1 286 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS.
2 The pernicious hands of another, who considered himself in a great
3 poe measure the judge of ‘the necessity for its employ-
4 Cabul. ment. Yacillation was the consequence. The
5 man who knew what was required could not com-
6 mand the resources imperatively called for, and he
7 who ruled these did not understand the critical
8 position in which affairs had been placed, and
9 hesitated to render the necessary assistance. He
10 who conducts political matters in a newly acquired
11 territory ought to have troops at his sole command.
12 His calculations may embrace certain political
13 arrangements, which nothing but a strong military
14 power will enable him to carry out; and unless he
15 possess the full power and management of the
16 force, his plans may be followed by disastrous
17 consequences.
18 For these reasons we advocate the expediency
19 of a military ruler who shall be invested with full
20 political authority. True, it may be said, a military
21 commandant has only to act under the direction of
22 the political authority ; but if measures are recom-
23 mended which professional experience teaches him
24 are sure to miscarry, his proud and independent
25 spirit will probably spurn the idea of allowing
26 misfortune and disaster to follow any proceeding
27 which he has it in his power not to adopt.
28 The policy in The British policy in Scinde has been a matter
29 Sone: of dispute. While some writers applaud Sir Charles
30 Napier’s energy, others have endeavoured to vindi-
31 cate Colonel Outram. What the effect of the
32 measures recommended by the latter would have