He expressed himself in 1880 at length on the Indian Budget, when an error of nine millions in the accounts of the Afghan War came before the House. He showed how it emphasised the need of the precautions which he had urged on the Finance Committee, especially when it appeared that no one could be held responsible for this great carelessness. It was a comfort for him to be able to approve, in the main, the trend which the Indian policy continued to take, and that what he had laboured for so devotedly became the policy of the Government. In reviewing his struggles for India, several things about him stand out forcefully. The fearlessness with which he took up a dangerous position, and by his very bravery made it safe ground. The scornful way he pushed aside whatever he considered spurious or unworthy. He gained not only the love of those whose battles he fought, but also the respect and goodwill of his adversaries. Sir William Lee Warner says, ‘His great fear was that India might be saddled with charges which the British Treasury ought to bear; and the poverty of the ryot afflicted him as if he suffered himself.’ This suffering for others, so characteristic of Fawcett, was another common trait which he had with Lincoln, who we remember said that ‘he didn’t pull the wretched pig out of the mire for the pig’s sake, but to take the pain out of his own heart.’ In recognition of her husband’s great service, a beautiful necklace was sent in gratitude from India for Mrs. Fawcett, and a sumptuous tea-service was sent to him, which was inscribed, ‘Presented to the Rt. Honble. Henry Fawcett, M.P., by his native friends and admirers in Bombay, India, June 1880.’ With no aid save his great heart and tremendous energy, he had won his battle for India. Despite his galvanic talk and pioneering energy, he had shown great diplomacy. His stand had been made on the rock bed of honesty, and he had given no quarter to deceit or self-seekers. In serving his country as he would serve himself he had found his path of happiness. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A NEW KIND OF POSTMASTER-GENERAL ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ‘You can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they have gone—and so hold on when there is nothing in you except the will which says hold on.’—KIPLING. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XXV LIBERALS IN POWER General Expectation that Fawcett would join the Cabinet—The Importance of a Fish—Postmaster-General—Queen Victoria interested—Post Office Problems—Scientific Business Management anticipated—Women’s Work—A Likeness to Lincoln. [Sidenote: His Preparation.]