Hastings with one single proof that any
conspiracy with any foreign power existed.
In this absence of evidence, My Lords, let us have recourse to
probability. Is it to be believed that the Zemindar of Benares, a person
whom Mr. Hastings describes as being of a timid, weak, irresolute, and
feeble nature, should venture to make war alone with the whole power of
the Company in India, aided by all the powers which Great Britain could
bring to the protection of its Indian empire? Could that poor man, in
his comparatively small district, possibly have formed such an
intention, without giving Mr. Hastings access to the knowledge of the
fact from one or other of the numerous correspondents which he had in
that country?
As to the Rajah's supposed intrigues with the Nabob of Oude: this man
was an actual prisoner of Mr. Hastings, and nothing else,--a mere
vassal, as he says himself, in effect and substance, though not in name.
Can any one believe or think that Mr. Hastings would not have received
from the English Resident, or from some one of that tribe of English
gentlemen and English military collectors who were placed in that
country in the exercise of the most arbitrary powers, some intelligence
which he could trust, if any rebellious designs had really existed
previous to the rebellion which did actually break out upon his
arresting Cheyt Sing?
There was an ancient Roman lawyer, of great fame in the history of Roman
jurisprudence, whom they called _Cui Bono_, from his having first
introduced into juridical proceedings the argument, _What end or object
could the party have had in the art with which he is accused?_ Surely it
may be here asked, Why should Cheyt Sing wish to rebel, who held on easy
and moderate terms (for such I admit they were) a very considerable
territory, with every attribute of royalty attached? The tribute was
paid for protection, which he had a right to claim, and which he
actually received.
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