before them. It appeared extraordinary to him, that one case should be recommended by the court of directors, and that another should not have been at all noticed. It struck him the more particularly, when he considered the trifling grounds en which the present recommendation was founded. He objected most decisively to the system of granting such concessions, because the application was supported by a great name or two. The court ought to decide by the direct and uuequivocal services of the applicants. He could mention many cases in which suffering and deserving individuals were refused permission to proceed to India. That day week, a deserving young man, who had been five years in the Company's sea service, (almost half the time that Mr. Templer had been in Bengal) applied for leave to go out for two years to settle his affairs, which had been left unsettled on his last voyage to Bengal. He (Mr. Hume) stated that he knew the gentleman very well, and that he wished him to be permitted to return to India to attend to his affairs. He had recommended him to petition the court for permission, but the application was refused. He thought the conduct of the court in that case severe and extraordinary. He would not doubt but the court of directors had reasons for acting thus, but those reasons did not appear. Neither was it shewn, why Mr. Templer should be suffered to proceed to India, whilst another individual was peremptorily refused, on the above ground, of the length of time he had been in this country. The gentleman mentioned by the hon. proprietor (Mr. Smith) had been twenty years at home, and his application for leave to return to India had been refused by the court of directors, on the plea of length of time elapsed; whilst Mr. Templer after having been thirty years at home, is allowed to return without any reason being assigned, but that of sympathy and compassion! It was against this practical use of the authority committed to the court of directors that he raised his voice-it was of that he complained. If Mr. Templer should ultimately receive the sanction of the court to return, then, he contended, that no individual who had acted fairly-whose conduct had been upright-whose character was unimpeached -could, in future, be refused leave to go to India, no matter how long his stay here had been, if be applied for it. If the proprietors were to understand, that, hereafter, this general permission to return to India would be granted, then he would not say another word on the subject; but he should always oppose any thing that savoured of partiality and favouriteism. Mr. K. Smith said, it appeared that interest and sympathy together, had carried this question behind the bar. Considering all the circumstances, he could not help feeling, that the unfortunate gentleman he alluded to, was not fairly treated. He requested to know, whether it would be regular to have that gentleman's memorial read, the statement in which put forth a very strong claim to the consideration of the court. The circumstance of Mr. Templer, who had been thirty years in England, being recommended to the proprietors as a person who ought to be suffered to return, while he, who had been but twenty-two years at home, was refused, on account of length of absence, was most extraordinary. It was pretty evident, that the gentleman's being without interest, occasioned the cool reception of his application. He was, he believed, an older servant of the Company than Mr. Templer; and the permission ought, in his opinion, to be extended to him. While in India, he performed his duty to the satisfaction of all those who had an opportunity of appreciating his exertions. Mr. Pattison.-Before the memorial is read, I put it to the hon. proprietor, whether he would not act more discreetly by abstaining from this discussion. It has been said, on many occasions of importance, "that an injudicious friend is worse than an avowed enemy;" and the maxim appears to he strongly illustrated in the present instance. As the protector of the gentleman concerned, I beg that the hon. proprietor will consider seriously what he is about to bring forward, and not place these two cases in competition with each. other. I did withhold my assent from this resolution as long as I could consistently, with my feeling, because I was anxious to preserve our servants in India from any injury that the return of gentlemen to that country might inflict on them. But it was argued with me, and very powerfully argued, that there being a dernier resort, was one of the finest and most honourable features of the Company's government ; and this gentleman, whose cha racter stands as high as that of any man, was considered a proper object for the recommendation of the executive body. It is on record, that, in India, he conducted himself entirely to the satisfaction of one of the ablest and most highly-gifted governors-general that ever appeared in that country; and now, at an advanced period of life, he comes forward, and requests that, in consideration of his services, he may be suffered to return. His services stand on the most irrefragable ground; and his distresses are, unfortunately, no less well! authenticated. Mr. Templer had failed in a great banking concern, in which he had embarked his property to a very large amount; and, when it is considered that not an individual lost a shilling by this failure-when it is known that twenty shillings were paid in the pound-I should think myself wanting in the discharge of my duty, and deficient in feeling, if I did not recommend his case to the proprietors. Having the privilege of voting, as a proprietor, for the resolution, I will do so with all my heart and soul. The propriety of the recommendation stands on such strong grounds, that it cannot be impugned. With respect to the other gentleman, the circumstance of his having a family of eighteen children, appears upon record; and I humbly beg that credit may be given to the integrity of the feelSugs which actuated the executive body in refusing that application. We judged and decided for ourselves on the merits of the applicant; and if the case had been one that deserved the recommendation of the court of directors, I can assure the proprietors it would have received it. On the part of my brother directors and my self, I claim the confidence of the court of proprietors with respect to the justice of our decision on that occasion; and request that the hon. gentleman will ask no farther question on the subject. Mr. K. Smith observed, that he felt no hostility towards Mr. Templer; on the contrary, he said, he would vote for him. He did not mean to introduce the case of the other gentleman with the idea of preventing Mr. Templer from going out. But certainly he was of opinion that the having been twenty-two years in this country should not debar one from proceeding to India, when another who had been much longer at home, was permitted to go out. As to the memorial being read, he could dispense with it. His reason for wishing it to be read was, that the case might be properly known, in order that it might undergo farther consideration. The Chairman." After what has passed, I believe nothing remains to be done, but to fix the day for a ballot. I think the 8th of January will be the most proper day; when the dividends will be about to commence paying." Mr. Lowndes said, this was a matter of more consequence than the court seemed to be aware of, since it would open the door to innumerabie applications of this nature. All parties seemed to agree upon one point, namely, the high respectability of Mr. Templer; but he and several others were of opinion, that it would be much better to grant him a handsome pension here, than to send him out to India. They must feel the injustice and danger of permitting him to return to India, to fill a situation that had, perhaps, been looked up to for years by some meritorious servant who had never quitted his post. This resolution did not give satisfaction to any party. It could not be gratifying to Mr. Templer's friends, because Asiatic Journ-No. 14. at his advanced age, and with his confirm ed habits, it was more than probable that he would rather remain at home; and certainly it could not please those who were of opinion that such permission should be rarely conceded. He felt the most gratifying sensations when the ho nourable and upright conduct of Mr, Templer was stated. He, it appeared, in spite of misfortune, had faithfully discharged the demands made upon him. At a time when many persons were contented with paying two shillings or eighteen pence in the pound, he, much to his credit, came forward with the whole twenty shillings. He would put down his £20 or his £50, not so much to assist Mr. Templer, as to encourage the pure principle of honesty. Amidst the discoveries made in the present day, none was of more importance than that of vaccine inoculation; he wished that some means could be found out of inoculating for honesty, (a laugh,) that would be an invaluable discovery indeed. The want of principle, the deficiency of integrity, were disgraceful to the present age. It was there they failed. In all things else the world was infinitely improved; and it was high time that pains should be taken to make mankind more honest and more virtuous than they were. They had, since the French revolution, made such an alarming progress in roguery and villany, that posterity would scarcely believe it. Therefore the virtues of this gentleman, surrounded as they were by so many foils, appeared with redoubled lustre. So much was he delighted with his conduct, that he was almost disposed to send him out to India with this striking recommenda tion to the government there,-" We send you this most honest and respectable gentleman, who, when others paid two or three shillings in the pound, stood forward like a just and honourable man, and paid twenty shillings. His example may be of great use, therefore respect and esteem him." By doing this, the court supported, as he hoped they would be, by the Board of Controul, would shew that they were determined to protect honesty. With this present feature in his character, he could almost wish that Mr. Templer should be suffered to return to India, (a soil not remarkable for the production of honesty), if he were not afraid that the precedent might lead to unpleasant consequences. Still, however, he thought if they sent him out, on account of his character, with such a recommendation as he had mentioned, they would scarcely have a second application for leave to return, founded on similar grounds; for there were not many, he believed, in these times, who could challenge indulgence on the score of their honesty (a laugh). The question was then agreed to, and VOL. III. X the ballot, for the final decision of the question, was fixed for the 8th of January. MAJOR-GENERAL FAWCETT. The Chairman stated, that one part of the business, on account of which the court had been made special, was to lay before the proprietors, for their approbation, a resolution of the court of directors of the 30th of October, granting to Major-General Fawcett, of the Bengal establishment, an allowance of £500 per annum, for a limited term, on the grounds there stated. The court of directors having, however, received private, not official, information, that events, the occurrence of which would have deprived him of certain advantages, in lieu of which the proposed allowance would have been necessary, had not taken place. The court of directors therefore would not trouble the proprietors with the resolution, which should be postponed for the present. Mr. Hume inquired, whether any thing had been done for Major-General Fawcett, who, he knew, had suffered much inconvenience ? If the question were put off, sine die, the gallant General would be left in a state of uncertainty and suspense. The Chairman.-"The information connected with Major-General Fawcett's case will arrive, I hope, almost immediately; and, I trust, no inconvenience has been, or will be felt by him. If any proposition should be offered on the subject, it will meet with proper attention from the court." HERTFORD COLLEGE. The Chairman."I have now to inform the court, that the court of directors have come to a resolution for appointing an additional European assistant in the College, with a salary of £400 per annum, Oriental department of the East India and an allowance of £100 per annum for house rent, which shall now be laid before you for your approbation." The clerk then read the subjoined resolution : . Mr. R. Jackson.-"Will you allow the resolution of the court of directors to be read? Such a proceeding will have this good effect;-it will cause the gallant officer to feel some of their protection from that moment. It is very unpleasant that the period of relief should be uncertain. I am quite sure, when the necessary papers are read, that there will be found a great disposition, on this side of the bar, to concur with the court of directors in remunerating General Fawcett. And I am equally convinced, that the reading of the resolution would carry home to the feelings of the gallant General, and of every man who heard it read, a certainty that a liberal recompense would be afforded to him. In my own humble judgment, the remuneration proposed is not so ample as the circumstances warranted, and as the object of it merited. That gallant officer and his connections knew very well that he was placed in a situation which he could not avoid; and that the circummances arose from an error in your governstent, for which he was not accountable. He has, therefore, a right to claim the approbation of the Company, to the extent . of every thing fair, just, and liberal." "At a court of directors held on Wednesday, the 30th October, 1816: "A report from the committee of college, dated this day, being read, stating that they have had under consideration the state of the Oriental literature at the college, and that it appears there is a want of another European to assist the professor in the Muhammadan division in which the Arabic, Persiau, aud Hindustani languages are taught, recommending, therefore, that another European be appointed to assist in the Oriental department at the college, with a salary of £400, an allowance of £100 a year for house rent, and his commons, subject to the approbation of the general court and the board of commissioners for the affairs of India; and that the person who may be appointed to this situation, shall begin to exercise its functions at the commencement of next term, should the sanction of the measure by the proper authorities, be obtained by that time. "Resolved, That this court approve the said report." The Chairman." I have to state to this court, that the court of directors have agreed to grant the sum specified to a gentleman, qualified to act in the situation of assistant, in the Oriental departmentthey conceiving such an assistant to be absolutely necessary. If the court of proprietors concur with them in their resolution, it will not increase the expense of the establishment beyond the original amount, because an allowance of £500 per annum was allowed to Dr. Henley during his life, and that gentleman having died, the salary, formerly paid to him, may be balanced against that now proposed to be given to the additional oriental assistant. With this explanation 1 beg leave to move, That the court of proprietors do approve and confirm the resolution of the court of directors, of the 30th of October last."" The Deputy Chairman (J. Bebb, Esq.) seconded the motion. Mr. Hume said, in presenting himself so early to the Chairman and the court, on the present occasion, he did so, because a twelvemonth before, he intended to have brought the circumstances of the college under the consideration of the proprietors. He was pleased, at all times, to concur with the court of directors in any resolution they might propose, when, consistent ly with his duty, he could do so; and, he Koped, that they would not be offended when he spoke his sentiments honestly. and conscientiously, however they might be opposed to their views. The measure now proposed by the executive body, though, in a pecuniary point of view, involving only the sum of 5 or £600, suggested to him a question as to the very existence of the college. The question which fairly presented itself for their consideration was, whether the college had answered the purpose for which it was instituted ? He was extremely sorry to reiterate an opinion, already strongly and generally expressed in the country, that the arrangements made respecting the instruction of their servants in Oriental literature, had not turned out so well as had been expected, and as they might have done if proper care had been taken. The foundation of a college in this country, and the suppression of that which was founded in India, had been, he regretted to say, attended with most unfortunate consequences. Here he begged leave to notice the letter written by the court of directors in January 1802, calling on Marquis Wellesley to annul the college at Calcutta, which, he must say, was one of the noblest and most magnificent features of his administration. The determination to suppress that establishment has been in its consequences most unfortunate. In the letter to which he had alluded, the only reason assigned for putting an end to the college at Calcutta, was the great expence of that establishment. The noble marquis's answer, dated the 5th of August in that year, and addressed to the Chairman, clearly shewed, that the expense ought not to be considered as an obstacle by a great and munificent body, like the East India Company; when they recollect ed that it was incurred for the praise worthy purpose, of giving to their servants instruction in the language and government of the country, which was of so much importance to the correct management of their affairs. The noble marquis stated in his letter, "that for and after that year, the whole expense of the college would be three lacks and 30,000 rupees, or £41,250 sterling, and probably less. That, as the court of directors admitted the necessity of giving their young servants an improved education and a knowledge of Oriental literature, he was satisfied that the servants of the three presidencies could not be well educated in separate and detached seminaries, as in the college at Calcutta; and that the expenses would be equal, if not greater, than those of the college." His lordship's statement had been completely verified: and he (Mr. Hume) wished, that some or Seminary at Madras, 18,928 pagodas, or Hertford College, £17,623. From which deduct 9,934 £ s. ch 20,306 0 0 7,571 0 0 paid by the Students, leav- 7,699 ◊ ◊ ing to be defrayed by the Company This was the expense for the civil servants, without any provision for those of Bombay-being only £5,676 less than Marquis Wellesley's large, general, and complete establishment would have been. Then it became a matter of consideration, whether the advantages derived from the divided arrangement had been equal to those which would have resulted from the comprehensive plan of the noble marquis? He hesitated not to say, that they had not. If, therefore, an establishment instituted in England for the purpose of instructing their servants in the oriental languages, had not answered the end for which it was instituted, (as, he contended, was the case with respect to Hertford College,) the question immediately resolved itself into this-"Are we to continue it ?" It was not the grant of a paltry sum of 5 or £600 that could influence his vote on this occasion. If they were to continue the college, he agreed that professors must be appointed. He would go to any reasonable extent in procuring men of learning and ability, provided it was deemed proper to support the establishment. But it became a matter of the most serious consideration, whether the college should or should not be longer permitted to exist? If he called the attention of the proprietors to the resolution of that court, of the 26th of February 1805, at which period the establishment of a college was agreed on, he felt a decided conviction, that not one of the gen ; tlemen who now heard him could say, that the advantages held out at that time had been realized. He knew they had not. Instead of young men being sent forth, improved in education and manners, formed in character, and confirmed in those principles which most become the youthful mind, the establishment produced many individuals, who were without the principles of honour or honesty, without a knowledge of the essential parts of the British constitution, whose habits (of course he spoke of virtuous habits) were not fixed and settled, whose minds were not enlightened-in short, who could only be considered as half Englishmen! If the reports in general circulation were correct, these were the advantages that had been derived from the institution !! The expenses which his learned friend (Mr. Jackson) stated, in 1805, compared with the beneficial results that were expected from the establishment, could not be a matter of the first consideration although £55,000, the sum originally voted for the erection of a college (and, it should be observed, that nearly double that sum had been expended) was by no means an inconsiderable provision. Yet, to use the words of his learned friend, he looked upon it as a drop of water in the ocean, when placed in competition with the immeuse advantages which would accrue to British India from having the minds of their young servants properly formed, the principles of virtue imprinted on their hearts, and the love of honourable distinction closely interwoven with their youthful feelings.-Had the institution produced such beneficial effects? No man could assent that it had. Very different indeed were the results. which he had to submit to the attention of the court. Other colleges slept in peace. They went on quietly and well. But this college, which was a disgrace to the Company and to the country, and to all those who belonged to it, had been the scene of riot, disorder, and irregularity.-As the question was now agitated, he should consider himself lost to character, lost to every principle of candour and of justice, if he did not state some of the farts which had come to his knowledge-if he did not let the court know what his wishes were on the subject. He thought, before the court of directors had recommended this resolution, it might have been proper to have taken into consideration whether the college ought or ought not to be continued? Had not the proprietors and public heard of repeated rustications and expulsions, of charges for felony even, together with a long list of shameful offences, which had grown out of the proceedings at this college? Were not the students dreaded by every honest and peaceable inhabitant of the neighbourhood? Were not they and the college equally notorious in the country? Surely, the investigation was imperatively called for. He did not wish, if, consistently with the conscientious discharge of his duty, he could avoid it, to give any opposition to the grant now recommended and supported by the court of directors; but still he conceived it was a matter of most vital importance to the Company, to their servants, and to the public at large, that the whole affairs of this college should be taken into consideration, without loss of time. He felt disinclined to detain the court much longer.-But, having shown that the expense of the present establishment in England, and the other institutions for education in India in the last year, had nearly equalled what would have supported a proper college at Calcutta, which would have produced benefit, not mischief-from which good, not evil, would have resulted-he would leave it for the proprietors to decide on what course it would be proper to pursue, with respect to the college at Hertford. Were he to read to the court the letters which had been written by persons who had sons and other relations in the college, there was not a gentleman present who would not hold up his hand, and exclaim, "Reform you must, or ruin will follow!" One of those letters which he held in his hand was written by a father, who, speaking of his son, before he sent him to this college, described him as a youth, perfect in morals, and esteemed and admired by all his relatives and friends-but who, from the vices he had imbibed at this institution, had become a disgrace to his family, and was now lost to them for ever. (Mr. Hume) did not pretend to say, that the account of the father in this instance was strictly correct with respect to his son, or that all the evils complained of as arising from the college, were to be charged to the principal of the collegethat they were to be attributed to this or that professor-or that they were to be imputed, as faults, to the committee of the college, appointed by the court of directors. He was utterly at a loss to account for the disgraceful scenes that had taken place since the establishment of that institution. He had seen the statutes for the government of the college He had gone over them, one by one, and although several of them were very objectionable, he wondered on the whole that they had not been productive of better effects. He could not believe that they had been fairly put in force. In one point, however, the executive body had, he thought, gone beyond the intention of the court of proprietors. They had in effect, in establish ing a college with extreme privileges and establishments, converted boys into men. They had imparted to them ideas of su He |