The Smith Administration II

First Publication

21st November 1887 in the Civil and Military Gazette.

The story

In which the coachman father of Imam Din changes his employment, publicly insults “Smith” and his Administration, and is finally brought to book.

Notes on the Text

This is the second of the “Smith” stories to appear in the collection, although it was the fifth to be published.

[Page 347, Title] Dhulip This word is thought to be a possible reference to the Maharajah Sir Dhulip Singh (1838-1893), the last ruler of Lahore during the Sikh Raj of the Punjab. This Editor considers that the implication in the title of the story is that Corkler’s coachwan considered himself to be Lord of the Market-Place, but was finally brought low.

[Page 347, line 33] caste-dinner a meal served by the proper castes in accordance with caste rules laid down by Manu about 16 centuries earlier unless subsequently amended in the proper way. In Hindu tradition Manu was the progenitor of the human race and his laws form part of the Veda sacred books. [ORG]

[Page 348, line 13] Eschmitt Indian pronunciation of ‘Smith’.

[Page 348, line 15] indictment a formal accusation.

[Page 348, lines 27-28] Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft see the Old Testament, I Samuel 15,23. [ORG] Kipling later used the last part of this phrase as the title of an article about the Boer War.

[Page 348, line 33] Polo-stock this is a misprint for polo-stick.[ORG]

[Page 350, line 27] Hazur-ki-Mehrbani Lord of all mercies, by your Lordship’s kindness. [ORG]