'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.' [‎191] (222/481)

191
The arrangement here contemplated appears to me to
be of the very highest importance to the welfare of the
native army of India; and I may observe that 1 have
myself practised it with satisfactory effect during the past
fifteen years.
The commanding officer of every regiment, native or
European, should hold orderly-room every day of his life
in some public place, hearing every man who has any-
thing to say to him. Where is the objection to men being
properly dressed on these occasions ? Coming to the com
manding officer at improper times, and in an improper
manner, if permitted, gives rise to backbiting, or the
reputation of it. Everything should be open and public
between the officers and men.—(1854.)
THE VICES OF THE SENIORITY SYSTEM IN THE
NATIVE ARMY.
It is a fatal error to suppose that we are guilty of breach
of faith in promoting according to merit, instead of accord
ing to seniority; for the sepoys Term used in English to refer to an Indian infantryman. Carries some derogatory connotations as sometimes used as a means of othering and emphasising race, colour, origins, or rank. , on enlistment, know and
think nothing about their rights to promotion : they enlist
to obey orders, and serve the State; and their notions of
seniority are always acquired, after they enter the service,
under the influence of a vicious system. But the evident
and unavoidable consequence of promoting according to the
seniority system only is the paralysation and ultimate ruin
of the army. Talent, skill, energy, high principle, and
soldierlike pride fall crushed and powerless under its ope
ration. Of what use is it for the zealous European officer
to endeavour to instruct the native, and to make him
really, and not in name only, a soldier ? Of what use is it
for the latter to endeavour to learn, when neither instruc-