Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/139

Rh Abdul Latif's early proficiency in English distinguishing him among his co-religionists, at once brought him into contact with many of the highest government officials of the day. The introduction of the study of English into the Madrassa course had been watched with great interest by Government, which had used every means in its power to bring the necessity of it plainly before the eyes of the Muhammadan community. The few students who were prompt to take advantage of the English classes were consequently marked out for encouragement and distinction, and Abdul Latif, who had won a Government scholarship, by his modesty, his charm of manner and his complete mastery of English soon won for himself an assured place in the best society of the day. In those days, however, there were far fewer posts open to Indian students than there are to-day, and some time elapsed before he gained a permanent appointment under Government. After leaving the Madrassa his first employment was as Private Secretary to the Amir of Sind who was residing on a political pension at Dum Dum. A year later he was officiating as a master at the Dacca Collegiate School. After another temporary billet with a Commission of Enquiry under Mr. Samuells, I.C.S., he was back again in Calcutta as an Anglo-Arabic Professor at the Calcutta Madrassa. His name, however, had now been sent up and approved for the Subordinate Executive Service