Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/55

Rh Mangles selects a particular proposition as an instance of the very important truths which Political Economy will teach. Colonel Young strongly seconds the proposal for teaching Political Economy, but declares, that, as soon as the boys understand Political Economy they will perceive the fallacy of the very proposition which, as Mr. Mangles thinks, is one of the most certain truths in Political Economy. Now it is clear that we are not at all likely to have at any out-station, or indeed at Calcutta, so good a teacher of Political Economy as either of our friends, one of whom must necessarily be in the wrong on a question admitted to be of the highest moment. It is therefore to be expected that any teachers whom we may employ will often teach wrong doctrines on questions of the highest moment. Is it desirable to employ teachers for this purpose? Would Mr. Mangles himself like to have thirty gentlemen preaching Colonel Young’s doctrines to our pupils? Or does he think that our School-masters are likely to be better teachers than Colonel Young? I might ask Colonel Young the same questions about Mr. Mangles. I am for leaving these subjects alone, not because I think ignorance better than a little knowledge, but because I think ignorance better than error.—[Book O. page 198.] 30th December, 1837.

College Examinations.—I will examine. But I fear that I shall not be here long enough to see the essays, which will be sent in some time later. I should be glad to be spared till after Christmas day, as I am much employed in the mornings at present.

As to the examination at Hooghly, I should think Mr. perfectly qualified to examine, and the proposed remuneration seems reasonable.—[Book P. page 55.] 15th December, 1837.

Mr. Bird’s accession to the Committee.—Mr. Bird’s services would be valuable in any Sub-Committee. I had intended to propose him as a member of the Sub-Committee of finance. But I do not see why we might not add him to both. At present he belongs to none.—[Book L. page 190.] 23rd November, 1837.

Establishment of new schools.—Bareilly and Furruckabad would seem to be better entitled to attention than any of the other places which have applied. I would propose that schools should be established there and that the Sub-Committee for the choice of School-masters should be requested to select teachers. I think 300 Rupees each should be the maximum.