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

288 AISTORY OF THE PARSIS. [CHAP, VI.

of the Municipal Corporation of the city of Bombay, for he considers that the duty which fell to his lot of having to welcome to India the eldest son of his eracious Sovereign, and his future Emperor, was the proudest event in his public career.

We feel that it is unnecessary to pursue this subject. The loyalty of the Parsis to Her Majesty’s person and Government requires no further demonstration. It is well known to the Government, the European community, and their other fellow-subjects. This loyalty is due to more than one consideration. It arises as much from a perception of the advantages of English education and attainments as from gratitude for the benefits derived through them.

We cannot, however, refrain from giving here this one fresh indication of Parsi loyalty. Our readers may be aware of the movement set on foot under influential auspices in England by Canon Harford for the purpose of popularising the British National Anthem in India, through the medium of the various vernaculars. It is due to a Parsi gentleman, the late Mr. Edalji Darasha Sethna, superintendent of the Parsi Girls’ School Association,

1 This is shown not merely by the zeal of the Parsis in learning English, in which they are singularly fluent, but also in the avidity with which they take to games of strength and athletic sports. Cricket is quite popular with them, and they are very proficient at it. It may be also mentioned that Freemasonry has gained many recruits among Parsis.