Page:Hyderabad in 1890 and 1891; comprising all the letters on Hyderabad affairs written to the Madras Hindu by its Hyderabad correspondent during 1890 and 1891 (IA hyderabadin1890100bangrich).pdf/25

Page 17 "The proposed Poorhouse and Orphanage for the City," is a pathetic appeal made to His Highness the Nizam's Govern- ment in behalf of the poor and orphan part of the population of the land. The Rajah Murli Manohur begins by pointing out what constitutes good government-how much the strength of a Government is dependent on the peace and prosperity of the governed—and how the low no less than the high classes of the people serve to give it a lasting character. Then dwelling upon the miseries of the poor, the beggars, and the orphans, he suggests the establishment of a Poorhouse and Orphanage" in the city. The cost of constructing a building to house 500 people he lays at the modest sum of Rs. 15,000; and thinks that the monthly expenses due to giving food &c., will not exceed Rs. 3,000. He appeals to the Government to undertake to meet but a portion of the expenses to be incurred, and submits the following proposals for raising the rest of the sum necessary for the purpose :-

(1) The Government should be pleased to pay half the cost of the construction of the building from the Public Treasury, and to accord its sanction to the holding of a lottery for raising the other half.

(2) To meet current expenses, a small income-tax should be levied as follows: a tax of half a pie per Rupee on those whose income is Rs. 40 or upwards; and of 3 pies per Rupee on Mansabdars, who practi cally get paid for doing no work.

(3) Out of the amount alloted to Urus ceremonies (offerings to saints), in which a lot of unnecessary expenditure is incurred, five per cent should be paid towards this beneficient purpose. It is certain that the souls of the holy dead will all the more feel pleased and satisfied at this diversion of a portion of the funds set apart for their own propi- tiation, to the beneficient purpose of protecting helpless orphans.

(4) A sum of Rs. 300 per mensem should be paid from the Govern- ment Treasury, 150 for the Orphanage and 150 for the Poorhouse. It is hoped, that by this means, the funds of the institution will always be in a prosperons condition.

(5) A box should be kept in every Urus Juthra in the name of the Orphan and Poor Fund and one dub each from persons attending such 3