Page:Clyde and Strathnairn.djvu/194

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CLYDE AND STRATHNAIRN

a feeling of sorrow that such men as Colin Campbell, Hugh Rose, Nicholson, Outram, Havelock, Napier, Hope Grant, Neill and others — men specially raised up in the Providence of God to quell one of the most formidable risings of the present century — now lie in the grave, soldiers of the past? And what of Canning, Elphinstone, the many heads of administrations and provinces, and the trained political officers, who by their courage and influence preserved to English rule wide tracts of country and turbulent populations far exceeding in extent and number many Englands? What of the loyal Indian Chiefs and Princes? What of the native troops who, faithful to their salt, fought against their own comrades in rebellion? What, again, of the British Regimental officers and men, including the devoted medical service, who without reward, and in some cases without thanks, fought and worked nobly for their Queen and Country?

They all, indeed, await their reward in the Great Awakening; and England may truly be grateful when she calls to mind records so brilliant and deeds so honourable, and remembers the glorious part borne by her children in handing down to posterity, notwithstanding shortcomings, failures and errors, one of the most memorable chapters of her memorable history. Still England is aware that her aim is peace, and that while governing the vast Eastern populations committed to her care with firmness and discretion — ready to defend them against a common foe within or without her borders — it were folly to suppose that the