'The views and opinions of Brigadier General John Jacob, CB. Aide-decamp to the Queen; Aide-de-camp to the Governor General of India, &c. &c. &c.; late commanding in chief the British forces in Persia; at present commanding the Sind Irregular Horse, and Political Superintendent of the North-West frontier of Sind.' [‎122] (153/481)

122
both in station and emolument. The allowances should
be such as to cause the commands of native corps to be
sought after by lieutenant colonels, and to have command
ants of that rank in the army would be an advantage;
but rank alone should never be considered in such ap
pointments. The principle of giving them to those best
qualified for them should always be acted upon, and strictly
followed out.
All pipeclay, metaphorical and actual, should be at
once abolished; black leather accoutrements should be
adopted, and no difficulties should be made or allowed
to exist with regard to the introduction of improvements
generally, in respect to arms, clothing, accoutrements, and
all else.
The pay of both men and officers should be increased,
and every man should be compelled (as in good silidar
corps) at all times and in all places to be provided with
sufficient carriage for his kit, &c.
These principles might perhaps be better followed out by
placing all the European gentlemen required for the public
service in India, whether civil or military, on one unat
tached list, letting them rise in the list by seniority only,
calling them generals, colonels, &:c. &;c. as at present, and
assigning to each grade a proper and liberal amount of pay
even while unemployed.
From this general stock all officers might be selected,
according to merit and qualification, for every appointment
and duty whatsoever, the amount of pay as to the " unem
ployed " being allowed to all grades of officers while on
leave on any account in any part of the world, and on
retirement from the service.
Under such arrangements, and so organised, the native
army of India would be fully capable of going anywhere