| Description | He is sending the result of the Indian Government's enquiries into the best way of introducing a uniform system of weights and measures. He does not intend to sent the full Madras Report as it is such a heavy book, but he has cut out the most important parts for his father. He lists the reports concerned stating that the Bengal report is the best drawn up, but not quite fair. It advocated the French metrical system, also supported by the Oude government, not taking into account Sir John's pamphlets. He does not think there is any chance of the report being adopted. William has sent pro and con arguments to [William Butterworth] Bayley who wishes to lay them before Sir John Lawrence. If the metre was adopted in India, it would take all other English commerce with it. The Indian government could not adopt Sir John's standards until it had achieved uniformity and conformity with English measures, but the next best thing would be to support the English system against the French. They are waiting to hear their plan to bring the baby home in December, although William is not sure he will be able to leave India as every month he can serve as a Magistrate and Collector before being put on the Judge's bench would be useful. He would prefer to be a Commissioner, rather than being on the High Court, but he must do better as a Collector to achieve that. William describes an interview with the Lieutenant Governor, having gone to Belvedere House to see the Private Secretary. He saw Sir Cecil Beadon, who gave William a half hour's outline of his defence, and who seemed to be in despair. William sympathised for the 'storm of abuse' Beadon had undergone from those who themselves had done nothing to alleviate the famine. William believes he had contributed to the famine by underestimating the duration of the relief needed, but on discovering his mistake Beadon had given him the assistance he asked for. He gives his thoughts on the lack of leadership during the famine. The facts were reported at the harvest of December 1865, but the Government did not see anything in them requiring special attention. When distress came, locals were no quicker in perceiving it was becoming a famine. The Government put the laws of supply and demand as the remedy. William continues to discuss the reasons behind the famine, the reactions of local officers, and the damping effect of the Board's lectures on economy. Beadon had been silent and was now fighting to save himself, with part of his defence to blame local officers. William could only assure him that he would defend the Government in conversation with the Governor General. He gives an account of Sir John Lawrence's conversation and his 'panther walk' as he outlined his defence: that he had decided that things were worse than supposed, but on putting it to Council, and to Grey especially, they spoke for not interrupting trade. Lawrence regretted not acting upon his instinct. William describes the subsequent dinner conversation, and further exchanges about the famine, including on the price of rice. William remarks that the weights and measures information will not now be in this mail. He has received his mother's letter welcoming the idea of a return home and John has spoken of the idea of his stopping on to return with William. Seeing all of the family at Collingwood is a powerful inducement as 'it can scarcely ever happen that we could all meet together again'. He hopes that by October he will be finished the current part of his life, to be free to holiday. He comments on family news, including a visit to Collingwood by McLear, whose character and egotism William describes. He concludes by saying he has an anxious letter from John to reply to. |