degree swayed towards either side of an argument involving, not merely the ulterior destiny of the United Kingdom and of Hindostan, but of the entire habitable world; where I err, therefore, it must be attributed to the fallibility of human judgment :-I do not, however, hesitate to assert, that now, when society is in a state of transition, when a direful contest has already commenced between absolute monarchy on the one hand, and eager aspirations for liberty on the other, and when the vast peninsula of Asia is for the first time within record or tradition in the enjoyment of peace, I range myself on the side of order, of civilization, and of freedom; but in doing so, I may be permitted to acknowledge, what indeed it would be futile to deny, that the EastIndia Company have materially contributed to enhance the commerce of this country, to enlarge extensively but safely the dominions of the Crown, and to advance the prosperity of one hundred million of its subjects.
That a vast and complicated government, which profound talent, local experience, and lengthened