1 however, of his ultimate success, appears to have
2 been his superior energy of character, and great
3 power of discrimination ; by which he was enabled
4 to seize on every favourable opportunity of ex¬
5 tending and retaining his power ' undiminished, for
6 a series of years. His friendship for the British
7 government in India is sincere ; and being founded
8 on a true political basis, there is little risk of any
9 change during his lifetime, however anxious some
10 of his advisers may be to quarrel with his friends,
11 in order to extend his dominions. He knows well
12 the sort of advantage he would gain by-a rupture
13 with the British ; experience has taught him this;
14 and the downfall of every Indian power, which has
15 measured arms with us, is a. constant reflection
16 with him, and serves to convince his injudicious
17 counsellors of the futility of risking his kingdom in
18 making war upon his powerful allies. Our govern- th *'
19 mem, on the other hand, is equally convinced
20 the value of his friendly alliance, and would no
21 doubt make great concessions, in order to preserve
22 it. In the event of war with Russia, the Persians,
23 as well as the tribes of Afghanistan, would in all
24 probability join its standard; and the Russian army
25 thus strengthened, would find little difficulty in
26 reaching the confines of the Punjab. The only
27 barrier offered to their entering Hindostan, would
28 be our ally Runjeet Singh, who is well aware of
29 his consequence, in the event of such an invasion.
30 Should such a crisis ever occur, the ruler of the
31 Punjab could not possibly withstand the united