Page:The despatch of 1854, on General education in India.djvu/21

Rh maintain the broad line of separation which at present exists between schools in which the media for imparting instruction differ. The knowledge conveyed is, no doubt, at the present time, much higher in the Anglo-vernacular than in the vernacular schools; but the difference will become less marked, and the latter more efficient, as the gradual enrichment of the vernacular languages in works of education allows their schemes of study to be enlarged, and as a more numerous class of schoolmasters is raised up able to impart a superior education.

45. It is indispensable, in order fully and efficiently to carry out our views as to these schools, that their masters should possess a knowledge of English in order to acquire, and of the vernaculars so as readily to convey, useful knowledge to their pupils; but we are aware that it is impossible to obtain at present the services of a sufficient number of persons so qualified, and that such a class must be gradually collected, and trained in the manner to which we shall hereafter allude. In the meantime you must make the best use which is possible of such instruments as are now at your command.

46. Lastly, what have been termed indigenous schools, should by wise encouragement, such as has been given under the system organized by Mr. Thomason in the North-western Provinces, and which has been carried out in eight districts under the able direction of Mr. in an eminently practical manner, and with great promise of satisfactory results, be made capable of imparting correct elementary knowledge to the great mass of the people. The most promising pupils of these schools might be rewarded by scholarships in places of education of a superior order.

47. Such a system as this, placed in all its degrees under efficient inspection; beginning with the humblest elementary instruction, and ending with the university test of a liberal education; the best students in each class of schools being encouraged by the aid afforded them towards obtaining a superior education as the reward of merit, by means of such a system of scholarships as we shall have to describe, would, we firmly believe, impart life and energy to educa-