Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/26

14 is the object of the Government it will subsequently promote a more liberal and enlightened system of instruction embracing mathematics, natural philosophy, chemistry, anatomy with other useful sciences, which may be accomplished with the sums proposed, by employing a few gentlemen of talent and learning, educated in Europe, and providing a College furnished with necessary books, instruments and other apparatus." The letter was forwarded to the Governor General by Bishop, who admired its 'good English, good sense and forcible arguments' and it was largely owing to Ram Mohan's exertions that, although the Sanskrit College was founded in 1824, a building was founded for the Hindu College adjoining it, the foundation stones of both being laid on the same day. Misfortune however befell the Hindu College almost at the outset. The merchant who had been entrusted with its funds, amounting to Rs. 1,13,179, suddenly failed, only Rs. 23,000 being recovered. The loss of this sum would have been the ruin of the College had not government at once come forward to its assistance, which was the means eventually of bringing it into closer touch with the authorities and placing it financially on a firmer footing. The formation of the Committee of Public Instruction in 1823 by order of the Company showed the interest that Government was taking in the matter and assured a brighter outlook for education in time to come.