Page:Reports on the State of Education in Bengal (1835 & 1838).djvu/534

Rh education, reported the results of my inquiries, and recommended those measures which observation and reflection have suggested. It is for Government to deliberate, to resolve, and to act. I am by no means sanguine that my views will be adopted; and even if they are generally approved with the modifications which may occur to others, I would guard against the supposition that I desire or expect them to be all immediately and simultaneously carried into operation. It is only by gradual and constantly widening efforts perseveringly and consistently directed to one object that the various agencies and institutions I have indicated can be fully utilized. If I were desired to state in what direction those efforts should be first employed, I would earnestly recommend that a beginning should be forthwith made with the series of measures suggested for the improvement and extension of vernacular instruction.

To whatever extent the present recommendations may be approved, and in whatever direction the efforts of Government may be primarily employed, I disclaim the expectation of producing a permanent or an extensive effect by education alone unaccompanied by the other appropriate aids of civilization, or by any means whatever in a very short time. No change that shall be at the same time salutary and lasting can be suddenly produced on personal, much less national, character. The progress of individuals and of classes in intelligence and morality to be sure and satisfactory must be gradual, and improvement by an almost imperceptible process interwoven with the feelings, thoughts, and habits of domestic and social life. Moreover, all great results affecting the condition and character of a whole people will be found to be attainable only by the concurrence of many causes. The effect of religion cannot be overlooked, although it is a subject with which, in reference to the native population, the Government of this country cannot justly or safely meddle. The influence of just and equal laws purely administered, security of person and property, freedom of industry and enterprize, protection from invasion and civil war, moderate taxation, and improved internal and external communication, in one word, the influence of good government must also be great in moulding the character of a people. But it may be confidently affirmed that while education without these can do little, these without education cannot do all, and that