________________
10
the bond and you scatter away the cards. Without a cohering, reciprocal attachment, a complete social indentity of interests, sympathies and hopes, there cannot be a durable civilization or even the existence of a nation as such. The most sympathetic of our English rulers cannot hope to initiate such social changes as are necessary for such a 'making of the nation. If the great example of Akabar or the present Mikado of Japan is to be imitated by our princes like His Highness, it is in this direction. I have no doubt such a movement has received and will continue to receive the sympathy and help of our British Indian rulers; but the movement must begin from within. At present, the Maratha society in particular is the most backward of the backward people and nothing but the restoration of them to their lost social dignity as a body of men and not a herd of cattle driven by the Brahmin priest, nothing but such a religious and social revolution will elevate them from their present degeneracy. It is a stupendous task likely to stagger even the most heroic among us. But it is in no way an impossible task. In less favoured times, the Jains and the Lingayets have attained freedom from the bondage of a priesthood. None of us is a prophet; but it is yet the sacred duty of every one of us to try to his utmost to achieve social regeneration with faith in the righteousness of our cause, whether we are called abject flatterers' or 'selfish Office-seekers.' His Highness the Maharajasaheb has been already in the field and his help is a tower of strength. It is for the people now to awaken and get their moral, spiritual and social grievances redressed at the hands of people who claim their allegiance in the only field in which it suits the oligarchy to be pleased to claim it. To you, Col. Ferris, I have a word of appeal on behalf of the Marathas whose friend you have been so long and so truly. Your tactful and sympathetic guidance has been of immense value to His Highness hitherto; but during the period of your official career that now remains, you will, lay the crown on your splendid service to the Maratha country if you, walking in the footsteps of Col. Water of Rajaputana, lay the foundations
