formed an imperfect idea, in order to consolidate his empire, and controul or conciliate his new subjects, had recourse uniformly to this expedient: "In every province which he subdued, he made choice of proper stations, where he built and fortified cities, in which he placed garrisons, composed partly of such of the natives as conformed to the Grecian manners and discipline, and partly of such of his European subjects as were worn out with the fatigues of service, and wished for repose and a permanent establishment. These cities were numerous, and served not only as a chain of posts to keep open the communication betwixt the different provinces of his dominion, but as places of strength to overawe and curb the conquered people. The farther he pushed his conquests from the banks of the Euphrates, which may be considered as the centre of his dominions, he found it necessary to build and to fortify a greater number of cities. Several of these, to the east and to the south of the Caspian Sea, are mentioned by ancient authors; and, in India itself, he founded two cities on the banks of the Hydaspes, and a third on the Acesines*." He who considers attentively the influence which such esta

*Robertson's India, pp. 24, 25.

blishments are calculated to have, will not be surprised that enlightened and reflecting men have ascribed to this measure the wonderful permanency of his conquests, amid the subsequent concussions of his empire. The same plan was adopted by the Romans, at an early period of their history, and, having been pursued from the commencement of that astonishing career of conquests which terminated in the subjugation of the world, contributed in no small degree to consolidate the extended empire. To its auspicious influence, in uniting the vanquished with the conquerors, Sallust forcibly alludes in the following passage: "Hi postquam in una mœnia convenere, dispari genere, dissimili lingua, alius alio more viventes: incredibile memoratu est, quam facile coaluerint *” This remark of the judicious historian suggests the ten- Acquired dency of this measure to promote another effect extremely desirable, which may not have been so commonly noticed: I mean its influence in kneading the divided community of natives and foreigners into one mass, so as to create mutual confidence. Men often require only to be brought together to love each other; and there seems to be a natural alliance betwixt the gentleness of the Hindoo, and the generosity of

Cat. ch. vi. p. 7.

confidence.

the Briton; the valour of the one, and the interesting simplicity of the other. With correspondence of character, other circumstances may concur to beget confidence. Sometimes Providence puts it in the power of conquerors, by a single act of humanity or generosity, to touch the finer sensibilities of the heart, and to attach a whole people unalterably to them. When such glorious opportunities are presented, they ought to be seized and improved with avidity. So did Scipio: and the result was more honourable to him, and more propitious to the interests of Rome, than the most brilliant victory he ever gained in the field. But occasions of such splendid beneficence seldom occur in the history of human affairs; and it is by a certain temper of spirit, train of deportment, and tout ensemble of character, that either an individual or a government usually acquires confidence. Let the magistrate then, who would attach the hearts of the Hindoos to himself, labour to support and adorn the native character of Britons; and study, by a wise and moderate, by a beneficent and energetic system of administration, to cause himself to be at once loved and feared. Let him consider well the importance of this attainment, since without it no plan of improvement, which involves the moral and intellectual proficiency of mankind, can possibly suc

eeed. Let him mark well the difference betwixt this confidence, and mere passive acquiescence in his government. Let him dread, by any impolicy on his part, to inspire that deep-rooted prejudice, which may steel them against his kindness, and cause them to suspect even his liberalities: "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes." Let him revolve, and study to obviate, those unfortunate circumstances, which might prevent him from conciliating their regard: that jealousy, which is natural to a conquered people; those vestiges of the miseries of war, which tend to perpetuate alienation; that abuse of authority, which may possibly exist, or arise, in any of the departments of government; and those intrigues of the disaffected natives in the bosom of the empire, or of foreign emissaries insidiously introduced, which may be instilling prejudice or fostering discontent. Let him, in a word, ponder, and be emulous to copy, the illustrious character thus delineated by an admired historian: "Beneficio quam metu, obligare homines malit ; exterasque gentes, fide ac societate junctas habere, quam tristi subjectas servitio*."

If, together with confidence in government, an interest in Interest in the success of the plans themselves could be inspired, every

object.

*Liv. lib. 26.

L

Co-operation with govern

ment.

thing might be augured from this happy concurrence.

Be

fore the natives have experienced the benefit of their operation, this interest cannot exist unless measures be taken to create it. Confidence in the administration of the government may indeed contribute to inspire it, but an implicit confidence is seldom given to a government of conquest, at least in its early stages; and, though it were given, yet it is an enlightened interest alone that can rouse the activities of the soul, and give to a scheme the impulse of all the energies of a nation. By a candid, though prudent disclosure of the project, in its details and design, to some men of rank, who stand high in the estimation of the natives, much, it is evident, would be gained. Their concurrence would probably be secured by this confidential communication ; and, as any influence which they might exert to promote the object, would be regarded with an unsuspicious eye, so their example would have a mighty effect in creating a certain favourable bias among the lower orders of the people, who are usually guided, in their feelings and opinions, as well as in their fashions of less consequence, by those whom they are accustomed to admire and obey.

Finally care must be taken to rouse the natives, if possible, to an active and strenuous prosecution of the views of