lling
to listen to any statement of grievances which they may desire to
make, or to suspect their motives when they suggest remedies.... It is
quite possible that such views as you instance may prevail to a
considerable extent with our agitating people; but it is equally
certain that many who join them would indignantly repudiate the
imputation of being actuated by any motives of the kind. My study
always is, to keep those who _profess_ moderate and reasonable views
right, and to prevent them from going over arms and baggage to the
enemy, by taking for granted that they mean what they profess, and,
when they propose objectionable remedies, arguing against them on
their own premises. Some, of course, would rather abandon their sound
premises than their illogical conclusions, when they are driven in
this way to the wall; but a large number come over to the right side
when they find that the consideration of their alleged grievances is
approached without any prepossession against them. Of course, this is
all a matter of tact, and cannot be reduced to any definite formula.
But you speak of our Press as hopeless on some of these subjects. Have
you observed the comparative mildness of its tone lately,
notwithstanding the action of Government in the matter of the Waste
Lands, and Contract Law? Does not that argue a better state of feeling
in the European Community; and do not you think that it is for the
benefit of the Ryots, that their interloping landlords should not be
in a humour to employ vindictively the vast powers which, whether you
disallow Contract Laws or not, they, as proprietors, possess over
them?

[1] Vide _supra_, p. 329.

[2] It was sometimes complained that on these occasions he was so
little communicative: drawing out the opinions of others, without
expressing his own. But it requires very little reflection to see that
this complaint is really a commendation.

[3] He died in London from the effects of a fever caught in the
East.

CHAPTER XVI.

INDIA.

DUTY OF A GOVERNOR-GENERAL TO VISIT THE PROVINCES--PROGRESS TO THE NORTH-
WEST--BENARES--SPEECH ON THE OPENING OF THE RAILWAY--CAWNPORE--GRAND
DURBAR AT AGRA--DELHI--HURDWAR--ADDRESS TO THE SIKH CHIEFS AT UMBALLA--
KUSSOWLIE--SIMLA--LETTERS: SUPPLY OF LABOUR; SPECIAL LEGISLATION;
MISSIONARY GATHERING; FINANCE; SEAT OF GOVERNMENT; V