ace, and the knowledge
of this fact gave a colour to the advice tendered to them. It was my
wish to recognise with all due honour their martial qualities, while
seeking to impart a more pacific direction to their energies. The
capture of half the capitals of Europe would not have been, in the
eyes of the Sikh, so great an event, or so signal a proof of British
power, as the capture of Pekin. They are proud of the thought that
some of their race took a part in it; and more inclined than
ever--which is an important matter--to follow the British standard
into foreign lands, if they should be invited to do so.

He was careful also to make as much as he could of some feeble indications
of a disposition to educate their sons, and even their daughters, which had
been exhibited by the Sirdars in some parts of the Punjab; thinking that
'if an impulse in this direction could be imparted to the ruling classes
among the natives, great results might be anticipated.'

The text of this address--the last address which he delivered--is as
follows:--

[Sidenote: Address to the Sikh chiefs.]

Colonel Durand,--I beg that you will express to the native gentlemen
who are assembled here my regret that I am unable to address them in
their own language, and inform them that I am charged by Her Majesty
the Queen to convey to them the assurance of Her Majesty's high
appreciation of the loyalty and devotion to Her Majesty's person and
Government which has been exhibited on various occasions by the Sikh
rulers and people. Not many days ago it was my pleasing duty to
determine that the medal granted to Her Majesty's troops who were
engaged at Delhi in 1857, should be conferred on the followers of the
Sikh chiefs who took part in the noble achievements of that period;
and I can personally bear testimony to the good services of the
officers and men of the Sikh regiments who, in 1860, co-operated with
the British troops in placing the British flag on the walls of Pekin,
the capital of the vast empire of China.

But, in order to be truly great, it is necessary that nations should
excel in the arts of peace as well as in those of war.

Look to the history of the British nation for an example. Most
assuredly the British people are powerful in war, but their might and
renown are in a great measure due to their proficiency in the works
w