at its command is not more than adequate for preserving the Empire in security and tranquillity even in ordinary times, much more then,' etc.
In spite of this remonstrance, two British regiments were withdrawn from India in 1854, and three years later the danger so accurately foreshadowed by Lord Dalhousie arrived. Of the thirty-three battalions of European infantry, which Lord Dalhousie regarded as the minimum compatible with safety, two had been recalled to England, and notwithstanding the promises of the Home Government they had never been replaced. Five or six of the nominally remaining European regiments were absent (as Lord Dalhousie had foreseen that they might be absent) in the Persian War. The Mutiny thus found India drained of the British troops on which Lord Dalhousie had solemnly warned Her Majesty's Ministers that our existence in India depended.
But a still more fatal disregard of Lord Dalhousie's representations had taken place. He felt that the annexations and conquests during his rule rendered absolutely necessary an increase of our European regiments, and a decrease both of the cavalry and infantry of the Regular Native Army. He gave to his declaration on this subject all the solemnity which belongs to a great Viceroy's last official act in India. On the 28th February, 1856, at his final meeting of Council, he laid on the table
