Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/27

Rh greatly doubt the success of such an application to Government.—[Book H. page 117.] 2nd September, 1835.

Meerut School House.—To ask the Government to let our Schools have houses for a rent lower than that which the Military Board demands, and which it is admitted that the Military Board can make the School pay, is to ask the Government for money. And what chance there is of success in such an application, any person who has paid attention to the late proceedings of Government, may easily judge.

The value of the house is not the question. It may be intrinsically worth very little. But if, on account of its situation or of the difficulty or procuring another building, it has at present an extraordinary price in the market, the Military Board do their duty in demanding that extraordinary price. If a mortality were to break out among the horses at Calcutta, any one of us whose horse might survive, would demand a price for him much higher than the original purchase money, in consequence of the state of the market.

I greatly doubt whether the Governor-General in Council would allow Mr. Sutherland’s illustration of an opposition coach to be quite correct. The Governor-General would probably say, “I am forced to give you a lac a year for purposes of education. In the present state of the finances, I will not give you an anna more. If I were free to decide, probably I should not give you so much. I will not suffer you by indirect means to obtain a larger share of the revenues of the state, than that which the law compels me to assign to you.”

I am against making the application, because I am not sure that it is proper, and because I am quite sure that it would be unavailing.— [Book H. page 120.] 11th September, 1835.

Meerut School House.—If Mr. Harris’s services are really wanted, I think that we might pay the 20 Rupees a month which are in dispute between the Military Board and the Local Committee at Meerut. It seems rather strange to me that the difference between 30 and 50 Rupees a month should be so much felt at so large an European station.— [Book H. page 127.] 6th October, 1835.

Patna School.—Mr. Trevelyan has received a letter from Mr. Clift, which I have requested him to send round with the papers which the Secretary has circulated. The difficulties appear to have been great. But the project is most encouraging. I observe that several gentlemen who have not been made members of the Local Committee appear to take an interest in the success of our plans. I should be glad if our Secretary would ascertain whether any of those gentlemen would like to be appointed.—[Book H. page 113.] 29th August, 1835.