Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/45

Rh Mistaken interference by Professor Wilson in the home sales of the Committee’s publications.—I really think this proceeding a most extraordinary one: that tradesmen should make over the property of one set of persons to another on no better authority than an article in a magazine, is inconceivable. I would do nothing till we hear from Messrs. Parbury and Allen, who will I suppose have something to say in explanation of their proceedings. As to sanctioning the sales which have taken place on the continuation of the new rates, how can we possibly do that till we know what the rates are? All that we know about the business as yet is, that a gentleman who is writing against us in the magazines at home, has been able to find leisure from that employment to take possession, without the slightest authority, of our property, and to prescribe the terms on which it shall be sold. I should propose that the Secretary should write immediately to Parbury and Allen to ask for a full explanation.—[Book O. page 49.] 24th September, 1836.

The Committee’s stock of books in London.—The London book-sellers have treated us in a most extraordinary way. I propose that we write to inform them that Professor Wilson is not our agent, and that we expect to hear directly from themselves what they have done with our property.—[Book M. page 143.] 2nd September, 1837.

''Mr. Pereira, Head-Master of the Furruckabad School, proposes to exclude books on English Grammar from the School course. Macaulay concurs''.—I certainly would not approve of Mr. Pereira’s suggestions respecting the exclusion of poor students, or the taking of recognizances from those who come to us for education. As to the question respecting Grammar, I would let him take his own way. I am no great believer myself in the advantages which are ordinarily attributed to a knowledge of the theory of Grammar. This indent may I think, be complied with.—[Book L. page 75.] 23rd November, 1836.

Encouragement of Vernacular Literature.—I do not believe that any language was ever refined or any literature ever created by any means resembling those which our Committee has at its disposal. Languages grow. They cannot be built. I should be glad to furnish these Schools with good Hindee books if there are any. But to create a Hindee literature is an undertaking far beyond our power.

We might send an extract from this letter to the School Book Society and ask if they have, or are likely to have, any books that would be of use.—[Book O. page 63.] 25th November, 1836.

The promotion of Vernacular Literature.—I am and always