Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/17

Rh land has drafted a letter to Government recommending that the English class in the Sanscrit College should be abolished, and that we should be at liberty to apply the sum which will then fall in to general purposes.

This is quite proper. But the plan which I proposed respecting Agra proceeds wholly on the supposition that Government will accede to this request. I still think therefore that, till the answer of Government arrives, a communication to the local Committee at Agra would be premature; and that a communication like that proposed, in which we hold out no hope whatever of any pecuniary assistance, would be objectionable.—[Book E. page 173.] 25th November, 1835.

Agra College.—The plan which I proposed was framed on the supposition that the income of the Agra College amounted to 1800 Rs. at which Mr. Sutherland estimated it in his former minute (page 152). However, even in the supposition that the income amounts only to 1682 Rs. it will soon be in our power to carry the whole plan into effect; and there is nothing to prevent us from beginning our operations immediately. I approve of the letter which Mr. Sutherland has drafted; and I hope that Mr. Woollaston will set off immediately. 30th December, 1836.

Travelling expenses.—I hardly know what to say to this application. Mr. Woollaston ought not to be either a loser or a gainer by his journey. His salary will run during the whole time that he is going up; and I can scarcely think that he will want more than that sum for travelling charges. At all events 1200 Rs. seems a very large grant. I wish that gentlemen better acquainted than I am with the cost of travelling in this country, would give their opinions before I finally make up my mind as to my vote.

There can be no objection I think to the advance. January, 1836.

Increase to Mr. Nicholls’ Salary at Benares.—I should like to understand a little more distinctly the nature of Mr. Nicholls’ claim. He says that he took his situation “with an understanding distinctly expressed,” (not a very distinct expression on his part) that his salary was to be raised: and the members of the Local Committee speak of the “expectations which were held out to him.” Mr. Sutherland’s minute contains no trace of any such engagement, nor is it said whether the expectations were held out by us or by the Local Committee. If by the latter, it seems to me very important that the Local Committees should understand that they have no authority to give out pledges in our name.

The application may be a very proper one. But I should