Page:Isvar Chandra Vidyasagar, a story of his life and work.djvu/540

Rh drawing the attention of the British pubilc to Indian questions.

"But, above all, Babu Ram Gopal was distinguished for his great oratorial powers. When the Government of Bengal, on 26th February 1864, desired to remove the burning ghat from Nimtolla, though he felt personally no religious scruples against the proposal, he identified himself with his orthodox countrymen and made an eloquent speech setting forth their grievances. His speeches on the renewal of the Charter Act of 1853, on the memorial of Sir Henry Hardinge, and on the administration of Lord Canning are also famous, the former being praised by the Times as "a masterpiece of oratory."

A little farther on, Buckland says:— "As a promoter of education, a patriot, a politician, a speaker, a social reformer, as a successful merchant, and in force of character, Babu Ram Gopal Ghose was one of the foremost men of his time: and did much for the advancement and enlightenment of Hindu Society."

In fact, when in the beginning of 1864, the announcement of the desire of Government to remove the burning ghat from Nimtala and to set up an engine crematorium outside the town was made public, a great excitement prevailed among the Hindu community, and Vidyasagar was determined to oppose the measure, which was so repulsive to the religious feelings of his countrymen. It