Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/15

Rh Secretary has already communicated the orders of Government to the Agra Committee. I should propose that we should call on the Agra Committee to propose a plan for the management of the College in conformity with those orders.—[Book F. page 68.] 12th May, 1835.

Essentials of a School.—I will not oppose the wishes of the local Committee on a question which is not of very great importance. But I do not think that it is at all desirable to encourage a building, planting, and improving taste in the Agra College or in any similar institution. Plain school-rooms and good school-masters, an unadorned compound and a well-furnished library, are what, in the present state of our funds, I should most wish to see. As, however, the outlay is not great, and is made, not out of the public money, but out of the separate resources of the Agra College, I will not object.—[Book E. page 139.] 24th August, 1835.

Agra College.—The prospects at Agra seem to be highly encouraging, and much of what is proposed by the Local Committee appears to me very judicious. But we are not rich enough to do all that they wish, and, were we much richer, I should think that the establishing of Medical scholarships, at least in such numbers, would be a waste of money, and that the founding of Tehsildaree schools would be a premature measure.

The financial statement, if I understand it rightly, when cleared of all extraneous matter, may be exhibited thus—

To this sum of 861 Rs. per mensem, an addition will be constantly taking place by the falling in of stipends. The following establishment would I think be found efficient for the purpose of giving the students a liberal English education.

The Principal should be Mr. Duncan, that gentleman already draws 300 Rs. as Secretary. This office is almost a sinecure. He is ready and desirous to take a more active part in superintending the College; and his fitness for the functions which I propose to assign to him is, I believe, admitted.