The Washington weekly post. (Washington, D.C.) 1878-1916, 1900-01-30

During the British reverses in South
Africa the question OF the loyalty OF the
people Of India was widely discussed. the
suggestion being put forward that they
might now seize upon a good opportunity
TO attempt their independence. BY the 2c-
tons Of the Nizam Of Hyjerabad and
Sindhia OF Gwailor. however. this fear
was. OF course, completely dispelled; for
while the former Is the most powerful
Mohammedan ruler in India, the latter is
one OF the most influential OF the Hindu
princes.
II. II. Sir Asaf Jah, Nizam of Hyderabai,
knight Grand Cross Of the star OF India,
rules over 5000 square miles OF territory
in the southern part Of the peninsula, con-
tanning a population of ll,J00oJo. He pos
sesses an annual personal income Of RN
4OJo.toO. or s. .25OO,O. and a private fortune
in treasure and jewels which would prob
able beggaT that Of any other British sub
jeet. OF all the Indian princes, the Nizam,
while the most exclusive as to his dignity
and position, is yet the most enlightened.
being in the latter respect especially in
teresti9g to Americans as the president
of his own extensive and well-equipped
railroad system. Under the guidance Of
his able ministers. the state of HYDRA
bad has long enjoyed an era OF prosperity.
the country having been opened up by the
good roads, and large sums expended in
public works of a beneficial character.
The family Of the Nizam is OF a compare
lively modern origin. having been found
ed early in the eighteenth century by
AsIf Jah, a famous general under the
Emperor ArangzeO, who from the rem
nantS Of the mOghul empire built up
state and fortune for himself. The Ma
haraja Sindhia of Gwaior, also a Knight
Grand Cross of the Star of India. rules
over some 5000 square miles in Central
India, with a population of $4,000. He
comes of ancient Maratha descent, with
family history of fierce battles, palace
intrigues, and grewsOme scenes that would
NIL several capaciOus volumes.
Faithful TO the Crown.
At the time Of the Indian mutIny both
the Nizam and the Maharajah Sindhia Of
that day remained faithful to the British
government, though the latter paid dearly
at the time for his pro- British sympathy.
The fortress of Gwalior, built OH the top
OF the percipitOus rock rising 20 a height
of 3i2 feet, was ever regarded as an i'm
pregnable position, and believing himself
secure there, Sindhia bade defiance to the
mutineers, until the bold project of at
tempting its capture entered into the brain
of the daring Princess of Jhansi.
Youthful in age. beautiful In person. and
possessing the skill Of born military com
| mander. the Princess of Jhansi, attired in
male costume. marched upon Gwalior.
routed the army of Sindhia, and captured
/ his palace, treasures, and military sup
! plies. In his hasty flight Sindhia left his
/ famous pearl necklace valued at $4,000
| TO adorn the neck of the victorious rebel
/ lady, the treasure being subsequently dis
| covered upon her body after the battle I'm
/ which she received a mortal wound. For
| their faithful allegiance to the British gov
| eminent at that critical period the faml-
| lies of the NiZam and Sindhia have risen
| to positions of the highest favor at Cal
cutta, being granted the privilege OF main
tanning considerable bodies of well-disci-
plined troops, which they have now placed
at the disposal of their sovereign. At the
present moment the significance of the
acts Of these two Indian princes, in balanc'
| ing the powers of loyalty and disloyaity
within the British Empire, cannot be over
estimated. It means that Moslem and
Hindu alike are ready TO draw the sword
| in defense of the empire.