It is deemed an undeniable truth amongst the men of sense of this land, and it was a standing rule amongst the Princes of The Zemin­dars deemed at all times, and in all ages, a race incor­rigible. these kingdoms, that no trust is to be reposed in the words of a Zemindar, not even in his most solemn promises and treaties, as they are, to a man, a refractory, short-sighted, faithless set of people, that mind nothing but present interest, and require always a strict hand. Our Government took care, therefore, that they should not get an opportunity of resisting or disobeying, and likewise that they should not acquire the means of resistance and obstinacy, as they are evil-doers by profession, and at all times disposed to injury, and to distress the people of God; ever ready to infest the highways, to plunder and kill the travellers and the unwary; ever ready to torment the subjects, and even the Nobles, to destroy the country, to ruin the revenue, and to distress and injure Government. All these are the accustomed performances of that malevolent race; and it was to keep them in awe, and occasionally to administer correction to them, that so many illustrious Fodjdars were stationed with such a number of officers and dependants. No trust was reposed in their words, nor in their actions; for their character was thoroughly understood. They were looked upon to be an incorrigible race. Now, in contradiction to ancient maxims, and to rules of old standing, and in contradiction to the most approved opinions, held equally by eminent merchants, as well as by knowing Princes, the English rulers have thought proper to compare the Zemindars of this country to the Zemindars and land-holders Strange mistake of the English, in comparing the Zemindars of India to the landed Noble­men of England. of their own; men whose possessions amount to no more than a few thousand yards of ground, or at most to an estate of two or three cosses in circuit, and who being all men of education and honor, pass their lives in enjoying their estates and beauti­ful seats, and in keeping open tables. It is to such men that the English Government has ventured to compare the Zemin­dars of Hindostan, and by comparision, to repute them men of honor and sentiment, worthy of being held in esteem and consideration, and deserving to be entrusted with full powers over their Zemindaries or estates; and yet it is these very men of honour and sentiments that ruin the whole country, torment the men of distinction settled of old in their lands, and are waiting only that time and opportunity may put it in their power by some extraordinary event, at once to display the standard of rebellion and dispute, and to raise commotions of consequence. They live quietly now, and astonished at the heavy blows they have felt from the hand of the English, as well as overawed by the superiority acquired everywhere by that nation, they wink at the state of things, and meanwhile, sure of the interest they have obtained, they silently pillage and oppress mankind; whilst the English rulers at the same time seem not to believe their conspiracies, and their malevo­lence and oppressions, or to have within their breasts some scheme, which to us, ignorant men, is yet a profound secret.

The eighth cause of the declining state of these countries may be ascribed, as it has been already observed, to the enormous delays experienced in obtaining decisions from the The eighth cause is the slowness of proceedings in the Council of Calcutta, and in all subordinate Councils. Governor and Council, or in receiving the answers requested by the Provincial Councils and others. Those delays arise from their being, both the one and the other, extremely occupied by their own concerns, and eternally busy in attacking or in defending, as well as from their being overloaded with an immensity of public business; a deplorable situation, that necessarily occasions those incredible delays which dishearten, which amaze, which ruin and overwhelm every one that has the misfortune to have any business with them. Were a man of consequence appointed to hear such petitions at stated times, for the purpose of making his report to the Governor and Council; and were the necessary answers to the Provincial Coucils liable to fewer delays; such a change undoubtedly would conduce to the ease and happiness of multitudes of people, and the Governor and Council would hear their names proclaimed everywhere, as being the cherishers of the inhabitants of this land, the true lovers of justice, and the benefactors of mankind; nor could such a change hurt the English interest in any manner. But thanks are due to God Almighty, the Author of all good coun­sels, that since these lines have been written, I have heard that a lesser Committee has been appointed on purpose for such affairs, and that the standard of expectation and impatience being let down, some relief has been administered to the poor, despairing suitors of this country.

The ninth cause is, as it has been already observed, that The ninth cause is traced in that custom of the English, who give offices and employments to seniority and priority of rank. the English pay too much regard to seniority, whereas, it is talent and abilities that are the matter in question, and not seniority of service or recommendation, whenever it is necessary to fill up a post of consequence, and to provide for the happiness of a whole people. If without deviating too much from the rules of service, Englishmen of capacity, discernment, and experience, were sent into the several districts, where their character should have time to ripen, with a certitude of being fixed in that particular branch of business; and if after having deserved the confidence of their owners and of the public, they were left to enjoy their office, without fear of being displaced; and if to so salutary a measure, Government added, at the same time, that other of sending into each district a man of sense, kowledge, and credit, for a Divan, who, in a capacity similar to those Canun-goes, or Chancellors of old, appointed by Islam-shah, should be made independent of any revolutions in the Council, unless indeed he should prove guilty of some mis­demeanour; there is no doubt but mighty benefits might be derived from such a regulation. But at the same time it would be requisite that he should never lose sight of this, that as the Members of the Council are Englishmen, that is Lords and masters of this land, it is incumbent upon him never to deviate, either in his words or behaviour, from that respect which behoves him, both as a subject and a servant. It is requisite, likewise, that the Gentlemen, once sensible of his being an useful, zeal­ous man, and an old attendant on that board, should listen to his advice in all matters, and not suffer their particular Divans and Moonshies (Secretaries) to engross all to themselves. This was a precaution constantly attended to, under George Vansittart, and also under Mr. Ayoun Law. Whenever such a trusty servant at any time becomes guilty of any misdemeanour or infidelity, he must be punished in proportion to his guilt, that others of the same office and station, taking warning from his disgrace, may not deviate from the path of integrity; and if ever it shall be convenient to establish such a Council, it would be proper to diminish the number of Members, so as that they should not exceed the number of two or three; for the multitude of rulers never fails to produce confusion in business, and diffi­dence in the minds of the subject; and to be upon good terms with such a number of men, is impossible for poor people, as we have already hinted. It is proper also that in appointing a Fodjdar, with all his dependants and officers, the utmost pre­cautions should be used, taking care to prefer not only none but men of experience and capacity, but also none but men of a humane disposition; and it may be even said that, as Fodjdars go now in these days, there needs none at all. In the cities, the Cutwal will do all that business, full as well, if he be equally able and humane, and little inclined to oppression; and in the country, the man in office or ruler is enough for such a purpose. For when those officers, so appointed, shall know that people can approach their masters, and that there may be instituted inquiries and after-reckonings upon them, you may rest assured that matters shall go on smoothly; that multitudes shall be released from distress and miseries; that the intent of dominion and Government shall be fully answered; and that the Grandees of the land and the people of God shall exert their tongues in displaying the encomiums of such beneficient rulers. Let us then put up our prayers to God, that He may vouchsafe to grant such a blessing! For He is the best succourer, and the best helper*.