An Analysis of the Constitution of the East-India Company, and of the Laws Passed by Parliament for the Government of Their Affairs, at Home and ... of the Rise and Progress of the British Powe

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1826. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... MILITARY FORCES--KING'S AND COMPANY'S. The militaiy force in India is composed of King's regiments serving in that country, and of the Company's European and native troops. Irregular corps have been raised and disbanded, from time to time, according to the exigencies of the public service. The legislative enactments, under which a King's force is stationed in India, will be first noticed. King's Troops. Prior to 1781, the expense of sending King's troops to India was borne by the public. In that year the negotiations took place which led to the territorial possessions and revenues, with the exclusive trade, being vested in the Company till the year 1793. On the 25th June 1781, twenty-two propositions were approved by the General Court of Proprietors, and ordered to be submitted to Lord North as the basis for an arrangement. The eighth proposition provided for the payment of two lacs of current rupees per annum by the Company on account of every regiment, consisting of one thousand men, sent or to be sent by his Majesty to India, on the requisition of the Company, so long as they possessed the territories of Bengal, Bahar, and Orissa, which provision was incorporated in the seventeenth section of the act of 1781, 20th Geo. Ill, cap. 65. A correspondence between the Board of Commissioners and the Court of Directors took place in 1785, respecting the European forces, and with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Pitt, in 1786, as to the demands against the Company on account of the expenses of the King's troops; but it was not till 1787 that those measures were adopted which led to the declaratory act of the following year. In the latter part of 1787, it was apprehended that Great Britain would have been involved in war, and that a blow would be struck at our Easte...