the limited term of their office? This would
ensure a knowledge of the colony at a secretary's salary, and render
them fit for both the office and salary of governor when called upon;
whereas, by the present system, they at once receive a governor's
salary before they understand their duties.

In casually regarding the present picture of Ceylon, it is hard to say
which point has been most neglected; but a short residence in the
island will afford a fair sample of government inactivity in the want
of education among the people.

Upon this subject more might be said than lies in my province to dwell
upon; nevertheless, after fifty years' possession of the Kandian
districts, this want is so glaring that I cannot withhold a few remarks
upon the subject, as I consider the ignorant state of the native
population a complete check to the advancement of the colony.

In commencing this subject, I must assume that the conquerors of
territory are responsible for the moral welfare of the inhabitants;
therefore our responsibility increases with our conquests. A mighty
onus thus rests upon Great Britain, which few consider when they glory
in the boast, "that the sun never sets upon her dominions."

This thought leads us to a comparison of power between ourselves and
other countries, and we trace the small spot upon the world's map which
marks our little island, and in every sphere we gaze with wonder at our
vast possessions. This is a picture of the present. What will the
future be in these days of advancement? It were vain to hazard a
conjecture; but we can look back upon the past, and build upon this
foundation our future hopes.

When the pomps and luxuries of Eastern cities spread throughout Ceylon,
and millions of inhabitants fed on her fertility, when the hands of her
artists chiseled the figures of her gods from the rude rock, when her
vessels, laden with ivory and spices, traded with the West, what were
we? A forest-covered country, peopled by a fierce race of savages clad
in skins, bowing before druidical idolatry, paddling along our shores
in frames of wickerwork and hide.

The ancient deities of Ceylon are in the same spots, unchanged; the
stones of the Druids stand unmoved; but what has become of the nations?
Those of the East have faded away and their strength has perished.
Their ships are crumbled; the rude canoe glides over their waves; the
spices grow wild in their jungles; and, unshorn and unclad, the
inhab