Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/90

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Professor should be selected by the whole Committee. I think also that there may be some objection to advertising for such a person, and I understood that the resolution to which the Sub-Committee came was in accordance with these views. The matter, however, is not of much consequence.—[Page 1.] May 1st, 1836.

In the book of the Selection of Schoolmasters.—I greatly doubt whether we can obtain a good Master for 200 Rs.; and I should like to know more about Mr. Harris before I consent to secure his services by diminishing the salary of the person at the head of the School. I propose that the question should be referred to the Sub-Committee for the selection of School-Masters, but that the Sub-Committee should be instructed to make no arrangement, which may cause an increase of charge, without a reference to the General Committee.—[Book G. page 15,] 9th June, 1836.

Those who are at Calcutta had better attend. Of course we cannot expect people to come from a distance for a mere chance.

The Secretary bad better send the applications and testimonials in circulation round the Sub-Committee, that we may meet with some knowledge of the attainments and situations of the candidates, and be able to make enquiries. [Page 8.] June 27th, 1836.

Schoolmasters’ Salaries.—We shall never get such a man as Mr. Sutherland describes for 150 Rupees a month. I think it probable that the gentlemen who have taken the chief part in selecting schoolmasters may be able without again advertising to fix on a proper person.—[Page 17.] 30th August, 1836.

On the promotion of Masters.—I think that we cannot adopt this proposition. Mr. Fowles has at present, I think only 100 Rupees a month. To promote him to a salary of three times the amount seems extravagant. We have no proof that his merits are such as to entitle him to so great and rapid an increase of his pay, or that his capacity is such as to qualify him for the superintendence of a school which, on many accounts, must be considered as among the most important under our superintendence.

We ought to be always on our guard when we receive recommendations of this sort from local committees. The members of those committees naturally find it unpleasant to refuse to recommend a person who intreats them to favour his claims, and who has given them no cause of dissatisfaction. It is an ungracious thing to tell a man to his face that you will not propose him for promotion. If we do not take care we shall, whenever a head master retires, be requested by the