n the 'chupatee movement,' as it is called, to be a sort of 'fiery
cross' signal for a united rising, appear to have succeeded in proving
little by their own ingenuity. Its real origin was, doubtless, a
superstitious attempt to prevent any return of the fearful visitation
of epidemic cholera which devastated the north-west provinces the year
before, and still lingered in scattered spots."

The symptoms of disaffection, which were evident before Lord Dalhousie
retired from the government, became still more marked after the arrival
of Lord Canning. Lord Dalhousie left India in March, Lord Canning
arriving before the departure of his predecessor in office. The two
proud noblemen met at Government-house, and appeared publicly together
at a grand ball at that celebrated palace of English governors. An
American gentleman, a correspondent of the _New York Herald,_** was
struck with the haughty bearing of both these noblemen, their coldness
to men of rank and great talent, and their general indifference of
manner towards those whom it was their duty, as it ought to have been
their privilege, to conciliate.

** Mr. Train, author of "Young America Abroad."

The American observer, who looked on with an intelligent and impartial
eye, was especially disgusted with the insolent bearing of the European
officials, as well as of the noble governors-general, to the native
princes, especially those who were conquered in the great Sikh war. They
were obliged to put off their shoes in token of submission, after the
manner of the East, when a conqueror or superior is approached. The
American gentleman noticed the look of dejection and distaste expressed
in the countenances of these once powerful native chieftains, and
foreboded that a government which pursued a policy so arrogant, and
where officers were characterized by so offensive an hauteur, must hold
the sword tightly in its hand, or public indignation and resentment
would arise, dangerous, if not fatal, to its power.

Lord Canning signalized his dawning power by a proclamation on the
affairs at Oude, which exasperated to the last degree the vengeance
nursed in the hearts of the whole people of that region.

Towards the end of the year the troops of the Bengal army were sullen
and almost mutinous. Intelligent, officers noticed the dark scowl which
the soldiery in vain endeavoured to conceal. In the public bazaars of
the great cities a sort of secret intelligence between the sep