Bengal Secretariat, as mentioned by you. This occurred during his absence from Calcutta, and was not by his order. The publication in question, however, he finds, is no libel, and does not, so far as he is aware, infringe the law. It is an English translation of a work of fiction, an original Bengalee drama of a popular order, in which, obviously, all the dramatis personae are imaginary, and the story is manifestly a fable. It has no interest, but has an indication of strong popular feeling. As such, however, it has significance. It does not appear to the Lieutenant Governor that even the original Bengalee drama, judging from the translation, is likely, as the Association supposes, to be of a tendency to excite any class of persons to sedition or breaches of the peace. In this respect, however, it is obvious that it is vernacular plays, not English translations, that may be dangerous. Nor can the knowledge of respectable official or other European gentlemen of the existence of such indication of popular feeling as this be anything but a security against actual sedition and breaches of the peace.
The Lieutenant Governor has read the translation since the copies, of which the transmission is complained of, were despatched. It will be found that Indigo planters, on whose behalf complaint is made, are by no means the only class—Native or European—criticised in this Bengalee play. Faults are as unsparingly imputed to European Magistrates, Native officials, and Native factory Omlah as to Indigo Planters.
Nevertheless, the Lieutenant Governor very much regrets that by the transmission of the translation in question under the official frank of the Secretariat, a misunderstanding has been caused and offence has been given to the respected class of gentlemen on whose behalf you complain. The circumstance would not have occurred but for some inadvertence or mistake. The position of Indigo planters in some Bengal districts at present is one with which the Government sincciely sympathises. And nothing is more earnestly desired than the speedy introduction of a sound system for the future, such as shall carry Native feeling along with it.
| I have the honor to be, Sir, | |
| Your most obedient servant, | |
| (Signed) E.H. Lushington, | |
| Secy. Govt. of Bengal. |
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