35
do not personally know of a case in which any of
these drugs has led to homicidal frenzy; but it as
quite possible.
54. Criminals who are habitual consumers very
often fortify themselves to commit a premeditated
act of violence and other crimes, because timely
use of these drugs puts them in full swing of
energy. An example may be found among wrest-
lers. When they have to go in against a very
strong adversary, they fortify themselves by the
use of bhang for an extraordinary exercise of
energy to a desperate extent.
55. Victims are now and then administered
these drugs to stupefy them, where dhatura is not
available. Complete stupefaction can be induced
by these drugs barely in the case where the victim
does not happen to have been using them.
56. The injurious effects of these drugs, when
taken moderately and in an admixed state, are
nearly neutralized, but excess works in debility
and injurious effects, because these drugs are poi-
sonous in the fourth degree. Nothing can nullify
their chronic effects in the long run. Dhatura is
often admixed with these drugs for their personal
use by the asthmatic patients and with tobacco for
the use of those unfortunate victims that are in-
tended to be looted or killed.
57. I have heard Madrasis eating heated ganja
and charas with ghee and with no harm. It must
be noted that ghee is an antidote for these drugs.
I cannot say for certain what is the full effect of
these two drugs when eaten or drunk.
58. 1 am acquainted with the present system of
excise administration, and have only to suggest
that the present system can be improved. In the
first place I do not see any reason why the import
and export of these drugs should be left to musta-
gers. The precautions may be taken in reference
to it as in the case of liquor with necessary
change. It is never safe to leave things in the
full control of selfish thekadars, where it is intend-
ed not to encourage a free use of any injurious
thing. No community allows young men under
25 to use these drugs, but they secretly learn to
use them. Sale to or for such persons should be
made criminal. This restriction cannot alto-
gether put a stop to it ; but it would be a great
block in the way of future increase. Sepoys, who
are generally enlisted under 25 years of age
should be distinctly told not to get into the habit.
During my experience of two years, I found that
in nearly each case of illicit possession of these
drugs some sepoy was concerned, and the little
they could save after years of honest toil was for-
feited in the shape of fines. This was very hard,
but could not be helped. This is an open stain
on discipline and morality.
It is a mistaken policy to expect extraordinary
work from an intoxicated person, and still more
to think that it is in the power of every man to
keep to moderation. It is against the very nature
of drugs in general. Those that are addicted to
their use difficulties should be thrown in their
way, so that they may not jump or slip into ex-
tremes. Those that are not initiated should not
be allowed to get inte the way with as much ease
as now. After 25 or 30 men get their habits
generally confirmed, and when they are served up
to this age, their future temptation is improbable.
It must be borne in mind that this, like other bad
habits, is contracted in tender age, and bad com-
pany, and then in advanced age excuses are
sought and found for indulging in it.
59. These drugs should be taken directly in
vol. v.
hand as liquor, and sold at high prices in the
same way as liquor. They should not be sold to or
for young men under 25, except under prescribed
conditions. None but regularly
constituted
license-holders should be allowed to sell them.
60 and 61. Cannot answer.
62. Cannot answer for want of adequate inform-
ation as to the extent and places of groves.
63. I object to these drugs being dealt freely
by thekadars to their sub-lessees. These drugs
should be deposited in abkari like liquor and sub-
jected to the same procedure. Hitherto sub-less-
ees think themselves as mere agents of thekadars
or mustagers, and are subject to no control.
64. No objection.
65. Taxation in such cases is always more or
less on an arbitrary scale, and it is difficult to lay
hands on a fixed ratio, but there are always two
things to be kept in view: (1) if the taxation is
for the encouragement or discouragement of the
traffic ; (2) if it is feasible. As regards the rela-
tive propriety of taxing these drugs and alcohol
there are two things to be borne in mind : (1)
comparative means of the classes that use each of
the two things ; (2) comparative worth of a dose.
Not less than two annas worth liquor can satisfy
a drinking man, while two pice worth drug is
enough to satisfy an ordinary consumer. It must
be noted that none of these things is an absolute
necessary of life.
66. It stands to reason that taxation of things
of different value and worth should be separately
and differently made; but if there is not much
difference, there is no use complicating the machi-
nery and putting the people to unnecessary trouble.
There may be some political necessity for
separate taxation ; but, as far as traffic is concerned,
it matters very little whether a thing comes from
one province or another, for a thing is taxed for
permission of import or export only. There are
various questions concerning it ; but they arise
only in the ease of severality of States, and are
hence of international importance, take, for in-
stance, the length of way prepared by the State
over which a merchant has to travel one traveller
may have to travel a few miles and another a
hundred fold. Over the preparation one Govern-
ment has spent a few hundred only, while on the
other thousands. As the chief traffic of these
drugs is by rail, this element, should be discarded.
Now remains only the question of duty on export
and on leases or licenses. If it is intended to put
down the use of these drugs, either duty should
be raised.
67. The present system of taxation was formu-
lated in time when the use of these drugs was not
deemed objectionable, and would hold good if the
same policy goes on, but it is certainly low in the
other case. As regards a poor labourer's income,
each incidence is high when it is not for necessa-
ries of life.
68. There are shops licensed for sales of these
drugs in each city and town, and they are con-
sumed now and then on the premises. Crowds in
such places are always objectionable. As the use of
a stimulant or sedative in a company gives always
a peculiar acceleration to the evils, which cannot
be generated in solitude.
69. Nothing but convenience of sale and of
people is considered by a thekadar when a shop is
opened. The local public are generally indifferent
on such questions, excepting those who are incon-
venienced in any way by a crowd of filthy or
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