Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/66

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
64

it as to the general principle. But in this particular case as the right may be said to have vested before the promulgation of the Government Orders, I would sanction the promotion.—[Book K. page 80.] 8th July, 1836.

Petition for money prizes instead of books at the Madrussa.—I hardly know what to say. If it be desirable to keep up this school at all, it seems to be desirable to reward merit in the way most acceptable to the students. I am rather disposed to grant their prayers.—[Book R page 3.] 24th February, 1837.

Unsatisfactory state of the rich Nizamut College at Moorshedabad.— Mr. Sutherland describes very correctly the inefficient state of the Moorshedabad school and the delay which has taken place. We must absolutely put an end to this unsatisfactory state of things. I trust that Captain Higgerson will send us his assistance for that purpose. I should wish to see an exact statement of the way in which the funds are now expended. I presume that such a statement can easily be procured within a few days; When we see what money we have at our command, we can frame a plan and carry it into effect instantly.—[Book L. page 6.]; 18th March, 1836.

Nizamut College.—I have suggested one slight alteration. I quite approve of the proposed letter generally. I entertain better hopes for the College than Mr. Sutherland, and am quite willing to pardon Mr. ——————’s prolixity in consideration of his zeal.—[Book L. page 41.] 30th June, 1836.

Moorshedabad Local Committee.—I agree with Mr. Sutherland in thinking that the Secretary must exercise a discretion as to re-circulating the books; and I think that he was right in re-circulating them on this occasion. The only thing that seems to me irregular is this,—that we resolved to consult Mr. Melville only as to the appointment of Mr. Elliot. We did not desire Mr. Melville to recommend anybody else. I therefore cannot agree with Mr. Prinsep in thinking that we are at all bound by the recommendation of the Local Committee.

I think that the best way out of the difficulty is to appoint both gentlemen, unless there be some objection to them. No such objection appears.—[Book O. page 99.] 5th April, 1837.

School house at Benares.—I think it very desirable that the Custom House at Benares should if possible be procured from Government for a school house. Perhaps some gentlemen acquainted with Benares can tell us whether the premises are the property of Government and whether they would answer our purpose. In the mean time I would stay all further proceedings.—[Book K. page 52.] 18th March, 1836.