If it be of the value of 200 rupees, it looks stingy. If it be of the value of 300 rupees, it looks liberal, in such cases, the comparatively small difference may be sacrificed in order that His Highness may acquire the reputation of liberality. REWARDS 81 (6) Similar remarks apply to rewards in the shape of expressions of approbation approbation. an( j p ra ise. These should be ade- quate and even generous. (7) One good test of the adequacy and libera- lity o f a reward, in any case, is that to be proud of the recipient of the reward should not be ashamed to show it to others. On the contrary, he should be able to show it with pride and gratification. It is only then that it operates as a stimulant and fulfils the object of reward. (8) A Maharaja who judiciously exercises the Judicious ex- power of rewarding immensely in- ercise of the power. creases his influence for good. 11 CHAPTER XX POWER OF PARDON His Highness has the power of pardoning. This power is generally known as the The preroga- prerogative of mercy. But it is to live of mercy not to be arbitrarily be remembered that 110 power what- exercised. ever should be arbitrarily exercised. (2) What then, are the principles which should govern the exercise of His A lew pnnci- P les - Highness' clemency ? (a) His Highness cannot grant a pardon until (a) Only a after the person concerned has been convicted crim- , . j . . inai can be tried and convicted, in other words it is only a convicted criminal that His Highness can pardon. In other words, again, His Highness cannot say " Do not try this person, for I have pardoned him." Nor can His Highness say while the trial is going on, " Stop the trial of this person, for I have pardoned him." (6) What I have just stated is one important principle. Another is that His Highness cannot t arbitrarily pardon any criminal be some reason ue pleases. In short, there must for clemency. be apparently some good reason for clemency. For instance, that the court concerned 83 has manifestly misjudged . the evidence and wrongly convicted the prisoner ; or that, since the termination of the trial, some new evidence has come to light showing the innocence of the prisoner or making his guilt doubtful. (c) In practice, it is desirable, though not imperative, to consult the Judges (c) Consult the judges. before His Highness grants pardon. They will be able to assist with their opinion as to whether the prisoner deserves pardon or not in the given circumstances. The opinion of the Judges is entitled to much weight though it is not binding upon His Highness. (3) His Highness has also the power of miti- The same a ^ m or commuting punishments principle to be awar ded. The exercise of this power, applied to miti- gating and com- ^00, j g governed by considerations muting punish- J menls similar to those above stated. I will only add that this power may be exercised where the sentences passed are harsh or over-severe in reference to the youth, or the sex, or the rank of the prisoner, or other circumstance denoting extraordinary sensibility. (4) On occasions of extraordinary public re- joicing a certain limited number of The practice J of pardoning convicts are sometimes pardoned convicts on occa- sions of rejoic- an( j liberated. As this is a ques- mg not desirable yet care to be tionable practice, it must not be exercised. frequently adopted. It is not very 84 MINOR HINTS. clear why, when the Maharaja has reason to rejoice he, the great guardian of the security of life, person and property, should to any extent weaken that security by letting loose on society a number of proved delinquents. If such a thing is to be done, it must be done on very rare and extraordinary occasions ; and even then, great and intelligent care should be taken to select such convicts for pardon, as are most likely to abstain from offend- ing after release. For instance,- convicts may be selected whose offences have not been very hein- ous, or have been the results of misfortune, and who have suffered at least one-half of the punish- ments awarded to them. (5) In this respect, the principles which have guided us during these six years may Refer to old J precedents. b e referred to with advantage as precedents. They will be found recorded. CHAPTER XXI RESPECT FOB OTHERS' FEELINGS Every Ruler every person who has to deal Respect others' much with men should always be careful to respect the feelings of others. Nothing needlessly harsh or offensive or unpleasant should be said or done in matters, whether great or small. This is a most useful and honourable habit which is well worth the trouble it requires to acquire it. Observation and study are required for its acquisition. (2) One easy way of prejudging what might be harsh, or offensive or unpleasant, How we should feel if others did i s to imagine how we should feel that to us. if others said or did that to ourselves. Many do not act on this principle well, but so many do not act on this principle in practice. (3) Another help towards acquiring the habit in question is to watch the thoughts, Watch those who respect W ords and deeds of men who are others. distinguished for having successfully acquired that habit. CHAPTER XXII NEWSPAPER OPINIONS Because any opinion appears in print in the newspapers, it does not follow that it They are not always correct. i s correct. The real value of the opinion expressed depends upon the respectability of the newspaper and of the writer concerned. Not unfrequently we find this by no means very high. Persons of very imperfect knowledge or judgment sometimes take to writing in the news- papers. Sometimes, persons of very inferior pro- bity do the same. Sometimes, persons supposing themselves to be injured or slighted, write in the journals in the disguise of disinterested observers or critics. And persons are not altogether want- ing who sell their opinions that is to say, publish opinions to order according to money paid. (2) In these circumstances, we have to be very careful as to what weight should Do not attach much weight. b e attached to newspaper opinions and criticism. NEWSPAPER OPINIONS 87 (3) Newspapers honestly conducted and re- p presenting public opinion, or express- ly conducted not i n cr the ideas of honest and intelligent to be disregard- ed thinkers, should not be disregarded. On the contrary, they should be read and con- sidered as material aids to good government. PRIVATE STUDY TheJVlaharaja's studies will not, I trust, be dis- continued after assuming power. It, Do not neglect private study. j s m ost important that they should be continued on some fixed plan. A large portion of His Highness' time and attention will, of course, have to be devoted to official busi- ness. Yet time should be found for private study say about three hours every day. (2) The objects to be aimed at in this direc- .. . tion are (a) His Highness should The object of stud y increase his knowledge of the English language, (b) of useful truths. (3) The English language being foreign to us Speak and and otherwise difficult, we have to write the English . ,, . ., language. exercise ourselves constantly in it. If not, we not only do not improve, but we go back. We must read a great deal of good English every day. We must also speak and write the language every day to some extent. The main object of knowing the English language is to acquire a knowledge of useful truths. Therefore our reading should be made the means of also augmenting our stock of truths. PRIVATE STUDY 89 (4) All these things being clear, my esteemed friend Mr. Elliot will, no doubt, jf itudy. SU gg es t to His Highness a somewhat detailed plan of studies. (a) The plan will, doubtless, include the regu- lar perusal of some well-conducted (a) Perusal of newspapers newspapers. His Highness should follow the current history of the world generally and of India and England in particular. I mean that large facts should not be missed. (b) The speeches of great statesmen like Mr. Gladstone may be read with advan- (b) Speeches of statesmen. tage when they relate to matters of wider than local importance. (c) The debates in Parliament, when they relate to such matters, will also re- (c) Parliament- ary Debates. p a y perusal. (d) Almost everything which relates to the Native States of India should be read (d) Histories of Native states. an d noted. The Viceroy's speeches on such matters must not escape notice. (e) Parliamentary Blue Books relating to Indian affairs may be regularly got out, and (e) Blue books. -, , . useful portions read. (/) The Annual Administration Report of the Admi i - Bombay Government should be a tration reports. book familiar to His Highness. (5) Much of this sort of reading will have a great bearin g on His Highness' public 12 90 MINOR HINTS duties, and will strengthen His Highness' powers to perform those duties. The reading should be such as to bring His Highness' mind into contact with large ideas and elevated sentiments, and to counteract the cramping influences of the ordinary company which is to be had in the Palace. The great danger to which Native Princes are exposed is that they are liable to limit them- selves to such company whereby their ideas get dwarfed or contracted. They confine themselves to a narrow and fossilised world which shuts out the higher lights of a progressive age. The best antidote to this is that they should make them- selves conversant with the thoughts of the most enlightened of mankind. (6) His Highness' reading may occasionally embrace some biographies and novels Read biogra- . . , . , ., pnies and good calculated to inspire high ideal of novels. ,, human excellence. (7) To maintain a high ideal of life and duty in an exalted station and in the Maintain a exercise of great power, requires high ideal of life. considerable moral force, and this moral force stands in need of constant renovation in some way like that suggested. CHAPTER XXIV CONCLUDING ADVICE I have thus brought the minor hints to a close. These hints These hints also will be found to be practicai SefUl ad- more or less, useful to the Maharaja ministration in practical administration. What I have communicated under both the major and the minor heads will, I hope, serve like a small compass which, though small, shows the broad line to be followed in navigation. (2) Theoretical knowledge alone, however, is Theoretical not sufficient in the government of knowledge to be supplemented by human beings. To such knowledge practical experi- ence, must be constantly added the benefit of actual practical experience. . I am anxious that His Highness should not be led to under-value practical experience and thereby to under-estimate the desirableness of consulting prac- tical men in important matters as they arise. Let me here give an illustration which will impress the material difference between theory and practice. His Highness knows well how to write with his right hand. So far as the theory of writing is concerned, the left hand is quite equal to the right hand. And yet, let His Highness try to write 92 MINOR HINTS with his left hand, and he will see that he can do it very imperfectly or perhaps not at all. Why ? The theory is all right with respect to both hands, but the right hand has had the benefit of practice which the left hand has not had. Mark the immense difference thus observable as arising from want of practice, and let it restrain over-confidence resulting from theoretical knowledge alone. (3) The principles I have expounded and the hints I have imparted, deserve to be tance attached to borne in mind. They are those which the principles. . , ,. , , guide enlightened rulers. Ihey are those which conduct them to the heights of happi- ness, honour and fame. They are those which alone will secure the continuance of existing independence to Native Princes. (4) I shall conclude by quoting, in support of Extension of this position, the following valuable principles o f British Govern- observation made by Her Majesty s ment to 'Native states. Government so lately as in 1879. "It is in the gradual and judicious extension, in Native States, of the general principles of government which are applied in British terri- tory that their Rulers will find the surest guarantee of their administrative independence, and the best safeguard against intervention on the part of the paramount power." CHAPTER XXV FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES April 29th 1881. We are all anxious that Your Highness should become one of the best Ruling Princes should be a come ] a of India, that Your Highness should model ruler. j i T- become a truly model Prince, an example to future Princes and a source of pride to the native community. This is the earnest wish of the great British Government which has a right to expect good government in Native States. It is likewise the wish of your numerous friends and well-wishers. It is the wish of the large body of people who are the subjects of this important State. In short, such is the universal wish. (2) I feel perfectly certain that such is your own wish also. God has given you a portunity 1 ' of splendid opportunity of doing public good and of achieving high honour and distinction yourself. I trust that the future History of Baroda will record the fact that Your Highness made the best possible use of that opportunity. 94 MINOR HINTS (3) It is not, however, enough to merely wish The Maharaja * become one of the best Ruling must work. Princes of India. The mere wish cannot realise itself. You have to work for it you have to take pains to accomplish that wish. It cannot be a difficult task to one of Your Highness' intelligence and earnestness. (4) It is now my privilege and duty to lay A few prin- t> e f re Your Highness a series of cipies recognised fundamental principles, the due Governments. observance of which will enable you to become one of the best ruling princes of India. These are great principles recognised by all good Governments. It will not be enough that you learn those principles. You must understand and digest them. Further, you must keep them constantly before you, and practically follow their guidance in every act of administration. If you simply learn those principles, but neglect to give effect to them in daily life, it would be quite as foolish as, and it would be more culpable than, a navigator possessing himself of a good mariner's compass, but not looking at it in steering his vessel. (5) Some persons of the old school might i P oss ikly say " why should the present objections Gaekwar learn and follow those principles ? The preceding Gaekwars did not do so, and yet they managed to govern this State. The present Gaekwar may do just as they did," FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLED U5 (6) But let me frankly tell Your Highness that The old days the preceding Gaekwars were hardly among the best Ruling Princes. They governed in the old arbitrary Asiatic fashion. They did not pay much regard to the happiness of the people, and, even if they did pay some regard, they did not know the best ways of promoting that happiness. Sometimes they made great errors. Occasionally they got involved in serious difficul- ties. Some narrowly escaped dethronement. And Your Highness well knows of the sad fate which overwhelmed Mulhar Rao. All this could have been avoided if those Gaekwars had learnt and observed right principles. The former Gaek- wars, however, were not so fortunate as to have the opportunity of learning those principles as Your Highness now has. This is not all. Times and circumstances have undergone a great change. For- merly bad government in Baroda did not attract much attention, as Baroda was then an out-of-the- way place. But now-a-days Baroda has rapid rail- way communication with Bombay and with other important centres, both north and south. Every- thing that takes place in Baroda territories becomes widely and quickly known. (7) Again, in consequence of railway com- munication, the outside people come government into Baroda territories oftener and might affect out- . 1 siders. in larger numbers. And misgovern- 96 MINOR HINTS ment in these territories would therefore affect such people more than before and would be a matter of louder outcry. (8) Again, our own people have close and more frequent intercourse with Bom- The natural de- , _.. sire of the people bay and other centres, ihey thus to compare. u x -- have far better opportunities to compare the Government under which they live with that under which their neighbours live. (9) Again, in consequence of the progress of intelligence and education, our own A higher ideal people have now a higher ideal of of government good government than before. What bad government they tolerated in past times, they would not tolerate now. What little (good) government satisfied them in past times, would not satisfy them now. (10) Again, formerly almost all Native States were misgoverned more or less ; and Progress with even British territories were in a the times. backward condition. But now there is good progress all round, though in different degrees. The consequence is that, if we do not also fairly advance, the fact would become marked and would cause dissatisfaction. (11) And lastly, it should be noted that the Bri- Tne British tish Government, as the paramount Government T -, j more sensitive power in India, is now-a-da} 7 s more menun'itates!' sensitive to misgovernment in Native FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 9? States than before. The British Government holds itself responsible to prevent gross misgovernment in Native States. In effect, the British Govern- ment says to each Native Prince : " Formerly if you grossly maladministered your territories, a nativial remedy came into operation, namely, your subjects rose in rebellion and put an end to the tyranny. The fear of such a contingency acted as a check upon misgovernment. But now we do not and we should not permit the violent remedy of rebellion on the part of your people. We have undertaken to put down any such rebellion by employing our military force whenever neces- sary. We have thus deprived the people of the power of correcting tyranny. But tyranny must be corrected. Who is to correct it ? We, the paramount power in India, have undertaken this duty on behalf of the people. When, therefore, the people complain of gross misgovernment in a Native State, we, the British Government, will enquire into the matter, and set it right. If found necessary we, the British Government, will even depose the misgoverning Prince and place- another, on the Gadi of the State." (12) Such is the reasoning of the paramount power. It has much force and jus- Illustration .'." . 7. ^ " \ T ' ",' T> from history. tico m it. Every Native Prince must bear in mind the fact that such is the reasoning of the great paramount power 13 8 MINOR HINTS which completely holds India from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas. The deposition of Maharaja Mulhar Rao here in Baroda itself is a recent illus- tration of such reasoning. History furnishes other illustrations. (13) It follows, then, that the paramount power has become an important Govern well. . , judge as to good government and bad government in the Native States. We, in Native States, must not overlook this great fact. We must constantly take care that the British Government is fairly satisfied that we are govern- ing well that, at least, we are not misgovern- ing. (14) Hence it further follows that we should study what the British Government goodand what is would consider good, and what bad bad government TTT -, , , .-, government. We should study the fundamental principles recognized by the British Government itself. (15) Your Highness will thus sec how times, conditions, and circumstances have We must be , . 1 more careful in changed now we, in our days, nave to be much more careful in the work of government than former Gaekwars were. Hence the absolute necessity of this preliminary special preparation, on the part of Your Highness, for the great and responsible duties which will devolve on you before long. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES W (16) I will now proceed to lay before you some of those great fundamental principles The first duty , . , , ^ of the ruler is which are essential to good govern- to promote the happiness of the ment. I beg your most earnest attention to them, because I feel sure that by your being guided by those prin- ciples, you will secure for yourself the most honourable and prosperous career. The most important principle is that it is the first duty of the ruler to promote the happiness of his people. What the happiness of the people consists of, and how that happiness should be promoted, are matters which we shall consider hereafter. They are matters of extensive detail and may admit of some difference of opinion. But there can be no doubt, there can be no diver- gence of opinion whatever as to the principle itself that it is the first duty of the ruler to pro- mote the happiness of his people. (17) Repeat this grand principle again and again. Give it the very best place Apply the prin= . A , . , cipie constant- m your memory. Apply it constant- ly to your public acts. Insist on your servants through all their gradations, from the Dewan downwards, paying the utmost respect to that principle at all times and places. (18) Be always true to that grand principle as the very foundation of your safety Be true to it. ,. comtort, honour and prosperity. 100 MINOR The Hindu Dharma Shastras strongly prescribe that principle. It has the strongest approval of the British Government. It has the strongest approval of your people. It has the strongest recommendation of your best friends and well-wishers, among whom Mr. Elliot and myself claim a place. Many a prince while he readily enough accepts that grand principle when generally enunciated, fails to act up to it in the actual work of administration. We are all san- guine that Your Highness will not be one of such princes. (19) The grand principle I am earnestly en- deavouring to impress js, that it is contrary? this the first duty of the ruler to pro- mote the happiness of his people. A few examples of acts which would be contrary to this principle will probably strengthen the impression desired. I proceed to give a few simple examples. (a) A Maharaja wishes to lay out excessive sums of money in purchasing person- () Diverting i ii i public funds to a 8J jewellery, and tor this purpose. m ' makes large demands on the public treasury beyond the fair and reasonable propor- tion of the revenue which he may have for palace or personal expenditure. He then acts contrary to the grand fundamental principle I am. trying to impress, because he] diverts FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 101 public funds to a selfish purpose public funds which would otherwise have gone to promote the happiness of the people in one way or another. Let no one hastily conclude that I forbid the purchase of all jewellery by the Maharaja, The Maharaja may, of course, make purchases whenever neces- sary or desirable, but it must be within reasonable limits. This will be evident from a careful con- sideration of the words I have used in the preced- ing paragraph. (b) To proceed to another example. A Maha- (b) Building ra J a oes on building palace after palace beyond reasonable require- ments, and for this purpose makes large demands on the public treasury beyond the fair and reason- able proportion of the revenue which he may have for palace or personal expenditure. He then acts contrary to the grand principle under reference. It is quite desirable that the Maharaja should have sufficient. There is a limit in this direction. The Sultan of Turkey, and the Khedive of Egypt have ruined their finances and brought themselves into serious difficulties by building an endless succession of new palaces. It would be folly of a culpable character to build costly palaces only to be whimsically abandoned for other new palaces. (c) I come now to another example. A Maha- (c) Cannons of ra J a w i snes to make cannons of gold gold and silver and s ji vert This would be another 102 M7XOR HIXTS instance of the violation of the grand principle of public happiness I am trying to impress ; similarly when a Maharaja increases his army beyond the requirements of his country and merely for the personal pleasure of reviewing a large force. (d) Another example of the sort will be when the Maharaja wishes to make extra- relations 11 $ and vagant grants to relations, favourites favourites. , -. -. . etc., and to teed his extravagance, he draws from the public treasury excessive funds which would otherwise have been devoted to promote the happiness of the people. Here, too, are reasonable limits which must be res- pected. (e) Even religious, charitable, and benevo- (e) Religious ^ en ^ g ran ts on the part of the Maha- grants- raja have their due limits under the principle I am advocating. Such grants must be moderate in order that the means of promoting the happiness of the people should not be crippled. (20) In short, whenever the Maharaja wishes Give up the * mcur anv considerable expendi- Sft u P re1f d opp X o P s e e n d ture he should call to mind the prin- to the principle. ciple under advertence- ; and ask him- self " Would this proposed expenditure promote the happiness of my people?" If he cannot conscientiously answer the question in the affirma- tive, then he must give up the proposed expendi- ture as opposed to the principle under advertence. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 103 (21) There may however, be items of expendi- ture which haye no bearing on the Private expen- , ^ ^ ^ ses to be borne happiness ot the people and which by the Khangi. . .,, . , the Maharaja still wishes to incur for his personal gratification. He may indulge the wish provided he incurs such expenditure from that fair portion of the public revenues which is appropriated for his personal expenses, i.e., for the Khangi department. (22) No Maharaja who respects the principle The Raj is a un der advertence will consider that public trust. he ig at liberty to S p en( i tne pu bli c revenues just as he likes. The Raj is not the Maharaja's private estate but it is a public trust. He is entrusted with the public revenues under obligation to spend them for the public advan- tage. This must be constantly borne in mind. (23) This obligation, however, need not de- prive the Maharaja of the liberty to Use discretion. i TI -,1 spend as he likes within certain reasonable limits. As I have already said, the Maharaja may exercise this liberty with that fair portion of the public revenues which is appropriated for his personal expenses, i.e., for the Khangi department. (24) It will thus be seen that the Maharaja's private interests are quite reconcil- and *the y p'wpie able with the grand principle under happy. advertence. The Maharaja may make 104 MINOR HINT* his people happy and at the same time may make himself also happy. (25) What is to be always avoided is, the Maharaja seeking his personal gratifi- flee public cation at the cost of the happiness happiness. , ,. of his people. A few more ( 35 ) I ma 7 here g ive a few more fr X arT PU to 'the" examples of the infraction of the principle. grand principle under advertence. (a) A Maharaja spends the public revenues (o)Want of an m P ersona l gratifications and cares fflcunt Police. not to ma i n t a i n a n adequate and efficient Police for the protection of the people. The people become unhappy from the prevalence and increase of crimes, such as murder, dacoities, robbery, etc. (6) Again, the Maharaja has no proper ma- (b) Want of chinery for the administration of Judicial Courts. j us tice between man and man, then disputes increase and lead to crimes and violence in the country. The people become seriously unhappy. (c) Again, the Maharaja himself acts (c) The ruler arbitrarily and allows his officers to ;?ung he arbura r r s ac * arbitrarily. They arbitrarily Hy throw men into prison, they arbi- trarily confiscate men's property,they arbitrarily put men to death. The people feel great un- certainty and alarm. They become very unhappy. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 105 26) The grand principle under advertence is A few obser- a warning against such courses. I proceed to offer a few further obser- vations on the grand principle under advertence, namely that it is the first duty of the ruler to promote the happiness of his people. (27) By the words " his people " I mean all his people, generally all classes and No partiality n l! //7.V7S principle in its bearing on the State, of which you are the head. The grand principle we have been dwelling upon to-day is at the very foun- dation of all good government. I trust, there- fore, that Your Highness will throughly ac- cept and assimilate it. This done, we shall derive from that principle a series of other principles of the utmost value in the work of adminis- tration. (40) I need not inform Your Highness that the The policy of present administration of the State miniSSi a Jf has been actuated by a sincere anxiety to give effect to the principle I have been this day explaining that is to say, as far as practicable in the circum- stances. Under that principle we have attempted the gradual rectification of many things. For instance, we have provided for the security of life and property by establishing a good Police. We have organized a system of judicial tribunal for deciding disputes and for punishing offenders. We have established schools and hospitals. We are going on with public works. We have abolished several bad taxes, which had been found to be excessive. We have generally abstained from putting on new or increasing old taxes with one or two exceptions which I will explain at the proper time. We have reduced such expenditure as had little or no bearing on the happiness of the people ; and we have incurred new or increased old expenditure wherever it would promote the happiness of the people. I wish Your Highness will peruse our Administration Reports in the light of the fundamental principle which I have begun to explain to Your Highness. Though there must invariably be some shortcomings, Your Highness will, I trust, find that on the whole, and as far as circumstances allow, we have acted up to those principles. CHAPTER XXVI FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. Wednesday, 4th May, 1881. When we met here last Wednesday, we dwelt The first duty u P. n the fundamental principle that of vhe Maharaja. it ig the firgt duty of the Maharaja to promote the happiness of his people. From this great primary principle there flow a series of other principles of great value in the work of good government. We shall notice these one after another. . (2) It is easy to perceive that the happiness of the people may be divided into the people^ of two parts or kinds, viz., first, that which each individual of the com- munity may obtain for himself by means of his own exertions, and secondly, that which the individual cannot obtain for himself by means of his own exertions, but which must be secured to him by the action of the Sirkar as re- presenting the whole community. (3) I will now give a few examples of each of A tew exam these kinds of happiness. The fol- lowing are examples of that kind of FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 113 happiness which an individual may obtain for himself by means of his own exertions, namely : The happiness which arises from Happiness which can be ob having sufficient food, clothes, tamed by one s own exertions. e ^ c That arising from having a comfortable house. That arising from having vessels, furniture, carriages, jewels, etc., etc. That arising from attention to personal health. That arising from the reading of books. That arising from the practice of virtues. That arising from the exercise of religion. And so on. In fact, a large, a very large part of the happiness I am speaking of, depends on the individual himself depends on his own industry, intelligence, economy, forethought, etc. (4) The following, on the other hand, are examples of that kind of happiness That which cannot be so ob- which the individual cannot obtain tained. for himself by means of his own exertions, but which must be secured for him by the action of the Sirkar as representing the whole community, namely : The happiness arising from the feeling that he will not be robbed, or otherwise forcibly dispossessed of his property 15 114 MINOR HINTS or fraudulently dispossessed of the same. That arising from the feeling that he will not be murdered or wounded, or other- wise injured in his person. That arising from the feeling that his disputes with others will be fairly investigated and justly decided. That arising from the feeling that he is free to labour for his own benefit without being molested or interfered with by others. That arising from the feeling that there are good roads and other communica- tions available in the country for the purpose of commercial and other intercourse. That arising from the feeling that good sanitary arrangements are enforced in cities, towns and hamlets, so that diseases and other evils are prevented as far as possible. That arising from the feeling that good medical assistance is within reach for the cure or mitigation of diseases. That arising from the feeling that good schools are available for the instruc- tion of children. And so on. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 115 (5) The happiness of the people thus falls into two classes. First, that which The first sort to be left to the each person can obtain for himself people but the Sarkar to look and secondly, that which each per- to the other. son cannot himself obtain, but which must be provided by the Sarkar. Bearing this division in mind, I proceed to say that the first mentioned class of happiness may generally be left to the people themselves, that is to say the Sarkar need not generally trouble it- self about it; and the second mentioned class of happiness must be provided by the Sarkar as a matter of fundamental duty. Let us dwell further on this topic as it is of great practical importance. Be it especially noted that the Sarkar must perform the fundamental duty just mentioned, not only because it provides much happiness in itself to the people, but also because it is essential to enable the people to obtain for themselves that happiness which generally lies in their own power. In other words, if the Sarkar fail to perform that duty, it puts it largely out of the power of the people to make themselves happy by their own exertions. In other words, again, if the Sarkar fail to perform that duty, it results in the general unhappiness of the people. (6) We must then recognize and remember that Maintain a t ^ ie mos ^ imperative duty of the good Police. Sarkar is to do that for the happiness 116 A11NOK HINTS of the people which they cannot individually do for themselves. I proceed to give the main particulars of that great duty. The Sarkar should establish and maintain a good Police for the country in general. The object of doing so is, of course, to prevent offences as far as possible, and when, not withstanding preventive measures, offences are committed, to find out the offenders, and bring them to punishment. (7) The Police force should be efficient to The Police to fulfil that object. In other words be efficient it s h ou id have a sufficient number of men and officers, in proportion to the area of the country and to the population of the same. It should be well paid as an important inducement for good behaviour. It should be selected so as to secure men and officers of intelli- gence, activity and integrity. It should be care- fully distributed throughout the country so as to benefit every part of the same. (8) Moreover, good rules should be laid down for the guidance of the Police. Rules,, to, be What it should do and what it laid down for their guidance. should not do should be clearly defined. Any misconduct on the part of the Police should be brought to light, and, duly punished. Otherwise the Police would in itself become a source of oppression to the peopta FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 111 (9) Bad and avaricious Native rulers fail more or less in establishing and thlt h \he upi p d oi d i e ce maintaining a good Police force. 5?e S .dsrr C e h venu U e Their reasOn is that ^ e Police c ^ a large sum of money, while i^ yields no revenue to the Maharaja. Such Maharajas are certainly very stupid indeed. The Police is as necessary for the people as the Palace Guards are necessary for the Maharaja himself. The Police as much protects the lives, persons and property of the Maharaja and family. How stupid would it be for the ruler to say " I will have no Palace Guards because they eat up money while they do not yield any money ! " It will be equally stupid for any Maharaja to say " I will have no Police for the country, because they eat up money while they do not yield any revenue. (10) Without proper Police, the people suffer The Police are m their lives, persons and property. muitipSctty eVe Ii Crimes are committed often and crimes. everywhere, such as murders, wound- ing, robberies, thefts and so forth. The people greatly suffer from such crimes. They suffer also from constant fear anxiety and alarm. The feeling of insecurity thus caused, while painful in itself, deters or diminishes the exertions of in- dividuals to promote their own happiness. For instance, they become afraid to accumulate riches they should be robbed. They fear to travel 118 MINOR HINTS lest they shoud be murdered, or wounded and robbed, and so on. (11) In fulfilment of the fundamental duty we The present nave been speaking of, the present o?ght nt to PoU b' Administration has established a maintained. fairly good p o ii ce . This Police has worked well and secured its objects. It costs about 7 lacs of rupees per annum. If the Palace Guards cost 50,000 rupees per annum, 7 lacs per annum are certainly not too much to protect the lives, persons and property of all your subjects through- out the country. Your Highness will thus perceive that it will be your imperative duty to fully main- tain the existing Police. You may further improve it. But I trust Your Highness will never think of doing away with it, or of even reducing it. (12) As the happiness of the people so very largely depends upon the mainten- Its efficiency not to be impair- ance of a good Police, Your Highness 6(1. should at all times, be very particular to prevent its efficiency being in any way impaired. (The Police force should be mainly set apart for only Police work and should not be diverted to any other). (13) In Native States, there is a perpetual tendency to misappropriate the The tendency to misappropri- Police to divert the men and officers ate the Police. irom the service of the people to the service of private individuals, I beg Your High- FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 119 ness will be perpetually on your guard against this abuse. The abuse generally begins by some influential lady of the Palace calling for and ob- taining the services of some Policemen for her private or personal use. The men soon lose all discipline. They make interest and it becomes impossible to get them back. In short, the men are really lost to the service of the people though borne on the list of the Police. (14) One bad example leads to another. The example of the ladies comes to be Its bad effects. followed by the gentlemen of the Palace. The example of the Palace leads to imita- tion by the public servants. The abuse multiplies. What is the consequence? While there is a large Police force on paper, a considerable portion, is really doing private personal service. In connection with this subject, it should be remembered that every Policeman withdrawn from the public service diminishes the protection of the people. I have given one example of abuse, others may also arise, but I need not dwell longer on this part of the subject. I will only repeat to Your Highness that it will be most essential to good government that you main- tain an adequate and efficient Police at all times. (15) I will now adduce another weighty con- sideration in favour of your main- They are a source of Poiitu taining an adequate and efficient cal strength. Police. It is this that such Police 120 MINOR HINTS will be a source of political strength to yourself. There are some turbulent tribes and classes of people in these territories, easily excited or misled. They are apt to join in any movement against the Sarkar. There are past instances of their having repeatedly done so. And more intelligent intrigu- ers are not wanting, who would make any use of those troublesome elements if there be good chance of success. Now an adequate and well distributed Police force will watch all those fellows who will be deterred from mischief from the very knowledge that they are being watched. Much mischief will thus be absolutely prevented. Again, if notwith- standing any mischief does take place, it will be observed at its . very outset, and will be checked easily before it gathers force. This is of the utmost importance, for, remember this that every day a mischievous movement is left unnoticed and unchecked, it grows stronger and more extensive. The confidence of the mischief-makers increases. They compel or persuade others to join them. By looking they acquire money to support the move- ment. They get their followers to commit serious offences and then tell these followers "The Sarkar will never excuse you for these offences. On the contrary, if you yield, the Sarkar will punish you most severely. Your only hope of escaping punishment is to defy the Sarkar as long as you possibly can, At worst, better to die fighting FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 12 1 against the Sarkar, than to yield and be ignomin- ously hanged." In this way, a small beginning might swell to great proportions. What an efficient Police could have easily put down at its incipient stage, might require an army to suppress. It may be compared to the progress of a conflagration. If the fire be noticed at the very commencement, it can be easily quenched. But the longer it is left unchecked, the more formidable it grows. (16) I have not exhausted the arguments in Even the Bri- favour of the maintenance of an may suffer for efficient Police. Without an efficient want of aneffl- _ . u cient Police. Police, not only Your Highness sub- jects but the subjects of the British Government will suffer. With abundant facilities for com- munication, British subjects come into these territories constantly and in large numbers. If British subjects are often murdered, wounded or looted in our territories in consequence of our not having an efficient Police, the British Government may take notice of the fact as evidence of mal-administration. Your Highness well knows how much it is our interest to keep the British Government fairly satisfied. (17) Again, it is generally our interest and duty to prevent any bodies of our We should help the British people going into British territories Police. and committing serious offences. We should prevent such things reasonably, ei 122 MINOR HINTS and if our people do commit offences in British territories and come back into ours, we should, by all means, apprehend them and make them over to the British authorities for trial and punishment. But how is all this to be done with- out an efficient Police ? (18) Again, we always want the cordial assis- tance of the British Police in appre- And expect help from them hendmg and delivering over to us in return. those who commit serious offences in our territories and take shelter in British territories. Unless we bring such culprits to punishment, our territories will suffer terribly. But how can we expect cordial assistance from the British Police without ourselves having an efficient Police to reciprocate such assistance ? (19) What I have said in regard to British Our territories territories, more or less applies also to stand honor- able comparison to other neighbouring territories, with other terri- . tones. I think 1 have said enough to strong- ly impress on Your Highness the vital import- ance of maintaining an adequate and efficient Police for the protection of the people. Such Police has been already established. It is now working so well, that our territories can stand honourable comparison with neighbouring British territories in respect to public peace, order and security ; whereas a few years ago, the Baroda territory was very badly off in these FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 123 respects. What you have then to do is to maintain the Police we thus already have. Let nothing whatever induce you to impair that Police. You can, of course, further improve it. (20) Certain persons here, (and I am glad they are very few,) will probably tell you opinions of cer- that the present administration has tain persons. . . done wrong in establishing this Police .force,and thereby adding to the public expenditure. When any person tells you so, my advice is, quietly take out Your Highness' notebook and mark him as a person whose opinion is worthless in public affairs. As bearing on the subject under consider a- ation, let us read paras, 82, 83 and 84 of our Ad- ministration Report for the year 1878-79, page 52. (Here read and explain the same). There are also other -paras, of the same Administration Report which may be read and explained with interest in connection with the subject under treatment. Let us turn to paras. 98 to 106, inclusive, page 55. (Here read and explain the same.) (21) It follows that, as a rule, the Sirdars, and Silledars should have nothing The Sirdars to have nothing to to do with the Police so long as the do with the Police. difficulties just explained continue. I assure Your Highness that it is much better that the Sirdars and Silledars should go on as they have been going on, than that they should 124 MIXOR HIXT& t>e forced into the Police so as to impair its discipline and efficiency and to bring themselves into trouble. In short, no desire for economy no wish to utilize the Sirdars and Silledars, no anxiety to meet their wishes, should be allowed for a moment, to interfere with the satisfactory performance of the fundamental duty of the Sarkar, to protect the life, person and property of the people by the maintenance of an adequate and efficient Police. (22) The Hindu Dharma-Shastras repeatedly and most strongly enjoin this pri- The primary , . duty emphasis- mary duty on kings. I must con- clude this day's lecture by declaring that he who fails to discharge this great duty is not worthy of the position, or even the name of a ruler. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES llth May, 1881. We began by laying down the great and funda- mental principle that it is the first of a?i Govern*- duty of the ruler to promote the happiness of the people. We deriv- ed from that principle the foremost obligation of all governments to take measures with the view of protecting the life, person and property of the people. 2. We have seen that the first of these measures An efficient * s * establish and maintain an ade- quate and efficient Police for the whole country. (3) Now, the Police acts in two ways. First, it prevents offences as far as may be The two-fold functions of the possible, secondly, when offences Police. are committed in spite ot preventive efforts, the great duty of the Police is to catch the offenders and to bring them to punishment. (4) In both these respects the Police has,, .or The Police ma y have, to use force mainly phv- represenls ;he j r j ordinary physi- s j ca i force. It has to use force to cal foice of the ruler overcome the force with which it 126 MINOR HINTS may be opposed. Offenders cannot be expected to quietly obey orders or to surrender themselves without resistance. The Police should be strong enough to overcome the ordinary resistance which it may encounter. It is evident, then, that the Police represents the ordinary physical force of the ruler. A ruler without a Police is like a man without muscular power. He may talk, write, issue orders ever so wisely, but he will not be able to act ; he will not be able to compel obedience. (5) I have said that the Police represents the ordinary physical or muscular power force ts SU neces r of . the ruler that is of the State. But this is not sufficient for all contingencies. Sometimes, though not ordinarily, it may appear that many offenders combine and offer such a degree of resistance that the Police is not strong enough to put down such resistance. For example, the Police proceed to catch a Bheel murderer, hundreds of Bheels turn out to aid the offender, and to prevent the Police catching him. Suppose the assembled Bheels are so strong in numbers and deadly weapons, that the Police on the spot is unable to put them down even with the assistance of the neighbouring Police. Take an- other example. Some excitement or quarrel arises between a body of Hindus and a body of Mahomedans, and they proceed to attack each other in numbers. Take a third example. Some FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 127 time ago, a dispute arose between the Parsees and the Mahpmedans of our town of Nowsari in regard to the route which the Taboot procession should take. I investigated the matter and decided that the Mahomedans should be allowed to take the route which has been customary for many years. The Parsees did not like my decision, but they had to submit to it, and I am glad to say that they did submit to it with that good sense which distin- guishes that class of people. But suppose that the Parsees had been so foolish as to -refuse to sub- mit, to the Sarkar's order so foolish as to oppose the carrying out of the Sarkar's order. Suppose that large numbers of the Parsees assembled and, with arms in their hands resolved to resist the progress of the Taboot procession passing as directed by the Sarkar. When such contingencies arise, when the Police is not strong enough to overcome the extraordinary resistance offered, the Sarkar must not stand still. Once allow such unlawful resist- ance to prevail once allow the Sarkar's authority to be set aside or defied, such resistance will be repeated and will be repeated until the Sarkar's authority is destroyed and anarchy ensues. (6) It being so necessary to enforce the autho- rity of the Sarkar so necessary to The Military force and its compel the resisting people to sub- necessity. mit to the just orders of the Sarkar we must supply some physical force far superior 128 MINOR HINTS. to that of the ordinary Police. I allude to the Military force. Hence the necessity of a sufficient Military force for the use of the State on such occasions. The State, then must maintain a Mili- tary force. It is a duty which should be fully attended to in the interest of peace, order and security. (7) The Police represents the ordinary muscular The Police and power of the Sarkar. The Police and form the whole the Military together constitute the Whole muscular power of the Sarkar. With this whole muscular power in good condition, the Sarkar is able to obtain obedience to its orders which it has to execute for the good of the people, for promoting the happiness of the people. (8) Let me now lay before you some of the more important points in relation to The degree of efficiency oi the the Military force of the State. It Military force. is self-evident that the Military force should be efficient to the requisite degree. Let us now consider what this degree of efficiency is. The degree of this efficiency must be determined by references to the purposes which the Military force is required to accomplish. (9) I have already stated that the Military force is to be called into play when It should be more efficient the Police is not strong enough to than the Police put down resistance. It follows then as a matter of course, that the Military force should FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 129 be more efficient than the Police. In other words, a Military department of 100 men should be more efficient than an equal Police department. We thus have the inferior or lower limit of efficiency. The limit to start from is quite clear. (10) On the other hand, it should be remembe- red that our Military force hag no It need not be a* efficient as occasion to fight with Afghans, Rus- the British force. sians, etc., as British Regiments have or may have to do. It follows, then, as a matter of course, our Military force need not be as efficient as the British forces. We thus have the superior or higher limit of efficiency. The degree of efficiency of our Military force must then be somewhere above the efficiency of our Police and below the efficiency of British Regiments. Provided we keep fairly within these broad and clear lines, any little error in the fixation of the exact degree may not be of much consequence. (11) I may here inform Your Highness that I consider that the present efficiency The present efficiency is suf- j n which our regular force is main- fieient. tained is generally sufficient for our purposes. Your Highness will, therefore, have to maintain that degree of efficiency. (12) From what I have above explained, Your Highness will readily perceive that The irregulars Olir irregular forces, (by which I are of no use. mean the old Silledari horse and 17 130 MIXOR HI XT* foot) are of little or no use for the purposes in view because they do not fulfil the important condition already noted as regards efficiency. They are even much less efficient than the present ordinary Police. In short, the Silledari is an old, rusty and almost useless weapon. (13) Another conclusion following from what I have said is that Your Highness Do not raise the efficiency w {\\ d o we }} to firmly resist the temp- of the regular force tation to raise the efficiency of our regular force to the British standard. Such temp- tation may arise from a mere personal love of dis- play or from hasty and thoughtless recommenda- tions made by our own; or even by British Officers. Military Officers have a natural and excusable wish to raise the quality of their forces to the highest possible standard without much regard for the necessities of the case, or for the expenditure involved. (14) On the other hand, it will be necessary to take care that the present effi- But the pre sent efficiency ciency does not fall off. In Native to be maintained. States, laxity is very apt to creep in in consequence of neglect or indifference. There is need to be vigilant against such a tendency. (15) I think it will be useful here to peruse The usefulness the observations made in the Ad- of this physical power. ministration Report for 1878-79 under the head of Military department. The sum FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES m and substance of what I have been urging is that the present Regular Military force should be maintained in its existing Police, both representing the physical power of the ISarkar, a power absolute- ly necessary for the proper performance of the Sarkar 's fundamental duty of protecting the life, person and property of the subjects. With this physical -power at the command of the Sarkar, the Sarkar will be able to enforce obedience to its orders whether these orders are in the shape of law r s or those which are issued from time to time. (16) To proceed. The protection of the life, person and property of the people Another requi- site is a proper re q u i re s something more than a machmsry for the administra Police force plus a Military force, tion of justice. An equally essential requisite is a proper machinery for the administration of justice. By a proper machinery for the administration of justice, I mean courts such as that of the magis- trate, that of the munsiff. that of the-zilla judge, and that of the Varisht Judge a series of courts with graduated powers, for administering civil and criminal justice, the duty of these courts being to decide justly all the numerous disputes which cons- tantly arise among the people themselves. (17) The people are, of course, a body of TO settle individuals. Differences and disputes the innumerable ,, . . ,. . , differences and constantly arise between individual and individual. If these differences 132 Ml SOU II 1ST X and disputes are not justly investigated and decid- ed as they arise, see what grave evils will ensue. Individual will fight with individual, family with family, bodies of persons with other bodies. Small matters will grow into large matters. Strong passions will be excited. Breaches of the peace will constantly occur. Killing, wounding, plun- dering will become very common. The motives for peaceful, steady industry will be greatly weaken ed perhaps extinguished. The motives for the accumulation of wealth will similarly suffer. In short, great confusion will prevail and the happi- ness of the people will be destroyed. (18) But we started with the fundamental principle that it is the first duty of Courts of jus- , , , tice to be esta- the ruler to promote the happiness of the people. Of what use that ruler be, who allows the happiness of the people to be destroyed in the manner I have just stated ? It will thus be seen how essential it is for good government to establish courts of justice. Main- taining good courts of justice, the Sarkar says to the people, " Don't you quarrel and fight among yourselves. Whenever any individual feels he has been injured by another in respect of person, or property, or otherwise, let the complainant repre- sent the matter to the judicial tribunals, and these tribunals will carefully enquire into the matter and decide the dispute justly. The wrong-doer FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 133 will be found out, he will be compelled to make reparation for the wrong he has done, and when such is necessary, he will be also punished for the wrong he did." (19) The great body of the people like such an arrangement. The very exist- Wrong-doers are restrained ence o f ^he arrangement largely pre- by the fear of courts - vents many wrongs and many dis- putes. Each individual says to himself " I must not do any wrong to my neighbour or take from him what is justly his ; for, as soon as I do so, I will be deprived of my gain, and I may be also punished." Many people will reason in this way and abstain from wrong-doing. This, Your High- ness, is an immense and incalculable benefit to society. To realise this benefit adequately, you must think over the matter. Meanwhile let me assure you and on reflection you will thoroughly understand it that the great body of the people who do not actually use the judicial machinery (i. e., the courts) really benefit by that machinery much more than those comparatively few people who do use that machinery. Why is it that the great body of the people do not resort to the courts? Because they have not been wronged. But why have they not been wronged ? Because wrong- doers have been restrained by the fear of the courts. To make the matter clearer, let us take some figures merely by way of example. Our subjects 134 MINOR HINT* are, say, 20 lakhs. Out of this, suppose half a lakh have recourse to the courts. Then I wish to ex- plain to Your Highness that this half a lakh derive much benefit, because they obtain redress for their grievances, but the rest of the people 19J lakhs benefit still more because they have been success- fully protected against injuries protected in consequence of the very existence of the courts. (20) Your Highness will thus see that the courts are of great benefit to the whole The whole , ^ population is population that the courts con- stitute one of the most effective instruments for the protection of life, person and property a protection which we have recognised to be the fundamental duty of the Ruler. (21) It is owing to the operation of the judi- Peace and cial tribunals that the weak are pro- and C fhe people's tected against the strong the good moted!" are protected against the bad. It is owing to the operation of the judicial tribunal that peace and order prevail, and that men are enabled to enjoy as much liberty as possible, and are en- abled to exert themselves for their happiness with- out being molested by others. It is owing to the operation of the judicial tribunals that society is kept well together ; that the forces which tend to promote the happiness of society have free action, and that those forces are prevented from acting against each other and consequently neutralising FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 135 or weakening each other. All the forces tending to promote the happiness of society being thus direc- ted in one channel, the greatest and best results are secured. Take any two States equal in all other respects, but the one having a good judicial machi- nery and the other having a bad judicial machinery or none. It is quite certain that, that State which has a good judicial machinery will prosper beyond the other in a very decided manner. We thus see how essential and valuable the administration of justice is to accomplish the great object of govern- ment, namely, the happiness of the people. (22) Now we have succeeded in establishing in these territories a series of judicial The existing judicial machi- tribunals, such as the country requi- nery must be maintained. re s. These judicial tribunals have been working well and are fulfilling their objects. If all that I have been this day saying has made a sufficient impression on Your Highness (and I need not doubt it), I feel sure that Your Highness will earnestly maintain and support the existing judicial machinery. A contrary course would be ruinous alike to the people arid to the ruler. I feel quite certain of this ; and pray remember one additional circumstance, that when a community has already known and felt the advantage of a good administration of justice, the mischief and the peril of depriving that community of a good administra- tion of justice would be all the greater. 130 MfXOR HINTS (23) In connection with the administration of The Maharaja j ustice, I wish Your Highness to cannot do judi- ,. ,. . , ciai work.person- realise the iact that, in any large State, it would be utterly impossible for the Maharaja to himself personally do regular judicial work. It would be too burdensome to the Maharaja, and it is not possible for every Maharaja to qualify himself with the necessary amount of legal knowledge and experience, to acquire which years of study are required perhaps a good por- tion of a life- time. It follows that there should be a regularly constituted judicial machinery, such as at present exists a machinery which will work steadily from day to day without necessitating the Maharaja personally taking trouble. It would be wrong it would be contrary to the interests of the people to delay justice because the Maharaja is engaged in ceremonies, or festivities, or tired of work, or feels indisposed in point of health or for such other reasons. (24) Let me inform Your Highness of the clear result of my study and experience, If he under takes it, he must namely, that any Maharaja who un- dertakes to administer public justice personally must inevitably fail. (25) There are yet other strong reasons in support of the maintenance of the Trained judges should dispense existing judicial machinery. I must public justice. lay them before Your Highness. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 137 Judges who have made law and justice their special study, who hold office on the express con- dition of dispensing justice who are constantly alive to their responsibility who are under fear of discredit and disgrace consequent on misdeci- sion I say that judges will generally deserve and command far greater confidence as dispensers of public justice than even the Maharaja, himself. This will be quite evident on reflection. It being so, it is for the best interests of the people that trained and constituted judges should dispense public justice, and not that the Maharaja should undertake the task personally. I must frankly tell Your Highness that if I had a suit of any importance, I would consider it better and safer that the judges should decide the case than that the Maharaja should do so, even though the Maha- raja is a well-educated ruler. It is just like this, namely that, in case of serious illness, I would decidedly prefer to be treated by a trained doctor to being treated by the Maharaja. Again, I would decidedly prefer that the railway train in which I am to travel, be driven by the trained driver, to its being driven by an amateur Maharaja. Your Highness will find that those few who would pre- fer the Maharaja as a judge are very few indeed a mere drop in the ocean. And the preference shown by those few persons clearly arises, not from a wish to obtain pure justice, but from the wish 138 Ml SOU to obtain decisions in their favour under the very objectionable system of Meherbani. (26). Again. If the Maharaja were to dis- Why the Ma- pense justice personally, he would be haraja should not dispense sure, in a few years, to incur the justice person- ally, enmity or ill-will of great numbers of the people ; for, he must inevitably displease all those against whom he ever decides. It is difficult to set limits to the possible consequences of that enmity or ill-will. I need not be more explicit. Why should the Maharaja expose him- self to such enmity or ill-will ? It is quite need- less. It would certainly be very unwise in any Maharaja to place himself in such a position. (27) Again. The dissatisfied parties are sure to appeal to the Agent, Governor- The parties are ?ure to ap- General. They may appeal to the Viceroy. They may appeal to the public through the newspapers. Now, if the Maharaja were to personally administer justice, all those appeals would be directed against the Maharaja personally. All the appeals would go to question the Maharaja's legal knowledge, to ques- tion his impartiality, to question his care and diligence. Harsh words would be applied to the Maharaja, such as ignorance, partiality, careless- ness and many other worse things. Would this be pleasant to the Maharaja ? Would it be consis- tent with his dignity ? Would it be consistent FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 139 with that high respect and veneration in which it is desirable the Maharaja should be held ? When the Maharaja's name is roughly handled as just indicated, the Maharaja might be tempted to re- sent the same. The resentment might take very unjustifiable forms amd might bring the Maha- raja into more or less serious difficulties. Why incur all this risk ? (28) Let us pursue the subject a little further. Suppose some of the appeals result It wouldlook bad to have his i n the conclusion that the Maharaja's decision revers ed - decision appealed against was wrong, and must therefore be reversed. What would be the consequence ? Why, the Maharaja would surely feel a degree of humiliation which would be very painful to him, which would probably deprive him of his sleep and digestion for some time. This would be the case especially when the Maharaja is compelled to cancel his own decision with his own hand and to pass a fresh order in favour of the party against whom he has decided the very party who had probably abused the Maharaja in the appeal. In such a situation, how would the Maharaja look in the eyes of his people ? (29) Again, if the Maharaja administers jus- Bribery is tice personally, he would be more or sure to creep in. legg ass i ste( j j n t h e work by certain karkoons or other officials around him. As the parties themselves cannot have free access to 140 MINOR HINTS the Maharaja, those officials would be likely to be openly or secretly engaged by the parties to make representations or explanations in their behalf to the Maharaja. Bribery is pretty sure to creep in and take root. Defeated parties will attribute their defeat, not to the weakness of their cause, but to bribes paid by the opposite party. Charges of corruption, true or false, will be prepared. Investigation of such charges cannot be refused, as a rule. Prosecutions will have to be ordered. Such prosecutions may involve not only the officials about the Maharaja, but even higher persons, perhaps friends, relations, Mankaries. etc. All this would be unpleasant in the highest degree, especially when convictions and punish- ments follow. (30) The administration of justice has, in The British these days, become a matter of far Government watches the kind greater difficulty than ever before, of justice im- parted. The concerns of the people have become more complicated. The demand for jus- tice on the part of the people is more exacting. And, in consequence of railways, etc., many British and other outside people come under our justice. It is to be always remembered that the British Government watches to see what kind of justice its subjects get in Native States. This is another important reason why the Maharaja should not burden himself with judicial work. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 141 (31) Your Highness will thus see what weighty reasons there are for maintaining the The high re- ... . ,. . , , . -, putation of the existing judicial machinery and tor administration. . . .. ,, giving it your hearty support. We now enjoy a high reputation in respect of the administration of justice. It is a source of im- mense strength to us. May Your Highness always enjoy this strength. (32) In Native States, I am ashamed to say, the administration of justice is not In other states f . ., , the administra- much looked atter, because it does tion of justice , . , -, -, not properly not bring in revenue largely ; and looked after. ., -. . . what revenue it may bring in, is hardly sufficient to pay the judicial machinery. I do not say this of all Native States, for there are exceptional instances of some States main- taining a very fair system of judicial adminis- tration. But a Maharaja, who knows what his great and fundamental duties are, will never fail to maintain a good judicial administration essential for the happiness and prosperity of his people. (33) I cannot too strongly impress on Your Highness the prime necessity of The courts pay a portion of their maintaining a pure administration cost by fees and flnes of justice. Without it, human beings, with their various feelings and passions, cannot long live together and prosper in their concerns. Cost what they may, the existing courts of 142 MINOR HINTS justice must be maintained. But they pay a good portion of their cost by means of fees and fines. (34) Among the existing courts, Your High- ness knows that there is a special The special court for suits CO urt for suits against Sirdars. This against Sirdars. special court has been designed to conciliate the feelings and sentiments of this class of people who do not wish to be subject to the ordinary courts. As long as these feelings and sentiments prevail, this special and distinct court of justice must be maintained. The great princi- ple to be remembered in this respect is, that the Sirdars cannot for a moment be allowed to claim to be beyond the reach of public justice. They cannot be allowed no human being can be allowed not even the Maharaja himself to say "we shall do any unjust things we. like." This is so self-evident that no arguments are necessary. Do anything and everything that may be reason- able to gratify the Sirdars, in respect of their peculiar feelings of dignity, etc., but it must be all consistent with the great principle that they must be substantially subject to public justice, like other members of the community. (35) The particulars as to the constitution, the powers, and the functions of the Maintain a proper and self* various tribunals of justice fall with- working judicial machinery. in the province of Mr. Cursetji to explain to Your Highness. But in expounding FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 143 fundamental principles of good government, my duty is to impress on Your Highness the absolute necessity of maintaining a proper and permanent and self -working judicial machinery. As your sincere well-wisher, as a faithful and experienced public servant, I assure you that the maintenance of an efficient judicial machinery is quite essential to the stability of your power as a ruler. (36) In connection with the administration of justice, I must here allude to the The abomi- nable system of abominable system of nazaranas nazaranas to get favourable deci- which prevailed here. In tact, the sions. parties to a suit freely ottered money to the Maharaja to get decisions in their favour. That party who made the largest gift of money generally got the decision in his favour. This was really selling justice to the highest bidder. This is the worst kind of avarice that any ruler can be guilty of. A ruler making money by selling justice is worse than that despicable man who makes money by selling his own children. I ear- nestly hope that the nazarana system I am speak- ing of has received its death-blow, and it will never more raise its horrid head again. (37) It will not, however, be enough for the ruler himself to abstain from taking Bribery should receive its death nazarana or bribesin connection with blow. the administration of justice. He must be always vigilant to prevent his friends, 144 MINOR HINTS relations, dependents, etc., from doing the same directly or indirectly- openly or secretly. Tli<> < are lots of hungry wolves infesting Palaces, though they appear like lambs ; and the Baroda Palace is not an exception. I know that even among those who are well off, and who are outwardly respectable and gentlemanly, there are some quite ready to take bribes without caring anything for the good name of the Maharaja, and for the welfare of the people. Against such rogues, Your Highness should be perpetuaUy on your guard. When, therefore, Your Highness assumes power, you must unmis- takably make it known to all around you that, if any one takes bribes, he will have no mercy, but that he will be turned out of the Palace by you ; that he will lose his nemnooks and privileges ; and that he may be prosecuted in due course of justice and adequately punished. If, notwithstanding such previous and particular warning, any one misbe- haves, lethim certainly feel Your Highness' displea- sure, more or less, in the manner above stated ; and one or two practical examples will surely stop the evil. The exposure and punishment of a possible friend, relation or dependent may be very unpleasant ; but it is an imperative duty which you owe as a ruler to your subjects. If the fellow did not care about your reputation, you need not care about his. In relation to this subject, let us always remember that it was bribery and cor- FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 145 ruption which mainly brought about the downfall of Mulhar Rao. (38) I have stated and repeated that a pure administration of justice is essential The officers to be of good char- to the well-being of the people. To acter. make sure of such an administra- tion of justice, other conditions are also required and let us notice the chief of them. It is very important that the officers appointed to administer justice should be men of good character and pos- sessing the requisite knowledge of judicial work. In fact, there can be no good government without men of honesty and qualification to work in all the main departments of government. How such men should be sought out and availed of, is in itself a very important subject, which I shall treat of separately hereafter. I will here only say that magistrates, munsiffs and judges should be very carefully selected persons. Above all, the judges of the Varishta, or your highest court, should be the very best men possible. This advantage secured, all the res-t will follow easily enough. (39) The judicial officers (indeed all officers) must be well paid. Of this subject, They must be well paid. a i so> I will speak hereafter in a dis- . tinct lecture. (40) The judicial officers (indeed all officers) And promoted must be generally promoted accord- according to - i merit. ing to merit and good public service. 146 MINOR HINTS (41) The judicial officers especially should have confidence in the tenure of their Should not be ~, removed arbi omces, so long as they behave well, and have health and strength for work. They must not be afraid of being removed arbitrarily. Above all, they should have no reason to fear that they might be injured, because of the displeasure that they might incur by doing im- partial justice. (42) The Maharaja should scrupulously abstain from asking the judicial officers to The ad minis , ., , . . . tracion should decide this way or that way in parti- cular cases. The Maharaja should not even show that he would be pleased if any 'particular party be favoured. He should show no special interest on either side. His atti- tude should clearly indicate that he cares only for the impartial administration of justice, and that he will strongly support every judicial officer who distributes justice without fear or favour. To maintain this attitude, the Maharaja will have .to resist importunities of friends, relations and depen- dents, with great firmness. These should be once for all ordered not to trouble Your Highness in that manner. If, notwithstanding, any one does trouble Your Highness, Your Highness' reply should be "I cannot influence the judicial officers in any way. I have appointed good judges and they will do justice. If you are not satisfied with the FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES H7 decision, you may appeal to the higher court. In this way, you can obtain what justice you may be entitled to." Some such reply, firmly repeated, will effectually check importunity. Otherwise, that is to say, if- you yield to importunity in a few instances importunity will increase and multiply; you would be perpetually worried every moment of your life, and the administration of justice will go ^ wrong your reputation as a good ruler will suffer. (43) Again. The Maharaja will do well to show his respect for justice by sup- No special re- laxation, in fav- porting the courts when they re- our of Palace servants. quire the attendance of Palace ser- vants and officials. All requisitions which are right and proper should be readily complied with. Those servants and officials should be made to feel that they are not above justice that they are respon- sible to justice that they must respect others' rights just like other subjects. They should feel that no special relaxation of justice will take place in their favour, though they will be well protected as long as they behave well. They are all generally shrewd people who will be anxious to study the disposition of the Maharaja and to submit to the same. (44) The Maharaja should personally set a Refer ail civil good example to all by his own matters "o^the habitual and cordial respect for justice. For instance, the Maharaja 148 MINOR HINTS should abstain from using or causing any personal violence to from inflicting any personal ill-treat- ment on any of his servants. His Highness should abstain from himself ordering arbitrary imprison- ment, attachment, or confiscation of property, etc., etc. His Highness should refer all offences and civil disputes to his courts, who will do the needful in the proper way. Again, His Highness should readily pay all the monies due by him to m others. He must satisfy all just claims just like any private individual. He should satisfy such claims, as far as possible, without compelling the claimants to abandon their claims or to resort to the courts of justice. Such a course on the part of His Highness will save him much personal enmity and will promote his popularity while strengthening the cause of justice generally. (45) From what I have said it is not to be supposed that His Highness has the "courts fulfil nothing whatever to do with the their duties. ^vxte of justice that His Highness is simply to look on as an indifferent or unconcern- ed spectator that His Highness is simply to let the courts do what they like. No. It is the great and imperative right and duty of His High- ness not only to maintain the judicial machinery, but to see that this machinery properly fulfils its purposes. I shall take another opportunity of explaining how this is to be done. In fact, I pro- FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 149 pose to explain how this is to be done in the instance of each department of the administra- tion, so that Your Highness may have a com- plete and comprehensive view of this important subject. (46) The great thing is that the Maharaja should be able to distinguish his The Maharaja should perform OW11 high and superintending duties sovereign duties. from less important and mere minis- terial duties. The Maharaja's ambition should be to perform sovereign duties and not the sub- ordinate duties of officers and karkoons. It is only that Maharaja who is ignorant of sovereign duties, or who is incompetent to perform sove- reign duties, it is only such a Maharaja, I say, that abandons sovereign duties and wastes his time and energies in' doing lower duties which officers and karkoons would do much better, more steadily and more accurately. (47) I will conclude this day's lecture by inviting Your Highness' best atten- ihe writings of tion and study to two eloquent Fenelon. . , . , ,-, passages in which a great french- man of the name of Fenelon conveyed to his royal pupil lessons similar to those which I have been endeavouring to convey to yourself. I will leave Mr. Elliot to tell Your Highness all about that great Frenchman, but I am here chiefly concerned with the leading ideas which lie 150 MINOR HINTS inculcated ideas which strongly confirm what I have already said, whether particularly as regards the whole administration of justice, or generally as regards the whole administration of the Raj. The following are the two passages I allude to : ' Idomenes then complained of the perplexity Telemachus, ^ e suffered from the great number P Decide new ^ causes between private persons, rigSb not o! which he was pressed, with great private property. i mport umty, to decide. 'Decide' said Mentor, ' all new questions of right, by which some general maxim of jurisprudence will be est- ablished or some precedents given for the explana- tion of law already in force, but do not take upon you to determine all questions of private property; they would overwhelm and 'embarrass you by their variety and number. Justice would necessarily be delayed for your single decision, and all sub- ordinate Magistrates would become useless. You would be overwhelmed and confounded, the regu- lations of petty affairs would leave you neither time nor thought for business of importance ; and, after all, petty affairs would not be regulated. Avoid, therefore, a state of such disadvantage and perplexity ; refer private disputes to subordinate Judges, and do nothing yourself but what others cannot do for you. You then, and then only,f ulfil the duties of a king.' * * * * *" FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 151 " The proof of abilities in a king as the supreme Teiemachus, governor of others, does not consist in TO "do every doing everything himself ; to attempt thing yourself is ... , ... a poor ambition, it is a poor ambition, and to suppose designsVaii must that others will believe it can be be freedom and , n i tranquillity. GO v- done, an idle hope. In government certain the king should not be the body, just but the soul ; by his influence and architecture. ' under his direction the hands should operate and the feet should walk ; he should conceive what is to be done, but he should appoint others to do it. His abilities will appear in the conception of his designs and the choice of his instruments. He should never stoop to their functions, nor suffer them to aspire to his ; neither should he trust them implicitly ; he ought to examine their proceedings and be equally able to detect a want of judgment or integrity. He governs well who discerns the various characters and abilities of men, and employs them to ad- minister government under him in departments that are exactly suited to their talents. The perfection of supreme government consists in the governing of those that govern ; he that presides, should try, restrain and correct them ; he should encourage, raise, change and displace them ; he should keep them for ever in his eye and in his hand ; but to make the minute particulars of their subordinate departments objects of personal 152 M1\()K /y/.V/'N application, indicates meanness and suspicion, and fills the mind with petty anxieties that leave it neither time nor liberty for designs that are worthy of royal attention. To form great designs, all must be freedom and tranquillity. No intri- cacies of business must embarrass or perplex, no subordinate objects must divide the attention. A mind that is enchanted upon minute particulars, resembles the lees of wine that have neither flavour nor strength ; and a king who busies himself in doing the duties of his servants, is always deter- red by the present appearances and never extends his view to futurity ; he is always absorbed by the business of the day that is passing over him and, this being his only object, acquires an undue im- portance, which, if compared with others, it would lose. The mind that admits but one object at a time, must naturally contract ; and it is impossible to judge well of any affair without considering many, comparing them with each other, and rang- ing them in a certain order by which their relative importance will appear. He that neglects this rule in government resembles a musician who should content himself with the discovery of melodious tones, one by one, and never think of combining or harmonising them into music which would not only gratify the ear, but affect the heart ; or he may be compared to an architect, who should fancy the powers of his art exhausted by FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 153 heaping together large columns and great quanti- ties of stone curiously carved, without considering the proportion of his building, or the arrangement of his ornaments ; such an artist, when he was building a saloon, would not reflect that a suitable staircase should be added, and when he was busy upon the body of the building, he would forget the courtyard and the portal ; his work would be nothing more than a confused assemblage of parts, not suited to each other, nor concurring to form a whole ; such a work would be so far from doing him honour, that it would be a perpetual monu- ment of disgrace ; it would show that his range of thought was not sufficient to include all the parts of his design at once j that his mind was contracted and his genius subordinate ; for he that sees only from part to part, is fit only to execute the designs of another. Be assured, my dear Telemachus, that the government of a king- dom requires a certain harmony like music and just proportions like architecture. If you will give me leave to carry on the parallel between these arts and government, I can easily make you comprehend the inferiority of those who ad- minister government by parts and not as a whole. He that sings particular parts in a concert, how- ever great his skill or excellent his voice, is still but a singer ; he who regulates all the parts and conducts the whole is the master of music ; so he 20 154 MINOR HINTS that fashions the columns and carries up the side of a building, is no more than a mason ; but he who has designed the whole and whose mind sees all the relations of part to part, is the architect. Those, therefore, who are most busy, who despatch the greatest number of affairs, can least be said to govern ; they are inferior workmen ; the presid- ing mind, the genius that governs the State, is he who, doing nothing, causes all to be done ; who meditates and contrives, who looks forward to the future, and back to the past, who sees relative proportions, arranges all things in order, and pro- vides for remote contingencies. * CHAPTER XXVIII FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. (contd.) 1st June 1881. We began by stating that it is the first duty of the ruler to promote the happi- the UnD p* evious ness of his people. In order to pro- mote the happiness of the people, the first thing which the ruler has to do is to take measures for the security of the life, liberty, person and property of the people. The first of these measures is to establish and maintain an adequate and efficient Police backed by a Military force of sufficient strength and discipline, the Police and the Military bodies representing the physical or the muscular force of the Sarkar the force by which the Sarkar is to compel obedience to law. The next immediate measure is to establish and maintain proper judicial tribunals for dispensing justice to the people ; for deciding their various disputes as they arise, granting redress to injured parties and punishing offenders whenever it is desirable to do so. 156 MINOR HINTS (2) We have dwelt on the importance of the proper administration of justice, but The judicial tribunals to for this purpose it is obviously es- have proper in- structions from sential that the judicial tribunals the State. should have proper instructions from the State. It is evident that the several Judges and Magistrates cannot be left to dispense justice just as they like. They ought to have principles and rules given them by the State for their guid- ance. These principles and rules are known as the laws of the country. (3) The State, then, must lay down laws for the guidance of the Judges. These belaid down for laws, are in fact, the well-considered their guidance. , ,. , , . orders ot the btate, once tor all issued for the information and guidance of the Judges, and also of the people in general. These standing or permanent orders of the State, known as laws, must be good, that is to say, the laws must be calculated to promote the happiness of the people. The happiness of the people ought to be the chief and ultimate aim of the laws. (4) It is certainly one of the most difficult of human labours to frame a complete Goods law are the product of body of good laws for any corn- long experience munity. Transactions between man and man are extremely numerous and sometimes very complex. Again, it requires very long ex- perience and careful observation to determine the FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 157 effect of any particular transaction or of any set of transactions on the general happiness of the community. Good laws must, therefore, be the product of long experience, careful observation and intellectual labours of the highest order. (5) We, here in Baroda, cannot pretend to in preparing ey olve from our own brains all the cora S moS te P rin e iaws wnicn are required for the known ' to USt the regulation of the affairs of our people, civilised world. TQ do gQ WQuld be impossiblej im _ desirable and, after all, unnecessary. No com- munity ever does so. One example may be ad- duced here to make more clear what I have just said. Suppose we wish to cure sickness among our people ; there are thousands of forms of sickness and some of the most complex character. Surely, we are not to set aside the accumulated know- ledge and experience of the world in general, and of similar countries in particular. We are not to set aside all that and to study all those forms of sickness ourselves and to devise our own medicines so with respect to civil and criminal laws. What should we then do with respect to laws ? I will briefly answer. We should note what few laws we already have. We should carefully note the great and universal principles of justice known to the civilized world as axioms or common prin- ciples. We should also note the laws which govern similar neighbouring communities. We should 158 MINOR HINTS further note the good customs which have pre- vailed in these territories. On a combined con- sideration of all these, we must frame our instructions to our judicial tribunals. (6) ' This is exactly the course which has been it is the course actually followed by the present Penfadminfs 6 administration. Indeed, any better course is not to be practically found at the beginning. It was not possible to start with a complete code of laws of our own. A work of many years ca.nnot be done in such a compara- tively short time. (7) Our higher judges are all men who have The guidance m o re or less studied law as a science. 'udgeTisSs' The Y are conversant with the great sary ' and universal principles of justice. These principles enable them to keep within the broad path of justice and to avoid any gross devia- tions. These principles are great safeguards in this way, and their guidance is all the more neces- sary at a time when we have no complete and speci- fic code of laws of our own, when so much has therefore to be left to the discretion of the courts. (8) Again, our community is not different from Apply the laws the neighbouring community under Br a is e h d GoVr'n! British le ' If there be an y diffei " ence, it is not considerable. It may therefore, be presumed that the laws framed by the British Government for the neighbouring FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 159 community, and which have been found to work well, are generally applicable to our community also. And it is to be remembered in this connection that the laws of the British Government are framed by eminently able and experienced men. Our judges know these laws or have access to them. They may well follow the spirit of these laws in the absence of anything better to guide them. (9) Again, there are long-established local Local customs customs customs recognised and to be respected. acted upon by Qur Qwn people Our judges respect such customs as a most impor- tant condition of the administration of justice. (10) Again, we have got authoritative works The Hindu on Hindu and Muhammadan Law daS ^"ws^d regulating marriage, adoption, sue- other customs. cession to property, partition of pro- perty, etc., etc. These works are guides to our judges as much as to British Indian Judges. Customs which are not mentioned in these works, but which may still be found to exist in particular places or in particular classes of people, are also" the guides of our judges who specially ascertain such customs from time to time. Under such combined guidance, our judges are enabled to render substantial justice to our people in a manner far more satisfactory than at any time before in the history of the Baroda State. And it is to be added that our Judges render substantial 160 MINOR HI NT Si justice without that, without those technicalities and elaborate forms which are a matter of com- plaint elsewhere. (11) In this way we have done the best that has been possible in the circumstances But there is . . ample room for of the situation for the admimstra- improvement. tion of justice, bo far the people feel satisfied in this respect, and we are not, of course, to mind any dissatisfaction expressed by those who wish to evade justice, but who are now compelled to submit to justice. This state of things must necessarily go on for some time, but there is ample scope for progressive improvement. We must gradually make laws of our own to some extent. In this respect, I will here indicate my views briefly and generally. (12) I would strongly recommend our early Adoption of adoption of the British Indian Penal Code ndl steoJgiy Code< With a few modifications and recommended. omissions, I may assure Your High- ness that it is a splendid code of the Penal Law. It is one of the most national codes of the sort in existence in the whole world. It is a better Penal Code than what is in use in England itself. It is a code which is the result of the experience and reflection of the most eminent Jurists of Asia, Europe and America. General crimes are univer- sal, that is to say, they are taken as crimes not only in this or in that State, but in all civilized States, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 161 The Indian Penal Code treats of such crimes or offences. It is therefore applicable to India and to any part of India. Indeed, it was framed for India itself. It has been applied to the wide regions of the British Indian Empire and has generally worked well. I am decidedly of opinion that we cannot do better than adopt it here, with, as I have already said, the requisite modi- fications and adaptations. These will be very few indeed. (13) A similar course seems desirable in relation Also of the to Criminal Procedure with consider- Criminal Proce- . durecode. able simplification, and so on. In short, the broad lines I would recommend, are to go on with the administration of justice as at present, and to begin making laws gradually and from time to time, as it may be found necessary to do. (14) Law and Justice generally and practically are subjects which Mr. Cursetji will Regular laws must be made deal with better than I can. I must gradually. . not trench upon his field. But the few very general observations I am offering fall within the category of the fundamental principles of good government I am to communicate to Your Highness. I have said that we must begin to make regular laws gradually and from time to time as may be found necessary hereafter. In this impor- tant connection, I would suggest some points to be kept in view. They are as follows. 21 162 MINOR HINTS (15). No existing custom which is fairly good NO good cus- and has long been recognised torn to be set aside. and acted upon by the people should be set aside or altered ; strong sound reason must be shown for such action. The evil which is sought to be corrected must be clearly shown ; what is the evil exactly ; what is its magnitude ; how many persons does it affect ; do the people themselves complain of the evil; does the evil really diminish the happiness of the people which is the great object of good government? In short, unless the evil is so material that the people themselves or an intelligent portion of them would wish it to be remedied, leave the long established customary law as it is. (16) On the other hand, if the evil is clearly Remedy an substantiated, so that there is no evil custom. doubt about it,proceed to its remedy. Without this, there would be no progress no improvement. What I have said about setting aside or altering existing customary law equally applies to setting aside or altering existing written law. (17) No new law should be passed in any haste. NO new law The utmost deliberation should to be hastily passed. precede the passing of any new law. See that the proposed law is not opposed to any fundamental principle recognized by civilized communities. If the proposed law be unique be FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 163 utterly without analogy in civilized communi- ties of modern times suspect its soundness. (18) Discuss the proposed law with the Prin- The proposed cipal Ministers, and the Principal law to be dis- cussed with the Judges and some of the principal Ministers and Judges intelligent members of the general community and take their opinions. Consult also intelligent members of that part of the community which may be affected by the proposed law. Freely elicit objections in order that they may be known and may be duly weighed. (19) As a rule, do not pass any law which is Agree with the opposed by the greater portion of majority. those with whom you have fully dis- cussed it. Indeed, it would be quite unsafe it might be even dangerous for any Maharaja to pass any law or any part of a law, without at least some of his ministers and some of his judges assenting to the same, and being prepared to defend the same if assailed, and to be fully responsible for its soundness. (20) Adopt the analogy of the British Indian Law except where there are strong Adopt the analogy of the reasons to the contrary. Do not let British Law. . Copy the good of any law diner irom the correspond- ing British Indian Law merely for the unreasonable sake of showing independence or originality. This spirit would be petty and ir- rational. Never mind if certain people say that we 164 MINOR HINTS are merely copying. Provided the law itself is good and is applicable to our people, there can be nothing blameable in copying. One country may well adopt the good things of another. The most advanced the proudest and the most independent nations follow that course, otherwise the know- ledge and experience of one country would become useless to another. (21) There is another strong reason to recom- mend that our laws should differ as ' Conflict of laws" not desir- little as possible from those of our able. neighbours, and it is this. If the important laws governing similar and adjacent communities, materially differ, there ensues what is called " conflict of laws " which brings great difficulties and perplexities in the administration of justice. The difficulties and perplexities are so numerous and so serious that they have been the subject of bulky volumes by some of the ablest jurists. (22) Again, see that the proposed law does not trench upon the domain of religion. Law not to interfere with Every law should abstain from inter- religion. lerence with the religious community concerned. The State should be neutral and im- partial in its policy. The policy of the State should be to let every individual practise any reli- gion he likes, provided he does not thereby injure others, that is to say, violate the rights of others. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 165 (23) Again every proposed law must, more or less affect the liberty or property of It should do more good than the people must curtail liberty or diminish property. This is an evil in itself. Make sure, before passing the law, that the good of it will be clearly in excess of the evil attended to, if not, the proposed law cannot be a good one. (24) Make each law as simple and as intelli- gible to the people as may be possible It should be simple and im consistently with the object to be partial. accomplished. See that the proposed law does not unduly favour any particular section of the people at the expense of another section. The laws should be impartial to all sections. (25) See that the proposed law does not curtail, or curtails as little as possible, the It should not curtail personal liberty oi any one to make himself liberty. as happy as he likes and in any man- ner he judges best provided he does not injure others. As a rule, every member of society is the most interested in his own welfare. He will not neglect himself. His self-interest will powerfully prompt him to promote his own happiness. The State need not burden itself with any serious anxieties in this respect. The best policy for the State to pursue is to leave each individual to make himself happy in the manner he judges best provided he does not injure another 166 MJNOR HINTS provided, he leaves other individuals similar liberty. The more this principle is kept in view and acted upon, the greater will be the quantity of happiness earned by each individual, and hence the greater will be the total quantity of happiness earned by the whole community. (26) I have thus given Your Highness a few Avoid passing hints a few rough hints which will generally enable you to avoid passing bad or objectionable laws. All those hints you may not be able to carry in your memory. But, as you are getting these notes copied in your book, you may refer to them when you have occasion to consider 'any proposed law. (27) I have still a few further observations to The subject of ^ er> Heretofore, many things have been done by the several departments by means of circular orders, Jahirnamas or Noti- fications. It was necessary to do so at this stage, the main object being to do away speedily with the darkness and confusion which had prevailed and to arrange things in a rough and ready manner, leaving nicer adjustments to follow at greater leisure. But hereafter, say from the time Your Highness will assume the powers of Maharaja, that every measure which affects or materially affects the person, pro- perty or liberty of the people should be the subject pf regular law framed and passed in Your Highness' FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 167 name in due form. This will ensure greater preci- sion and uniformity. It will carry greater weight. It will better enable the people to know what laws they are to obey and what the consequences of disobedience are. It will be a greater convenience to those officers themselves who have to give effect to the laws. (28) I beg Your Highness will always re- member that the laws are the well- Do not give any order oppos- considered and permanent orders of ed to the laws. the State. The Maharaja must not himself counteract them publicly or privately. The Maharaja must not give any orders opposed to the laws. He must not privately ask or hint to any judge or magistrate to favour or to disfavour any one by setting aside the law. I mention this particularly and emphatically because Maharajas are under great temptation to do what they must not do. It would be false and treacherous conduct for any Raja or Maharaja to pass a deliberate order in public in the shape of a law and to ask judges and magistrates privately to break that very order. (29) The more the laws are respected, the better it is for the happiness of the The more the . laws are respect- people, which is the first duty of ed, the better. the ruler. And the ruler himself must most respect the laws as an example to the people. 168 MINOR HINTS (30) Foolish, ignorant or selfish persons will constantly ask you urge you to do Do not be in- fluenced by fool- something yourself, or to get others ish persons to do something against the laws. They will even venture to say, " Is not the great Gaekwar able to do what he likes ? 'Is there any power to restrain the Maharaja himself ?" "If there is, then the Maharaja is not supreme in his country. He is a timid or weak Maharaja," and so on. Such things will be told you constantly in one form or another. Your Highness must not allow yourself to be influenced or excited thereby in the least. Take it all coolly and calmly. With a gentle royal smile, answer them by saying, " My education and my reflection have convinced me that that Maharaja is truly great who constantly respects the laws which have been designed for the good of the people. I am determined to act under that conviction." By pursuing such a course you will become truly great. You will be the greatest benefactor of your people. You will have a high place in the history of your country. (48) It remains for me to say that the Hindu The Hindu Shastras also repeatedly and most Snastras on law. p OWer f u lly inculcate the same thing. One of their happiest maxims is that " Law is the king of kings." It is a precious maxim which must be engraved on the memory of rulers. CHAPTER XXIX FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. Contd. Wednesday, Sth June, 1881. The great and fundamental truths which I have A Maharaja is had the honour of offering for Your th! dep Sifcrt Highness' acceptance are the results power** and ^ m y smcere an( l thorough convic- hiSf to d6 pSb e tion - Those truths have been m y guidance in the conduct of public affairs while filling the office of Chief Minister in three Native States successively for a series of more than twenty years. In following the guidance of those grand truths, in doing my best to assist in promoting the welfare of the people concerned, I have felt an inward satisfaction which words cannot adequately describe, but the like of which, I trust, Your Highness will yourself enjoy in all its pleni- tude. It is probably the purest and noblest of human pleasures. It is a pleasure that lasts to the end of life. It is a sublime maxim of the Vedas that he alone lives who lives to do good to others. Who can do more good to others than the Ruler of a community than a Maharaja who is the deposi- tory of the greatest power and wealth in his country ? I have alluded to myself personally, not 22 170 MINOR HINTS in a spirit of self-praise, but with the view of streng- thening your impressions. If an humble private individual like myself has been liberally rewarded with honour and distinction in consequence of faithful endeavours to promote the happiness of the people, you may easily conceive what brilliant and lasting fame \*ill be your reward as a Maharaja devoting himself to public good. But there is a far brighter reward to be looked for than worldly praise and fame. I refer to that great source which ordained your exaltation to your present position and opportunities. (2) In advising Your- Highness in the interests The ideas of ^ gd government, let me call to Vathei. mv gj^ an emmen t teacher of mankind in general and of Princes in particular. I refer to Vathei, a famous European author, who lived in the last century. The following are some of his ideas bearing on the topics I have already submitted to Your Highness : " A good Prince, a wise conductor of society, A good Prince ought to have his mind impressed Ss" own satis* with this 8 reat truth that the Sovereign power is solely entrusted to him for the safety of the State and the happiness of all the people ; that he is not permitted to con- sider himself as the principal object in the adminis- tration of affairs, to seek his own satisfaction, or his private advantage, but that he ought to direct all FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 171 his views, all his steps, to the greatest advantage of the State and people who have submitted to him. " But in most kingdoms a criminal flattery has long since caused these maxims to be Criminal flat- tery and posts forgotten. A crowd of servile courti- given by favour, to the neglect of ers easily persuade a proud monarch merit. that the nation was made for him and not he for the nation. He soon considers the kingdom as a patrimony that is his own property and his people as a herd of cattle from which he is to derive his wealth and which he may dispose of to answer his own views and gratify his passions. Hence those fatal wars undertaken by ambition, restlessness, hatred and pride. Hence those op- pressive taxes, whose produce is dissipated by ruinous luxury, or squandered upon mistresses and favourites ; hence, in fine, are important posts given by favour, while public merit is neglected and everything that does not immediately interest the Prince is abandoned to Ministers and subal- terns. Who can, in this unhappy government, discover an authority established for the public welfare ? A great Prince will be on his guard even against his virtues. Let us not say, with some writers, that private virtues are not the virtues of kings a maxim of superficial politicians, or of those who are very inaccurate in their expressions 172 MINOR HINTS goodness, friendship, gratitude, are still virtues on the throne ; and would to God they were always to be found there ! But a wise king does not yield an undeserving obedience to their impulse. He cherishes them, he cultivates them in his private life, but in State affairs he listens only to justice and sound policy. And why ? Because he knows that the government was entrusted to him only for the happiness of society, and that, therefore, he ought not to consult his own pleasure in the use he makes of his power. He tempers his goodness with wisdom, he gives to friendship his domestic and private favours ; he distributes posts and employments according to merit, public rewards to services done to the State. In a word, he uses the public power only with a view to the public welfare. * * * " He is, by virtue of that power, the guardian and defender of the laws ; and while He is the guardian of the it is his duty to restrain each daring laws. violater of them, ought he himself to trample them under foot ? * * * " But while these laws exist, the sovereign ought religiously to maintain and submit to the observe them. They are the foun- dation of the public tranquillity and the firmest support of the sovereign authority. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 173 Everything is uncertain, violent, and subject to revolutions in those unhappy States where arbitrary power has placed her throne. It is, therefore, the .true interest of the Prince, as well as his duty, to maintain and respect the laws ; he ought to submit to them himself. We find this truth established in a piece published by order of Louis XIV, one of the most absolute Princes that ever reigned in Europe. "Let it not be said that the sovereign is not subject to the laws of his States, since the contrary proposi- tion is one of the truths of the law of nations which flattery has sometimes attacked and which good princes have always defended as a tutelar divinity of their States." * * * (3) I will now proceed to quote a passage or Manu, on the two of similar effect from Manu, the duties of the king. great Hindu Law-giver : He says, " Let the king act a father to his people." Again, " Let the king prepare a just compen- sation for the good, and a just punishment for the bad. The rule of strict justice let him never transgress." Again, " A king is pronounced equally unjust in releasing the man who deserves punishment, and in punishing the man who deserves it not. He is just who always inflicts the punishment ordained by law." 174 MINOR HINTS (4) All this eminently shows that kings have Kin s h high duties and responsibilities ; high duties and that they are not to act wildly and responsibilities. * arbitrarily like wild animals ; that they have great principles and rules to respect*. Their great duty is to promote the happiness of the people over whom the Almighty has placed them. (5) To promote the happiness of the people is an object easily enough understood Good govern- . ., ment is a science m the gross, but it requires much study and it costs much self-denial to effectuate that object in these times when the interests of the people have become very numerous and very complex and when good government has become a regular science and also an art which needs to be regularly learnt. Principles and rules of good government have to be carefully learnt. They have to be constantly respected and observed. In other words, it is not enough for a Maharaja to say, " I know that it is my duty to be a father to my people " and to proceed to act under the capri- cious impulses of an untutored common sense. The fact is, the Maharaja has to learn his high profession and to practice it in conformity with its great laws and rules. The Maharaja who does not accept and observe such laws and rules will be just like a navi- gator in charge of a big ship, who refuses the guid- ance of the compass and of the chart. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 175 (6) I have already submitted to you some Why Oudh important quotations from authority in order to strengthen the impressions I desire to make on your mind. I will here invite Your Highness' s attention to a few more quota- tions and these are taken from papers relating to the recent annexation of the large and important country of Oudh. I have laid great stress on the rulers' duty of maintaining the security of life, person, liberty and property and have pointed out the means to be employed to effect that object. The Rulers of Oudh greatly failed in that object, and this was one of the strongest grounds for the annexation of that territory, as seen from the following extracts from the Oudh papers, (a) The Resident of Oudh reports : "In spite of all that I have urged upon His (o)The officers incompetent and Majesty (the King' of Oudh) hecon- the ruler's disre- gard to his tinues to confide the conduct of duties. his affairs to the same worthless and incompetent characters ; to devote all* his time to personal gratifications and frivolous amusements ; and to manifest the same utter disregard to his duties and high responsibilities. The same insecurity of life and property in all parts of his dominions is felt, the same mal- administration and malversations prevail in all departments," 176 MINOR HINTS (b) In another part, the Resident says : "It (6)The Nawab was not to be wondered at that the with low associ- XT ates and no edu- young JNawab on his accession to power, with low people about him, and with only that degree of education which Native Princes receive, considered himself as having arrived at the highest of earthly felicity, and wondering what bonds and laws were to curb the will of a king, etc." (c) Again, the Resident reported to the Gover- (c) Absence oi nor-General, " of judicial courts judicial courts. there are none except at t he Capital and those which are there maintained are of no value." (d) The consequence of this was that the administration of justice in Oudh The ad minis- . , -, T , . ,. tration miser- was miserable, it is instructive to observe how the Government of India took notice of a case in which a person was, through influence, allowed to go unpunished, though there was clear evidence to prove that he had committed murder. The Government of India wrote, on the occasion, to the Resident at Lucknow in the following words : " You will demand an audience of the King. You will represent to His Majesty the indig- nation with which the Governor-General views the scandalous denial of justice, which has just been exhibited at Lucknow, in the acquittal of FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 177 this murderer, in the face of the clearest proofs of his guilt. And you will add that such acts are rapidly filling up the measures of the King's mis- government, which, His Majesty has been already warned, must end in the entire subversion of his kingly power." (e) The Resident also complained that in con- (e) Even the sequence of want of administration British subjects suffered. of justice in Oudh, the subjects of the British Government, who were in that territory, also suffered. The British Government could not remain indifferent when their own subjects thus suffered from the maladministration of justice in Oudh. (/) The Resident also complained that there (/) NO efficient was no efficient Police in Oudh territories. To quote again from the Oudh papers: "Under the present regime, I do not think there is a shadow of security for life or property in Oudh. In this part of the country, it is almost impossible for people to travel, unless escorted by a large body of armed men." (7) I hope that I have now said enough and A Raj with- quoted enough, to produce an un- out any security ~* r TT- i of life, person shakeable conviction, m Your High- and property . must fall. ness mind, of the vital importance of an efficient Police supported by a Military force, and of the vital importance of an efficient adminis- 23 178 MINOR HINTS tration of justice. Without these there can be no security of life, person, liberty, or pro- perty. And I say emphatically that, without such security, a Raj must inevitably fall, the fall being only a question of time. Fall, it must, sooner or later. (8) As one of the warmest well-wishers of Lei these con- Native States as one, who most Id Cti0n d S own ban t d o earnestly desires that the existing posterity. Native States should ever continue to live I will not be satisfied with Your Highness' entertaining and cherishing the convictions above- mentioned ; but I entreat Your Highness to take the utmost pains to communicate your conviction to your children with injunctions to them to com- municate those convictions to their children again, so that, there may never arise any break in the continuity of those convictions in the Gaekwar House. Let every ruler of Baroda good or bad or indifferent maintain fair security of life, person, liberty and property in these territories and I guarantee the perpetuity of the Baroda Raj. (9) On the other hand, if the Native States fail if such secu- * maintain such security, I predict Outers that their rulers &> SOOUQT OT later, pjw- one after another lose sovereign power and subside into the states' of mere wealthy Jamindars. It is a contingency, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 179 most painful to contemplate, but it must be fore- seen in order that it may be averted. (The proverb says: "To be forewarned is to be forearmed.") (10) It is on these grounds that the adminis- tration during Your Highness' A most im- portant piece of minority has taken decided and public service. vigorous action by way of organizing an efficient police and an efficient system of administering justice calculated to establish fair security of life, person, liberty and property. We consider this a most important and most essential piece of public service performed. We are proud of the action taken. (11) If, therefore, any one, under the influence of ignorance or of a factious spirit, Those who ruin Native tells Your Highness that we have States. done wrong in this respect that we have done wrong in incurring the cost of establish- ing the police and the judicial machinery and advise you to do away with these and to revert to the old state of things, Your Highness should regard him as unfit to take part in your counsels. Such persons are just those who have already unconsciously ruined some Native States, and they are just those who will yet similarly ruin others. (12) In connexion with the subject in hand, The mistakes ^ must draw Your Highness' atten- oi former times. tion J. Q one o f the grave conclusions 180 MINOR HINTS which Sir R. Meade's Commission has recorded against Malhar Rao Gaekwar, the then ruler of Baroda, namely, ' That the judicial depart- ment and administration require entire reform, the existing abuses being abolished so as to remove the present uncertain and irregular application of the law and want of con- fidence in the proceedings of the courts and magistrates." (13) The entire reform pointed out by the HOW the judi- commission has been happily effect- cial Department , . .. . . P is established on ed in its main features one proof of this is to be found in the following passage extracted from a recent report of the Agent to the Governor-General to the Govern- ment of India, namely " The Judicial Depart- ment of the State is now established on a firm basis. It is sufficient for the work, is well paid, is officered, except in some of the posts in the lower grades by thoroughly qualified men, and the work is done generally in a highly satisfactory manner. The Judges of the Varisht Court and of the Session Courts would do credit to any service. There is, of course, still room for improvement in regard to despatch and precision. There is certainly no branch of the administration which give? greater satisfaction to the people than the Judi- cial." FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES l8l (14). It will thus be seen, beyond all doubt, its progress to ^ na ^ ^ ^^ ^ e Your Highness' most be maintained. i mpor tant duty to maintain the progress so far made, and to make further possible improvements. I beg Your Highness to thorough- ly digest and assimilate the general and special points I have been endeavouring to impress upon you. CHAPTER XXX. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. (contd.) PUBLIC HEALTH. Wednesday, 22nd June, 1881. I have dwelt somewhat longer on the subject of the security of life, person, liberty The first ob- ject of good and property, because it is the condi- Government. tion of pre-eminent importance to the well-being of the people the well-being of the people being the first object of good government. Unless a government has established and will steadily maintain such security, it cannot claim to be good the ruler cannot say he has done his duty to the people. (2) The next important duty of government The next duty is to do what may be possible to is to maintain the people in maintain the people in good health. good health- public health. The health of each individual in a community depends in a great measure, on himself on his food, clothing, exercise, medical treatment etc. As every one has naturally a very strong desire to enjoy the blessing of health, he may be expected himself to take care of his health. But there are some important matters connected with public health which individuals cannot insure. They are matters which the governments alone FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 183 can properly arrange. If the government do not take up such matters they will not be attended to at all. I will now proceed to state the chief of such matters. (3) Where people live in numbers and close to each other as in cities and towns, Sanitation. cleanliness has to be maintained as an important condition of public health. Dirt and refuse have to be removed from the streets. The drains have to be kept in good order. Abund- ance of fresh air has to be let in and so forth. All this is called sanitation. With this may be com- bined several arrangements for public convenience comfort, and safetj^. For example, good carriage roads may be made. The roads may be watered and lighted. Appliances may be kept ready to put down fires. (4) Another measure of great importance to public health is to give the people a A sufficient . r and pure water- sufficient and pure supply of water for daily use. In tropical climates, this is one of the most valued of blessings. The Maharaja who confers this blessing is stire to live in the memory of a grateful people. (5) Another measure conducive to public health Airy places * s * * ve ^ ^ e crowded inhabitants for recreation. Q f the city gome p l easant and airy places to which they can drive, ride or walk ; and where they can spend some portion of their leisure 184 MINOR HINTS during the morning or evening with great benefit to their health. The Race-course and the Public Park in this city of Baroda are examples of such places of resort. (6) Another measure conducive to public health is to arrange for the vaccination of Vaccination. the people and the consequent pre- vention of the dreadful attacks of small-pox. (7) Another measure conducive to public health is to establish, at the various Hospitals. . . centres of population, Hospitals and Dispensaries, where sick persons may easily obtain medical advice, medical treatment, and the requisite medicines themselves. (8) Any Government which cares for the hap- The health of piness of the people will earnestly the people, a subject of pri- attend to all these measures and, mary impor- . tance. perhaps, to others also of the kind which I need not stop here to specify. Money spent on such measures is always well spent. The people have an undoubted right to be thus protected in their health. The Maharaja, who acts as the father of his people, will always cheer- fully arrange for the health of his people. (9) During Your Highness' minority there- Action already ^ ore > ^ ne administration has taken some action in this important direc- tion. The city of Baroda, your capital, is now cleaner than before. It has better roads, it is FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 185 better watered and better lighted. It is more efficiently protected against fires. The people have the Race-course and the new Public Park to take fresh air in. Vaccination is better attended to, and good Medical Institutions have been established and are well maintained. Towns in the Talooks have also had some attention paid to them in these respects. For more detailed information as to what has been heretofore done, I beg to refer Your Highness to the Administration Reports. (10) But it is certain that we are yet far from the complete fulfilment of our duty There is scope . . for further ac- in this branch. There is much scope tion. for further action, to which, I trust, Your Highness will turn your attention among other important things. Much yet remains to be done, and all this will be brought to your notice in detail hereafter. But I will here mention one or two salient points. (11) It is most unfortunate that we have not been able to provide a good water- A water-supply scheme for supply tor this city of Baroda though Baroda. most anxious to do so. Large and costly undertakings require to be very carefully investigated before proceeding to execution. This is the only way of avoiding blunders and losses. A thorough investigation was therefore instituted in order to ascertain what alternative projects 24 186 MINOR HINTS were available. It was made by employing ex- clusively for the purpose Mr. Crossthwaite, a Bengal Engineer specially versed in the water- supply of towns and cities. The result may be briefly stated. Water cannot be brought to this city from the Nerbuda river, nor from the Oorsang tributary of the Nerbuda, nor from the Mahi river, nor from Pawagar, nor from the Muwar Talao near Saoli. The only project open was de- clared to be that of sinking two or three gigantic wells near the Railway station, drawing water from them by means of powerful steam machinery, stor- ing up the water to a certain extent, and distribut- ing the same through the city in the usual manner. Here the matter has rested for some time. This project involves certain risk and uncertainty which will be explained to Your Highness when the subject is seriously taken up for consideration. I will, therefore, only say that if Your Highness succeeds in giving the city a good water-supply, Your Highness will, on this account alone, be remembered as a great benefactor. (12) The improvement of the drainage of the city is another very important ques- The drainage. tion. It is really one of the most difficult and puzzling questions. (13) In other towns, those in the Talooks improvements we have as y et confined ourselves in other towns. ^ Q fa e maintenance of cleanliness FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 187 and even this has been,I am afraid, very superficial. In the town of Nowsari, however, much has been done in comparison. Some lakhs of rupees have been sanctioned for securing good drinking water wells for the various villages throughout these territories, and the work is, I believe, already com- menced. It has to be urged on to completion. Hospitals and Dispensaries and Vaccinating Agen- cies have been fairly spread over the country. In connection with this subject, I beg to say that whatever is done to promote the health of the people to prevent disease and to cure or mitigate suffering cannot fail to be appreciated as one of the most direct and practical benefits of good govern- ment. A benevolent Ruler will give a large share of his attention to the promotion of public health, which is a very important component element of public happiness, the main object of govern- ment. (14) In our anxiety to promote public health, individual we have, however, to be careful not liberty not to be interfered with, to interfere unnecessarily with the public health. liberty of the individual a liberty which is one of the most valuable blessings. The individual must not be forced to take particular diet, to take particular medicines,to take particular exercise, etc. Of these the individual himself is the best judge. The government will do well to limit its action to matters which affect the community in 188 MINOR HINTS the gross such as general cleanliness, good drain- age, good water-supply, good hospitals and dispen- saries, efficient vaccine operations, etc., etc. In these matters the government acts as representing the community itself, and for the benefit of the community. (15) Even while thus acting, the Government has to be careful that it is not carried The public good and popu- too far by its benevolent zeal that lar resistance are both points it does not go too much in advance to be considered. of the views and wishes of the people in the present state of their intelligence and educa- tion. How far the government may go and when it should stop, in a given case, are practical ques- tions which will have to be decided from time to time after a careful comparison of the public good proposed to be affected on the one hand, with the popular resistance which might be expected on the other hand. (16) I have said above that in the matter of Government health the liberty of the individual may give useful advice. should not be unnecessarily inter- fered with. But, without interfering with that liberty, Government may give usual advice. For instance, Government in the Medical department may notify to the people that such and such precautions are instrumental in averting attacks of cholera that, when an attack actually occurs, such and such a remedy has been found to be good FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 189 that such and such precautions are useful to prevent the spread of the disease and so forth. (17) Whenever any general diseases break out, such as cholera, fever, small-pox, etc., Special preven- tive and curative the Government should take special measures. preventive and curative measures. For instance, additional medical men should be sent off for acting in the locality concerned. Medi- cines should be made available to the people con- cerned. The Medical Department will propose the necessary measures, and these must be promptly sanctioned. (18) In matters relating to public health The Medical generally, the Medical Department is Department, the . best adviser. the best adviser of the government. (19) After all that I have said about public health, I am sure your Highness will Maintain the JM . Medical institu- readily recognize the great duty 01 maintaining and in no way curtailing the various Medical Institutions which have been brought into existence during your minority and which are largely saving life, promoting health and mitigating suffering. The father of the people must never say, " Never mind how the people get sick, suffer, and die I want to save some money by abolishing or reducing these Medical Institutions." I do hope that the great Gaekwar house will never produce so avaricious and cruel a father of the people. 190 MINOR HINTS A summary to (20) I will close this day's lec- show the great duties of the lure here by a very brief retros- Government. * pect. ( i ) We began by saying that the first duty of the government is to promote the happiness of the people. ( ii ) We recognized the fact that the security of life, person, liberty and property is indispensably necessary to the happiness of the people. ( Hi ) We saw how necessary it is for this impor- tant object to maintain a sufficient and efficient Police, to maintain a moderate and effective mili- tary force, to maintain a well-organized and effici- ent judicial machinery and to uphold and enforce the laws with firmness and impartiality. (iv) And to-day, we have seen how important it is for public happiness to maintain and improve sanitation in towns and cities and to maintain and improve the various medical agencies which are at work in a word, to maintain and improve the health of the population. We do well, occasionally, to thus briefly review the leading principles we have already dwelt upon, because it strengthens the impressions made, it shows in a small compass what the great duties of the government are, it shows them in the order of their importance, and it shows their mutual relations. CHAPTER XXXI. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES. (contd). Wednesday 30th June, 1881. The last time we met here, we dwelt on the Another im- duty of the government to promote the rt %pl d y Uty ^ the health f the P e P le and briefl y noticed the principal methods in which this may be done. We will now proceed to another very important duty of government, namely, the duty of doing all that may be possible to enable the people to obtain sufficient and even abundant food. Without sufficient food, the peo- ple, it is obvious, cannot be happy. (2) I may observe at the outset that, in this respect, the government cannot do ertlon VidUal "" much ' Much must be left to the exertions of the people themselves. Each member of the community has to work for himself and family and to thereby earn the means of living. Nature has made food so absolutely necessary to every one, that every one may be expected to do his utmost to acquire food without being urged to do so from the outside. In short, natural motives act with great force in this direc- tion. 192 MINOR HINTS (3) Natural motives prompt individuals to ac- Govemment quire not only food, but many other 6 things which are the means of happi- natual act freely. negg< rpj^ ma j n duty of the govern- ment is to let those motives act with all legitimate freedom, to see that those natural motives are not needlessly impeded or weakened by artificial causes. This duty of government should be clearly realized and steadily fulfilled. (4) Let us here consider what the government The security should do and what it should not do, of life, etc., necessary for the in order to let those natural motives acquisition of wealth. operate fully and bear all good fruit. As I have already stated, every member of a com- munity is prompted by natural motives to acquire the means of his own happiness. Prompted by such motives he will employ his best exertions to acquire wealth. Now government should, by maintain- ing security of life, person, liberty and pro- perty, maintain those natural motives in- all their strength, allow free scope for those exertions, and secure that wealth fully to the acquirer. Just see what would take place if there were little or no security of life, person, liberty and property. Many a man would say to himself, " why should I acquire wealth, or to acquire it why should I save anything while I am liable to be murdered at any time, or wounded or thrown into prison, or despoiled of my wealth." It follows, then, the security of life, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 193 person, liberty and property is necessary for the acquisition and growth of wealth in the community. The people should have no fears of the sort indicated above. I will state the matter somewhat more in detail. No one should have reason to fear that he might be plundered of his property whether in town, or in country,or on the high- way. The sowkar must be secured in the possession of his money. The ryot must be secured in the possession of his stock of grain ; even the poor woman who carries a basket of vegetables to the market must feel secure as re- gards those vegetables. In short, every one, rich and poor, must feel that he is pretty sure of keeping and enjoying his property, great or small. He must feel secure against violence, against fraud, against unjust litigation and arbitrary action by the Sarkar. (5) All these conditions will be secured by the means I have already explained, conduTons ^wiii namely, by maintaining a good Police in villages and towns, by maintaining an efficient judicial machinery and by maintaining good laws. The government should do many other things in order to promote the growth of wealth, and I will proceed to state some of them. (6) The government should allow the people to enioy their wealth freely, that is to say Let the people enjoy their without needless restrictions or fears, wealth freely. For example, I say, 110 one should be 85 194 MINOR HINTS prevented from driving a carriage and pair. Again, no one should be prevented from building the fir- mest houses by the sides of the high roads. Again, no one should be prevented from wearing rich clothes or costly ornaments. In short, the people should be quite free to enjoy or display their wealth as they may like. Indeed, the happier the Maharaja sees his people, the happier should he himself be. (7) To proceed to another matter of import- ance. A large portion of our people Importance of the administra- derive their subsistence from the tion with res- pect to the ryots cultivation of soil. The land is a and to land. great source of wealth. The ryot labours on the land and the land gives him a return. It follows that the Administration with respect to the ryot and with respect to the land has a very important bearing on the happiness of our subjects. It should be remembered that the ryots those who pursue agriculture as their profession form the great body of our subjects who reside perma- nently in the country, who are the fixed population. As the land they cultivate is immoveable, they, the cultivators, are also in a great measure immoveable. As a body, the ryots would not think of abandoning their lands and of leaving the country unless great and continued zooloom was practised. The ryots, then, constitute a very important portion of our settled population, and the produce they raise every year from the land constitutes a very important 195 portion of the wealth of the country. Hence the great importance of the Administration with res- pect to the ryots and with respect to the land. (8) To make the ryots happy and to promote the Taxes to be growth of wealth from land, the Sar- kar's tax on the land should be mode- rate, so moderate as to leave to the ryots enough to maintain themselves and their families in fair com- fort. In many Native States, the principle practi- cally followed is unfortunately more or less different. Some of these States wring as large a revenue as possible from the ryots and this, of course, im- poverishes this very useful class of subjects. It is quite contrary to the fundamental maxim with which we started, namely, it is the first object of government to promote the happiness of the people. (9) Another important thing necessary to make the ryots happy and to promote the should have 5 a growth of wealth from land, is that the ryots should have a good tenure for holding the land. The ryots should feel every confidence that they will not be deprived of their land so long as they regularly pay the Sarkar tax due thereon. The ryots should feel that, provided they pay the tax regularly, they can hold the land for generations. It has been proved by reasoning, and it has been found by experience, that nothing is more prejudicial to agricultural prosperity than nsecurity of possession. 196 MINOR HINTS (10) Another important thing necessary to Taxation not make the r y ots ha PPy and to P ro ' to be increased mote the g^^h o f wea lth from land, is that, when the land is made to yield more in consequence of the application to the land of the ryots' labour and capital, the Sarkar should not in- crease its tax on that account and thereby deprive the ryots of the fair return due to their labour and capital. If the Sarkar pursues a contrary policy, the ryots will feel no inducement to lay out their labour and capital for the improvement of the land ; the yield of the land will not increase and may even decrease. (11) Another important thing necessary to DO not employ make the ryots happy and to pro- farmers of reve- nue between the mote the growth of wealth from land ryots and the Sarkar. is that Izardars or farmers of revenue should not be employed between the ryots and the Sarkar. Such agents used to be extensively em- ployed in former times, and they used to oppress and impoverish the ryots terribly. The best sys- tem is that known as the Ryotwari, that is to say, that system under which the Sarkar deals with each ryot directly. This system is really most favour- able to the ryot ; it secures him the best justice and the best consideration, and promotes his self- respect and independence. The only thing is that such a system will require the employment of an extensive agency and an agency most carefully FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES 117 selected with reference to knowledge, expsrienca, judgment and probity. The cost of such agency will be more than re-paid by the saving what the Izardar would otherwise have pocketed, while an immense advantage is that the ryots will be protected against heavy and arbitrary exactions. (12) I must take this opportunity to impress another truth on Your Highness' system 8 not al g ive permanent manent sane- or standing sanctions for the repairs repairs so that time and trouble may be saved and the necessary repairs may be executed in due season. For instance, such sanction may be given for the repair of the road from the City to the Camp and of the road from the City to Makkarpura. (j) In repairing large and costly buildings, which have been built upon proper spoil the original designs or after appropriate styles or in making any additions or altera- tions to such buildings, be careful not to act arbitrarily,be careful not to violate the original design or style. This is a mistake constantly com- mitted in Native States. (6) Public works such as Kutcherries, Court- houses, Jails, Schools, etc., etc., Public works deserve special are indeed necessary to a civilized attention. Government. But they are not, what are called, re-productive works they are not works which directly increase the wealth of the people, but they are the most important and deserve special attention. (7) A Kutcherry is not a reproductive work because it does not add to the pro- Promote all re- aiid save the expenditure of the productive pub- ductioii of the country or diminish lie works. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 211 country. An irrigation well is a re-productive work, because it increases the crop of the land watered thereby. A road I consider to be a re- productive work, because it reduces and saves the cost of carrying goods. Earnestly, then, promote all re-productive public works. The more this is done, the better will it be for the country. The Gaekwar cannot conquer new territories, but it is in his power to increase the value of the territories already in his possession to increase their value by means of re-productive public works. (8) The main thing in these territories is to arrange for the multiplication of Multiply wells and roads. irrigating wells and of useful roads. (9) Fair weather roads should be made in abundance at a moderate cost per Fair weather roads to be mile, so that ordinary country carts may move about easily in fair weather. (10). Metalled roads are very costly in the soil of Guiarat in consequence of the cost Metalled roads to be sparingly o f procuring metal from a distance. made. Their annual maintenance is also very costly. Such roads have, therefore, to be very sparingly made they should be made only where such high cost would be justifiable. (11) The best road for Gujarat is the little rail- The best road road, such as already connects our is the rail-road. town Qf Dabhoi ^ ih the dty of Baroda, with Bahaderpur, with Chandode and with 212 MINOR HINTS Miagam. In the long run, it is really much cheap- er than a metalled road, while it is infinitely more convenient. The advantages of a rail-road of the sort over a metalled road may be briefly stated as follows : (i) The cost of construction and repair is lower. (11) The charges for moving goods and pas- sengers are clear. (iii) The journey is performed much more com- fortably and much more safely. (iv) The journey may be performed in all seasons, irrespective of the state of the weather. (v) The rail-road pays some return on the capital spent on the same, whereas a metalled road does not. (12) Therefore, the Government of Baroda Multiply rail- ought to multiply such sorts of rail- ways in Baroda. ., ., . way in its own territories wherever there is need for the same. (13) In India generally, and in Gujarat spe- cially, tanks and talaos are of great use to the people. The Public Works Department ought to keep such reservoirs in good repair. (14) The same department should undertake the reclamation of large marshy Reclaim J marshy tracts, tracts for purposes of cultivation wherever this can be done at reasonable cost. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 213 (15) Temples, Dharmshalas and such other Give attention P u blic buildings should also have due to temples. attention in those instances in which their repair is the duty of the Sarkar. (16) In conclusion, let me say what perhaps it utilise surplus is needless to say that it will un- Uc Ve works n PUb " dou btedly be much better infinitely better for the State to spend the surplus revenue on useful public works than adding to the already large stock of Palace jewellery. We have enough of personal ornaments. Let the country have its ornaments in the shape of useful public works. It is these that will raise the name and fame of the Maharaja. (17) As bearing on what I have just said, I Burke on im- feel tempted to read to Your High- gation Works. -i f ness an eloquent passage from Edmund Burke, who was a great orator of the period of George III. I read this passage when I was a young man about to enter the world, but I vividly remember it to this day. Speaking on the irrigation works of a part of the Madras Presidency, Burke said : " These are the monuments of real kings who were the fathers of their people ; testators to a posterity which they embraced as their own. These are the grand sepulchres built by ambition, but by the ambition of an insatiable benevolence which, not contented with reigning in the dispen- 214 MINOE HINTS sation of happiness during the contracted term of human life, had strained, with all the Teachings and graspings of a vivacious mind, to extend the domin- ion of their bounty beyond the limits of nature and to perpetuate themselves through generations of generations, the guardians, the protectors, the nourishers of mankind." EDUCATION Wednesday, 20th July, 1881. We set out by declaring that the first duty of it is the duty the Government is to promote the of Government to look after the happiness of the people. We have intellectual and moral advance- been considering various means by ment of the people. which the happiness of the people should be promoted. We have been chiefly con- sidering the physical happiness of the people. It is now time to state that it is also the duty of the Government to look after the intellectual and moral advancement of the people. The origin of this duty is self-evident. The Maharaja is the father of his people, and the father wishes to make his children not only healthy and happy but wise also. (2) In India at least, it is evident that the State should take an active and lead- The State to take an active i n g part in the education of the part. people. If the State did nothing, the people themselves would do very little in the cause of public education. 216 MINOR HINT'S (3) What measures have been taken in the The Mahara'a P ei> f rmance of this great duty of to improve exist- the government during these six ing conditions. years of the administration during Your Highness' minority, may be gathered in detail froin the annual reports which have been printed and published. Your Highness will have not only to maintain the advance which has already been thus made, but to make further advances. (4) I will now place before Your Highness Some general some general principles which have principles. to be flowed in the Educational Department of the State. (a) High Education through the medium of (a) English the English language, should be S ti \Hhta placed within the reach of those thSsedis a po h sedto who are disposed to acqu i r e the acquire it. same. Those who have acquired high education through the medium of the English language will probably be the most enlightened members of the community. They will probably be the most effectual promoters of progress : they will probably be the foremost to correct the gross errors of ignorance and superstition. Indeed, my belief my strong conviction is that any Indian community in the present age would be stagnant without some such elements as just men- tioned. EDUCATION 21? (b) The highest and best English School should (6)The highest be at the Capital of the State, as it is, English School T . . .,, , , to be at the capi- J hope, it will, bet ore long, become one of the regular Colleges of India. We are providing it with a building which will do honor to Baroda. (c) English literature, science and philosophy, are best taught by Englishmen. (c) The Cen- tral School to Therefore our Central Schools at the have English professors. Capital should always have English gentlemen as professors. The temptation to appoint Natives for patriotical or economical motives should be firmly resisted. Natives, how- ever, may answer well as Assistants to the English professors, especially in Mathematics and Natural Sciences. (d) It is not enough to have one central school (d) The num- at the Capital as described above. ber of Anglo- Vernacular Several feeders to the same should schools to be in- creased, be established both at the Capital and in the Districts, in the shape of Anglo- Verna- cular schools. The number we already have must be gradually increased. (e) The scheme of studies in all the above- mentioned schools should be the (e)The scheme of studies to be same as in corresponding British the same as in English schools, schools. The reason is this. If our Scheme of studies were different, our you-ths would not be able to pass the Bombay University exanii- 28 218 MINOR BINTS nations ; Our youths would not be able to get employment outside our territories. But it is highly desirable that we should so educate our youths as to enable them to find employment whether in our own territories or in the much larg- er field of British India. (/) Though the scheme of studies is to be the same as in British India, I would (/) Let educa- tion make useful urge our Prof essors to pay greater attention to the object of making our youths orderly and useful citizens. Cramming should be discouraged. The valuable faculty of thought and judgment should be better de- veloped. (g) The education given should be mental in regard to religion : that is to say. ( i exceed one tenth the income oi a btate like Baroda is, of the revenue. . 1 , cannot be so precisely determined as to command the assent of everybody, still it can- not be left altogether an indeterminate quantity. My own common sense, assisted by my experience, leads me to think that in the existing circumstances the annual Palace expenditure should not ordinari- ly exceed 10 (ten) per cent, of the income of the State, that is to say, one-tenth of the income. (5) It is exceedingly desirable for the Maha- raja to fix for himself the reasonable Fix the rea- sonable propor- proportion and to command the Palace authorities concerned to keep the expenditure within that proportion. Those authorities must be made with a strong will to obey the Maharaja's commands in this important respect. If His Highness is really earnest in the 29 226 MINOR HINTS matter, he will find no difficulty in adhering to the limit. (6) Each sub-department of the Palace should have a Budget or scale of expendi- Fix a Budget ., , ,, - for each sub- ture prescribed and the Maharaja should insist on this being addressed. The great principle is to leave as few items as possible undefined ; for, leave any item undefined, and it will be found that that item has a great tendency to grow from year to year. (7) But there must be some few items which, from their nature, cannot admit of Reserve the power of giving being defined. Such items should be special sanctions. kept under control by the Maharaja, preserving for himself the power of giving special sanctions from time to time. (8) There should always be a distinct Trea- sury for the Palace. It should draw There < should be a 'distinct ^he appointed funds from time to Treasury for the Palace. time from the Public Central Trea- sury. There should be no confusion of these two Treasuries. Every item of Palace income and of Palace expenditure should be credited and debited respectively to the Palace Treasury, so that the accounts of this Treasury may afford a complete view of the Palace receipts and expenditure. (9) In money matters let the orders be given as much as possible in writing. Oral Orders to be given in writing orders are very slippery and unsafe, THE PALACE DEPARTMENT 227 and after the lapse of time cause all sorts of doubts and difficulties. Written orders are especially necessary where unusual or special or large expenditure is concerned. (10) See that salaries and other payments are regularly and promptly disbursed. Salaries to be -n i~ regularly dis inis will be a great boon to a large number of servants, small and great and also to tradesmen, etc. (11) Loans of money from the Palace Treasury should be totally avoided. The Loans from l he 'TJ 1 '* to Palace Treasury is not to be a Bank, be avoided. Great firmness is required in main- taining this * principle ; otherwise, a most per- nicious and wasteful system would spring up. (12) The utmost assistance which may be given to a deserving palace servant month^may Ibe is to accommodate him with an advanced. r i n e advance of salary or allowance for a period not exceeding 6 months or at most one year. His Highness' special sanction should be made necessary for giving any such advance, and such advances should be strictly recovered at the appointed time. (13) A thoroughly competent and reliable Head A reliable Accountant should be made respon- Head Accountant ., , , , -p, , . to be in charge si ble to keep the Palace Accounts regularly and systematically. All tendency to laxity and delay should be firmly 228 MINOR HINTS checked. Every expenditure should be immediately brought to account. To the utmost extent pos- sible, the year's account should include every expenditure incurred in the year. In other words, avoid the expenditure of a given year being charged to some future year. It is thus alone that the expenditure of one year can be fairly and usefully compared with the expenditure of another year. (14) The regular audit of the Palace Accounts Audit of ac- ky ^ ne Huzur Auditor must be well maintained ; otherwise, there would be little or no practical check, and all would slide into confusion. (15) No private expenditure of the Maharaja, NO private ex- that is to say, no expenditure which the Public ire properly belongs to the Palace,should be ordered from or transferred to the Public Treasury. This used to be done largely before, for the purpose of showing less expenditure at the Palace. It was a fraudulent system which should never be revived. (16) As a general rule, the expenditure in any particular item should not be in- Do not in- crease expend- creased unless there are funds avail- ture arbitrarily. able from savings elsewhere. Let increase here be balanced by decrease there. This simple principle being steadily kept in view and acted on, the aggregate Palace expenditure will be generally maintained at its usual level. Example: THE PALACE DEPARTMENT 229 A chobdar begs for some increase of pay. Let it not be granted blindly. There are lots of chobdars. When a vacancy occurs, either abolish the post or reduce the pay of the post, and thus find funds for increasing the pay of the chobdar concerned. In short, when any increase is to be given, inquire what disengaged funds are available for it and give the increase out of such funds. For this purpose, the Palace Head Accountant should be consulted on such occasions, and he should be directed to keep His Highness informed of the progress of the expenditure. (17) A monthly examination of the balances in Examination the Palace Treasury is most necessary. of the Treasury . Balances every Two or three of the principal officials month by officials. of the Palace should make such examination personally and certify to His Highness in a memo, under their signature that the balan- ces stood at such a figure and tallied with the accounts. These memoranda should be regularly entered in a book, and the book itself should be preserved as a record. (18) Priests, astrologers and other persons of such class are ever desirous of increas- daSua S s der PaSt ^g the expenditure and need to be kept under close control. They should be considerately treated, but must not be allowed to transgress their limits. The best method of effecting this object is to lay hold of 230 MINOR HINT* past moderate dakhlas (precedents) and to insist upon these not being exceeded. (19) The ladies of the Palace care nothing about Tendency of public finances, and have a great the ladies to in- crease expendi- tendency to propose increased expen- diture constantly in one way or another. Here, too, past moderate dakhlas must be availed of to restrain the tendency. Dakhlas are much respected in Native States, and an appeal to dakhlas is generally conclusive. By appealing to dakhlas a great deal of personal unpleasantness is avoided. (20) The former practice of opening dookans Banks in the or banks in the name and on behalf name of ladies. of thege l a( Ji es? an( j o f ot j ier relations and friends, was an exceedingly pernicious one. It has been totally discontinued and must, on no account, be revived. (21) These ladies and indeed all others con- The Palace not cerned should be made to understand ladies in their clearly that the Palace will not assist them in regard to any private debts they may incur. Indeed, they must not incur such debts, and if they do, they must themselves pay the debts off from their allowances. (22) The Maharaja should never and need The evil of never think of accumulating hoards accumulating hoards. in the Palace as personal funds. Any desire on the part of His Highness to make THE PALACE DEPARTMENT 231 private hoards must lead him much astray. There are many sad instances showing that such desire has led to the greatest public evils. (23) There is much needless, useless, or waste- ful expenditure in the Palace, which fui R e e x d p U en e d!tu?e e " the Maharaja may well reduce. It contributes neither to His Highness' comfort and happiness nor to His Highness' dignity and state. The funds thus disengaged would more than suffice for making needed improve- ments and for supplying existing deficiencies. Reductions and retrenchments, however, should be so made as not to cause any sudden or serious hard- ships to individuals. (24) The Kothi branch of the Palace should i be conquered and subjugated by i nc i\ oi n i to be properly ma- the firmness of the Maharaja. It has naged. been a stronghold of irregularities and abuses. Its existing condition and working should be carefully examined. Some things may be imme- diately rectified and others gradually according to opportunities afforded by changes and vacancies. (25) No one except the Maharaja himself should have the power of ordering New -Sidhas to be ordered by the issue of new sidhas ; and when the Maharaja in writing. jjj s Highness himself orders any such, it is essential that the order should be in writing, and also that the orders should distinctly specify the time for which the sidhas are to ruu. 232 MINOR HINTS This precaution is so necessary because the most temporary issues of sidhas have often run on for years and have become ever hereditary ! (26) Religious and charitable expenditure is already very large. Every care has the religious ex- to be exercised to prevent fresh addi- penditure. tions to it. Readjustments may be made if necessary or desirable. (27) The reckless practice of granting" Versha- The practice sans should not be revived. If shSans >n not Ve to rarely granted in special cases, the amount should be moderate ; it should come out of some saving caused by a vacan- cy. It should not go beyond the life of the grantee. (28) The Shravana Daksina, Bidaji Ramnah, Daksina and anc ^ suc ^ *her items have a very Dans. great tendency to break loose from control. Certain limits have now-a-days been fixed for these, and the Maharaja's firmness may well be shown in compelling adherence to these salutary limits. There are many dans such as go-dans, etc., which are repeatedly given by the Maharaja and other members of the Gaekwar family. I apprehend that many abuses have crept in this direction. It is desirable for His Highness to give some attention to these matters and make these many and costly dans subservient to really useful ends such as the encouragement of learning or the relief of penury and distress. CHAPTER XXXV. THE PALACE DEPARTMENT (contd.) 3rd August, 1881. There is probably some theft, misappropriation, abuse, and waste going on still in dif- Guard against Mis-approp r i a - f erent branch es of the Palace, though tion. much, no doubt, has been reduced under the eye of Her Highness the Maharani Jamnabai Saheb. The Maharaja may, under pro- per arrangement, be able to minimise those things. (2) There is a very large and costly stock of jewellery i n the Palace, which will The jewellery J requires special require the special and early atten- attention. tion of the Maharaja there is much of gold and silver things also to be looked after. Lists of the foregoing have been made, and copies are available in the Palace and Fadnavis Daftars. It is very desirable that the Maharaja should go over the whole stock and become personally acquainted with what there is. His Highness' personal inspection will have its moral effects. (3) The whole stock being once clearly gone over by the Maharaja himself per- tts periodical examination by sonally, arrangements should be a Committee. made for a regular periodical exami- 30 234 MINOR HINTS nation of the stock by a trustworthy Committee, who should certify to His Highness in writing that it is all right. The Committee should see also to the identity of the precious stones, pearls, etc., which are liable to be changed. (4) The whole should be in custody of trust- Jeweiieryto be worthy and responsible persons. o! responsible One official would hardly suffice, for he might fall sick, or have to go on leave or even die. I would suggest a sort of Com- mittee composed of persons who have sufficient allowances property, etc., etc. In short, there should be sufficient security against loss. (5) Formerly the jewellery, etc., used to be placed in miserable little dark rooms jewellery. and scattered about. Everything was very loosely managed. Now, however, the main stock is placed in a strong iron- room which contains separate boxes, but which is under one lock. This is a safe and convenient arrangement in many respects, and ought, I think, to be by all means continued. (6) This being an inherited stock of very Excessive pre- valuable property, the Maharaja sents from the -n i j * stock to be may well be proud 01 maintaining it. Therefore, needless or large or exces- sive presents from the same should be avoided. When, however, some presents become necessary, the minor items may be used. THE PALACE DEPARTMENT 235 (7) It suggests itself as a good plan to divide the things into those which are for Jewellery to be arranged under the personal use of the Maharaja, different heads. those for Maharani, and so on. The rest will go under the head of " miscellaneous," and may be available for presents, etc., when pre- sents become necessary. (8) It is of the utmost importance that the accounts of the jewel khana should kept with care. be kept with the greatest regularity, punctuality, and strictness. The Chief Palace authorities should be held fully res- ponsible for this. I mean accounts of stocks, of presents, of loans for use, of changes made by breaking up one ornament and making another, and so forth. The accounts should be written in regular bound books, not in loose pages, not even in loosely bound chopdas. The accounts should bear the signatures of the writing karkoon and of the immediately responsible officials, and should be countersigned or initialled by one of the Chief Officers of the Palace. (9) Formerly there used to be a bad system of lending the jewellery, etc., for the Loans from jewellery to be use o f various persons. It led to very sparing. many and grave abuses and loss. I have had many instances before me, in which jewellery merely given on loan has been retained or claimed as gifts. Loans should therefore, be as 236 MINOR HINTS sparing as possible. When made, they must be made under the sanction of the Maharaja. Every loan should be entered unmistakably as a loan. Receipts should be taken from those to whom the loan is made. The loan should be expressly stated to be for a certain period, at the end of which the things should be replaced. Responsibility in all these respects should be clearly defined and strictly enforced. Unless these and other careful and strict arrangements are made, laxity and loss are pretty sure to ensue. Property has its trouble in taking care of it ! (10) I would strongly advise His Highness Further invest- against any further investments in ier" S not J desir- jewellery and plate. What there is already in hand is really much more than sufficient for the largest and the most ambi- tious Royal family. If any new ornaments are ever required, they may well be made out of the materials available in the jewel-room. If there are rough ornaments, they may easily be converted into elegant ones. It would be unwise to leave unused a lot of costly ornaments and to make new purchases, and thereby needlessly swell the Palace expenditure. (11) I would warn the Maharaja against the many temptations which jewellers temptations of- are sure to offer to make new purcha- fered by jewel- lers, ses. They will show their ornaments THE PALACE DEPARTMENT 237 in fine new cases to the ladies and induce them by various arts to press His Highness to purchase them. They will not hesitate even to bribe those who may have influence with the ladies. Such temptations will have to be firmly resisted. It is a matter which furnishes abundant scope for the exercise of the virtue of firmness. The ladies may often be assured that similar ornaments are already in the Palace-stock, or that similar orna- ments may be made out of the stock in a very short time. (12) What is known as janghur has been dis- continued and should by no means not to^be njviv- be revived. By janghur is meant a number of ornaments brought by jewellers and left at the Palace for purchase by His Highness as opportunities occur. It has been a source of the most troublesome disputes. The jeweller contends that his ornaments are actually purchased, whereas they were kept only on inspec- tion. Then disputes arise about prices and pay- ments matters, in themselves complicated by crafty men at the Palace inducing the ladies to use ornaments not yet purchased ! Such trou- bles and complications are best avoided by making it a rule not to -take any ornaments from a jeweller until after the price has been settled and the purchase has been made. This is a simple rule. 238 MINOR HIXTS (13) To proceed to other matters. The car- to C ^?*he S 'b e eV r ^ a es ' horses, and other equipments and personal at- o f the Palace have not been in the tendants to be weii dressed. b es t; order. The Maharaja may great- ly improve these without material increase of ex- penditure. The general rule should be that what- ever His Highness personally uses should be of the best description. For it is better to have ten good carriages than twenty bad ones. This principle applies to a great number of matters connected with the Palace. I will here give just one more instance. The personal attendants of the Maha- raja should be well chosen and well-dressed men, which they hardly are at present. (14) The Palace gardens cost annually very improve the l ar ge sums of money and yet scarcely any garden is what it ought to be in beauty, or production. There is room for consi- derable improvement in this direction. (15) The sanitary condition of the Palace, improve sani- though somewhat improved of late, tation is yet far from what it might be. Too many servants live in the Palace, and they are allowed to live in the most dirty manner. (16) A great number of rare or curious things have been, from time to time, pur- Arrange rare or curious chased by the Gaekwar, but they things. are lying scattered about the Palace. It is desirable to collect and arrange them at one THE PALACE DEPARTMENT 230 convenient place, so that the Maharaja may know what things exist, and put them to use. (17) Greater punctuality may be observed in Punctuality in re gard to Palace Durbars, cere- monies, etc. All concerned, being once or twice duly warned, will attend at the ap- pointed hour, and time will thus be saved and convenience promoted. (18) A certain order of precedence is now order of pre- observed at these Durbars and in idence in irs not disturbed. bars not to be State Processions. . For the sake of peace, this order should be strictly maintained, and no change should be made unless found to be clearly necessary. There is great ambition and great rivalry in these matters. Several Durbaris will come, and entreat and press His Highness to give them higher seats, etc., and will adduce the most abundant arguments. But His Highness will find it the best course to meet all such solicitations by saying, " I must adhere to the existing order and arrangements, and can make no change unless I am convinced that a change is absolutely necessary." If changes were lightly or incautiously made, much disturbance of feeling, much heartburning, and many troubles and embarrassments would be sure to arise and continue a long time. If, however, any change must be considered, the Maharaja would do well to appoint a committe and to direct it to enquire 240 MINOR HINTS into the matter and submit their opinion to His Highness. Such a committee should include the representatives of the various sections of the Dur- bar, such as a Sirdar, a Darakdar, a Mankari, etc., etc. The head of the Military Department of the Huzur Cutcherry may also be associated in the inquiry. On the Committee reporting on the matter, His Highness may consider and dispose of the same. The Dewan may well be consulted also with advantage. The great principles to be kept in view in dealing with such matters, are, first, to make as few changes as possible in the existing arrangements and secondly to make no such change as would disturb the feelings of many Durbaris. (19) It is very desirable to arrange that a regular diary be kept in the Palace, A diary for recording daily fully recording the particulars of daily occurrences. Everything worth remembering should be entered therein. Such a record will be exceedingly useful for various pur- poses, and especially for preserving precedents for future guidance. (20) The foregoing enumeration of important Proper organi- points will be of use to His Highness sail on of the , , , , Palace is want- when he assumes the management of the Palace and its appurtenances. His Highness will also have some idea of how much requires attention and arrangement. The work to be done is immense, and it is clear that His High 241 ness alone cannot do it. What is required is proper organization in the Palace. The work and responsibility should be appropriately distributed. The servants should be grouped and placed under superior officials. These superior officials should have certain powers, and the subordinates must be made to obey their superiors. Otherwise, business would not go on properly. The Maharaja cannot himself see that every servant duly attends and does his allotted work. He cannot himself grant leave of absence to every servant from the bhangee to the Kamdar. He cannot himself appoint and dismiss punkah-pullers, gardeners, mahouts, etc., etc. (21) At the head of the whole, and immediately The Kamdar, under the orders of His Highness, powers S to be at should be the Palace Kamdar. He should be a high officer of capacity and integrity, not much inferior in these respects to the head of any department in the Huzur Cutcherry. He should be given sufficient powers * for the conduct of ordinary business I mean certain limited powers for appointing, dismissing, fining, granting leave, etc., and for incurring or- dinary expenditure. He should be well supported by His Highness in the exercise of his legitimate powers and influences. * NOTE. The Palace authorities, however, exercise no civil or criminal jurisdiction. Cases falling under such jurisdiction shall be transferred by them to the constituted authorities of the State. 31 242 MINOR HINTS (22) At the end of each official year, the Palace Kamdar should be directed to pre- Annual Admin- istration report p are an( j su bmit to His Highness a to be prepared. full report of the Palace Adminis- tration, together with statistics and explanations. This report will be of great use to His Highness in controlling Palace affairs. CHAPTER XXXVI 10th August, 1881. The Maharaja as the Ruler, represents the what consti- P ower * tne State, and the Huzur ernment 6 V Cutcherry is the machinery kept in motion by that power. The whole in effect constitutes the Government of the country responsible to promote the welfare of the people. (2) The Huzur Cutcherry should therefore, be intellectually and morally strong. condition of ad- This is a most essential condition ministration. of successful administration by the Maharaja. The more that Cutcherry is strong intellectually and morally, the more will it be a credit and comfort to the Maharaja, and the more will it command the respect of the people. (3) The Dewan being at the head of the Huzur Cutcherry, he ought to be, as near De T wan deal f * as P oss ible, the ideal of a Dewan. In point of capacity and probity, he should deserve and possess the confidence of the Maharaja. He (the Dewan) should also deserve and possess the respect of the British Government. 244 MINOR HINTS He should be a person who has had experience in the work of administration. Better if this experience has, partly at least, been in adminis- tering a Native State. Still better, if the experi- ence has been gained in the service of the Baroda State itself. (4) These are very important considerations which must be kept fully in view by Choose your J J Dewan irom the the Maharaja in selecting his Dewan. They point clearly to the desirable- ness of so arranging that there may always be some men of the requisite capacity and character in the Huzur Cutcherry itself and trained in the work of Administration. It will be best to choose the Dewan from such men. (5) It is the special interest of the Maharaja to have such men for the heads of the \. e. from the Heads of Depart- department of the Huzur Cutcherry as meats. may, in time, be fit to be promoted to the Dewaiiship. In looking after the interests of the Maharaja during His Highness' minority, I am glad that this important principle has by no means been overlooked. At this moment, there are such men in the Huzur Cutcherry. (6) If the policy above indicated were not adopted and followed, the Maharaja Importing an outsider not very would be in great embarrassment desirable. whenever the Dewan' s post becomes vacant. Not finding suitable men in His Highness' HUZUR CUTCHERRY 245 own service, His Highness would have to im- port some outsider a course certainly attend- ed with much risk and with many disadvan- tages. (7) It can seldom be comfortable to the Maha- raja to have a perfect stranger as Reasons. Dewan one with whom he has had no previous intercourse one whose temper and ways are unknown to him one who does not know the country and people one who is unacquainted with the principles and details of the local Adminis- tration one who perhaps may depend for support on external powers or influences more than on His Highness himself. More might be said on this part of the subject, but probably it would be needless, for the Maharaja can easily realize the disadvantages of bringing in a stranger as his Dewan. (8) To pursue the qualities necessary in a Dewan of . His Highness, he should Qualifications o f course, be well versed in the of a Dewan. English language. Without this, no Dewan of such a large State as Baroda would get on at all usefully even for a short time. He should be a warm friend and well-wisher of Native States. As such he should always be ready to do his best to protect and preserve the Native State and all its legitimate rights and privileges. He should be firm yet conciliatory, just yet mild and merciful, 246 MINOR HINTS energetic yet patient and considerate, zealous yet discreet and circumspect, sensitive to honour yet by no means quarrelsome, agreeable to the Maharaja yet free and frank in giving sound advice. He should be a friend of progressive im- provement in all branches of the Administration, yet he should possess discrimination enough to conserve what is old, natural, and useful. (9) Having most carefully selected the right person as his Dewan, the Maharaia The Maharaja * to cordially sup- should give him his cordial support port the Dewan. and encouragement. (10) It would be very bad policy for the Maha- Bad policy of raja to change his Dewan at short short intervals, without strong reasons. A Dewan should have the fair pros- pect of holding his office at least for five years. It is only a sign of weakness in a Maharaja to change his Chief Minister frequently, and thus to interrupt useful service. (11) We may pass on to the heads of depart- ments under the Dewan. These also Heads of de- partments to be need to be very carefully selected. carefully select- ed-- They should be quite qualified to perform well the important duties entrusted to them, and they should afford a fair promise of being trained, so as to undertake the duties of Chief Minister, if at any time required. It follows that the heads of departments should be selected for HUZUR CVTCHERRY 247 qualifications similar to those which the Dewan himself should possess. (12) As a rule, the heads of departments should They should ^ e conversant with English. The know English Qnly exception to thig that may be tolerated, is the Fadnis. (13) Some diversity of castes and creeds in Diversity of these heads of departments is desir- castes desirable. able In d ee d, it is desirable through- out the public service. (14) The heads of departments should cordi- ally co-operate with the Dewan in The heads to co-operate with the work of good government. All the Dewan. being men of high character and principles, there should be nothing like intrigu- ing or factious oppositions. The Maharaja and the Dewan should have every reason to feel that these departmental heads render loyal assis- tance at all times. The expectations of the Maharaja in this respect should be clearly and de- cidedly made known. (15) These departmental heads are, in fact, important mat- the several departmental ministers cussed by ail the of the Maharaja, and the Dewan is the chief or Prime .Minister. The whole is. the cabinet of the Maharaja. The ordi- nary business of each department may be conduct- ed by its head under the orders or supervision of the Dewan. But, if any business of considerable 248 MINOR HINTS importance or difficulty is to be done, all or most of the ministers should meet, discuss, and decide. Should any serious differences of opinion arise, His Highness the Maharaja will do well to patiently hear the opinion and arguments of each of his ministers. How His Highness himself should decide in such a situation, I have indicated under the head of Minor Hints. (16) All the ministers should be treated with Ministers to be consideration and confidence. Ore- treated with con- fidence, dit should be fully and even liberally given to each for the good administration of his particular department. An occasional expression of deserved praise by the Maharaja is sure to have an encouraging effect beyond any amount of money rewards, for honourable men are ambitious of honour and fame. In short, each minister should be made to feel it to be his interest, pleasure and pride to have his department in the best order, and thereby to contribute to the high reputation of the whole administration of His Highness the Maharaja. (17) It should be remembered that even the best _ . .... of men are liable to err. Men who Tneir trivial errors may be are continually acting must make passed over. errors . to a certain extent. Trivial errors, such as are the common lot of humanity, should not be made too much of in these ministers. Such trivial errors may be altogether passed over HU2UE CUTCHERRY 249 by the Maharaja, or, if they must be noticed, let them be lightly noticed. (18) A serious error, however, may be some- Censure to be times committed, and may require a in moderate ,-, terms. regular censure, .bven then, the censure should be in carefully measured and moderate terms. It should be reluctantly dealt out. It should not cause more pain than absolute- ly necessary in the public interests. Therefore the sensitiveness and self-respect of the person to be censured should be fully taken into account. And the justice of the censure may be enhanced by a judicious mixture of deserved praise. The right dispensation of censure is a little science and art in itself. (19) In this connection, it should be remember- Let the minis- ec ^ ^ na ^ ^ would not be just or judi- ter explain. cious to pass any censure on any minister before hearing what he has to say in defence or explanation of that part of his conduct which appears questionable. (20) All the ministers are, of course, the ser- A oidtn t vants of the Maharaja, yet a wise of peremptory Maharaja will avoid the use of the command. terms and tone of peremptory com- mand. It is avoided by noble natures even in dealing with common menial servants. It is not necessary because the wishes of His Highness will carry weight of their own. 32 250 MINOR HINTS (21) The Huzur Cutcherry is a large establish- Organisation ment. In it, therefore, and indeed in e^remelf ne" the P ublic ser vice generaUy, organiza- fuf y admSSstra- ^ on an( * discipline are extremely ne- cessary for successful administration. In Native States, however, there is too great and constanta tendency to relax, and even to destroy organization and discipline a tendency which the Maharaja has, therefore, to be all the more careful to resist. Organization, roughly speaking, means the proper division and distribution of work ; making certain officials do the work assigned and holding them responsible for the proper performance of the aforesaid work, and placing under their orders the necessary hands for doing that work. The work is thus divided from top to bottom. Every portion of the work is entrusted to some responsible official, and every official from the lowest karkoon to the minister is placed immediately under the orders of some superior officer. Such organization, then, em- braces the whole establishment and makes the whole establishment one organized body or one machine, each part of which works in subordina- tion to some other part. And discipline, roughly speaking, means the enforcing of such subordi- nation in all its gradations. It is thus and thus alone, that large bodies of men can be made to direct all their consistent energies to the accom- HUZUR CVTCHERRY 251 plishment of great and complex ends. Without organization and discipline there is sure to be confusion. There will be little or nothing to com- pel each man to act in constant reference to the common end. Men will not only not act in concert but they may act so as to counteract each other. Much power will thus be actually wasted. Organiza- tion and discipline make a very great difference in the effectiveness of a body of men. This is most prominently exemplified by an army with the advantage of organization and discipline as compared with an equal army not possessing that advantage. The former will most easily beat the latter. Indian History shows repeated instances of immense numbers of unorganized and undisci- plined forces being put to flight by a very small but efficiently organized and disciplined force. (22) The Maharaja, I repeat, should fully illustrations maintain organization and discipline JiS of dS in his service. Official A, who is cipime. placed under the orders of official B, will come and say to His Highness, " I do not like to be under the orders of official B, I prefer to be directly under the orders of Your Highness, or at least under the orders of the Dewan." This should by no means be permitted. Again, a Subha, in- stead of obtaining leave of absence from his im- mediate superior, makes a direct application to the Maharaja. The Maharaja should return such J.-.2 MINOR HINTS application and tell the applicant that he has acted irregularly and direct that he should apply to his immediate superior. He pleads that he did so because the Bai Saheb wanted him in connection with some business. The Maharaja should not allow this, but have the conduct of the officer duly noticed. Again, a karkoon rushes up to His Highness and complains that the Subha has un- justly fined him. The karkoon should be directed to represent the matter to the Huzur Cutcherry. Again, a Sardar calls upon His Highness and com- plains that the Zilla Judge has made a decree which is quite unjust, and that the Sardar requests that His Highness himself, or at least the Dewan, may call for the decree and revise it. The Sardar should be directed to appeal to the Varisht Court. Again, a jeweller comes up to His Highness and says, " Mr. Vinayek Rao has decided my case very un- justly. Let Kazi Saheb examine my case and decide again." Similarly, a ryot comes up to His Highness and says, " Kazi Saheb has assessed my lands very high. Let Raoji Vithal call for and examine my papers, and I am sure justice will be done tome." Similarly, a Public Works Contractor comes up to His Highness and represents : ' The Engineer unjustly refuses to give me a certain work on contract. I pray that Mr. Pestonji may be directed to look into the matter and to do me justice." And so forth. Such applications are HVZUR CUTCHEBRY 253 very common in Native States, because of the lack or deficiency of organization and discipline. Now, if such applications were complied with by an easy- going and thoughtless Maharaja, what would be the inevitable consequence ? Surely, the greatest confusion of work and responsibility. There would be an end of all organization and discipline. Misgovernment could not but follow. (23) To enable each minister of His Highness Each Minister to administer his allotted department to have powers. .^ . ,, -. -, ,-. -, emciently, he should have powers to punish or reward within certain limits as respects his own subordinates. So long as he exercises these powers fairly, he should be strongly supported. (24) In Native States, the most false or Petitions reckless imputations are often made against ministers . .... . . . . how to be dealt in petitions against the ministers. The ministers, being honourable men, such petitions require to be dealt with, with the utmost caution and discrimination. (25) As a general rule, anonymous petitions, or petitions bearing fictitious names, Anonymous and vague peti- should be left unnoticed. Similarly, tions. petitions which make vague and general imputations should also be left unnoticed. (26) When a petition comes from a known per- son and contains clear and specific Specific charges may be examin charges affecting the minister's public conduct, the matter may possibly 254 MINOR HINTS require some consideration. The writer may have to be sent for and questioned as to the sources of his information, as to what evidence he is in a position to offer, as to the particular motives he may be actuated by, and so forth. What may be elicited from him will have to be judged as to probability or improbability in reference to the high character of the public officer concerned. After all this, some correct decision may be taken as to the course to be adopted. I would recommend to the Maha- raja that he should refer such petitions to the Dewan who will, after due consideration and con- sultation, submit his best advice for His Highness' consideration. (27) The Dewan and the departmental minis- The bii t ^ ers ^ em chosen as suggested, not know that the on i y should they actually enjoy the ministers enjoy J the ruler's con- confidence and support of the Maha- fldence. raja, but it should be made known to the public that they enjoy His Highness' con- fidence and support, for any supposition or suspicion to the contrary on the part of the public would be sure to lead to innumerable intrigues and would weaken the whole administration and injure the interests of the country. (28) The question here arises as to how that fact is to be made known to the pub- How it can be made known to ij c> The Maharaja may effect this the public end in many ways. For instance, HUZUR CUTCHERRY 255 by His Highness generally accepting the opinions and the statements of his ministers, by treating these with consideration and friendly feelings, by occasionally speaking of them in favourable terms, by checking those who recklessly blame them ; by refusing to join in the expression of pleasure by petty or thoughtless men at violent and groundless attacks on the ministry, and so on. (29) Even when a minister has done some- The minister's thing which needs to be cancelled or influence not . , to be weakened reversed, the necessary action should the p^bii^ 68 generally be so taken as not to shake or weaken the authority and influence of that Minister in the eyes of the public. For example- suppose a minister has dismissed a karkoon or other official without sufficient reason, and that it is desired to restore that karkoon. In such a case, it would not be necessary to make any fuss about it. It would not be necessary to record a formal order that the said dismissal was wrong and that the karkoon should be reinstalled. It would generally be sufficient to speak quietly to the min- ister and ask him to restore the karkoon quietly. It is in this spirit, as far as possible, that such busi- ness should be done. (30) In short, the Maharaja and his chosen ministers should be, and should also Differences to be adjusted pri- appear, as one and not as divided vately. among themselves. Any differences 256 MINOR HINTS which might arise among them should be adjusted confidentially and should not be exposed to the public view. (31) After what I have said, it would be quite needless for me to point out the bad Bad policy to policy -the very bad policy of making make the minis- ters flght against the ministers fight among themselves each other. as a check against each other. It would be a very clumsy check, indeed, and appli- cable only if the Ministers were a set of bad, unprinci- pled persons. But by hypothesis, the Maharaja has chosen good ministers. By all means, let thieves quarrel among themselves, but not good men. (32) On the contrary, I say it is one of the most Rather, pre- important duties of the Maharaja to vent quarrels. prevent quarrels among his ministers, His Highness should occasionally express pleasure when his ministers work harmoniously together, and express or indicate displeasure when discord makes its appearance among them. Again, when- ever the Maharaja sees that any intriguers or others try to break the harmony prevailing among His Highness' ministers and try to bring about quarrels among them, His Highness should firmly check such attempts. (33) One great means of promoting harmony HOW to pro- among the ministers and of making am o n g arm0 the them collectively responsible for good adminstration is to arrange that each HUZUR CUTCHERRY 257 Minister should discuss with his colleagues every matter of great public importance or difficulty which he has to deal with, and come to a common agreement about the course to be pursued. In this way, every matter of importance will have the benefit of discussion, and all the ministers will be responsible for the action of each. No minister will have it in his power to say that another minister has done wrong. Indeed, the chances of wrong action will be reduced to a minimum, and this is exactly what good administration requires. (34) Another advantage of great value accru- ing from the principle I have just The continuity of useful practi- stated is this : As each minister dis cal knowledge. cusses important departmental mat- ters with the other .ministers, every minister be- comes acquainted, not simply with the business of his own department, but with the important business of all departments. Such being the case, should any minister happen to go away, there would be no gap of knowledge in the ministry on that account. The successor of the last minister will soon be trained to his work by the other minis- ters. Thus the continuity of useful practical know- ledge will be provided for. 33 CHAPTER XXXVII HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS Wednesday, 24th August, 1881 I have pointed out the great importance of the A few ob:erva- HuzUr Cutcherry being made as tions on the ... . , -,-, j Heads of de- strong as possible intellectually and morally as the essental condition of His Highness' successful administration. And I have indicated in general terms what sort of men the Dewan and the Heads of departments should be/ I will now offer some further observa- tions regarding these Heads of departments. (2) The Head of the Revenue Department _ ,. .. should be specially conversant with Qualifications J of the Head of ^he principles and details of his work, the Revenue De- partment. j e mus t know all about the ryot- wari system of land revenue. He must know all about Opium, Abkari, Customs, and other sources of revenue. In respect of all these matters, he must know, (1) the past history of each, (2) its present condition, (3) its condition in British India, and (4) its theory or science as enumerated by the best authorities. He must be versed in Finance generally. He must be familiar with Political Econ- omy. It is onlv then that he will be able to do justice to the important department of Revenue, on which the happiness of the people largely depends. HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS 259 (3) Those who were at the head of this depart- Why the Heads ment under the former regime mostly met regime were fell short of this standard. Not not successful. . ., -^ ,. , , knowing the English language, they had no access to valuable and necessary informa- tion. Their chief idea was that the largest possible revenue should be extracted from the people with the least trouble to themselves. What was the consequence ? The interest of the people suffered more or less materially. Here there was excessive and crushing taxation. There the taxation was unequal. Here taxation was accompanied by oppression and vexation. There it was attended with the greatest vagueness and uncertainty. Every Izardar imposed or increased taxes at his own pleasure. The extent to which trade suffered from unprincipled duties and from the most exten- sively mischievous net-work of nakahs cannot be adequately imagined by the superficial observer. Many other instances of mismanagement might be mentioned here if he had time to do so. The fact is, those who were at the heads of departments in former times did not even know that great evils existed. How could they then think of improve- ment ? (4) It may be remembered in this connection The Revenue that this department constantly properly 60 man 6 comes in contact with hundreds of thousands of people. These will 260 MINOI! ///A'7> be in a reasonable state of contentment if the Department is properly managed. If not properly managed, great will be the outcry. (5) To proceed to other Departments of the The Head of Huzur Cutcheiry. The Head of the the Judicial De T ,. . , -^ ,. payment to be a J udicial, JPolice and Extradition De- partment must be a clear-headed lawyer. He must be familiar with the leading principles of jurisprudence as well as the practical details of judicial administration. To fulfil this qualification, he must, of course, be an English scholar. He must be conversant with those prin- ciples of International Law which have a bearing on our relations with our neighbours. It has to be remembered that it is this officer who has mainly to advise the Dewan in all judicial matters generally in disposing of appeals from the Varisht Court, in settling legal doubts or difficulties coming from all departments, in making laws and rules, and in conducting that portion of the correspondence with the Residency which relates to the extradi- tion of criminals and to other matters involving judicial principles. (6) If the Maharaja fails to secure a proper A properly Head for the department under adver- gucrantees good tence, many difficulties and embar- rassments are sure to be the con- sequence. Many things would, more or less, slide back into their old condition. Under the old re- HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS 261 gime, extradition was involved in the greatest imaginable confusion. Extradition was exacted from Baroda by all around, but it was very imper- fectly reciprocated to Baroda. The consequence was that our territories were the scene of numerous offences, the perpetrators of which could not be brough to punishment at all. Violent crimes were of every day occurrence. Life, person, and property were very insecure everywhere. Again, there was little that deserved the name of police, the conse- quences of which might be better imagined than described. Again, there were no courts of justice deserving the name, the consequence of which also might be better imagined than described. In short, the Sirkar failed to fulfil the most elementary duties of a civilized government. Bearing all this in view, it will be seen that if the Maharaja has a proper head for the department under advertence, as is the case at present,it will be a great guarantee for good government. (7) Military, Settlement and Giras matters may well go, as they at present do under The impression that no special one department. The efficiency and qualifications are ' necessary for the good reputation of the administra- post of the Head of the Military tj on largely depend upon the careful Department is not correct. choice of the officer to be at the head of this department also. It is a depart- ment which deals with many matters of im- portance, of complexity, of difficulty, and of 262 MINOR HINTS delicacy. It also deals with many persons of con- sequence, or of a troublesome or turbulent charac- ter. The wisdom and experience and the judgment and tact of its present head have been of great ser- vice during these six years. Many practically useful principles and methods of transacting business and of settling disputes have now been attained in this department which deserve to be adhered to as the results of anxious reflection and laborious progress. The Maharaja has to be all the more careful in having a fully qualified officer at the head of the department under advertence, because an im- pression prevails among certain classes in the city that no special qualifications whatever are requir- ed for the post, that even the most ordinary person would be able to get through its duties. That impression arises from a misconception. The post of Civil Minister is mistaken for that of Commander-in-Chief of the Irregular Forces. (8) Under the former regime there was a lamentable want of system in the Grave abuses under the former management of affairs connected regime. with the Military, Settlement and Giras branches of business. It. was, indeed, much worse than a want of system, for grave and mani- fold abuses prevailed. These have been mention ed in the Administration Reports, which, I hope, His Highness will go through. Many of these have been corrected and others are in course of HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS 263 correction. The tendency of these abuses is to spring up again and again, and such tendency should be checked with firmness and vigilance and the process of correction should be steadly continued. For this purpose the head of the department should be, as already stated, a well qualified officer. (9) The Public Works Department is also one Th H d ^ ^ e m st important departments the Public works o f the Huzur Cutcherry, and as such Department. requires a duly qualified officer at its head. This officer, too, must be conversant with the English language, as he has to correspond with the Chief Engineer in English and to study English books bearing on Public Works. The present Head fulfils the requirements completely. (10) The principal departments Duties of the r . several depart- o f the Huzur Cutcherry, I have above mental Heads. noticed, stand as follows : (1) Revenue Department. (2) Military, Settlement, and Giras De- partments. (3) Judicial, Police, and Extradition Departments. (4) Pubic Works Department. All these departments require for their heads first-rate officers, who will not only do their res- pective duties in a scientific, systematic, and satis- factory manner, but will, in conjunction with the Dewan, form the cabinet of the Maharaja that 264 MINOR HINTS is to say, that body of His Highness' ministers who will, under His Highness, be collectively res- ponsible for the good government of the country. (11) The primary responsibility for the good Have the best government of the country rests, of ministers for the . , , T./T v i- IP conduct of the course, with the Maharaja himseli. administration. ... . , , -I_-TJ. TJ. It is a weighty responsibility. It is a responsibility increasing with the general pro- gress of India. . It is a responsibility which must cause serious anxiety to the best of rulers. The only way in which His Highness can fulfil that heavy responsibility, is to have the best ministers for the conduct of the administration. These ministers should possess abundant intelligence, knowledge, experience and high character to com- mand respect and to withstand hostile criticism from whatever quarter the same may come, either from British Authorities or from the general public. The very best Maharaja, with incompetent minis- ters, is pretty sure to be a failure. (12) The demand for the best ministers is Demand for especially imperative in Baroda, be- the best minis- t * , , ters imperative cause oi its situation and circum- stances. There is probably no other Native State in all India which has to deal with interests more involved, more intricate and more trying to the intellect. And there is probably no other Native State which is more exposed to public observation and criticism. HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS 265 (13) I have mentiomed above four principal A few observa- departments of the Huzur Cutcherry. tions on the other departments. These, however, do not comprise all the branches of business done there. There are numerous other branches besides, such as Accounts and Audits, Khangi, Education, Medicine, Munici- palities, Boundary Settlement, General or Miscel- laneous and last, not least, the English correspond- ence.' On these I beg to offer a few observations. (a) Accounts and Audits are absolutely neces- sarv for the proper conduct of the (a)Aceounts to be entrusted to a administration. They are necessary qualified head. even in a private family, and they are much more necessary in a State. They should be entrusted as they at present are, to a distinct and specially qualified head. He must be versed in the old system of accounts and audit and also in the more improved modern system. He will largely assist the administration in keeping the finances in order. (b) The Khangi work may be given to some (b) The Khangi one of the heads of the principal to be entrusted , m , to one of the departments, lhat work requires much watchfulness, judgment and tact. Extravagant and wasteful expenditure has to be kept within the limits fixed by His Highness. And yet, needless offence and annoyance have to be carefully avoided in the performance of this important and necessary duty. 34 266 MINOR HINTS (c) ' Education " may also be given to some one of the heads of the principal (c) Education , ^ and Medicine. departments, lhat head may be chosen for the purpose who is most familiar with the modern system of education. " Medicine " may go with education very well. (d) " Municipalities " may go with Public Works "Boundary Settlement" had better (d) Other minor branches, generally go under the Revenue Department. " General or Miscellaneous " may be with some one of the heads of the principal departments. (14) In process of time, as work increases, as A fifth minis- it j s sure to do, it may become desir- ter may be re- quired, able to put some of these branches of business under an additional or fifth minister. Indeed, I think that four ministers, as above stated would hardly suffice for the work of the administration, inasmuch as one of them might go away on leave, or might fall sick at any time. (15) The English Correspondence Department Necessity of of the Huzur Cutcherry is one of the having a quali- . , r^, fled secretary in most important departments. Ihe responfenee De- credit of the whole administration largely depends upon the efficiency of this department. It is to be remembered that the Dewan has to carry on extensive correspon- dence in English and the correspondence with the Residency includes matters of great moment, dif- HEADS' OF DEPARTMENTS 20? ficulty, delicacy, or confidence. It is to be further remembered that the annual administration report is prepared and compiled in the English office of the Huzur Cutcherry. It is, therefore, essential that at the head of this office there should always be a thoroughly qualified Secretary or Manager like the present incumbent. He should be quite trustworthy, intelligent, well versed in English, able to write with ease and facility, active, energetic and industrious, possessing a good memory, and of a conciliatory disposition in order that he may com- municate with the heads of the various other departments without friction. (16) It remains that I shall say a few words The Fadnis and a ^out the Fadnis Department of the his duties. Huzur Cutcherry. The Fadnis is the Head of this Department. The Fadnis is a here- ditary officer of the State, and it is desirable that it should be so. It is desirable to have a perma- nent element amidst so many shifting elements in the Huzur Cutcherry. (a) The Fadnis is already the depository of mos ^ valuable records of the (a) Custodian oi documents. past> He s h ou ld continue to be so, and in this respect his usefulness should be exten- ded. In fact, he should be the custodian of all valuable documents and decisions and of all important records of all departments. He will thus be a most useful referee. 268 MINOR HINTS (b) Another important function assigned to (6) Examining Fadnis is to examine the cash cash balances. balances in the Central Treasury and certify to their correctness. This should, by all means, be continued. (c) Another important duty which the Fadnis (c) Writing ail has been doing is to write all or most Treasury invoiv- of the orders to the Central Treasury ing payments. . , . involving money payments. In other words, he is the main channel of communication between the Huzur Cutcherry and the Central Treasury. This very judicious arrangement should also be continued. (d) He also prepares all routine communica- (d) Preparing tions to be addressed to the Residency communications . TT - r , - to the Residen- m the Vernacular. I his may well be continued also. (17) I may here suggest the desirableness of giving some assistance to the Fadnis The Fadnis may have two m a u these respects by placing under Darakdars under him him two or three Darakdars, such as are doing no work, but are drawing considerable allowances. CHAPTER XXXVIII SALARIES 31st August, 1881. In connection with the Huzur Cutcherry and as applicable to all public establish- Observations saiarfes SUbieCt f men t s m general, I may here submit some observations on the subject of salaries. This is an important subject, regard- ing which His Highness should have clear ideas. (2) Formerly, almost any person, it was thought The idea that could fill any post and perform any any man could an any post. duty. In such circumstances, there was no difficulty in getting persons for the public service. Shoals of candidates offered themselves when any vacancy occurred, and they would accept any salary, however low. (3) Again, public servants in those days made plenty of money over and above their Why men . . could be got on salaries. Ihese were acquisitions which we, in these days, very properly deem unlawful and most discreditable. In short, and to speak plainly, they took bribes. They took employment not so much for the salary given as for the opportunity to plunder. There may have been exceptions, but I am speaking of the general 270 MINOR HINTS state of things. This is another reason why men could be got on low pay. (4) The state of things now-a-days is very dif- The i state must ferent - Happily the requirements of ?f e y s hiher sala g oc * administration are far better understood and . appreciated. For the public service we now want educated men- men possessing the requisite qualifications and men thoroughly upright and honorable who would not stoop to any unlawful gain. If we want a specially good article not any article we have to pay much higher for it. In other words, the State has to pay higher salaries. (5) In regulating our salaries, we have to attend also to other considerations. The salary not to be less than There is a large demand in British what the British offer - India for educated and upright men. The remuneration which we offer to such men cannot be less than what the British Government offers. The Imperial service absorbs a great number of such men. (6) Again, in the British service, there is provi- A retiring pen- s ^ on ma( ^ e f r a retiring pension. As this is wanting here, the actual salary has to be made proportionately higher. (7) Again, in the British service, the tenure of . office is far more secure. The higher The tenure of office to be more p u blc servants hold office during secure. good behaviour. In other words, SALARIES 271 they are not liable to be turned out arbitrarily. On the other hand, in Native States generally, the case has, I am sorry to say, been considerably different. The best behaved public servant is not sure of retaining his appointment for any length of time. Indeed, it has not unfrequently occurred that the best behaved servants have been the least liked by the Maharaja, because their good prin- ciples would not allow them to do any dirty work which might be assigned to them. In conse- quence of this uncertainty as to tenure of office, good men look for much higher salary in the service of the Native State than in the British service. The higher salary has to cover the greater risk of losing the appointment itself. (8) Earnestly do I hope that what I have just said about Native States in general The remarks about Native sta- w m no t apply to Baroda under tes in general not applicable to the rule of the carefully educafed Baroda. Prince who is about to assume power. Yet, obviously, public confidence cannot be gained in a day. It will take years of good government before public confidence becomes fairly established. Meanwhile the difference between the British service and that of the Native States in respect of security of tenure of office must be operating in reducing good men to demand higher pay in the latter than in the former service. 272 MINOR HINTS (9) Again, the earnings of educated and able men in the independent professions The earnings of educated men have much increased. A successful have increased. doctor or a successful pleader or mer- chant earns quite as much as he would have earned, had he entered the public service. The public service, too, has its influence in rendering it neces- sary to offer higher salaries in the service of the State. (10) Again, some of the Native States them- There is a de- selves are improving and therefore mand for edu- cated men are adding to the demand tor edu- cated and upright men. The price of such men has increased on this account. No doubt, the supply of such men has also increased owing to the many educational agencies at work in different parts of India. Yet, the balance of effect is in favour of giving increased salaries to such men. (11) Considering the reasons above stated, it , will be found that the scale of sala- The present scale not excess- r j es adopted by the present adminis- tration is not excessive. This will be all the more evident,, when it is noted that the heads of departments in the Huzur Cutcherry here are doing work really more difficult and responsible than that done by officers in the British service drawing equal pay. The matter may be regarded from another point of view. The existing salaries are not in truth so much higher than those of the SALARIES 273 past as may seem to a cursory observer. The former salaries were, it should be recollected, largely sup- plemented by means of extra allowances in diverse shapes and from diverse sources. For instance, there were granted chatri, masal, jabb, palki, horses, paga, warshassans, assamies and villages. Moreover, there were shares in nazrannas sometimes. As to unrecognized or secret gains, these made a con- siderable addition. If all these things be included in the calculation, my belief is that the present rates are really lower, at any rate not higher. (12) The Sirdars and Darakadars need not Sirdars need envy the existing salaries of the State salaries of offl- officers because some of those Sirdars cers. and Darakdars are themselves get- ting very large emoluments without any work to speak of. (13) It is undoubtedly some economy on the Liberal saia- part of the State to give good, even nipt acquisi- liberal salaries to the higher func- tionaries of the State and thereby cut off corrupt acquisitions. It should be borne in mind that formerly for every corrupt acquisition of one thousand rupees made by an officer, he put the State probably to a loss of three or four or more thousand rupees. What the State may now be paying by way of salaries in excess of the past is, it must be remembered, manifold by the cessation of corruption. 35 274 MI yon (14) What I have just mentioned is only the pecuniary advantage accruing from advantages 1 ' 1 ' 031 gd and liberal salaries. But the political advantages of having a set of able and upright men to conduct the adminis- tration are beyond estimate. Without such men, the administration would become despicable. The State would lead a sickly and weakly life which could not last very long. These various considera- tions forcibly point to the justice and expediency of maintaining the existing scale of salaries undimin- ished. In the lower grades of the service, some salaries will probably have to be yet increased. (15) I proceed now to another subject, which The propriety this seems to be an appropriate place of obtaining the loan of British to notice in. We have in the Huzur Government ser- vants. Cutcherry and other establishments several officers whose services have been borrowed from the British Government. A question here arises, " Is this right and proper, and is the State to continue to obtain the loan of British Govern- ment servants ? " On this topic, I beg to offer some remarks. The State has been most fortunate in having been able to obtain the services of the British Government servants we at present have in our establishments. On the deposition of Mulhar Rao, the work of reform which had to be done was one of great magnitude and seriousness, and its successful prosecution necessitated the assistance SALARIES 275 of some trained and experienced hands. As these were not available at Baroda, they had to be got from outside, whether from the British Govern- ment service or elsewhere. They have done ex- cellent service and have become even more valu- able than ever before, because of the additional knowledge and experience they have gained in Baroda territories. (16) These officers should, of course, continue They diffuse * serve the State not only because their knowledge. ^^ serv j ces are j n themselves SO valuable but also because they are instrumental in diffusing their own knowledge and experi- ence around them. (17) As our own people learn business and get The necessity trained, the necessity for borrowing ma e y nSa uWmSeiy outsiders may be expected to dimin- ish and to ultimately disappear. This is a result much to be desired. It must be steadily kept in prospect and pressed forward, too, in earnest. (18) It is here desirabl to take a view of the Advantages advantages and disadvantages at- taching to Native British servants lenffo taken on loan by the State, the State. (a) In the first place the State has to pay them (a) Higher sal- mucn higher salaries than they draw aries in the British service, to induce them 276 MINOR HINTS to come and work in our service. We have to pay at least 50 per cent, more, not frequently even 100 per cent, more. (b) Then we have to pay their pension contri- (6) Pension bution to the British Government, contribution. and thig ig ft further additional charge. (c) Then there is the possibility of their leaving (c) Possibility our service at any time and reverting of leaving ser- vice, to that of the British Government. (d) Again, if any of them misbehaves and has (d) Misbenav- ^ ^ e dismissed, the State has to take care that the dismissal is upon such strong grounds as to satisfy the British Govern- ment also of their validity. (e) They are, generally speaking, a little too (e) They are regular and technical, at least at the too technical. beginning of their service in the Native States. I mean that they are guided more by rules than by principles. In other words, they are somewhat defective in that elasticity which the circumstances of the Native States require. (/) Also, generally speaking, they are imperfect in the qualities of statesmanship for the quaSties*of the simple reason that, in the British statesmansh, P . gervice> they m very subordinate posts that they do not rise to those higher posi- tions which necessitate the acquisition and exercise of those qualities. In the vast and complex SALARIES 277 machine of the Imperial Government they turn some distance with almost mechanical regularity without learning without having to learn all about the machine as a whole and as composed of parts all dependent on one another, and each con- tributing its share to the fulfilment of the common purpose. (g) On the other hand, the facilities afforded A large British Government for our field of selection. obtaming the loan of their servants, enable the Native State to have the advantage of a very large field of selection to choose from so large a field men of tried and trained ability and probity to pick out men just suited to given requirements. . (h) It is also a great advantage that the Native State is thus enabled to occasionally (h) A public J servant indepen- introduce into its service a public dent of local connections. servant independent of local connec- tions, of local combinations and of local prejudices. (i) Another considerable advantage of such in- (*) increase of troduction is that the British servant, efficiency. thoroughly trained as he is in his particular work, is instrumental in having many under him in the Native service and thereby raising the standard of efficiency. And I will only add that a carefully selected British servant introduced into the service of the Native State, becomes very valuable after some years' experi- 278 MINOR HINTS ence in Native administration. Of this, there are bright examples at this moment in our Huzur Cutcherry. (19) It is not out of place here to suggest one or two warnings. The high charac- One or two ter o f the administration being a warnings. matter of vital importance, the Native State should scrupulously avoid introducing into its service any persons who have been dismissed from the service of the British Government for gross misconduct importing moral depravity. Such persons, will offer themselves for employment on cheap terms. They will press themselves on the Maharaja's attention in various ways. But they must be firmly rejected ; they would say that they do not want any salary, but they simply desire to be in attendance upon His Highness and to make themselves useful in miscellaneous ways, as for instance, in giving private information, in discus- sing matters and offering counsels in writing to the newspapers, etc., etc. But my opinion is that the Maharaja should summarily reject all such over- tures. (20). Nor should the Native State indiscrimin- The practice ately take into its service such British tfsiTfeSed ser- servants as have retired on pension. ^tfff^t. As a g eneral le > those who have been deemed unfit to render further service under the British Government, SALARIES 279 must be equally unfit to render further service under the Native Government. Instances, how- ever, sometimes occur in which a pensioned British servant still retains the capacity to work. There is no objection to employ such person for a time in the service of the Native State, if he possesses more than ordinary merit. (21) Formerly, the remuneration of our public servants was a conglomerate of sala- Saiary to be r j es assamies, warshassans, lands, one lump sum. fees, palki allowances, etc., etc. It was altogether a most confused and complex matter. It was a system of concealment, deception and fraud. It made it difficult for the Maharaja to know what the total remuneration of any servant was. And it often happened it happened too frequently that though the service was dispensed with, some and even several items of the remunera- tion continued to be paid ! This has now been happily done away with, and every care has to be taken against its resuscitation. A public servant should have a defined salary -in the lump and in cash, and this should cease the moment the man ceases to be a public servant. PUBLIC SERVICE. Uth September, 1881. The public service constitutes an extensive organisation which is felt in every An extensive p ar t o f the country and which comes organisation. in contact with the people in all their relations with the government of the country. Every part of this organisation should be made sound and further means should be devised to pro- vide for the continuity of the soundness. (2) The heads of the various departments H d d b em g proper men, they should have partments to powers liberally given them for mak- have powers. ing appointments, promotions, etc. They should have powers also to fine, suspend, dismiss, etc. Without such powers, they would not be able to maintain discipline and efficiency. The very essence of an efficient organization is that subordinates should be grouped together under superior officers and that the latter should have the means of influencing the hopes of the former. P UBLIC 8ER VICE 281 (3) The heads of departments should exercise Bight princi- ^eir powers above-mentioned not them in th!"^ 6 arbitrari ly r just as they like but ercise of their un( j er the guidance of right prin- ciples. What these principles are may be observed from a circular order sent in A. D. 1875 by the existing administration. (4) His Highness the Maharaja, in the exercise The Ruler to ^ su P erv i s i n an d control, has to supervise and see that the provisions of the circular control. order are generally attended to. The result will be that the public service will be required, from time to time, so as not only to maintain but to improve its efficiency. (5) It is the head of the Department who can The opinion most correctly know what qualifica- of the head in matters of patro- tions are required for any given post nage to carry much weight. under him and whether a given candidate possesses these qualifications. He best knows also which of his subordinates has earned promotion, etc. Therefore, as a rule, his opinion in matters of patronage should carry much weight. (6) Ignorant or selfish persons will advise the Maharaja to concentrate all the pat- Advice of sei- ronage in his own hands and to make fish persons. appointments without reference and even contrary to the views of the heads of depart- ments. The sagacity of His Highness will sum- 36 282 MINOR HINTS manly reject such advice as prejudicial to organi- sation and efficiency. (7) The primary object being to appoint and promote the most efficient persons, dency. recommendations conflicting with that object should be rejected, from whatever quarter they may come. For instance, such recommendations may come from friends and relations. They may come from British Officers, they may come from the newspapers. The Maharaja's firmness may be abundantly exercised in steadily pursuing the primary object aforesaid. (8) Cases may sometimes occur, in which His Highness wishes to show favour to a Favours to be . . , . t . . . . sparingly shown, particular person irrespective of his merits and qualifications. Such cases of course, must be few and far between. Better, then, to appoint such person to some quiet sinecure post in which he would do no harm than to place him in charge of duties which he could not perform satisfactorily. (9) Another point to be kept in view by His Highness is this. The public service Transfers not , . -^ , , to be made in- has various branches, .bach branch discriminately. ., . , !/;, requires its own special qualifications. It follows that a person who answers well in one branch would not necessarily answer well in another branch. Therefore, transfers from one PUBLIC SERVICE 283 branch to another should not be made indiscrimi- nately. The caution herein given applies particu- larly to the Revenue and Judicial Departments of the State. (10) The Maharaja should never take any Nazaranas and nazaranna for any appointment or bribes for ap- pointments are promotion in the public service. His a poison to Government. Highness should not allow any one to receive any bribe for any appointment or promo- tion. It is a poison which is fatal to all good government and must be shunned as such. Who- ever acts contrary to this principle should be expel- led from the service whether private or public, and should be liable to an unsparing criminal prosecution. (11) There is another way in which' bad and unscrupulous men tempt a Maharaja puious men may to appoint them to considerable and tempt a ruler. -11 TTI responsible posts. For instance, one of them says to His Highness, " Give me such an appointment, and I will increase the revenue by such an amount." The money-loving Maharaja swallows the bait. And what is the consequence ? * Simply the misery of the subject population. That certainly is not the way to increase revenue. That increase of revenue alone is creditable which results from steady good government, from the increased wealth and prosperity of the people. and not from increased exactions. 284 MINOR HINTS (12) The several suggestions I have offered in this paper deserve attentive consi- Bad Govern- ment due. to an deration on the part of the Maharaja ; ignorant exercise of the rights of indeed, they need to be careful] y patronage. studied, because I know from actual experience that many evils and troubles arise in Native States from want of a clear comprehension of principles on which patronage should be exer- cised. Much of the bad governemnt of Native States, and much of the dangers to which Native Princes become exposed, is due to an ignorant exercise of the rights of patronage. CHAPTER XL RELATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT. Wednesday, 2lst September., 1881 Nothing is more important than that the Maha- Reiations with raja should study carefully and the British Gov- ernment to be thoroughly the relations of his State carefully studi- ed, with the British Government. They involve many momentous, difficult and delicate matters, of which the Maharaja should have an accurate and complete knowledge. Upon such knowledge depends in a very large measure His Highness' s safety, honour, strength and happiness. 1 have 110 doubt, therefore, that the observa- tions I am going to offer will receive the utmost attention. (2) There are some broad facts which must, at the outset, be fully and clearly rea- The British J Government ex- lized, and I proceed to state them, ercises supreme sway - The first and foremost fact is, that the British Government exercises supreme sway over India from Cape Comorin to the Himalayas and from Calcutta to Peshawar. The area of this imperial sway comprises both the British territories 286 MINOR HINTS and the territories ruled by the Native Princes. It is the British Government which maintains the general peace of this vast tract. (3) The British Government fulfils this great Their power is function with a power which is ir- a combination of -MI physical with in- resistible. It is a power which could telleetual and moral power. crush resistance singly or combined and from whatever quarter in India it might arise. This power of the British Government is all the more irresistible because it is derived from a com- bination of physical with intellectual and moral power. Owing to this happy combination the British Empire in India is far more powerful and far more durable than any empire which had pre- ceded the same. (4) It follows that every Native Prince should conciliate the British Government Every Native Ruler to eoneiii_ which possesses such irresistible power. Government. j^ WO uld be the greatest folly for any Native Prince to provoke it seriously against him. This must be unmistakably understood. Concilia- tion is an absolute and unavoidable necessity of the situation and circumstances. This necessity must be accepted, and if accepted cheerfully, so much the better in the interests of the Native Princes. (5) Happily, however, the character and quali- British Government are conciiiation not difficult. guch that conciliation is not difficult or costly. RELATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT 287 (6) Moreover, while the British Government is Th n bi physically irresistible, it wisely per- utyofthe Brit- mitsitselfbeyondallexampleto.be ish Government. irresistible in the peaceful field of reason, justice and morality. It is anxious to abstain from everything unreasonable, unjust or immoral. The consequence of this anxiety is that, if it ever be unconsciously led into any unreason- able, unjust or immoral action, you have only to prove to it that the action is such and it may gener- ally be expected to withdraw from such action. This is a great and distinguishing characteristic of the British Government. It is this noble quality of the British Government which greatly restrains the abuse of its irresistible physical power. It is this quality which protects the Native States from becoming the victims of the lawless exercise of that power. It is this quality from which the Native States derive the hope of living securely, honour- ably, happily and long. (7) The conclusions we have Conclusions on which the native reached may be thus very briefly Ruler should build his policy, stated, namely : (a) The Native Prince should recognize the power of the British Government as irresistible. (b). He may depend upon it that the British Government, though possessing resis- tible power, is amenable to reason, 288 MINOR H/A'7'N justice, etc., and morality, and is therefore open to argument, (c) The British Government may be concil- iated without much difficulty or cost. Upon these simple axioms should the Native Prince build his whole policy. (8) I will now briefly state what his whole policy should accordingly be. He should Never think ol ,1-1 > , -u coercing the Bri- never think ot coercing the British tish by physical ^ . , . -, force. Government by means of physical force. The British Government should have no reason given it to suspect any such thought on the part of the Native Prince. He should avoid the maintenance or increase of needless troops. He should not store up needless arms and ammunition. He should not set up the secret manufactories of military stores. He should not show the remotest disposition to combine with those who may be hostile or even unfriendly to the British Government whether they be indi- viduals or nations. He should not join or support any political agitation directed against, or embar- rassing to the British Government. These broad hints suffice for the purpose in view and may be suggestive of any minor hints in the same direction. (9) Further, the Native Prince should show a Appreciate the cordial appreciation of the great benefits of Bri- , ,, , . , T ,. , tishmit. benefits which India in general, and RELATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT 289 the Native States in particular, undoubtedly enjoy under British supremacy. (10) The Native Prince may, when any dif- Argue on ferences arise with the British son?" justice ami Government, respectfully argue with that Government, on the grounds of reason, justice and morality. It is in this peaceful manner and in this manner only, that the Native Prince can defend his rights, honour and privileges and interests of his subjects. He must appeal to those principles of reason, justice and morality by which the British Government has repeatedly declared itself bound. (11) He should conciliate the British Govern- Govern your merit, which, as already stated, it is state well. not diffi cu i t or cost i y to d o . The best means of conciliating the British Government in these days is for the Native Prince to govern his own State well, and also to see that his arrangements are not in such conflict with those of the British Government as to be a source of constant irritation or annoyance to the British Government. Any Native Prince, who steadily pursues the policy thus indicated, is sure to get on smoothly and well. His security, his happiness and his durability are insured so long as the British Government endures in India and is true to its own declared principles. This will be very long. Indeed, human foresight cannot assign any limit of time in this respect. 37 290 MINOR HINTS (12) Just mark here, please, the contrast the * **v very great contrast which this state Contrast the present with the o f things presents to that which existed before the establishment of British supremacy in India. In the Moghlai and even in the Maratha period, no Native Prince enjoyed any sense of security. Uncertainty, strife, confusion and anarchy prevailed in their most intensified forms. Just note how the Gaekwar suffered even at the hands of the Maratha Government at Poona. The sufferings of the people in general were even greater than those of the Prince. History bears abundant evidence. (13) As I have already said, the Native Prince what these may when any differences arise with and the British Government, respectfully argue with that Government on the grounds of reason, justice, and morality. In defence of his rights, honour and privileges and the interests of his subjects, he may respectfully appeal to those principles of reason, justice and morality, by which the British Government has repeatedly declared itself bound. It becomes, therefore, very impor- tant that the Maharaja and his Ministers should be acquainted with the chief of those principles. Let us go over some of these, drawing them from such sources as are at this moment within our reach, RELATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT 291 (a) I must begin by referring to that great (a)The procia- document Her Majesty's Proclama- mation. of 1858. The British GOV- tion of A. D. 1858. One paragraph of eminent, will not take territory itruns thus: We desire no extension from any Native state. of our present territorial posses- sions, and while we will permit no aggression upon our dominions or our rights to be attempted with impunity, we shall sanction no encroachment on those of others." One great principle which we derive from the above is that the British Government has solemnly bound itself not to take any territory from any Native State. Upon no grounds or pretexts whatever will the British Government take any territory from any Native State. The British Government will thus resist one great temptation ; the Native States are thus freed from one great danger. The whole constitutes a solemn and permanent guarantee for the continued existence of the Native States in their territorial integrity. The Native States must be profoundly grateful for this great security. (b) The foregoing assurance, however, does (6) Though a not mean that the British Govern- Ruler may be deposed, the ment will never deprive a Native state will be preserved. Prince of his territories that it will never depose a Native Prince. The British Government does retain this power. If a Native Prince is guilty of gross misgovernment, the British Government has the power to depose him. Simi- 292 MINOR HINTS larly if a Native Prince is grossly disloyal to the British Government and becomes its enemy or joins its enemies, the British Government may depose such a Prince. But even in that case the British Government will not annex to itself the territories of the deposed Prince. Though the Prince may be deposed, the Native State will be preserved in its integrity. Some other person probably some heir or relative of the deposed Prince will be put in possession of the Native State. Though the ruler may be changed for some sufficient reason, the Native State itself will remain in its territorial integrity. The principle was fully exemplified in the Example of the instance of Baroda itself. Mulhar above. j^ ao Q ae j iwar was deposed and a distant relative of his was substituted. But Her Majesty's word was fully kept, inasmuch as not one inch of the Baroda territories was taken away by the British Government. (c) Even where lineal descendants fail in the case of a Native Prince, the British (e) Where lin- eal descendants Government will not take the Raj, but will give it to the nearest or one of the nearest of the surviving relatives. (d) The British G overnment also recognizes the adoption of sons by the Native (y peace TT n/r > i * and good Her Majesty s Proclamation is now Government. . to be noticed. It runs as follows : ' We shall respect the rights, dignity and honor of Native Princes as our own. And we desire that they as well as our own subjects should enjoy that prosperity and that social advancement which can only be secured by internal peace and good govern- ment." These are just, generous and noble assur- ances proceeding from the highest authority of the British Government. They are assurances which greatly fortify the Native Princes and their States. (2) Let us note that the rights, dignity and honour of Native "Princes are not only The rights and honour of Native to be respected, but are to be respect- Pnnces to be re- spected, ed as if they were Her Majesty's own. The assurance is thus as full and complete as the most ardent well-wisher of Native States could wish. It is a strong and solemn assurance which is the outcome of that exalted moral principle or precept of religion, whether Hindu or Christian, RELATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT 295 which bids us treat others as we would they should treat us. The rights, dignity and honour or Native Princes are thus secured in the strongest manner possible. (3) In connection with this, however, one The ri ht thing should be carefully remember- ciaimed should Q ^ The Native Princes should not be reasonable. claim any rights, dignity and honour, which are extravagant or unusual or incompatible with civilized society and civilized Government. What they may claim and what Her Majesty has graciously and solemnly promised to respect, are reasonable rights, dignity and honour. (4) For instance, it would not be reasonable for any Native Prince to claim the Examples of rights not rea- right of forcibly taking into his ze- sonably exer- cised * nana any woman he likes. It would not be reasonable for him to claim the right of arbitrarily putting any person into prison. It would not be reasonable for him to claim the right of making the British Resident sit on the floor without a chair, while he (the Prince) himself sits high on the Gadee. It would not be reasonable for him to claim any rights which are contrary to the treaties and engagements by which he is bound. The few examples just given will serve to show what is meant and what is not meant by the para- graph of the Queen's Proclamation under adver- tence. The warning which they suggest may not 296 MINOR HINTS be quite unnecessary because it is not impossible that a Prince, in a moment of haste, might presume too much on this part of the Proclamation and get into serious trouble. (5) From the words, "We shall respect the rights, etc., of Native Princes as The British Government is our own," it will not be inferred superior to that of the Native that Her Majesty places the Princes Princes. on a footing of equality with herself. From the very nature of things equality does not and cannot exist. The British Government is decidedly superior to the Native Princes in many essential respects, and especially in respect to power and influence. This is a fact which daily stares us in the face and no Native Prince can ignore it. What the words of the Queen's Procla- mation mean is, that the rights, dignity .and honour of Native Princes whatever they are, and as they are, will be respected and will be respected as much as if they were Her Majesty's own. (6) In the paragraph of the Proclamation under notice, Her Majesty declares pJmote'SSter'nai the important truth that prosperity ernment nd * V an ^ social advancement can be se- cured only by internal peace and good government. In desiring, therefore, that the Native Princes should enjoy prosperity and social advancement, Her Majesty clearly desires that these Princes should promote internal peace RELATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT 297 and government. It is, of course, the duty of every Prince to promote peace and good govern- ment; and the aforesaid declaration of Her Majesty makes this duty all the more imperative. (7) Another paragraph of the Queen's Pro- clamation declares that ah 1 treaties The British .,, , T Government will and engagements made with the treaties with the Native Princes will be scrupulously maintained, and further declares that Her Majesty looks for a like observance on the part of the Princes. Though possessing irresistible power, the British Government thus distinctly declares that it is bound by the treaties and engagements with the Native Princes. In other words, the British Government will scrupulously do all that the treaties and engagements promise and scrupulously abstain from doing all that they forbid. The declaration is the very foundation of the continued existence and security of the Native Prince. (8) On the other hand, the Native Princes are expected to observe the treaties Who in return should do the and engagements in the most scru- same thing. , ^i pulous manner. JLhis is obviously most right and proper. The Princes should there- fore make themselves thoroughly, minutely and accurately acquainted with the treaties and engagements, carefully note everything which requires to be done or requires not to be done and 38 298 MINOR HINTS scrupulously act accordingly. The Princes should be more careful not to give reason, or even the appearance of reason, to the British Government to say, " You have not observed the treaties and engagements, you cannot therefore expect us to observe them." (9) The Queen's Proclamation concludes with the expression of a noble resolve duftry'amfworks which deserves to be taken to heart to f b P e U 5romSe i y by every ruler, small or great. That resolve is expressed in the following memorable words : " It is our earnest desire to stimulate the peaceful industry of India, to promote works of public utility and improvement and to administer its Government for the benefit of all our subjects resident therein. In their pros- perity will be our strength, in their contentment our security, and in their gratitude our best reward." (1.0) The more then, the Native Princes follow this noble example of a Sovereign ben "fit"? iSf the niuch greater than any one of them and much greater even then all of them put together, the more will they be in accord with, and the more will they be esteemed by, the Imperial Government which, as already stated, holds sway over all India, with irresistible power, and which effectually protects each of them against another's aggression and protects all against foreign RELATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT 299 aggression. Each Native Prince should similarly resolve to govern for the benefit of all his subjects and not for the selfish pleasure and enjoyment of himself, and a narrow circle of friends and depen- dents. Let each Native Prince proudly say that in the prosperity of his subjects will be his strength, in their contentment his security, and in their gratitude his best reward. (11) We have thus derived some large and invaluable principles from Her tho'S^Si 1 Majesty's Proclamation in its bear- ing on the Native States principles which restrain and control the action of the irre- sistible power of the British Government, prin- ciples without which that irresistible power would be an unmitigated curse to India. Let us now proceed to notice other principles which regulate the relations between the British Government and the Native States. (12) It is to be remembered that the British Government has undertaken the duty The duty of the British of protecting each Native State Government to protect the Na- against the aggression or violence live State against the violence of of another. This duty gives the another. . . British Government the right to see that each Native State does riot provoke the aggression or violence of another. It is thus that the British Government has the right to prevent a Native State's aggression or violence against 300 M/\f)lt /tfXTS another Native State and also the right to pre- vent such action on the part of a Native State as would provoke the aggression or violence of another Native State. In this respect the British Government acts the part of a grand and power- ful political magistrate over the Native States. Such a magistrate must necessarily have the right to restrain transgression by Native States. (13) Hence it is that the British Government tells every Native State not to carry Correspondence 1 . . , between two on direct correspondence with any other Native State. All correspon- dence between one Native State and another must pass through the offices of the British Government. (14) Hence it is that the British Government tells every Native State to refer to The Native British officers every dispute or State to refer dis- putes to the Bri- difference between it and any other tish Government Native State. The British Govern- ment takes means to bring about a just and peaceful settlement which must be submitted to by the Native States concerned. The British Government has the right to enforce its settle- ments thus effected. (15) Again, it should be remembered that the British Government has under- The Native state not to pro- taken the duty ol protecting each voke aggression from foreign Native State against aggression or powers. volence from foreign powers. Such as Russia, France, Germany, the United States of America, etc., etc. This duty gives the British Government the right to see that each Native State carefully abstains from provoking aggres- sion or violence from such foreign powers. (16) It is thus that the British Government has the right to prevent such action The rights of the , T ,. , British Govern- on the part oi a JNative btate as would provoke a foreign power. Hence it is that the British Government tells every Native State not to carry on direct correspondence with any foreign power. Hence it is that the British Government has the right to compel any Native State to make any immediate reparation for any injury it may have caused to any foreign power, as for instance, by unjustly imprisoning a subject of the foreign power, by unjustly depriving him of life or property, by plundering any foreign vessel wrecked on the coast of the Native State ; and so forth. (17) Again, be it remembered that the British The Native Government has undertaken, where- Prince not to provoke his sub- ever treaties regarding a subsidiary jects by mis- government, force exist, to protect the Native Prince against the violence of his own subjects. This duty gives the British Government the right to see that the Native Prince does not provoke by gross misgovernment his own subjects to violence. 302 MINOR HINTS (18) This point is clearly put in the following Good govern- words of a high officer of the British ment depends on the personal cha- Government He says : ' The racter of the ru- ler, objection to protect the Prince from the dangers of internal anarchy or insurrection, from whatever cause it may arise, appears to involve the corresponding privilege of interfering to arrest the progress of proceedings tending to produce it ; and the necessity of such interference is the greater and more frequent, because all the States of India being (with some few partial exceptions) purely monar- chical, the good government of the country must ever depend upon the personal character and quali- fications of the Prince." (19) The same view was put forth very recently and very strongly in the case of brook on Mis- Baroda itself. It was done by His Excellency the Viceroy (Lord North- brook) in his Khureeta to His Highness Mulhar Rao Gaekwad, dated 25th July, 1874. The Viceroy em- phatically said, ; ' My friend, I cannot consent to employ British troops to protect any one in a course of wrong-doing. Misrule on the part of a Govern- ment which is upheld by the British power is mis- rule, in the responsibility for which the British Government becomes, in a measure, involved. It becomes, therefore, not only the right but the posi- tive duty of the British Government to see that the administration of a State in such a condition- is RELATIONS WITH BRITISH GOVERNMENT 303 reformed, and that the gross abuses are removed." * * * * * * " If these obliga- tions be not fulfilled, if gross misgovernment be permitted, if substantial justice be not done to the subjects of the Baroda State, if life and property be not protected, or if the general welfare of the country and people be persistently neglected, the British Government, will assuredly intervene in the manner which, in its judgment, may be best calculated to remove these evils and to secure good government. Such timely intervention, indeed, to prevent misgovernment culminating in the ruin of the State is no less an act of friendship to the Gaekwar himself than a duty to his subjects." (20) It follows that when the British Govern- ment is bound to protect a Native The British will interfere to Prince against the violence of his own prevent misrule. subjects, that government has the right to intervene to prevent such gross misrule by the Prince as might provoke the violence of his own subjects. (21) Again, the British Government derives rights of interference with a Native The rights of interference State from the specific provisions with a Native state - (where such exist) of the existing treaties and engagements. The nature and extent of the interference under reference must be deter- mined by the express terms of those documents. It may here be useful to take a brief and collective 304 MINOR HINTS view of the interference which the British Govern- ment may exercise with a Native State as shown above. (a) It may interfere in the relations of the Native State with other Native States. (6) It may interfere in the relations of the Native States with Foreign Powers. (c) It may interfere in the internal adminis- tration of the Native State to prevent or correct such gross misrule as would provoke popular rising. (d) It may interfere in the internal adminis- tration of the Native State, in the manner and to the extent specially provided in the treaties and engage- ments with the Native State. (22) All this should be clearly understood and remembered and recognised. It is useless to resist interfer- jt would not be desirable nor would ence. it be of any use to resist or even to deprecate such interference on the part of the British Government. CHAPTER XLII INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION or NATIVE STATES 12th, 19th and 26th October, 1881. The last time we met here, we concluded with a brief and collective view of the i- t may interfere- tish Government interference which the British Government may exercise with a Native State, namely, under the following heads: (a) In the relations of the Native State with other Native States. (b) In the relations of the Native State with Foreign Powers. (c) In the internal administration of the Native State to prevent or correct such gross misrule as might provoke popular rising requiring for its sup- pression the use of the British subsi- diary force. (d) In the internal administration of the Native State, in the mam^r and to the extent specially provided in the treaties and engagements with the Native State, 39 306 MINOR HINTS (2) We must recognise such interference in such interfer- certain contingencies as necessary ence necessary. and unavo id a ble. I go further and say that such interference may be recognised as highly beneficial. (3) Of course, the British Government should Let the Native not and would not exercise any such State avoid giv- . f 1 ing occasion for interference unless there was occa- interference. . ,-,. ,, .-, T , /. lt sion calling ior the same. It follows that if the Native State conducts its affairs with due care and wisdom, it may mostly, perhaps alto- gether avoid giving occasion for the interference of the British Government. (4) Such being the case, it becomes worth while to see more in detail how the Native How the Native state State .may avoid giving occasion may avoid giving occasion. for the active interference of the British Go vernmnt under each of the four heads aforesaid. (a) The Native State should carefully attend to (a) Relations the following points in connection with other Native states. with the head (a) (i) Do not correspond directly with any Native State. All such correspondence (i) Correspond- ence how to be should be addressed to the British carried on. Resident or through him. This is already an established practice which should be strictly adhered to. The spirit of the rule just stated requires abstention from allowing any ser- INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION 307 vant or subordinate of one State or Chief to corres- pond with a servant or subordinate of another State or Chief in .behalf of their respective States or Chiefs. Even oral messages should be abstained from. (ii) Do not personally meet any Chief unless with the knowledge of the British any 1 chief per- Resident. Meeting any Chief with the knowledge of the British Resi- dent, do not hold any conversation with that Chief such as may be disrespectful or offensive to the British Government. (hi) Always treat the Chief with the courtesy and marks of honour due to him. He (m) Treat the Chief with hon- should have no reason to complain our. to British authorities in this respect. (iv) In every communication which may have to be addressed regarding any Chief, Chief his 1V recog 6 or his important Officers, or their nised titles. ,. ,-, ii_ .t ii action, give them their lull recognised titles, and use courteous language. Abstain from imputing to them any bad motives. Abstain from violently criticising their action. In short, abstain from everything offensive or dis- respectful. (v) Render hearty police assistance to every Giving Native State in the detection and police assistance. a pp re hension of its offenders and in the tracing out of its stolen property, and also 308 MINOR HINTS in surrendering the offenders and the stolen property. (vi) In matters of civil and criminal justice, (vi)Treat ail the an( ^ a ^ so m those of general trade, subjects alike. treat the sub j ects o f every Dative State quite like your own subjects. I mean that no unfavourabe distinction should be made in regard to them. (vii) Avoid boundary disputes to the utmost (vii)Ayoid boun- extent possible by the necessary pre- dary disputes. caut ions. If, however, any occur, earnestly prevent breaches of the peace of every sort, and refer the dispute to the proper British authorities for their investigation and decision. When a boundary dispute has been demarcated by permanent pillars, see that these pillars are scru- pulously preserved. (viii) When a Chief happens to possess wanta (viii) Render or other private landed property in when^ver'necei- these territories, render him cordial assistance in the recovery of his rents, in the settlement of his disputes with his tenants, etc. When a Chief happens to have Giras allowance from our Treasury, see that it is punctually paid to him. In the construction of roads and bridges affecting the interests of both the territories, render due co-operation. INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION 309 In short, respect in your turn, the rights, honour and dignity of every Chief as your own. By steadily acting on these principles, we shall avoid giving occasion to the British Government to interfere with us under the head marked (a) above I may here state that these principles almost equally apply to the relations of this State with its neighbouring British districts and British officers. (b) Proceeding to the next head marked (6), (6) Relations I invite attention to the following with foreign powers. points in connection therewith, (i) It is to be remembered that in consequence (i)Avoid un- ^ ^ ne facilities afforded by steam sfonT"* C with communication, the subjects of vari- Emopeans. oug European and American States travel abroad very much and may be, more or less, and now and then, met with in the territories of this Native State I mean the subjects of Eng- land, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Russia, the American Union, etc., etc., etc. For the purpose of brevity, I will call all of them " Europeans," which I may do as they all belong to the European race. It is to be also remembered that whatever the European may be, the Government to which he belongs exercises a certain degree of protection over him. It will not allow him to be subjected to any gross violence or injustice anywhere, much less in a Native State. It follows that we must be very careful as regards any European in our 310 MINOR HINTS territories. To state the matter briefly and generally we must, to the utmost extent possible, avoid unpleasant collisions with Europeans. This is the main key of the policy to be pursued. I will, however, state some details. (ii) If a European stranger appears here and (ii) Let the see ks an interview with the Maharaja, ySSTutSK His Highness should see him only if he has brought a proper introduc- tion. He can always bring an introductory note from the British Resident. If the European stranger has brought no proper introduction, His Highness had better refer him to the Residency. If any European gentlemen comes here properly introduced, show him all due courtesy and con- sideration. (iii) European strangers are prone to commit errors or give offence in Native States (iii) When they . ,. , ,., commit errors, from ignorance oi native habits and feelings. Be indulgent to them in this respect. For instance, a European may enter a native temple which he ought not to enter. He may shoot a peacock where such proceeding is highly offensive. He may be found fishing at some ghaut held sacred by the native community, and so forth. In such cases, no attempt should be made to punish him. Give him a gentle warning, and this will generally suffice, if not, move the British Resident. INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION 311 (iv) Europeans have a great aversion to their baggage being searched for contra- searching C the?r band or dutiable articles. They have a great aversion also to being de- tained by Custom's officers. Therefore, as much as possible, interdict such searches and detentions in ordinary cases. Where merchants and goods for trade are concerned, they must, of course, submit to the ordinary rules. (v) As much as may be fairly possible, avoid entering into any contracts with traSs with them" Europeans for supplies in the ser- vice, execution of works, etc ; and where some few contracts are unavoidably entered into, perform your part of them with the most scrupulous exactitude. (vi) Have little or no pecuniary dealings with Europeans, such as lending or bor- niary dealings rowing. This, however, does not apply to our purchasing British Government securities or keeping a current ac- count with such a bank as that of Bombay. (vii) Take precautions that Euro- (vii) Their v safety ; while pean travellers are not robbed in travelling. these territories. (viii) See that no European suffers any per- (riii) NO Euro- sonal ill-treatment in these territories Se'rTonai "'5' at the hands of the people. If, un- treatment. fortunately, a European happens to 312 MINOR HINTS have suffered such, promptly and fully punish the offenders. I avail myself of this opportunity to make known one important and well-recognised principle, namely, that when a European has suf- fered an injury at the hands of our people the like of which he might suffer in his own country and indeed,in any country however civilized, we become relieved of responsibility on that account, provided we trace out the authors of the injury and subject them to just punishment, and to reparation so far as may be possible in the circumstances of the case. By doing this, we shall have done as much as the sufferer's own Government would have done in similar circumstances, and no more could be reasonably expected of us. But if, on the other hand, we fail to trace out the offenders and subject them to just punishment and reparation and espe- cially if this failure is due to imperfect arrange- ments for the security of life and property, or to negligence or indifference or anything worse in a particular case, then we shall be held, more or less and sometimes fully responsible for the injury caused by our people. (ix) In cases of minor offences by British Euro- (ix)Offences by pean officers, such as beating or British Europe- an officers to be otherwise ill- treating our people, for- referred to the Resident. cibly taking supplies from them, be- having disrespectfully to our authorities, etc., etc., represent the matter correctly and calmly to the INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION 313 British, Resident, who will readily bring about a departmental disposal of the matter. The Euro- pean officer concerned will probably be transferred, or degraded, or otherwise made to suffer for his misbehaviour. (x) If any European seeks any kind of redress in these territories, whether (x) Giving re- criminal, civil, or political, promptly attend to his complaint and grant such redress as he may be justly entitled to. (xi) If any ship be wrecked on any of our coasts, render every possible assistance, in (xi)Giving help to the ship- order to save the passengers, crew wrecked crew. j m . and cargo, shipwrecks, however, will be very few, now that we are providing the requisite lighthouses. (xii) Do not permit any European to reside or settle in these territories and do not (xu) No Euro- pean to reside employ him in the public or palace or settle. J service, unless after duly consulting the British Resident and obtaining through that authority the sanction of the Government of India. I include in the public service a pleader in courts or cutcherries. (xiii) European vagrants should be promptly (xiii)European sent out of these territories by vagrants. moving the British Resident to take the necessary action. 40 314 MINOR HINTS (xiv) It is within the range of possibility that, (xiv) Emissar- * n cer t am circumstances or contin- jes from hostile gencies, secret emissaries from Euro- huropean coun- tries - pean countries, hostilely or adver- sely disposed towards the British Government, may come here to incite disaffection towards that Government. Be very much on your guard against such emissaries. Do not fail to inform the British Resident of everything you come to know of them. The various suggestions I have thus made, though they may not be exhaustive, will probably suffice to indicate the character or spirit of the policy which the Maharaja should pursue in this respect. (c) We have now to notice the head marked ( C ) internal ( c ) a ^ ove - I w ^ ^ er a ^ ew prelimin- administration. ary remar k s an( J t h en offer a few detailed practical suggestions as to the policy to be pursued. (i) It is the right of the Maharaja to ask for, and it is the obligation of the British (i) The British army to help the Government to give, the aid of Bri- Native ruler, in case of emer- tish troops in putting down any great popular disturbance in His Highness' territories. This arrangement affords to the Native ruler a strength and security unknown in former times. The very fact that the arrangement exists, the very knowledge that the British army will readily step in and crush the insurgents with INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION 315 the certainty of fate, largely prevents insurrection occurring, and British intervention puts it down. (ii) This is so far all very good for the ruler of a Native State, personally as a exact situation ruler. But how does it affect the is people ruled ? The following imag- inary conversation between the people of a Native State on the one side and the British Government on the other will show the situation : THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT You, people of the Native State take note that if you rise against your ruler we shall instantly send our invincible army against you and crush you if necessary, we shall kill any number of you and capture and imprison any number. Therefore, never rise against your ruler. THE PEOPLE We quite understand what you have just said, but we beg you to give us a patient hearing. Our old mumool was occasionally to rise against our ruler when, he, instead of preserving and promoting our welfare, cruelly oppressed us. When his oppress- sioii became unbearable, we rose against him and demanded redress. If he refused redress, we deposed him and chose another ruler who would govern us better. You 316 MINOR HINTS now tell us that we must never rise against our ruler, and that if we do, you will shoot us down. How then, if our ruler, be- coming all the more emboldened increases his oppression and tyranny ? Malad ministration would then proceed to any extremity and would you support it against its victims with your arms ? Would it be right, would it be just, would it be acceptable to God, that you should lend your unconquerable arms to one individual oppressor to enable him to destroy the happiness and deepen the misery of hun- dreds of thousands of innocent fellowmen ? Friends of mankind ! Ardent advocates of human liberty and progress ! Do you come from the distant north, only to redouble our chains and to intensify our miseries ? THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT By no means. Be sure that, by our wishing to support your ruler against internal disturbances, we do not at all mean that he should be enabled to misgovern you. THE PEOPLE Thank you. But suppose he misgoverns as a ruler is only too apt to do when freed from the consequences of popular resent- ment. What then ? INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION 317 THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT In that case you may complain to us. We will certainly look into the matter. If we are satisfied that gross misgovernment is practised, we shall remonstrate with your ruler and get him to do better. THE PEOPLE Quite so. But suppose he does not listen to your remonstrations and persists in gross misgovernment. How then ? THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT We shall, in that case, depose him and provide a better ruler. It would be impossible for the British Govern- ment to give other replies than those above indi- cated. (iii) It necessarily follows, then, that the obli- ( iii) The ruler g^tion of the British Government to to govern well. ^^ the mler of the Native S tate in putting down internal disorder and disturbance carries with it the right to prevent or remedy gross maladministration by that ruler. It thus be- v comes additionally important for the ruler to govern well and to keep the British Government satisfied that he is governing well. In connection with the subject under advertence in order to obviate the necessity of interference by the British Government in the internal administration of the 318 MINOR HINTS State with the view of preventing or remedying maladministration the great point for the Native ruler is to abstain from giving cause for his people to rise against him or to complain of gross malad- ministration. He cannot be too careful in this respect. (iv) Let him see that taxation is moderate ; make life, person and property secure, taxation and effl- maintain a good Police backed by an cient police and military forces. efficient though small Military force ; and the result will be that the great body of his people will be fairly contented and will seldom rise against him. (5) In addition to these general conditions maintenance of contentment Some special precautions. an( j p eace> some special precautions may be here suggested. (a) Do not interfere with the religion of the people, or any section of the people ; (a) Religion. f ; lor, religion concerns the strong feel- ings of large numbers. (b) For the same reason, do not (b) Taxation. suddenly increase any tax. (c) For the same reason, do not suddenly change any long existing and popu- (c) Custom. lar custom. (d) Do not suddenly deprive large numbers of people of any privileges or indul- (d) Privileges. gence they have long enjoyed. INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION 319 (e) Do not suddenly impose any unusual (e) Restric- restrictions on large numbers of tions people. (/) Do not suddenly order any such extensive (/) improve- Municipal improvements as would entail the destruction of a great number of houses. (g) Do not take any step which would sud- denly spread discontent through the (7. Advice 35, 57 58, 59 . 61, 335, 336, Faith . . 78. 3:57. Fame 48, 49. Advisers . 56, 332. Fenelon. . . 149. Anger 24. Fine arts. . .3. Applications 1, 66. Firmness 27, 43. Food -supply .. 191. B Bhag-batai .. 197. G Boundary Disputes 308, 323. Bribery . . . . 139, 143, 273, 283. Grants . . .. 102. Budget . . 226. Burke . . 213. H c Happiness .. 112,113. Heads (of Depts.) . . 258266, 281. Compromise . . 43, 44, 45. Health (Public) . . . . 182, 187. Conflict of Laws .. 164. Correspondence 4, 5, 300, 306, 352. Counsel . . 55. I Customs 159, 162, 318. Intriguers 11, 1221, 39. Introduction . . 6, 7, 310. D Irregulars. . 129. Barbers . . 239. Irrigation 213. Deputations 52, 53. Drainage .. 186. J Janghur . . . . 237. E Judgment.. .. 68, 69. Education .. 215. Judicial Courts . . 104, 132, 133. IV INDEX. K Kothi Laws Libraries . . Loans PAGE. ..231. . . 158-161. 2-21. 77, 227, 235. M Manu. . . . . . . . 1^3. Manufactures .. .. 201. Menials . . . . 8, 9. Military . . 126, 127, 324. 325. Minister 37, 53, 62, 243, 245, 253, P COntd. PAGE. Police . . 104, 115124, 125, 126. Proclamation . . . . 295, 296. Promises . . . . 7, 77, 78. Proposals . . . . . . 70. Public Works 206. Punishment . . . . 10, 319. Racing . . . . . . . 3 Railways . . . . . . 212. Resident 37, 328, 343, 344, 345, 349. Rewards . . . . . . 79 327, 351. Mis-government . . 95, 96. Salary . . 10, 227, Sanitation 269, 270, 275. . . 183, 238. Statesmenship . . 44. N Study . . 88. News papers . . 86, 89. Subscriptions . . . 1, 2. Northbrook . . . . 302, 328. T Taxes 106, 195, 196, Telemachus ... 198, 201, 318. ;.. 150,151. Obstinary Opinion . . 29, 30. 26. V Organisation 250. Vathel ... 170 Oudh . . 175, 176. Viceroy ...- 334, 335. P w Palace Pardon .. 224. .. 82. Water-Supply ... Work ... ., ... 183, 185. 63 Pleadings 50, 51. Worry 65, THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. Series 9482