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 204 THB KAIRA QUESTION

popular opinion, they should appoint; an impartial oo mm it tea of inquiry with the cultivators' representa- tives upon it, or gracefully aooepb the popular view, The Government) have rejected both the suggestions and insist upon applying ooeroive measures for the collection of revenue. IG may be mentioned that these measures have never been totally suspended and in many oasee the ryots have paid simply under pressure. The Talabig have taken away cattle, and have returned them only after the payment of assessment. In one case, 1 witness* ed a painful incident : A man having his milch buffalo taken away from him, and it was only on my happening to go to the village thab the buffalo was released ; this buffalo was the most valuable property the man possess- ed and a source of daily bread for him. Scores of suoh oases have already happened and many more will nc doubt happen hereafter if the publio opinion is nob rang- ed on the side of the people, Every means of seeking redress by prayer has been exhausted. Interviews with the Collector, the Commissioner and His Excellency have taken place. The final suggestion thafc was made is this .' Although in the majority of oases people are entitled to full suspension, half suspension should be granted throughout the District, except for the villages which show, by common consent, crops over six annas, Suoh a gracious concession may be accompanied by a declaration that the Government) would expect) those who have ready means voluntarily to pay up the dues, we the workers on our part} undertaking to persuade suoh people to pay up fane Government dues, This will leave only the poorest! people untouched. I venture bo credit and strength to the Government). Basifltanaa of
 * ubmib that acceptance of this suggestion can only bring

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