On the Selection of a series of class books.—I quite approve of Sir Edward’s proposition. Mr. Cameron will, I am sure, be kind enough to write early to the Archbishop of Dublin, who is better qualified than any other person to afford us information.—[Book G. page 119.] 21st September, 1835.
Delhi College indent for books.— It seems absolutely necessary to have the books. But I agree with Mr. Sutherland thinking that they might be procured cheaper than from Mr. ——————. The only objection to buying them at auction is, that we shall probably have to wait some months before we make up the collection required; and the wants of the school seem to be pressing. Perhaps our best course will be to authorize Mr. Sutherland to procure the books wherever he can procure them at the lowest price, during Mr. Taylor's stay,—[Book G. page 121.] 28th September, 1835.
Moulavi Abdul Majid’s application for English books.—I am heartily glad to find that so distinguished a native scholar is asking for English books for the use of his own children. I have no objection to grant what he requests.—[Book G. page 124.] 9th October, 1835.
Refusal to printing Moulavi Gholam Hossein’s works.—I agree with Mr. Sutherland that we can do nothing for Gholam Hossein here. When the question of the Hooghly College comes before us, I shall be glad to give every fair consideration to his claims.—[Book G. page 127.] 12th October, 1835.
New Criminal Code.—I do not distinctly recollect what passed respecting the work in question. But it appears to me that the orders of Government distinctly apply to it, and I cannot see any good reason for excepting it from the operation of the general rule.
If I understand Captain Ouseley's letter rightly, the portion of the work which remains relates to the criminal Courts and the Police. Now it is known to the Committee that the Law Commission are actually engaged under the orders of Government in framing a new Criminal Code, which, when framed, will supersede all the regulations in question. How soon the Commissioners will finish this task, I will not venture to say. When I am sanguine, I think that it may be completed in a year. But I think that two years or two years and half is the very utmost. Now it seems to me that it would be very absurd to pay 1,000 Rupees or thereabout for an abstract of regulations which will he rescinded within a few months after the publication of the abstract.
I have other objections, but I will not advert to them, because that which I have mentioned seems to be decisive.—[Book G. page 128.] 16th October, 1835.
