Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-25
THE PUBLIC FORUM.
Some Interesting Letters From
thoughtful Readers of The Dispatch.
CAUSE OF THE REVOLT In INDIA.
& Friend Of Physical Culture Criticises the
Governors Veto.
QUAINT QUERIES FROM EVERY QUARTER
10 the Editor Of The Dispatch:

10 the Editor OF The Dispatch:
Reading your correspondent, "R. H. IS"
4etter, quite agree with him that the cause
of the outbreak in India cannot be attribut-
ed to the opium traffic. But your corre-
spondent goes farther, and claims that the
trouble has its origin in the native dislike
TO English rule, etc. Now, think Il. H.G.
is as wide of the mark as those who advocate
the opium traffic theory. A long residence
in India and habit of observing the ex-
preston of the native mind make me eompe-
tent to give an opinion on this subject. In
nv dealings with highly educated and INTEL
ligent natives have met but very few who
have expressed dissatisfaction at English
rule in India. They rightly attribute the
advanced prosperity OF the country and the
enlightened and intelligent condition of the
better class of natives to the opportunities
afforded by benefcent government for the
attainment of these advantages. The Gov
ernment has not only instituted and encour-
aged the different schools and institutions OF
learning among the natives but rewards, pecf-
niarily, those who attain TO a certain high pro-
hclency both in English and Oriental branches
Of scholarship.
India is peOpled by the followers of two great
decentralization and Mohammedanism. OF
course, there are many minor beliefs, but the
above are the prevailing creeds. The jealousy
between their respective votaries is intense and
universal, and the hatred toward each other IS
as fierce as ever existed between Christian and
Moslem il the Middle Ages. Now, should the
British give up their power in India, the ruling
power would deyO.ye upon either Hindu or
MuSsulman. Which would it be? Ask any
educated Hindu whether he would like his
lad Inv bava boar rd
the question asked in India a hundred times.
The answer invariably is: No. not by any
means. Reverse the situation, and ask Mus
sulman whether he would like Hindu rule. Not
under any circumstances. l have heard scores
of educated and intelligent natives of both
creeds say that not only have they no complaint
to make of English rule, but that withdrawal
OF 1t would plunge the Empire into an INTERIM
Unable and bloody religious war.
The real cause of the trouble is the incessant
lntrlgues consequent upon uncontrolled ambi-
tion on the part of the scions of the many royal
houses, who aspire to the possession OF the
crown of the many petty sovereignties which
exist, especially in The hill country as the
part of India bordering on the Himalayas is
called. These divisions of the empire have
always been noted for political lntrigueS, hav-
ing never been entirely subjugated, although |
they are under tribute to the reigning Govern |
ment Let one of these rajahs but leave his |
capital, even for journey or hunting eXpedl- |
uOn, and some designing and aspiring Prince |
hampers with the RaJah's army and gains the |
support of some of the nobles and a revolution |
ensues. The Rajah's weak defenders are over |
powered and the strong arm Of the British is |
invoked to sustain and replace him in power.
There is no such idea in the native mind as a |
general uprising against Great Britain, as was |
the case OF her colonists in this country in l776
Even during the mutIny in '57-5S only small |
part of the country was involved IN the upris- |
ing. The majority of the natives were even /
then loyal to the English.
Natives of India are no FOOLS Thew know /
whence comes the general pros perity, and they |
know also that they would suffer loss in every |
way by change of rule. They know on which |
side their bread is buttered," and do not de-
sire a change-aJ all events a change which |
would place the reins OF government in the |
hands OF the nabobs. either Hindu or Mussul- |
man At least such Gas been my experience
after many years OF residence in Bombay, the |
Northwest Provinces and the Punjab
ALTOONA April g. D. s. w