Page:Macaula yʼs minutes on education in India, written in the years 1835, 1836 and 1837 (IA dli.csl.7615).pdf/63

Rh Since I wrote the above, Mr. Smith has sent me a memorandum of the state of our finances, from which it appears, that we can afford something for Chittagong. l am disposed to allow 150 Rupees a month for a master there.—[Book L. page 54.] 9th September, 1836.

Chittagong School.—Mr. * * * seems to be a very weak, foolish person. I agree with Mr. Sutherland in thinking that his being a Baptist is no reason for discarding him. But his foolish and disrespectable way of living, the evident dislike with which the Local Committee regard him, and his inefficiency as a master, are I think reasons for parting with him. I should be glad to know the opinion of the gentlemen who selected him.

I think that there could be no impropriety in our writing to Government to recommend Mr. Dampier’s application to favorable consideration.—[Book N. page 73.] 18th March, 1837.

Chittagong School Endowment.—I am anxious that the sum should belong and should be known to belong to Chittagong School. In what mode it may most conveniently be brought to account is a question which I am incompetent to decide. But I see no advantage in remitting backwards and forwards.—[Book P. page 38.] 14th August, 1837.

Chittagong School.—Have we a good Bengalee teacher in Chittagong? How many pupils has he? Does he want assistance? I should be obliged to Mr. Sutherland to circulate the last information on these points. All that we can do is, as he justly says, to provide the means of instruction; but thus called upon, we shall be much to blame if we do not see that they are really provided.—[Book N. page 135.] 26th August, 1837.

Comillah School.—I vote for adopting this School, and for asking the gentlemen who form the present voluntary Committee to consent to our recommending them to Government as an official Local Committee. As the Board of Revenue has pressed on us the importance of teaching pure Bengali in Chittagong, I would ask the Local Committee whether the present teacher is competent to teach that language in its purity.—[Book P. page 42.] 25th August, 1837.

Arracan School.—To abolish the school at Furrackabad without a longer trial appears to me inexpedient. And if it were transferred to Cawnpore, we should save nothing. Such an arrangement would therefore not enable us to do anything for Arracan. I would certainly adopt Mr. Sutherland's last suggestion and forward the paper of Captain Boyle to Government. It is very interesting. But I hardly know how to reconcile what he says of the freedom of the Mughs from religious prejudices with