Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/339

296 The Bill, however, has now been for two months before the public, and Hindus have had ample time to consider the measure even in the most remote provinces of the Empire."

So, in Grant's opinion, two months might be considered "ample time" for the discussion of such a weighty matter even in the remotest corners of the vast Peninsula! Comment is superfluous.

The Bill was then read for a second time, and referred to a Select Committee consisting of Sir James Colvile, Mr. Eliott, Mr. LeGeyt, and Mr. Grant.

The Select Committee submitted their report on the 31st May, 1856. As was expected, their report was in favour of the enactment.

On the 12th July of the same year, the Council resolved itself into a Committee upon the Bill. In moving the motion, Grant said:—"Since the second reading of the bill, several petitions have been received from Hindus, some in favour of and some against the measure. I have taken a note of the places from which the petitions in favour of the measure have proceeded; for I think it of great importance that the Council should observe that this is not the movement of one party in some one place, but that in many different parts of the country there is a considerable sprinkling of enlightened Hindus who are most earnest for the passing of this Law. I believe that there are upwards of 40 petitions against the Bill signed