Page:The Marquess Cornwallis and the Consolidation of British Rule.djvu/68

62 and other Lákhiráj or rent-free tenures. It has been already shown that though the above project was discussed and considered, the Ganjes, Bázárs, and Háts were left as appendages to the Zamíndárís. The Sáyer or transit dues were, however, abolished.

The editorial written after the Proclamation of the Perpetual Settlement for the three Provinces is, in its way, so remarkable that it has been thought proper to reproduce it in its entirety. It will be recollected that the Indian press was then in its infancy, and that newspapers were not free to discuss every political event. The remarks on a novel and important measure, as it appeared to a writer who, though he cannot be pronounced altogether independent, had yet undertaken to acquaint the community with the views and intentions of Government, will not be without their interest. They are somewhat analogous to the first criticisms on the appearance of a great historical work or a poem destined to become famous. The editorial of the 9th of May, 1793, is as follows: —

'We have great pleasure in announcing to the public an event which immediately concerns the native landholders, and is certainly an object of the greatest political importance to the welfare of these provinces. The circumstance we mention is a proclamation issued by the Governor-General in Council, declaring that the Jamma which has been assessed on the lands of the different description of proprietors in Bengal, Behar and Orissa, under the Regulations for the