Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/18

Rh like to be satisfied as to the preliminary question, whether we are free to take the expediency of compliance into consideration, or whether anything has passed which binds us.—[Book F. page 87.] 7th July, 1835.

''Sanscrit College, Benares. Law Pundits.''—I own that I do not very clearly see what we have to do with the law opinions which the Pundits may give to the Courts, and as to the proposition that we should, out of the education fund, pay them salaries which may raise them above the temptation of dealing corruptly in their capacity of law advisers, it seems to me most extravagant. It is not our business to look after the purity of the administration of justice. That is an object which the Government ought to provide for, and to provide for, if necessary, out of the general revenues of the state. We have nothing to do with these Pundits in any other capacity than as teachers. We must pay enough to have good teachers. If the Government wants their services in another capacity let the Government pay for their services. We have quite enough to do without undertaking the business of making the native law officers of the Company’s Courts honest.

I see no sufficient reason for altering the present arrangement. I agree with Mr. Sutherland in disapproving the proposed conclave of Pundits. They are the very people who want a visitor, and it would be poor policy to set them to visit themselves.—[Book F. page 90.] 7th July, 1835.

Benares Seminary.—I imagine that Mr. Nicholls mnst have organized his School on the Lancasterian plan. In no other way certainly can I conceive how one master and one assistant can teach so many boys (124 students).

I have for some time had it in contemplation to bring before the Committee, some propositions respecting the introduction of the system of mutual instruction into our Schools. Unless we adopt this principle, we shall never, I feel convinced, be able to supply the demands which the native population are making on us.

I wish that Mr. Sutherland would be so good as to ask Mr. Nicholls to explain to us in detail the arrangements which he has made. This mode of instruction, whether it be precisely the Lancasterian or not, must be well worth knowing, if it really produces so considerable an effect at so small a cost.—[Book F. page 128.] 6th October, 1835.

Mr. Nicholls seems to be going on very satisfactorily. But his letter and indeed every thing else that I see convinces me that the want of good English books is what at present chiefly keeps back our Schools. This deficiency, I trust, will very soon be supplied. [Book F. page 135.]. 13th November, 1835.