Lord Dalhousie had resigned the Governor-Generalship in March 1856, and his eight years of rule had been regulated by a policy of annexation. Deeply penetrated with the capacity of the Indian races and their country for moral and material development, he perceived how fatal was the native system of rule to all progress. Consequently he was not rigidly scrupulous in every case about the precise justice of the means by which one principality after another was added to the British dominions. The greatest happiness of the greatest number often involves disappointment and even direct injury to the few. Dalhousie vindicated his policy by the splendid energy he showed in making roads, railways, and telegraphs, in reducing taxation, and in general measures for the good of the people; but he undoubtedly left a feeling of soreness and resentment that only waited a fitting opportunity to take effect. Out of this discontent arose a widespread conspiracy against British rule in the beginning of 1857. It is believed by some that the military rising was premature, and disconcerted the measures of those organising the general revolt. Be that as it may, the earliest overt acts of rebellion took place among the troops. [Illustration: _Photographed from examples_} {_in the Tower Armouries._ THE RIFLES OF THE LATER YEARS OF HER MAJESTY'S REIGN. 6. Enfield long rifle (1853). 7. Snider-Enfield rifle (1864). 8. Martini-Henry rifle (1871). 9. Lee-Metford magazine rifle, with short sword-bayonet (the present regulation weapon).] [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by Thiele, Chancery Lane._ CYCLIST CORPS. The value of the bicycle in actual warfare has yet to be proved; but, like the field telegraph and the military balloon, it has already taken its place in the equipment of European Armies. The Corps represented is the 2nd V.B. West Kent Regiment.] [Illustration: _From a Photograph_} {_by Thiele, Chancery Lane._ "TROOPING THE COLOURS" ON HER MAJESTY'S BIRTHDAY. The annual "trooping of the colours" of the Household Troops on the Horse Guards Parade is the prettiest military pageant to be seen nowadays in London.] [Sidenote: Rising at Meerut.]