14.”

3

between income and expenditure were permanently
lost, and if national insolvency impended. The rate
of a nation’s progress must largely depend upon the
means at the disposal of its government, as well as
upon the enlightened principles by which the latter
is influenced.

In comparison to its area and population, India
must be regarded as a poor country; that is, the
average wealth of the population is low. This is
partly owing to past centuries of misrule ; no stronger
proof of this statement is needed than a reference
to the advance in material prosperity which has
taken place since the introduction of a settled, strong,
and civilized government under the auspices of the
British nation. Never was conquest followed by such
beneficent results as that of India by the British,
At one bound the people of India were removed
from the influences of anarchy and tyranny, and
received the blessings of an administration, such as
their conquerors only secured to themselves after
many centuries of struggle and gradual progress.
Before the year 1859 budget estimates of the
finances of British India were not regularly prepared
for publication; but the introduction of direct
government, under the British Crown, was followed
by that of a national system of finance. Since 1859
yearly accounts have been published ; and are, in
accordance with statute law, annually presented to
parliament, Information is thus afforded to all of