History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. VI.] THE PATRIOTIC FUND. 277

to live, as we now do, with perfect security to ourselyes under the Government in which we now are, and that we may ever be impressed with a grateful sense of the advantages which we enjoy under this benign reign. Amen.”

We may add that a similar course was taken by this loyal race on the final termination of this great war. In connection with this subject we reproduce here the speech of Sir Jamshedji Jijibhai, delivered on the occasion of the “Patriotic Fund” meeting in the Town Hall of Bombay (January 3, 1855). Though the interest in this war has long since waned, we are anxious to record in these pages the views and feelings of the Parsis in India in regard to it, uttered through the mouth of their leader, We have no doubt that even at this distant day the speech will be read with interest by the European community, as the unprejudiced voice of the natives of India on a subject which had so lately engaged the attention of the whole civilised world. The reader is requested to particularly mark the venerable Parsi’s expression of attachment to the Queen. Addressing Lord Elphinstone, who presided on the occasion, Sir Jamshedji said: “I should not be able to offer any apology for addressing you, if I did so in the feeling that [ had a right to demand your attention to my own personal sentiments on the subject which has brought you together. But if I endeavour, in the few remarks