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and the country-folk gaze with the glistening eyes, eager looks.
and intense admiration, upon the glitter of chivalric pageantry
and the pomp of eastern royalty. The middle and upper
classes regard the regal or feudal spectacles with an enthusiastic
pride which constitutes the nearest approach to patriotism
of which they are, as yet, capable. It is noteworthy that
these sentiments are felt as much by the Natives, who are
British subjects, as by those who are subjects of the Native
States. Considerateness and graciousness, on the part of the
British Government towards the Native States, are popular
in the British dominions. Harshness or undue severity, on
the part of the British Government towards the Native States,
would be unpopular in the British territories, and would
excite unfavourable comment among the educated Natives
aspecially.
The British Government wisely seizes every opportunily
of educating under its own auspices, young Native princes.
Several sovereigns, now reigning, have in their youth been
hus educated. In the next generation, almost every prince
will have been educated after the European method, either by
private tuition in the palace, or at institutions established for
youths of princely degree. * *
The Native sovereigns and their advisers are skilful in
raising the utmost amount of revenue with the least possible
rouble to the people. The average rate of revenue per head
>f the population will generally be found higher in the Native
States than in the British territories. This will be regarded
by the admirers of the Native rule as a proof of its superiority.
lt is partly due to the greater flexibility of the Native system,
which quality is ofien more profitable to the exchequer thay
the rigidity of the British method. But it should he accepted ag
v proof that, at least according to an Oriental standard, the
British taxation 1s mild and moderate