CHAPTER IX

LORD DUFFERIN’S VICEROYALTY

Lord Dufferin Succeeds Lord Ripon as Viceroy--Durbar at Rawal Pindi to Meet the Amir of Afghanistan--A Few Annoyances--How it All Ended--Some Presents--Outline of a Viceroy’s Tour--A Nasty Fall--Sale of Confederacy Horses--“Father Time”--Parlour Fireworks--A Ride to the Pyramids--Unostentatious Charity--Some Impositions

The Earl of Dufferin succeeded the Marquis of Ripon in 1884. India hoped great things of him, as he was a man thoroughly experienced in dealing with delicate situations, having been Governor-General of the Dominion of Canada, and Ambassador at St. Petersburg; he had also from 1864 to 1866 been Under-Secretary of State for India.

Lord Ripon’s zeal for the natives having created a strong and most undesirable antagonism between the Europeans and natives, the new Viceroy’s first endeavour was to restore confidence to the European community without undue reaction, and he succeeded in a measure.

Lord William remained in his old haunts, being appointed Military Secretary to the new Viceroy; he also being experienced, all began smoothly. In domestic politics Lord Dufferin carried out certain reforms in the tenure of land in Bengal (Bengal Tenancy Act, passed 1885), and Lady Dufferin started a great work with a view to providing medical treatment and nursing for native women, of which I will write later. In all these movements Lord William took the keenest interest, and he was the oil which helped to keep the machinery working smoothly. Somebody once said, “A landlord is the father of his tenants,” then surely a good competent Military Secretary who has been at his post some years is father, godfather and nurse all rolled into one to the Viceroy. The private secretary, Sir Donald Mackenzie Wallace, was also exceptionally capable and a man of letters.

Being so well supported must have been a comfort to Lord Dufferin during the anxious time which followed his taking office, for there was still that urgent and difficult question of the Afghan boundary demanding attention. The hitherto sketchy and uncertain alignment as arranged and agreed in the 1872-3 Anglo-Russian agreement left loopholes for controversy, the River Oxus having been regarded as the boundary or demarcation line. This river had views of its own, altering its course to suit its own convenience, therefore could not be relied upon as a satisfactory or definite boundary, but one likely to lead to misunderstanding. The Russians were also a little pressing with their influence in the direction of Herat. As we had been led to look upon that place as “The Key of India,” we had to consider what was best to be done to prevent its occupation by the Russians. It may be remembered that Lord Dufferin considered almost any deviation in the boundary better than offending the Amir and making him antagonistic to us.

The forts at Herat were not of much importance, but our prestige would certainly suffer if we allowed anybody else to occupy the place, and as India could not spare enough troops either to hold Herat or even the line of communication between it and Candahar, Lord Dufferin held much converse with the Government at home, the Commander-in-Chief in India (Sir Donald Stewart) and the India Office as to the best mode of procedure, the result of which was we prepared to send about 25,000 men to Quetta via the Bolan Pass. The Amir thought he would like to talk over the situation with the Viceroy, and so it was agreed that the Afghan Chief should meet His Excellency at Rawal Pindi. In consequence of this arrangement a huge camp was formed, everything done and carried out on the most magnificent and impressive scale, such as is beloved by Orientals, plenty of tinsel, glitter and pomp.

I have often thought the inhabitants of India, and Afghanistan too for that matter, must think us very dowdy looking people compared with their own codes, and indeed we do make a sorry show amongst their gorgeous jewels, colour and trappings. Perhaps if we were to appear at their big gatherings and on great occasions with more of the “rings on our fingers and bells on our toes” that we used to hear about in our nursery rhymes, we should inspire more admiration and reverence. I am strongly under the impression that these colour-loving people look for, and take the outward and visible sign, as a precursor of the inward and spiritual grace.

This Durbar at Pindi entailed most elaborate preparations and much work on the Military Secretary. It really consisted of several camps, one group for the native princes and chiefs, one for the British Army, another for the native army, the viceregal camp, one for the Lieut.-Governor, and various others, making an imposing array.

Among the guests of the Viceroy were the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, numerous Lieut.-Governors, Commander-in-Chief, also members of Council.

The comings and goings of all these good people, their comfort, the necessary arrangement of precedence and etiquette was the work of the Military Secretary, and required some thought and hard work to digest and assimilate satisfactorily. The worry attached to the arranging of a camp of this kind is enormous. Lord William did not appear the least depressed, but quite as cheery and bright as usual, while being extraordinarily efficient. Of course he had the A.D.C.’s under him, whom no doubt he had chosen from his knowledge of their capabilities. It is, however, easy to imagine the worries and anxieties attached to the occasion. We all know how annoying it is when arranging functions ourselves, to find at the last moment the _chef_ has been indulging in something stronger than tea, which has made him quarrelsome, preferring chasing the kitchen and vegetables maids rather than attending to the dinner the expectant guests may be awaiting.

Heaps of annoyances of all sorts and kinds were bound to happen. I do not know what they all were, but I do know that after making the most elaborate arrangements for everybody’s comfort, excellent food, decorations, snowy white tablecloths, etc., the very day of the Amir’s entry a heavy thunderstorm spoilt everything. The tenants of the different camps had either to stay where they happened to be and risk having no dinner, or wade through a swamp. The decorations were ruined, the tablecloths draggled and limp, the water having poured through the tents. Elaborate ceremonies under canvas are trying at any time, but when in addition to natural difficulties everything is under water, it is truly a hopeless and thankless task.

Usually these domestic worries fall on the shoulders of women, and are borne more or less patiently as part of their existence. For a man to tackle such things and on such a glorified scale will, I feel sure, take away the breath of those readers who have never seen what an energetic, undauntable man like Lord William could master. In a moment, so to speak, he had to reorganise everything. How was he going to keep people dry, how prevent the rain from spoiling or even washing away the presents all laid out ready for the Amir, the diamond ornaments, gewgaws, and oh! horrible thought, the musical boxes, suppose they refused to be musical in consequence of the wet? Who could tell what crisis might arise, or whose head be cut off! As a matter of fact and interest the Amir did bring his own executioner with him in gorgeous garments, and carrying the emblem of his office, a battle-axe and a few other suggestive little items, meant, no doubt, to impress us.

Before passing on to other matters, it may interest some of my readers to know what in the Oriental world is considered “good form” when receiving presents. On this occasion a sword studded with diamonds round the hilt was presented on a cushion to the Amir, who on taking it into his hand diplomatically exclaimed, “With this sword I hope to smite any enemy of the British Government,” repeating his lesson very nicely. This was quite as it should be, and the Amir had been well advised, but when the rest of the presents, guns for his son, musical boxes, watches and all sort of glittering things were being spread out before him, he pretended not to see, or take the smallest interest in this part of the show; but as soon as he was alone with his followers, all were examined carefully, and he was very pleased.

When the time arrived for the giving of presents it was understood the object of the meeting had been obtained, all points carefully discussed between the Viceroy and the Amir, the latter having formed clearer views of what was to his own interests (and ours incidentally); that we were prepared to fight his enemies, assist him with arms and money, and with him pay attention to the fortification of Herat, and if he followed our advice we were going to help him to keep Russia away from his doors.

The great Durbar was over, and beyond the torrents of rain nothing much had gone amiss, the elephants told off to take part in the state procession did not refuse to “process,” the musical boxes did not refuse to play, and all went well.

Then followed the arranging for the return of all the participators in this pageant. Happily the Amir considered rain a good omen, and as it rained when he arrived, also when he took his departure, he must have felt he was in luck’s way.

Lord William, Captain Harbord, Mr. Durand, and other high officials drove from the Viceroy’s camp to the Amir’s, preparatory to the final adieu and to inform him of the arrest of Ayab Khan, thereby easing his mind, also the tidings that Her Majesty the Queen-Empress had conferred on him the decoration of the Grand Cross of the Star of India.

The Amir left in the Viceroy’s carriage accompanied by these officers _en route_ for the station with a cavalry escort and body-guard of the King’s Dragoon Guards. The route was lined with troops who presented arms every fifty yards. Then a pleasing little speech from the Amir, and he was on his way back to Kabul.

Lord William had time again now to breathe freely after his hard work, and carried back to India and eventually to his home in England various souvenirs he treasured, presented to him by some of those attending the Durbar as a small appreciation of his untiring efforts for their comfort and pleasure.

Besides the brain work this gathering necessitated the writing it had entailed was enormous. I append a programme drawn up by the Military Secretary for Lord Dufferin’s tour from Simla to Calcutta in 1885, which gives some faint insight into the Military Secretary’s work every day. Also into that of the Viceroy, for at each place mentioned in the programme there were numerous people to be interviewed, some with grievances to be redressed, or petitions of sorts for the consideration of his Excellency. The landowners look forward to these visits as they give them an opportunity of personally explaining their views to their ruler. In addition to all this there are all the local celebrities to be met and have polite nothings said to them, the arranging of which takes some writing, some tact and some talking. It all passes more or less through the hands of the Military Secretary before being placed in the hands of the Viceroy.

Think what the Durbar entailed!

_Memo. of Dates of His Excellency the Viceroy’s route from Simla to Calcutta, via Nahun, Dehra, Saharunpore, Delhi, Ulwar, Ajmere, Oodeypore, Indore, Jodhpore, Jeypore, Bhurtpore, Agra, Lucknow, Cawnpore, and Benares._

1885 DAY STATION REMARKS

Oct. 20 Tuesday Simla Leave 8.30 a.m. by tonga.

Dugshai Arrive 1.30 p.m. Lunch. Leave 3 p.m. Ride on to Nyna, 9 miles.

Nyna Viceroy’s Camp; arrive 5.30 p.m.

” 21 Wednesday Nyna to Suran Viceroy’s Camp, 13 miles.

” 22 Thursday Suran to Viceroy’s Camp, 13 miles. Bonytee

” 23 Friday Bonytee to Viceroy’s Camp, 12 miles. Nahun

” 24 Saturday Nahun Viceroy’s Camp.

” 25 Sunday Nahun to Viceroy’s Camp by tonga. Majra

” 26 Monday Majra Viceroy’s Camp. Shoot.

” 27 Tuesday Majra to Viceroy’s Camp. Shoot on Dehra Dun road. By tonga.

” 28 Wednesday Dehra Dun to Inspect remounts, stables, Sharunpore and gardens in the afternoon.

” 29 Thursday Delhi Arrive 9 a.m. by special train.

” 30 Friday Delhi Levee 9 p.m.

” 31 Saturday Delhi

Nov. 1 Sunday Delhi

” 2 Monday Delhi Leave 11 p.m. by special train.

” 3 Tuesday Ulwar Arrive 9 a.m.

” 4 Wednesday Ulwar Shoot.

” 5 Thursday Ulwar to Leave 10 a.m.; arrive 6 p.m. Ajmere by special train.

” 6 Friday Ajmere Levee 9 p.m.

” 7 Saturday Ajmere Open College; leave 9 p.m. by special train to Nimbehera.

” 8 Sunday Oodeypore Arrive 6 p.m.; 6 miles by road.

” 9 Monday Oodeypore

” 10 Tuesday Oodeypore

” 11 Wednesday Oodeypore Leave 9 a.m. by road to Nimbehera.

” 12 Thursday Indore Arrive 9 a.m. by special train.

” 13 Friday Indore

” 14 Saturday Indore Leave 2.30 p.m.

” 15 Sunday Jodhpore Arrive 6 p.m. by special train.

” 16 Monday Jodhpore Shoot.

” 17 Tuesday Jodhpore Shoot.

” 18 Wednesday Jodhpore Leave 9 p.m.

” 19 Thursday Jeypore Arrive 10 a.m.

” 20 Friday Jeypore

” 21 Saturday Jeypore

” 22 Sunday Jeypore to Leave 10 a.m.; arrive 4.30 Bhurtpore p.m.

” 23 Monday Bhurtpore Shoot; leave 3 p.m.

” 24 Tuesday Bhurtpore to Viceroy’s Camp. By special Agra train; arrive 5 p.m.

” 25 Wednesday Agra Levee 9 p.m.

” 26 Thursday Agra Levee 9 p.m.

” 27 Friday Agra Levee.

” 28 Saturday Agra Levee.

” 29 Sunday Agra Levee.

” 30 Monday Agra Levee.

Dec. 1 Tuesday Agra Levee.

” 2 Wednesday Agra to Leave 9 a.m. Gwalior

Dec. 3 Thursday Gwalior to Arrive 4.30 p.m.; leave 11 Dholepore p.m.

” 4 Friday Lucknow Arrive 9 a.m.

” 5 Saturday Lucknow

” 6 Sunday Lucknow

” 7 Monday Lucknow to Arrive 1.30 p.m. Cawnpore

” 8 Tuesday Cawnpore Leave 11 p.m.

” 9 Wednesday Benares Arrive 9 a.m.

” 10 Thursday Benares

” 11 Friday Benares to Leave 11 p.m. Calcutta

” 12 Saturday Calcutta Arrive 9 p.m.

MILITARY SECRETARY’S OFFICE, SIMLA. _September 14th, 1885._

All this time while Lord William was attending to his duties, his horses were running in different races, but he was not very lucky, the 1884-5 Calcutta Meeting was disastrous, one horse after another going wrong, and Prospero put his lordship’s shoulder out again by falling with him, in spite of which, swathed in bandages, he rode on the second day a very good race on the same animal, it being one of the best races he ever rode, though he did not win.

Calcutta now had a new grand stand, and the races were run in the afternoon instead of the morning, which was a popular innovation. At the Second Calcutta Meeting, Ryder, Lord William’s jockey, also had a nasty fall when riding Euphrates, the grand one-eyed Arab belonging to John Wheal, termed by Mr. Abbott the Father of Indian Trainers, who describing the race says: “Just opposite the Stand, on the other side of the course, Euphrates, being on his blind side and on the extreme inside, perhaps shying from the rush of heels behind him, ran bang into the rails, not only crushing and breaking Ryder’s leg but continuing to press inwards till the woodwork gave way and Ryder from sheer weakness fell off, and Euphrates continuing his mad career must have dashed against a post, for, when caught, it was found he had knocked his only remaining eye out.”

On the 28th of January Lord William had another nasty fall, his horse Jack not rising properly at the first fence, throwing his rider on to his face. Friends who were near pulled him out of the way before he got trodden on. He was unconscious and badly cut about the head and nose, having to be carried back to Government House and put to bed, though the moment he regained consciousness he wanted to go back to the races.

Shortly after this accident Lord William went home on leave, and badly he wanted the change and rest, for he was showing signs of overwork, his many accidents had shaken him almost more than he was aware of; but before leaving India the Durbangah-Beresford Confederacy horses were put up for sale on the 28th of February at Messrs. Brown & Co.’s Mart in Calcutta. Very fair prices were realised as will be seen from the following list:

Reputation bought by Mr. Hard 1,800

Father Prout ” Dr. Hart 700

Little Charlie ” Mr. Hard 6,000

King of the Vale ” Major Deane 2,500

Bassanio ” Mr. Macklin 5,700

Zephyr ” Dr. Hart 3,000

Glory ” Major Deane 2,000

Manfred ” Major Deane 2,500

Lapella ” Mr. Croft 1,500

Bolieo ” Captain Gordon 3,700

Jack ” Dr. Hart 2,500

Diamond ” Captain Webb 750

Prospero ” Captain Burn 1,000

Torpedo ” H. H. Kooch Behar 700

Quack ” H. H. Kooch Behar 450

Pretender ” Major Deane 1,200

Cinder ” -- 1,800

Atarin ” -- 1,400

Khartoum ” -- 1,200

Fariz ” Captain Gordon 650

Snuff ” Dr. Hart 900

One or two of the best were bought by Mr. Hard for one or other of the partners of the Confederacy, Reputation and Little Charlie amongst them. Bassanio, the Australian, who fetched 5,700 rupees, was bought back in March by Lord William. The Government bought several for the Stud Department, and a little later purchased good old Jack from Dr. Hart and sent him as a present to the Amir of Kabul for stud purposes. Prospero was back again in the stable, and a week or two before Lord William started for home won the Grand Annual at Meerut, also the Hurdle Race, and Dynamite a handicap of sorts.

In April Lord Bill started for home. India felt lonely when he had gone, especially amongst some of his fair friends. With women absence often makes the heart grow fonder, but with men it is proximity that plays the mischief, and Lord William I am afraid forgot to be sad over the partings, for he found so many more fair friends in the Old Country anxious to greet him and be kind.

There was no doubt about it he was beginning to age, to realise how quickly we drop into middle age. It all comes about so imperceptibly, perhaps a few grey hairs first awaken us to the change, it suddenly dawns upon us, time is not standing still, that we have reached the top of the hill that looked so long and unending, and now behold we are slipping down the other side, and where are all the lovely views we expected to find on reaching the top of the hill? Surely they must have been mirage! It is a curious fact that you may look at yourself in the glass many times a day but until something happens to force the fact of a change on you the only image you behold in the mirror is yourself in _youth_. Even after elasticity has left us, it still does not dawn upon us we are--of the past. Perhaps nothing brings it home to us more quickly than meeting some friend of our youth and finding he has grown ponderous, lost the sparkle, hair grown grey, eyes dim, and possibly a corporation, this makes us turn an anxious eye on ourselves to see if similar changes have taken place.

Lord William never lost his sparkle or his pluck and he never sported a corporation, but the unceasing energy of his life was telling on him. It was quite useless begging him to take things more easily for it was not possible to him. How he did enjoy a joke! I think it was in 1885 when he was home on this leave that he went with me to Rose’s toyshop in Sloane Street to find some toy to amuse a small boy of mine that was delicate. While we were wandering round the shop a friend came and spoke to me, so Lord William continued his prowl, looking for likely things. When at liberty once more I found him with a neat parcel in one hand, and he exclaimed, “I have the very thing.” “What?” I asked. “Oh, come along, and I will explain it to you,” so we marched out. I was then told the parcel contained “Parlour Fireworks.” I suggested they were rather dangerous things, but the idea was pooh-poohed. They were only pretty coloured lights that threw up harmless sprays of blue, green and red powdery flame. One of them he lit in the drawing-room fender to show me how harmless they were. It seemed all right, so as soon as he had gone and it was growing dark the small boy, myself and nurses proceeded on to the flat roof of the house we were then renting in Park Lane, in the narrow end near Gloucester House, where we felt well protected by the Duke of Cambridge’s policeman always stationed at his door. The first few Roman candles we lit were a success and caused great delight, then I found a queer little box with rules where to light it. I faithfully followed all the instructions. At first nothing happened, then suddenly the air was alive with rifle-like reports in rapid succession, while live squibs, things I believe called crackers, were flying about cracking in every direction all over the tops of the houses. What a commotion there was! The policeman ran in every direction at once and blew his whistle, the jaded sleeping horse in the laundry van at our area railings suddenly awoke, curled its tail over its back pug-dog fashion, and set off for all it was worth, leaving the man in charge, still in the kitchen, probably enjoying good things. Everybody in the neighbourhood shouted, while we all scrambled helter-skelter down the narrow staircase leading from the roof, and on which housemaids had left various pails to dry and air. These in our haste to descend and hide our heads, we charged, hurtling them down the stairs in front of us, making a horrible clatter.

Arrived at last in our rooms again, we all pretended to be dead while the policeman came to enquire if we had heard anything, and did we know anything about it? Our old housekeeper, who had been with us many years and who was in the secret, faced the policeman, fearing we might be given away by some indiscreet statements from the other servants. She, of course, was very indignant that peaceable people should be liable to such disturbance and hoped the policeman would make a point of finding out about it, saying: “Really nobody is safe from bombs and Jack-the-Rippers nowadays.” The policeman promised to do his best. The following day the morning paper mentioned a mysterious affair that had occurred in Park Lane, and it was supposed an attempt had been made to blow up Gloucester House!

Thinking the matter over after all was calm again and the laundry man had gone in search of his horse and van I began to wonder how much of this had been design on the part of Lord William, for it was a Jack-in-the-Box that exploded making such a noise, harmless in itself but productive of rather an upheaval. When I told him what had happened I thought he would never stop laughing.

I had lately returned from Egypt where I had been staying with friends who one evening got up a picnic at the Pyramids to which we were all to ride on donkeys. I was told by that dear good fellow Gerry Portal, I think, but it is so long ago I am not sure, that the best donkey in the place had been secured for me, it was a great gymkhana winner, pure white, and boasted the name of Lord Charles Beresford. So I rode Lord Charles Beresford to the Pyramids. Everything was being called Lord Charles or Lord Charles Beresford at that time, his name was on everybody’s lips, for he was and had been doing great things in Egypt, and it was considered a great honour for anyone or anything to be called Charlie.

I seem to have been recounting many stories of Lord William’s fun and humour, but none of his thousands of kindly deeds, which were strewn throughout his life as thickly as blackberries in September. It is difficult to know where to begin, but I like to think that when the day came for him to cross the border the spirits of some of those he had saved from despair, whom he had helped not once but many times, were waiting to greet and welcome him. I do not think anyone who went to him for help or sympathy was ever “rebuffed.” At times he certainly was imposed on, though he would not believe it, and even when it came home to roost, as it occasionally did, he was most forgiving. One individual in particular I remember in India. He had been in a good cavalry regiment, but got into trouble at one of the Umballa Race Meetings I have already described when there was heavy plunging, trying to recover himself and place his finances on a firm footing again, he only slipped further into the mire, until in a hopeless mess; he then, to make matters worse, outstayed his leave, and was turned out of the service. This man was well known throughout India, and was an extraordinary character, blessed with good looks, a fine figure and physique, a charming tenor voice, it seemed there was much to be thankful for. Lord William thought if once this man was put on his legs again, given a fresh start, he might pull himself together and be more lucky; he therefore paid up for him, and befriended him in every way. This friend, whom we will call Captain X., now devoted his life to racing in India, and he became a formidable opponent, as he had good hands and judgment, and I doubt if there was a racecourse in India that had not made his acquaintance. It was not long before he was in trouble again; once more Lord William and Lord Airlie came to the rescue, meeting with gross ingratitude, for the man could not be straight, he failed and robbed his benefactors at every turn. Lord William was only full of pity that such a talented, fine chap should go hopelessly wrong. Captain X. was very good company, a very fast runner and a strong swimmer; all this appealed to Lord Bill, who tried his hardest to save him, but it was no use. I have been told eventually he helped the man to go away to another country and try again.

Lord William always said his sympathies were with the sinners, but I think they were with everybody in every station of life.

Riding through Cantonments one day he met a soldier’s wife carrying a heavy child who was looking ill. He asked why she carried it, and on hearing it was ill and she could not drag it along after her, and the air was good for it, he expressed his sorrow for its ill-health, spoke a few cheering words, and rode on. That evening a perambulator arrived from an anonymous donor at the door of the sick child’s mother.

More times than I can number have boys fresh out from home been saved from making “asses of themselves,” as Lord William expressed it, by his counsel and help. A youth I knew came out to join a crack regiment. He had more money than was good for him, and fancied himself not a little. His mother wrote asking me to be kind to him. I endeavoured to mother him, but he was so certain he knew everything and was a fine fellow going to show everybody the way, it was difficult to guide or help him. He began racing and betting. Naturally there were older hands at that game than himself, and he got into trouble. At last, when he had come to the end of all his resources, he came to me, but as he was then heavily involved with a native money-lender, I felt it was beyond my powers, and asked if I might consult a friend if I mentioned no names. This I was permitted to do, and sought Lord William’s help. He told me not to trouble about it at all, but send the lad to him. After some discussion he rather ungraciously accepted Lord William’s offer, and went to see him. Happily this turned out better than the other case I have mentioned, for the boy came back radiant, to tell me Lord William was going to settle with the money-lender and put him straight, and when he came into his uncle’s property, which was bound to fall to him before very long, he was going to put it all right with Lord William, but as he had no power to anticipate the money he could only give his word of honour about it.

I wonder if there was anybody but Lord William who would have done this. When in the evening I met my old friend and thanked him for helping the lad with such uncertain security, he replied, “Oh, I never expect to see it again, but he’s a nice boy and has promised to come to me for tips before plunging again.” It rejoices me to be able to say all _was_ paid back and Lord William had a faithful and devoted friend as long as the poor lad lived. He died of heart failure on a P. & O. going home on leave.