has much to justify it in my eyes--because I would go great
lengths in the direction of aiding the Ryots to improve their staple,
if I could see my way to effect this object without doing more harm
than good--I must observe that there are questions which have to be
very gravely and carefully examined before it can be acted upon.

In the first place, it is right that I should tell you that the
opinion which obtains here respecting the result of recent operations
in Dharwar, in so far as the case furnishes a precedent for the
interference of Government officers in such matters, differs widely
from that entertained by you.

But, setting this point aside, and assuming for the sake of argument
that the interposition at Dharwar was attended by unmixed benefit to
all concerned, does it follow that corresponding success would
accompany the mission of fifty military officers to the cotton
districts of India for the purpose of inducing the Ryots to substitute
exotic for native cotton in their cultivation?

In order to do this exotic cotton justice, it must be treated with
some care, especially at the time of its introduction into districts
where it has been previously unknown. Conditions of climate as well as
of soil must be taken into consideration in determining the time and
method of cultivation. The climate of Dharwar, where the monsoons
meet, differs widely from that of many parts of India, where the
seasons are divided between a deluge of rain and a period of baking
heat. Am I likely to find fifty young military officers who would be
competent to advise the Ryots on points of so much delicacy? And if
the Ryots, following their counsels, were disappointed in the
expectations which they had been led to form, what would be the effect
on the prospects of cotton cultivation in India?

I do not say all this in condemnation of your scheme, but in order to
point out to you how much has to be thought of before it can be acted
upon.

Meanwhile there are measures for promoting the interests of cotton
cultivation in India, which the Government can adopt without
abandoning its proper sphere of action; not only without danger, but
with a high probability, perhaps I might say a certainty, of benefit
to the great cause which we have in hand.

We can facilitate the establishment in India of Eur