CHAPTER XX. ERROR IN THE MILITARY CODE OF BENGAL; MATERIEL OF THE NATIVE ARMY; PREFERENCE FOR MEN OF HIGH-CASTE, AND ITS CONSEQUENCES; LIST OF MUTINOUS REGIMENTS; CONSIDERATIONS AS TO THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE INDIAN ARMY; REPORT OF MILITARY COMMISSION; THE DELHI PRIZE-MONEY; MEDALS AND CLASPS FOR DELHI AND LUCKNOW; CIVILIANS ENTITLED TO HONORARY DISTINCTIONS; THE VICTORIA CROSS; ADMINISTRATION OF SIR JOHN LAWRENCE; SQUARING ACCOUNTS IN THE DELHI DIVISION; NATIVE FEROCITY; EXPLOSION AT KURRACHEE; RESTORATION OF ARMS TO THE 33RD N.I. AT JULLUNDER; COURTS-MARTIAL; RETURN OF THE VICEROY TO CALCUTTA; CONFISCATION AND COMPENSATION; THE PEARL NAVAL BRIGADE AND 1ST MADRAS FUSILIERS; THE NEW CUSTOMS TARIFF; RENEWED UNPOPULARITY OF LORD CANNING; THE INDIAN PRESS; MISSIONARY GRANTS OBJECTED TO; REORGANISATION AND DECENTRALISATION; LORD CLYDE AT DELHI. THE seventeenth chapter of the present | respect on the part of the men, which conwork closed with a record of the loyal mani- stituted the best security for their good festations that spread over the empire of behaviour; and, in fact, had rendered the Great Britain in the East Indies, upon the authority which remained to enforce disciassumption of direct sovereignty by Queen pline, little more than a subject for barrackVictoria, over the varied races that were room contempt. It was now proposed, henceforth to owe fealty and service to after the dear-bought experience of the her throne. The last and crowning act in mutiny of the whole native army, to repeal India of that great corporation under such portions of the military code as so whose auspices the mighty empire had been mischievously affected the discipline of the built up, until its stability became endan-native troops; and, in order to maintain gered by its vastness, was also referred to ;* and we have now to resume such continuous details of events in connection with the new government, as may be necessary to conclude, upon the soil of Hindostan, the history of the mutinies of 1857. that, and to make the soldier fear, if he would not respect his officer, it was enacted by articles 2 and 3 of the proposed act, that the commanding officer of a regiment should have it in his power, without the sentence of a court-martial, to dismiss or reduce to the ranks any soldier or native officer in his corps-such dismissal involving forfeiture of pension. In cases of light offences, it was also provided that he should have power, without the intervention of a court-martial, to award such extra drill, or the performance of such other extra military duty as he might think fit, provided he did not contravene any order of the commander-in-chief by such judgment. One of the earliest and most important measures of the government of the viceroy of India, was associated with the military service, by a bill introduced into the legislative council, to amend the law under which the discip.ine of the native regular army, consisting of men of all tribes, religions, and castes, had been carried on until the outbreak of the revolt. By the existing law (Act 19, of 1847), no noncommissioned officer or soldier could be dis- The discipline of the native army of charged as a punishment, except by the India had formerly been maintained by the sentence of a court-martial, or by order of same safeguards and penalties as were the commander-in-chief at the presidency to applied for its protection in the European which he might belong; neither could any element of the Anglo-Indian force; and non-commissioned officer be reduced to the there is no doubt that the highest state ranks but by sentence of a court-martial, or of efficiency of that army, may be traced to by order of the commander-in-chief of the the period when the European system, with presidency; nor could any commanding offi- all its faults, was applied indiscriminately cer inflict a punishment drill, or restrict to to both arms of the service. The first error barrack limits for a period exceeding fifteen committed was that of tampering with the days, without the intervention of a court-authority of the commanding officer, and martial. The effect of this restraint upon consequently weakening that of every suborthe authority of the commanding officer of a regiment, had been gradually to undermine and destroy that wholesome fear and * See ante, pp. 519; 527. dinate authority; and next, by the abolition of corporal punishment, which experience, up to the present day, proves is an extreme penalty possibly necessary for example, and sidered himself contaminated by compulsory association with, as a fellow-soldier. division-the 3rd and 6th companies of the 8th battalion of artillery, the 9th, 44th, 54th, and 67th native infantry; in the Saugor district-both wings of the 1st light cavalry, the 23rd and 31st, 50th and 52nd therefore, in flagrant cases of aggravated to stand in the ranks, and would have concrime, perfectly and humanely justifiable. This terrible agent of repression was abolished in the native army by Lord William The actual extent of the defection of the Bentinck, in 1834, against the advice of Bengal army is shown by the following an immense majority of the military com- summary, from a return presented to parmittee then appointed to report and give liament (session 1859), of "the names or their opinions on the subject. Colonel numbers of each regiment and corps in Morrison, and sixteen military officers, India, which has mutinied, or manifested a decided against the abolition of flogging; disposition to mutiny against its lawful comwhile two civilian members of council, and manders, since the 1st of January, 1857." the governor-general himself, were in its In this list the mutinous regiments infavour. It was, consequently, in defiance cluded the following corps :-In the presiof military experience of its necessity, abo- dency of Bengal division-the 19th, 32nd, lished; but the new system worked so badly, 34th, 63rd, and 73rd native infantry, the that, in the time of Sir Henry Hardinge 11th irregular cavalry, and the 1st Assam (1844 to 1848), who exerted himself in light infantry battalions; in the Dinapore improving the condition of the army, division-the 7th, 8th, 17th, 37th, and 40th corporal punishment became again part native infantry, the 5th irregular cavalry, of the military code. Most unfortunately, the Loodiana regiment, and the Ramghur a short time afterwards, instructions were light infantry battalions; in the Meerut given from the highest authority, "never to inflict the punishment;" and thus the threat implied by its restoration, became nothing better than an idle mockery and a mischievous insult. Owing partly to the disuse of this power-native infantry, the 42nd light infantry, and ful regulation, and to the diminished authority of the European officers of the native regiments from the colonel downwards, as well as to the system by which the ranks of the army were recruited, by inducements of superior pay and pension to the private soldier, and to the suicidal desire of commanding officers to obtain men of "good caste" only for their regiments-the ranks of the Bengal army were filled by a haughty and arrogant soldiery, who were untamable by the ordinary means resorted to for maintaining discipline, and could only be kept true to their colours by the excitement of active service. Such men were not slow to find out grievances when the excitement was wanting; and having no cohesion of principle or feeling with their European officers, they fell into a state of mutiny as a thing of course, when the external relations of the state reached that point from whence a prospect of a long-continued peace was apparent. This fact became too clearly demonstrated by the occurrences of 1857-8 to be longer doubted; and at length it was proposed to seek, in the North-West and Upper Provinces of Bengal, a nucleus for the native element of the future Anglo-Indian army, by enlisting men of the lowest caste, or even of no caste at all, with whom, previous to the revolt, the Bengal sepoy would have disdained the 3rd irregular cavalry; in the Sirhind companies 4th battalion artillery (Golundauze), the 2nd regiment light cavalry, the 2nd regiment native infantry grenadiers, a detachment of the 12th native infantry, and the 21st and 27th native infantry. The Guzerat irregular horse also mutinied, but the rising was speedily suppressed. This return enumerates eighty-six regiments as having thrown off their allegiance to the government of India; but other regiments also, whose numbers are not included, were affected by the mutiny. measure perfectly unobjectionable in itself, and one that would tear up by the roots the chief source of danger in revolutionary times; since, in following out this principle, every arsenal in the country would necessarily be garrisoned by European soldiers: and without artillery, and destitute of military stores, the finest army the world could produce would be at the mercy of onetenth part of its number. The whole of the existing arsenals throughout India, it was alleged, could be garrisoned effectually by 15,000 Europeans, who should be all trained artillerymen; and of the 100,000 men proposed to form the future European force, at least 35,000 ought to belong to this arm of the service. Upon the important subject of the reorganisation of an army for the protection of British India, it was observed, that while there were but few persons in the country who held the extreme opinion that a native army should be dispensed with altogether, The next important principle to be atthere were undoubtedly many who, recall- tended to in the reconstruction of the ing the events of the preceding eighteen army, was expressed by the single word months, might question the propriety of DISCIPLINE. A great authority has long ever placing the rifle in the hands of the since affirmed that mutiny is impossible in sepcy, or of longer maintaining the estab- any army which is effectively disciplined; lishment of the Golundauze, or native artil- and it would be presumptuous to question lery. Gunpowder, it was remarked, was a the dictum: but it is a notorious fact, that great leveller; and its discovery did more to this truism was lamentably disregarded in destroy the feudal system and the powers of the management of the native army of the privileged classes in Europe, than any Bengal. It now became an imperative other event of the period. The superiority necessity, therefore, that whatever might be of their arms had made the chivalry of Chris- the numerical strength of the future native tendom despise the burgomaster and the levies, they should be disciplined with the villain; but gunpowder placed the knight same sternness and inflexibility that preand the peasant upon an equality in the vails in the English army; and that the field. Had the revolted army of Bengal difference between drill and discipline held the Minié rifle in their hands, Delhi should be better understood, and acted might still have belonged to the Mogul; upon, by those to whom the efficiency and and, in place of a wretched charpoy in a control of the men was entrusted. The prison-chamber, the descendant of Timur mutiny of the Bengal army was mainly atmight even now have been sitting upon tributable to the indulgence of a tone of the crystal throne in the palace of his insolent insubordination, which had been ancestors. It is impossible to say where tolerated in its ranks for years; and that the revolt would have stopped had the sepoy fact ought necessarily to be borne in mind been armed with the rifle; and the propo- when contemplating its reconstruction. Insal to place this weapon in the hands of a stant, unreasoning obedience, or death, is new levy of 80,000 Sikhs, embodied by Sir the only alternative presented to the solJohn Lawrence for service in the Punjab, dier's mind in every well-disciplined army; was looked upon as bordering upon an and how strong its instinctive perception insane temerity. The necessity for main- should be made with mercenary troops, taining a native army to some extent in the common sense might easily understand. country, was admitted; but an adherence In India, it was now evident, such a printo a few leading cautionary principles in ciple could not be maintained without its reorganisation, was also insisted upon, entrusting all but despotic power to the which, while they might render it efficient commanding officer; and that such power for all purposes for which it could be re- might be delegated without fear of its quired, would free the state from any abuse, it was necessary that each officer danger through its existence. First, it was should be selected carefully, and judged suggested that the artillery arm of the strictly. In this respect there ought to be service should be exclusively European-a | no excuse for failure. VOL. II. 4 I 609 A third point was urged as a guiding force must depend on the probability of principle of importance-namely, the indis- either internal disturbances or external criminate enlistment of all castes in the aggression; and they observe-"The esti ranks. The raising of 80,000 Sikhs in the mates of force given in the evidence are Punjab by Sir John Lawrence, was looked most conflicting, ranging from 50,000 to upon by many as a standing menace to the 100,000 Europeans; and there can be no future stability of the empire, as they were doubt that it will be necessary to maintain, no sooner collected together, than they had for the future defence of India, a European to be watched; a regiment of Sikhs being, force of much greater strength than that in its way, as much influenced by caste which existed previous to the outbreak of as a regiment of Poorbeahs; while, from its 1857." The amount of such force should, in natural and characteristic superiority, it the opinion of the commissioners, be about is considerably more dangerous. The ex- 80,000; of which 50,000 would be required periment had succeeded for the time; but for Bengal, 15,000 for Madras, and 15,000 it was followed by much anxiety, and for Bombay.. some degree of embarrassment. Such levies, it was held, must be broken up, or, if retained, so mingled with the general native army, as to lose their individuality. So long as they remained exclusively Sikh or Bengalese battalions, so long they were dangerous to the state in their isolation. It was also recommended, with respect to the weapons of the native troops, that they should be armed with the old musket only, and that upon no account should the rifle be entrusted to them, until the distinctions of caste had been rendered thoroughly and practically subservient to the paramount requirements of discipline. As regarded the third question-the proportion "which European should bear to native corps in cavalry, infantry, and artillery respectively," the commissioners were of opinion that the amount of native force should not, under present circumstances, bear a greater proportion to the European in cavalry and infantry, than two to one for Bengal, and three to one for Madras and Bombay respectively; the evidence before the commissioners being unanimous that the artillery should be mainly a European force: and they agreed in the opinion thus expressed, exceptions being made for such stations as were peculiarly detrimental to A commission was at length appointed by the European constitution. In connection royal warrant, to consider the entire subject with this question, the commissioners obof the reconstruction and management of the serve, that "military police corps have been Indian army, which had now become a ques-formed, or are in course of formation, tion of importance in connection with the throughout India. They see in this force, Eastern possessions of the British empire; in its numerical strength and military and the result of the inquiry was, after some organisation, differing as it does in no time, presented to parliament in a re- essential respect from the regular sepoy port, of which the following is a brief army, the elements of future danger. analysis :therefore recommend that great caution be used in not giving to this force a stricter military training than may be required for the maintenance of discipline, lest a new native force be formed, which may hereafter become a source of embarrassment to the government." They With reference to the first point suggested in her majesty's warrant, viz., "The terms on which the army of the East India Company is to be transferred to the crown," the commissioners observed, that the 56th clause of the act for the better government of India, assures to the forces which now belong On the fourth question-as to "how far to her majesty's Indian army, "the like pay, the European portion of the army should be pension, allowances, and privileges, and like composed of troops of the line, taking advantages as regards promotion and other-India as part of the regular tour of service, wise, as if they had continued in the service of the said Company." The second question-viz., the "permanent force necessary to be maintained in the Indian provinces respectively, after the restoration of tranquillity," did not appear to the commissioners to admit of a reply in a definite numerical form, as the amount of and how far of troops raised for service in India only ?" the commissioners were unable to arrive at any unanimity of opinion. On the fifth question-"The best means of providing for the periodical relief of the former portion, and securing the efficiency of the latter," the commissioners observe, opinion that the irregular system was the best adapted for native cavalry in India; and recommended that it be adopted. that "if it be determined that the European force be partly of the line and partly local, the periodical relief of the former portion may be effected as has hitherto been done; The commissioners were of opinion, with but they strongly recommend that the tour regard to the point-" Whether cadets, sent of service in India should not exceed twelve out for service with native troops, should in years. The establishment of a convalescent the first instance be attached to European station at the Cape of Good Hope, for regiments, to secure uniformity of drill and the invalids belonging to European regi-discipline ?" that such officers should be ments serving in India, is worthy of con- thoroughly drilled, and instructed in their sideration." military duties in this country, as recomWith reference to the sixth question-mended in the reply to question 5, before "Whether it be possible to consolidate the they are sent to India. European forces, so as to allow of exchange The commissioners having disposed of the from one branch of the service to the other; questions specially referred for their inquiry, and what regulations would be necessary submitted the following recommendations and practicable to effect this object with on certain important points which, in the perfect justice to the claims of all officers course of examination of evidence, came now in the service of the East India Com-under their notice:-1. That the native pany?" the commissioners were of opinion army should be composed of different that, although there are many difficulties in nationalities and castes, and, as a general so amalgamating the local European forces rule, mixed promiscuously through each with those of the line, such an arrangement regiment. 2. That all men in the regular would be advantageous, if it could be native army, in her majesty's eastern posseseffected without prejudice to existing rights. sions, should be enlisted for general service. On the seventh question-viz., " Whether 3. That a modification should be made in there should be any admixture of European the uniform of the native troops, assimilaand native forces, either regimentally or ting it more to the dress of the country, and by brigade?" the preponderance of evidence making it more suitable to the climate. showed, that any admixture of the two 4. That Europeans should, as far as possible, forces, regimentally, would be detrimental to the efficiency and discipline of both; but that the admixture, by brigade, would be most advantageous; and the commissioners concurred in this opinion. be employed in the scientific branches of the service, but that corps of pioneers be formed, for the purpose of relieving the European sappers from those duties which entail exposure to the climate. 5. That On the eighth point-" Whether the the articles of war which govern the native local European force should be kept up by army be revised, and that the power of drafts and volunteers from the line, or commanding officers be increased. 6. That should be, as at present, separately re- the promotion of native commissioned and cruited for in Great Britain ?" the commis-non-commissioned officers be regulated on sioners were of opinion that the European force, if local, might be partially kept up by volunteers from regiments of the line returning to England; and that the recruiting in England should be carried on under the same authority and regulations as for regiments of the line, officers of the local force being employed on that service. the principle of efficiency, rather than of seniority, and that commanding officers of regiments have the same power to promote non-commissioned officers as is vested in officers commanding regiments of the line. 7. That whereas the pay and allowances of officers and men are now issued under yarious heads, the attention of her majesty's As regarded the ninth question, the com-government be drawn to the expediency missioners considered that it would not of simplifying the pay codes, and of adoptbe advisable to raise any regiments in the ing, if practicable, fixed scales of allowances colonies, composed of men of colour, either for the troops in garrison or cantonments, for temporary or permanent service in and in the field. 8. That the commanderIndia. in-chief in Bengal be styled "the comWith regard to the tenth point-"Whe- mander-in-chief in India," and that the ther the native force should be regular or irregular, or both; and if so, in what proportions?" the commissioners were of general officers commanding the armies of the minor presidencies be commanders of the forces, with the power and advantages |