This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1887 edition. Excerpt: ... the danger to which we should be exposed by any attempt to interfere with the religious prejudices of the natives. Our strength consists in the want of energy and the disunion of our enemies. There is but one talisman that, while it animated and united them all, would leave us without a single adherent--this talisman is the name of religion, a power so odious that it is astonishing our enemies have not more frequently and systematically employed it against us." He did not fear any direct attempt of Government to convert the natives; what ho dreaded was the suspicion arising from ordinary and indifferent actions that it was disposed to encourage such an object. Prophetic words, that alas! were but too truly realised! The consciousness of danger was ignored, the army hy mismanagement turned against us iu the name of religion, and well-nigh the whole work of a century of conquest had to be done over again after the tempest of 1857. Notwithstanding his conviction of the mighty foundations upon which the British empire in India rested, Elphinstone did not regard as an axiom its absolute permanency. In his earlier days he spoke of it as ephemeral, but his opinion considerably altered as he grew older. When he heard of the mutiny of the sepoys ordered to Burma, he wrote--" I used to think our empire made of glass: but when one considers 'the rough usage it has stood, both in old times and recent, one is apt to think it is made of iron. I believe it is of steel, which cuts everything if you keep its edge even; but it is very apt to snap short if it falls into unskilful hands." He deprecated entirely all extension of territories beyond India; and from a man who had conducted an embassy to Kabul, and made that country his study, his words are of...