The Sun.
London, England, 1838-11-13 00:00:00

THE LATE SIR ROBERT GRANT

The following is an abridged account of the proceedings
of a public meeting held at Bombay on the 28th of July,
1838, for perpetuating the memory of the late Governor,
Sir Robert Grant :

On Saturday afternoon, the 28th inst. a meeting was
held at the Town-hall, for the purpose of considering the
most suitable means for preserving in this place the memory
of our late highly-gifted, distinguished, and respected Go-
vernor, Sir Robert Grant, G.C.H. The meeting was more
numerously and respectably attended than any other of a
similar kind ever held in this place.
The SHERIFF having constituted the meeting,
The Hon. the GOVERNOR moved that the Lord Bishop
be requested to take the chair.

The motion was seconded by DHACIKJEE DADAJEE, Esq.,
His LORDSHIP then addressed the meeting as follows :
The object for which we are assembled is one of deep in-
terest, to express our sorrow at the severe loss we have
sustained by the death of our late esteemed Governor, Sir
Robert Grant, and to consider in what way we can
best record our testimony to his worth. Such was the
urbanity and kindness of our late Governor, such
his condescension and ease of access, that all who
had opportunities of intercourse with him feel that
they have lost a friend whom they have loved
and valued. The removal of one in the highest rank of
life, who maintained such a consistent Christian character;
' is a severe loss. We have seen him during his residence
in India uniformly regular in his attendance upon the pub-
lic worship of God twice on the Lord's day, whether in
Bombay, or at other stations ; his regular domestic wor-
ship in his family was beneficial to all who resided under
his roof ; the whole character sf his interesting and 'intel-
ligent conversation was of the most perfect purity. The
benefits of his public measures are acknowledged by all.
Upon these I am not able to speak, from want of that in-
formation which others who will address you do possess ;
but such are felt to be their benefits, that not only all in
the Presidency, but the European and native population of
Poonah, and other stations in the Deccan, deeply lament
his loss. It was, indeed, his constant aim so to fill his high
station, and so to discharge his public• and private duties,
that, as it has been stated in a public annunciation of his
death, he might in all things do the will of God. Having
been privileged to attend his dying bed, an opportunity
was afforded me of seeing what were his real prin-
ciples in this most trying time. These were drawn from
the Bible, and to that blessed book he was in his last illness
always most anxious to listen. He was anxious to have
the Scriptures read to him, and.from thence to draw all his
comfort and support. He sought not for comfort from a
consideration of what he had done or from the benefits he
had conferred, but, under a deep sense of his own upworthi-
ness, from the truths of God's word ; and here let me
plainly state to the Christian community, but more espe-
cially to our native friends who are present, that the prin-
ciples from which all his conduct, all his public and private
acts flowed, were drawn from the Bible. The removal of
such a person must be felt by every one, not only as a pub-
lic but as a private loss. With/respect to the manner in
which we shall hand down his memory to posterity, it
seems most appropriate to do this by some manner which
shall continue to bestow benefits upon the people under his
government. It was his aim to introduce to the natives of
India the benefits of British discoveries and science, for the
enlightening of the mind or the relief of the body ; and if
we fix upon something which shall continue to hand down
to the native people these blessings, we shall best exhibit the
character and desires of him whose loss we now deplore.
The Honourable the Governor, JAMES FARISH, Esq.,
moved the first resolution—" That this meeting, deeply
sensible of the greatness of the loss which this Presidency
has sustained in the lamented death of Sir Robert Grant,
G.C.H., its late distinguished Governor, and actuated by
admiration of his rare endowments, and veneration for his
excellent character and exalted Christian virtues, and
moved by gratitude for his numerous acts of public admi
nistration calculated to advance the improvement of the
country and the welfare of all classes of its inhabitants, and
anxious to hold up his example to the world, considers it a
public duty to adopt measures for preserving his memory in
this place." I feel it to be an honour and a privilege, he
said, to be permitted to take part in the proceedings °kV.
meeting, which has been summoned for the purpose of pre-
serving in 'this place the memory of our late highly-gifted,
distinguished, and respected Governor, Sir Robert Grant.
It is a high satisfaction to me to have thus an opportunity
of expressing the warm interest I take in the object for
which we are assembled. Ours is not the commemora-
tion of splendid achievements, which might have caused the
widow's and orphan's heart to mourn, but it is the perma-
nent record of the feelings of a grateful community, sensible
of the benefits they have received from measures wisely
directed to the promotion of many most important means
of advancing prosperity and happiness amongst all classes,
the native and European, at the metropolis, and throughout
the Presidency he governed. Having made the affairs of
India the subject of his early interest, bound by a filial tie
to the objects of his father's long sustained and most suc-
cessful efforts—in the full and able discharge of which he
passed at once from his labours here to his rest above, Sir
Robert Grant early pleaded the cause of India, and strove,
in the important station which he reached in England, to,
carry on the same great objects ; and when arrived in this,
the land of his infant days, with more direct opportunities
of carrying out the benevolent purposes on which his heart
was bent, I can speak to his increasing desire for aecom.
pushing good, for I have witnessed his active and anticipat
ing endeavours, and his unwearied solicitude for the ac-
complishment of the objects of improvement in which
he successively embarked. The cause-which distressed
him in any of his measures was, where they were un-
avoidably contrary to the wishes of some one. It was his
delight to commend ; and he felt the censure he was com-
pelled to pass as though the mortification it gave was shared
by himself. His conscientious desire to do right was per-
haps the trait of his character which, blended with his
cheerful kindliness, was most constantiy present to the mind
of those who were in close intercourse with him in his offi-
cial duties ; and this feeling, deeply rooted in his heart,
was nourished by the fountain of all Christian grace, which
there imparted its blessed influence in no stinted measure.
But he who thus followed in his father's steps, devoting his
life to the good of India, has passed like him from this
scene of labour and of care to those mansions of peace and
joy, where " the wicked cease from troubling and the
weary are at rest." I must not, however, anticipate the
subjects which will be more ably and fully brought before
this meeting by those whom I see around me, yet I could
not avoid saying this much of one for whom I felt a
higher admiration and attachment than for any man with
whom I have ever been so associated. We are here met
to commemorate the virtues of this truly good and upright
man, and may virtues, springing from the same high aim,
which he took in all his duties to do the will of God, long
be perpetuated amongst us.
DHACKJEE DADAJEE, Esq., seconded the motion.
Rear-Admiral Sir C. MALCOLM moved the second re-
solution—" That a subscription be immediately opened for
the formation of a fund to be devoted to the public com-
memoration of Sir Robert Grant." My Lord—The reso-
lution I am about to propose has only just been put into m y
hands. I shall, however, beg leave to say a few words.
It was, as I shall ever now consider it, my good fortune
to
pass a few days on a visit to Sir Robert Grant, at Malabarwhat
Point, before he left for Daporee. It was there,
in
elnroayYmcgallisils'icshdeoemrfuesl
of office.
tai ca cai ricalset,r
uthatv
eI
choaadv
earns
aotpi
opno,r tpu anritti
_ya
lly
freed, as he was for the time, from the cares of
taSesoamt
hteoe
swhe
ihro t
hi nai on
tskvh
shearamy
omsmaeye
akftenswo
owfmheonw relaxation.wdeerlei delightful t
In
superior
ito sr
etwase9nsiset such
igh
The Rev. Dr. STEVENSON spoke as follows :
Tb
has been
principle by which Sir R. Grant was actuated,
already justly jtuosttlhyeretwmoargkreeda,twcahsrtishteiacahiepftipaociinptleisnolflils:svcheli
But
and love to man ran through all the actions dins
was its
what, perhaps, was as remarkable in his character, was
sply,
openness and simplicity. There was no attempt character.
cGt eord.
himno effortthan
his
sde actionsto induce
warranted,
youan te
dt entertainsinne
the awbetter n
fo phis aniona otcon-
duct was natural and easy. The constant and regularest_.
at-
tendance on the duties of the Sabbath flowed from an
has i
(nation of the privilege which the Christian religion
conferred on a man in separating one day in seven for roll.ld
gious services—a privilege which he was anxious all should
be secured in the enjoyment of, esteeming it a right con-
ferred by the supreme legislation on every servant of Go-
vernment as well as on the Governor himself. Such a cha-
racter deserves to be remembered, and to have some
suit-
ablememorialtkheoespeawli
hveo am roe r
teroaai
followsme do n among ong us ; and if I may anticipate
geneially what will be brought particularly before you
wouldbY
us tthhee r e
remembrances eemsn otll nothing go
f thathis
benevolence than the establishment of a medical school.
However much we may admire the marble that recals to us
the very expression of those who now lie low in the dust, we
need a different kind of memorial for Sir Robert Grant—
; one that shall put us constantly in mind of his Christian
benevolence ; and what more fitted to do so than Pupils
g
great.

constantly issuing from a seminary bearing his name, to
alleviate the sufferings of humanity ?
BROWNRIGG, Esq., Chairman of the Chamber of
Commerce, rose to move the third resolution—" That,
while it is the duty of all classes of the community to ex-
press their respect for the departed by uniting in the pro-
posed
forwardubcrip wtiohno,
are it is peculiarly
nc
theumbent monantyhoseto
come public
able
ss
for improving the agricultural resources of the country,
facilitating communication with Europe, and also between
the different towns and provinces of the Presidency, and
improving its comm rce anal general prosperity." In being
called upon to move the resolution I have just read, I
cannot but express my regret that it was not intrusted to
some one more competent to do it justice. But I hold,
my Lord, that on an occasion like the present sorrowful
one, when men of all ranks and stations in society, native
as well as European, have met to testify the estimation in
which they hold the private virtues and public acts of the
esteemed and lamented individual who so lately occupied
the highest station among us—l repeat that on such an oc-
casion those who can contribute their testimony ought not to
confine themselves to that negative degree of silent approval
which is implied by the mere presence. But, indeed, my
Lord, I feel that a. Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce ,
I should do violence to the wishes and feelings of -the
members of that Association, as well as to my own indivi-
dually, were I to abstain from availing myself of this occa-
sion to state what I know to be the deep-felt sentiments
entertained by one and all upon the late melancholy event.
As a resolution passed yesterday by the Chamber of Com-
merce, which 1 am authorised to communicate to this
meeting, will hest convey what I probably should have but
ill expressed, with your permission, my Lord, I will read
that Resolution. Resolved—" That a tablet be erected
in the Bycullah church, by the members of the Chamber of
Commerce, to the memory of our late lamented Governor,
Sir Robert Grant, under whose auspices the Chamber was
first established and recognised as a public body, to record
their deep respect for his public character, and thehigh sense
they entertain of the great benefits derived from the measures
of his administration for the improvement of the agricultural
resources and the advancement of the commercial prosperity
of this Presidency." It would seem almost unnecessary that
I should draw particular attention to the various acts which
distinguished Sir Robert Grant, as being, as I may duly
characterise him, the friend of commerce and of general
improvement ; yet I cannot refrain from enumerating some
of the most prominent of them. First, then, and I call
upon my commercial brethren to testify to the fact, by
the immediate countenance Sir Robert Grant gave to the
establishment of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as by
the gratifying support he continued to extend to it, he
proved chiefly instrumental in establishing among us
unity of purpose, and harmony of feeling, where the re-
eav
spe t rpasl
bei
cl i
asth hadomn pe
ntr
oet v :oho; sahl
nyoemet
hxe iesartue
itdnh.sotri Ntui
etoisor ,fno or
hn
tehrt
ehe
tshoaceaceautsi
sanction
of t
washane
the earnest and valuable support and advocacy of Sir Ro-
bert
.Grant withheld. You, my Lord, have already drawn
attention to the well-known interest he took in the all-im-
portant subject of our [steam communication. I believe
few are aware of the responsibility our late Governor in-
curred, by continuing to despatch a steamer to Suez at a
period when the views of the Court of Directors were
opposed to the steam question. Turning now to an-
other subject of no minor importance, I would observe
that to Sir Robert Grant's strenuous and able advocacy
(against what opposition, it is needless to mention) are
we indebted for the abolition of many vexatious, and as
impolitic as vexatious, imposts, some of which bore
heavily on commerce, while others acted as barriers to

the rising prosperity of the Presidency. Well may I
place in the van the revision of the salt tax, and removal
of the town and transit duties ; but a recollection of the
benefits derived from these great measures of relief must
not cause me to let pass unnoticed some of the minor but
not less oppressive taxes, the pernicious effects of which
were felt by all classes, but more particularly by the poorer.
First, then, I find that the industrious cultivator, besides
being relieved from the house tax, which was a heavy ad-
dition to the high rent he paid for his fields, has also been
exempted from the tax on his buftalo and goat, the pro-
duce of which so materially aids the poor ryot in support-
ing his family and paying his rent. The industrious
fishermen too (a most numerous body, swarming the whole
line of coast from Demaun to Goar), as well as the petty
traders of the villages, have all experienced the benefit of
our lamented Governor's enlightened and humane policy.
Nor must I omit to notice the total abolition of the tax
formerly levied on chukas, though it apparently involved a
loss of 40,000 rupees to the revenue. Again, other heavy
and unequal taxes, imposed on those who could least bear
them, are all in course of revision—as are likewise the
Mohturfa taxes, which have so long checked the free course
of trade. And these measures are now framed with such a
studied and anxious attention to their operation on indivi-
duals, as well as communities, that they will secure a full
measure of relief to all ; and many, very many, are now re-
lieved from burdens which, though of little value to the re-
venue, bore with great and unrelaxing severity on the peace-
able, poor, and laborious inhabitants of the interior ; and
the ado?tion of these enlightened measures, instead of in-
the contrary, benefited it ; for by the spirit of con-
juring tic revenue, as was at one time argued they would,
have, on
fidence they have infused among the people, cultivation is
happiness of its subjects. A survey on an
improvement in the resources of Government, as
every where extending, accompanied by such improvements
in agriculture as will ultimately lead to an incalculable and
lasting
the
efficient and extensive scale has been undertaken in the
Deccan
with the view of revising the rents, which in many
well
as
in
were both unequal and oppressive.-
parts
from the past experience of its effects, to prove a great be-
nefit to the country, and to remedy all the defects of the
by-gone revenue system. Indeed I learn that
throughout
this excellentwork
the province where
it has already had the effect of introducing a superior sys-
tem of husbanding, of encouraging the people to grow supe-
rior products, to sink wells, construct a better style of
dwelling, to increase their agricultural stock, and to enter
upon other improvements of a substantial and permanent
• • It has also defined the rents in such a description.way as
afford the cultivators full security against unautho-
rized ized exactions, and has fixed them on a scale which has
imparted to landed property a value which, perhaps, it
never before possessed. I am now naturally led to ad-
vert to the enlightened and statesmanlike measures
Sir Robert Grant, with the •
adopted by
drawing forth the agricultural resources of the country.
I would particularly allude to those in connection with.
the assessment of land, which, however, are too inti-
mately known to all present to require that I should here
labour to exhibit the encouragement they held out to an
improvement in those products which are already staples
on this side of India, such as cotton, &c. ; as well as
their evident incitement to call into existence others, such
as sugar, silk, and India articles, which, while their intro-
duction would most directly tend to encourage a spirit of
industry and enterprise among the
native
population,
would at the same time increase the revenue and con-
tribute a valuable addition to our external commerce. I
have merely glanced at these results, which were • with reason
to be anticipated at an early date, in order
the deep regret now experienced at the remote prospect of
their realization. I must now, my Lord, be permitted to
turn to another subject, where it will be seen Sir Robert
Grant stands pre-eminent. I allude to the measures he
caused to be adopted, as well as those he reclmmended for
adoption, for the improvement of our internal communica-
tion : his first and leading measure was to create a most
useful department—the Civil Engineers—and here I must
again claim permission to refer to and read from a short
memorandum I have hurriedly drawn up from some of the
able reports of the intelligent and zealous officers of that
scientific department. It appears that immediately on its
formation attention was drawn to an object of primary im-
portance, viz., a survey of the roads ; that of the great
northern one leading by " Tannah" and " Bhewndy" to
Nassaick was one of the first completed. This road, it
appears, had been long represented as ill adapted and
totally insufficient for the traffic and increasing trade of
the port ; it was, therefore, immediately determined
either to improve the old road or construct a new one,
which should effectually remove the innumerable existing
impediments, and admit of the introduction of wheel-car-
riages along the line of route. Plans and estimates of the
projected work were some time back submitted to the home
authorities, and sanguine hope seems to be entertained that
this great and desirable object will be sanctioned. A
road forty miles in length has been constructed from
Nassaick to Chandore, and from the latter place to Sind-
wah (on the line to Agra). Another road has been
sanctioned, fifty miles of which is already completed. A
road sixty miles in length is ordered from the rich district
of Nusserabad, to meet the former road, but its execution
is delayed by orders from the Bombay Government pending
the receipt of plans and estimates, which have been, I be-
lieve, furnished. In the interim, however, it appears that
under the prdersof the Bombay Government measures have
been adopted to ronder this rood immediately passable, A

road, 17/ miles in length, leading from Penn to Capowlee,
has been completed. A line of road frem Poonah to Shola-
pore, a distance of 149 miles, has been surveyed, and the
plan submitted to the Home Government. This road, if sanc-
tioned, will not only open out the valuable Barsie cotton
trade, but insure an easy communication at all seasons of
the year with that important military station. A road has
been constructed between Seroor and Ahmednugger, a dis-
tance of 34 miles. It having been represented that out of
449 miles of old roads in the Concan, Poonah, and Ahmed-
nugger collectorates, which had been surveyed on the in-
stitution of the civil engineers' department, only 239 miles
were kept in anything like efficient repair, from want of
means or proper supervision ; it was suggested that the
proceeds of the tolls and ferries should be appropriated
to the repairs and improvements of all the old roads ;
a measure which was immediately sanctioned. Upwards of
100 miles of these dilapidated roads have already been put
in fair travelling order, and the work of repair is daily ex-
tending and fast progressing to completion. The Jehoor,
ChandOre, and Thull Ghauts have all been repaired, and
the Huniba. Decra Ghaut commenced and nearly finished.
The Tannah Causeway has been commenced ; and the most
strenuous exertions are being used to complete this vastly
important work. The Colaba Causeway, a work which had
been under consideration for the last twenty years, has been
completed. A pier is being constructed at Trombay, as is
also a road across that island. The former work is fir ad-
va.ncedond the latter will be open to the public next rains.
At Sion the approaCh to the new road across the Salt-pans
has been commenced, and is in a state of forwardness. A
pier has been constructed at Kasseglee, which now admits
of all valuable products of export being shifted at once from
carts to boats, and conveyed in one tide to Bombay, thus
protecting the trader against the heavy expense of hamal.
lage and the exposure of his goods to injury by a detention,
as formerly, of three and four days in the harbour of
Bhewndy. The works of minor extent, but of no less utility
and importance, as giving sinew and unity to the general
system of improvement anl usefulness so warmly fostered
by Sir Robert Grant, are too numerous to be detailed on
such an occasion as the present—but it may net be out of
space here to state, that they embrace the construction
and repair of innumerable piers, bridges, kamps, bandaras,
sea walls, wells, and tanks, of which latter some are of a
magnitude too considerable and important to be passed by
in silence. I may, therefore, I trust, be permitted to
instance in particular the tank which has been com-
pleted at the village of Kessondee, twenty-four miles from
Poonah, and which I will describe in the words of the
report from which my information is derived :—" This
build, which stretches across a gorge of a long valley, is
altogether 1,409 feet in length, of which 129 feet are solid
masonry, 1,170 feet earthen embankment, and 100 feet ex-
cavations, for an escape channel for floods. The greatest
depth of water when full will be 38 feet ; the greatest
breadth nearly half a mile, and the greatest length three
quarters." The other works of this description are numerous
and important, particularly two fine tanks which have been
constructed at Dhoolia. Independent of the works just enu-
merated as having been either executed or commenced under
the orders and auspices of Sir Robert Grant's government,
those which have been projected, and in course of submis-
sion for the approval of the controlling powers, are many
and highly deserving of notice. And foremost on the list
I would mention the proposed new road from Tannah to
Ahmednugger and A urungabad, a distance of 133 miles,
and which line, it is shown, will shorten the distance be-
tween these two points by twenty miles, The next in order
of note is a line of road leading from the main road along
the south bank of the Panwell River to a point on the
coast opposite Bellapore. Besides these are the wharfs at
Ghorabundur, and the causeway between Bundura and
Malim ; as well as the bridge across three large rivers.
Connected with the construction and projection of all these
works of usefulness, one peculiar trait in the character
of our lamented Governor, which has been kindly brought
to my knowledge, must not pass unnoticed, and this
was, to use the words of my informant, " his anxious
desire for the preservation and repair of the magnifi-
cent though somewhat unscientific works of the Moguls,"
—a measure which, it is stated, if steadily perse-
vered in, cannot fail to insure great increase of re-
venue. I may now observe, that I believe to the ma-
jority of this community the knowledge of the existence,,
progress, and projection of a tithe of these many
and important works is now for the first time obtained.
'And if we reflect that many of them, which will hereafter
'prove of lasting utility, would not have been finished or
perhaps commenced upon during the government of Sir
Robert Grant (had it pleased the Almighty to have spared
him to its Oose), we shall be the more strongly impressed
with the singularly disinterested character and genuine phi-
lanthropy of our departed friend (for, of a truth, such he
was), in his anxious desire to issue permanent benefits to
the country temporarily committed to his charge. I must
now apologise for having thus long trespassed upon the time
and attention of the meeting.
Lieutenant-Colonel WooD said—ln rising to second the
resolution, I feel particularly called upon to bear testimony
to the great anxiety and exertions which Sir Robert Grant
had evinced in establishing the steam communication be-
tween this country and our native land. From the situa-
tion which I have held as the organ of the Government
in the steam department, I am able to state that, from the
earliest period of Sir Robert Grant's arrival, he was
most anxious to carry into effect a regular communication
with Suez by steamers, and within a few months after
assuming the reins of Government he submitted a plan to
the authorities in England, which, had it been fully acted
upon, would have perfected the system, without the chances
of disappointment to which we are now subjected. His
proposition was, that four steamers of the same size and
power, with corresponding machinery, similar in all their
parts, should be provided to carry on the communication
with Suez, which arrangement there is no doubt would have
operated steadily and successfully. A letter from Sir Ro-
bert Grant's Government, which Ives laid before the Com-
mittee of the House of Commons on its promulgation in
this country, first brought to light how warm an interest
he had taken in the measure, and how clear his views were
on the subject. But with only a single steamer then at
the disposal of Government„ frequent communication by
the Red Sea was impracticable ; and it was to do all
that could he done until the organisation of the more
perfect system that Sir Robert Grant laid another plan
before the home authorities, which has been confused in the
public mind with the Euphrates expedition, but with which
it had no connection whatever. His proposal was, the
establishment of a dromedary dawk for letters only, from
hence to Bussorah by steam ; from Bussorah to Bagdad,
Damascus, and Beyrout, by dromedaries. This suggestion
was not in supercession of the Red Sea route, but as an
auxiliary, when season, accident, or other impediment
might arise to render the former route impracticable. The
plan would have succeeded well, as was proved by a mail
by the Atalanta reaching the Mediterranean most expedi-
tiously ; and to this day the mails are regularly received at
Bagdad by that route in thirty-three days from England.
Let me further add another advantage connected with that
route—the establishing there a kind of political surveil-
lance, through a country our relations with which are of an
interesting character. Another topic connected with the
resolution we§ the improvement in our internal communi-
cations. The statement of the President of the Chamber
of Commerce has shown the new lines of roads opened
and the old roads improved. The consequence of these
operations bad admitted of the employment of horse dawks
in some directions, and accelerated intercourse in all, by
which the transmission of mails to the sister presidencies,
and with our own provinces, has been shortened
by many hours—nay, even days in some instances. When
the horse dawk is established to Nagpoor after the rains, it
is calculated that the mails will reach that place from Bom-
bay in eighty-two hours. These advantages we owe to the
energy and talents of Sir R. Grant ; but there are many
other subjects, both of a political and statistical nature,
which cannot probably be touched upon on this occasion,
which, added to what I have stated, will long cause us to
regret the loss we have sustained in our energetic, straight-
forward, and excellent Governor.
The Rev. Dr. WILSON moved the fourth resolution—
" That there is a peculiar propriety in commemorating Sir
Robert Grant in connection with the cause of the educa-
tion of the natives, of which he was the enlightened friend,
the eloquent advocate, and the liberal patron and sup-
porter." I most cordially concur, he said, in all the
observations which have been so appropriately and feel-
ingly made by the gentlemen who have preceded me,
respecting the character of our late distinguished Governor
and his numerous measures calculated to° promote pub-
,
lie
the uebr-,
e
lie weal. I rejoice in all that he did toall forth the
agricultural resources of the country, to facilitate inter-
nal communication, to extend the interests of foreign com-
merce, and to advance the cause of steam navigation.
While, however, I would make an
appreciation of the
blessings thus conferred upon us a substantial motive for
taking steps to preserve his memory in this place, I would
specially commemorate him in connection with none of
them. There is a cause nobler than the best of them, which
was dearest to his heart, and which secured his most en•
thusiastic regard, That is that of cause the moral and

intellectual regeneration of -the millions in this great coun-
try, whom Providence, in its mysterious actings, has placed
under Britain's sway. Convinced that I shall obtain the
support of the meeting I subli*.the motion, " That there
is a peculiar propriety in commemorating Sir R. Grant in
connection with the cause of tge education of the natives,
of which he was the enlightendEl friend, the eloquent advo-
cate, and the liberal patron -and supporter." Sir Robert
Grant, if I may use the expression, received the love of
India by inheritance. With his venerated father's sacred
affection for its best interests, he early sympathised ; and to
the promotion of them he pledged himself in connec-
tion with some of his first appearances in public life.
One intimation of his reeardato this country, at a later
period, I shall take the liber4aqf mentioning. In a speech
delivered in 1817,:before the Colaet:of Proprietors, respecting
the education of the civil servarfts of the Government, and
justly characterised by an Hoodurable Gentleman associ-
ated with him in debate aiz'havingi " for argument, for
information, and for eloquence, not been exceeded by any
speech delivered in modern times," he thus avows the prin-
ciples by which our rule should be characterised :—" We
regard our Indian possessions, not as a mine from which we
are to draw the treasures of the East, but as a field on
which we are to diffuse the nobler treasures of Western
light, and knowledge, and refinement ; not as a scene of
exertion for chartered rapacity, or for avarice sheltering
itself under the name of privilege, but as a theatre on which
high qualities are to be displayed, on which great talents
arc to be exercised and extended, on which all the charities
and amenities of domestic life are to be developed and
established." These are noble principles, and they were
those of him who recommended them. It is well known
that his desire to carry out his enlightened views had no
little influence in inducing him to accept the high office
which he so honourably filled. No sooner had he planted
his foot on these shores than he put himself in communica-
tion with the gentlemen who are practically engaged in di-
recting the great work of the education of the native mind.
He invited them to make all the suggestions to him which
might appear calculated to advance the cause which they
have at heart. These suggestions he most anxiously and
attentively considered ; and he either adopted them, or
substituted sernethity bettedirtheirplace, the result of his
own enlightened deliberation and judgment. We all know
the eloquence with which he pleaded the cause of learning
before the Native Education Society, the delicacy and
good taste with which he encouraged the eminent mas-
ters of that institution to persevere in their exertions; and
the peculiar judgment with which he excited the pupils to
prosecute their studies. We all know the anxious regard
which at the Bycullah schools he expressed for the instruc-
tion in useful and divine knowledge of those whom he
was desirous to send forth throughout the country as com-
petent representatives of our own principles among the
observant natives. We ought to know, however, many
other facts connected with his zeal in the cause to
to which we now advert, which are not less interest-
ing. To a few of these I can only allude. The Vernacu-
lar schools founded by his distinguished predecessors en-
joyed his peculiar care. He struck out from their regula-
tions some most obnoxious clauses, which, in the eyes of
the people, stigmatised the grandest subject with which edu-
cation has to deal. He destroyed a monopoly which existed
as to the supply of books ; and encouraged the use of those
which might be found suitable, without any reference to
the mode of their publication ; and thus gave a most im-
portant impetus to native literature. He placed the pro-
vincial schools under a competent European superinten-
dence ; and made provision to render their pupils eligible
for public employment, and even as teachers, without en-
deavouring to force them to come to Bombay, which is
associated in the minds of many of the natives with perils
and temptation. He sanctioned, as an experiment, a sys-
tem of vernacular instruction on a low scale, and which can
easily be extended throughout the country at a small ex-
pense in the Purandhar districts ; and which, while it
enables all willing to learn to read and write, will secure the
villages, to a great extent, from the frauds of their own
officials. The excellent English school established at Poona
by Lord Clare was warmly patronised by him. Mr. Ers-
dale, its able master, in a note which has been put into my
hands, thus expresses his obligations to him—" In the con-
versation which I had the happiness to enjoy with him (Sir
Robert), I was particularly struck with the anxious desire
which he manifested to obtain information as to the measures
most suitable for Government to adopt to promote the moral
and intellectual improvement of the people in the perfecting
of existing educational institutions. With respect to my
own school he readily acquiesced in every plan brought
forward to promote the object for which it was instituted ;
and we are indebted to his government for the institution
of some scholarships, as well as for the acquisition of a
number of those aids in the communication of knowledge
with which modern school-rooms are furnished. But in
particular, his liberality as a private individual was pre-
ominently displayed in presents of a variety of philoso-
phical apparatus, which he made to the school, and which,
while they remain a paramount monument of his munifi-
cence, will go to swell the number of the testimonies to be
brought forward of the deep personal interest which he took
in every institution for the education of the natives of this
country." It is mentioned by Captain Cundy, the watchful
superintendent of the Government vernacular schools, as
an instance of his (Sir Robert's) kind and liberal feel-
ing, that when he heard of a Brahmin who had a pe-
culiar taste for chemistry and natural philosophy, and who
had not the pecuniary means of prosecuting his studies,
he conferred on him an allowance which enabled him
to persevere. The schools throughout the Presidency
which are not immediately connected with the Government
were not less regarded, and valued, and encouraged than
those to which I have now referred. I can give my per-
sonal testimony on this subject. He contributed liberally
to their funds. He attended the examination of the ver-
nacular schools of the Scottish mission at Poonah. To the
most distinguished native pupil at the last examination of
the institution of the General Assembly of the Church of
Scotland in this place, with which I have the honour to be
connected, he officially presented a khilat, or honorary
dress, the first which had been here given in similar cir-
cumstances. The very last act of the expression of his in-
terest in the well-being of the natives, was his subscribing
on his leaving Bombay, immediately before his death, the
sum of 1,000 rupees to our building fund ; and this he did
with the full appreciation of the high objects at which we
aim, and with most fervent desires and prayers for our
complete success. He had asked me to submit a memorial
to him, pointing out the best way of extending the Govern-
ment countenance to all the deserving seminaries in the
country by the offer of prizes. The pupils of the whole
of them would have received equal favour from him,
according to their merits. More than I have now men-
tioned he did, and more he devised. I have given merely
specimens of the facts which I know. I feel that the loss
of our enlightened and zealous and generous patron is in-
deed great, and greatly is it to be mourned by us all. Let
us bless God, however, that he has left us the legacy of his
own example ; and let us do to ourselves, and the hallowed
cause which he supported, the justice of availing ourselves
of it. Let us preserve the influence of his great name in
connection with our endeavours to extend the influence of
truth throughout the country. I say all this with a know-
ledge of the specific proposal respecting the erection of a
Medical College which is to be submitted to the meeting.
Such an institution was ably planned and advocated by
Sir Robert, and such an institution, while it will suitably
commemorate him, will be an able auxiliary to our cause.
In connection with it, some of the natural sciences, most
important as objects of knowledge to the native mind,
will be taught in such a manner as will invite the attend-
ance of the pupils of other seminaries. Not only, as ap-
propriately stated by my Rev. Friend (Dr. Stevenson),
will pupils issue from it to alleviate the physical sufferings
of humanity ; but, as forming a learned profession to dif-
fuse the blessings of civilization throughout the country.
How much that is connected with the kind treatment of
the sick and afflicted, I need not tell. In various ways
the seminary will be the instrument of incalculable good.
Let us make our best endeavours to see it speedily opened,
and to make it a suitable monument of departed worth.
Mr. WILLOUGHBY, one of the Secretaries to the Go-
vernment, in seconding the resolution, said, I can state
from personal knowledge that the application of your late
esteemed Governor to his multifarious and laborious duties
was incessant and devoted : and I conscientiously believe
that if this was not the immediate cause, it hastened the
calamity which is so universally deplored throughout this
Presidency.
JAGGONATH INNKERSET, Esq., moved the fifth resolu-
tion : " That on condition that the Medical College,
Robert
ably planned and so zealously advocated by I
he fund be
Grant be established, and bear his m
applied, under the direction of a Committee •
'tat suitable build-
nated by this meeting, to the erection of name, the
be nomi-
to be conferred, after public
the"rnrent of the Medical
ing for that seminary, or the foundation of
osnchiotlsarsmhoipsst
deserving pupils ; and that ilas
expected, the fund
College not being established
shall be applied in such manner as may be agreed up-
on by ?I feel extreme gratification
from witnessing
numerously and respect-
ably this present meetingis withcaossnesmidbelry
which contains so many -
the Contriihmuw itora 'cry
able diffidence I
commenceisattenad
deddresslitn g an
gentlemen
of high intellect and
t
I pre ace t e e ve o say
acquirements; that I s mustp
my respect, and,
f ratherl from a wishe to testify
by remarlen
Sir, I hope I may say, the respect of
n my fellow-countrymen, for the memory of him whom
:re have been so recently and so unexpectedly deprived of
than with any idea that my feeble language will strong
serve what it intends to recommend. The natives feel ver
sensibly that they have lost in our late most lamente
Governor a tried and an invaluable friend, who devote
to the promotion of their interests, the enlargement of
their intellectual capabilities, and the dissemination

amongst them of happiness, and knowledge, his rarely
found talent, his winning eloquence, and his time, which
but too probably impaired his health. Of Sir Robert Grant's
anxious wish to found a college in which natives might
be instructed in that beneficial and most benevolent of all
studies, the science of medicine, there cannot be the
smallest doubt. If this be assumed, I feel confident that
no one present will controvert "a position so reasonable.
I cannot conceive any act we could possibly perform in
commemoration of the amiable deceased which would be so

gratifying to his manes, and so likely to perpetuate his
renown for philanthrophy and kind-heartedness to our
children's children, as the founding of a medical col•
lege to be designated after him whom we so deeply
and with so much justice deplore the loss of. By the
adoption of this suggestion, I conceive we shall honour
our late benefactor much more effectually than we could
do in any other manner ; and he who so strenuously
advocated the growth of medical science amongst natives
during his valuable life, would thus serve it even after
'saving paid the last debt of humanity.
Dr. SmY TT AN, in seconding the fifth resolution, addressed
the meeting as follows :—ln rising to second this motion, I
regret that it has not fallen to some person more competent
to set forth, in a suitable manner, the views and wishes of
our lamented Governor in regard to a medical school or
college. I can testify, however, as to his anxiety to obtain
for the natives the means of a complete medical education.
His inquiries were early set on foot. At length he committed
it to a medical Committee, of which I happened to be chair-
man, to collect information. Circulars were sent out by his
authority, and information was elicited from medical officers
all over the territory, as well as others at the Presidency
engaged in the education cf the natives. It was ascertained
that there was no inaptitude on the part of the natives, and
that their prejudices would not stand in the way of a full
medical education being communicated ; indeed, the expe-
rience of the Medical College at Calcutta, and of our own
hospitals, is satisfactory on this point. A report was drawn
up and sent in, with accompanying documents, to the Right,
Honourable the Governor in Council, from which I under-
stand a strong and able minute drawn up by Sir Ro-
bert was forwarded to the Supreme Government, urging
the necessity of an establishment at this Presidency for
imparting full instruction to the natives in medicine and

surgery.
J. B. CRAWFORD, Esq., in supporting the motion, said,
I am induced to trespass on the attention of this meeting
at this time from peculiar circumstances having given me
the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the senti-
ments of our late respected Governor on the subject of
medical improvement generally, and afforded me the means
of stating of my own immediate knowledge that the
establishment of a medical college, in conjunction, if pos-
sible, with an enlarged native dispensary and native hospi-
tal, where the castes and prejudices of the natives could
be more attended to than has hitherto been found practi-

cable, was amongst the most anxious wishes of his hear
and because, also, I believe that in adopting the resolution
which is now in the hands of our Reverend Cha'rman, we
shall manifest our respect for departed worth in a manner
which the lamented individual' whose merits we desire to
commemorate would himself approve.
JAMES BIRD, Esq., moved the sixth resolution :
" That the following gentlemen form a Committee, with
power to add to their number, for collecting a commemora-
tive fund an] applying it to the objects specified by the
meeting." [Here follow the names, consis'ing of native and
European gentlemen.] After the warm and just commen-
dations which have been pronounced on the much-lamented
and eminently good individual to perpetuate whose memory
and to honour whose virtues we are here assembled, I would
not have ventured now to express my sentiments did I not
feel that I have enjoyed no common opportunity of know-
ing his kindness and benevolence in private life, and of
judging of the rectitude and generosity which ever
actuated his public conduct. What has been done for
the benefit of this island during the brief period of
his Government, by works of public utility being sane
honed and completed, the following letter from the
officer who superintends them will best explain :—" No-
thing can exceed the interest taken by Sir R. Grant in
plans for improving the town and island of Bombay, or for
ameliorating the condition of its inhabitants ; and although
be made use of every means in his power, and spared him-
self no trouble to investigate the real merits of any sug-
gestions that were made to him, it seemed as if plans could
not be prepared fist enough. Many public works of the
utmost utility, and acknowledged to be so by the Govern-
ment for many years previous to Sir R. Grant's adminis-
tration, yet from some trifling causes never sanctioned, were
immediately, after he became Governor, ordered to be com-
menced, and it may safely be said that the public im-
provements undertaken by any former Government were
trivial, and bore no kind of proportion either in extent or
usefulness to those effected by him. The noxious, imper-
fectly drained, and filthy state of the native town was a
source of constant anxiety to him, and before his la-
mented death he had commenced arrangements for im-
proving it on a most extended and liberal scale. The im-
provements of the roads on the island, and, in short, all
works calculated for the real benefit of the community,
were equally the objects of his attention. Among the
many improvements commenced or completed during the
short period he was at the head of the Government, the
following may be enumerated :—Streets in the native town,
befOre impassable, and the receptacles of the mud and filth
of the neighbourhood, have been converted into good mac-
adamised roads, to the indescribable comfort of those re-
siding in the streets, and greatly improving the salubrity
and appearance of the neighbourhood. Many highly useful
drains have been made, and among them one for turning
the water falling on the esplanade into the harbour, instead
of, as before, having to pass through the town, and even-
tually to Worlee, flooding in its course the houses in whole
streets. This work, though urged by the authorities
ever since the year 1818, was not commenced until Sir
R. Grant interested himself regarding it, and it need only
be said that it has more than answered the most san-
guine expectations of its projectors. The improvement to
the sluices and channels of Worlee and Moree, by means of
which the flats are now completely drained by October
instead of January, or three months sooner than they used
to be, and now the plan for completely draining the flats,
by making a new set of sluices near Lovegrove, are all
works sanctioned by Sir R. Grant. The public markets
and slaughter-houses, the Colubah Causeway, the widening
of the Fort gates, the grand road across the island from
the Duncan-road, draw-wells to the sea-beach at Chow-
patty, the widening of many public roads, particularly
about the secretariate premises, and various works for in-
creasing and improving the supply of fresh water in the
town, have all originated with him. Many other works,
minor in extent, though of infinite benefit to parts of the
town, might be enumerated ; and likewise several instances
in which public acts of former governments, which had been
found to press heavily on portions of the inhabitants, have
been rescinded or modified, though at the risk of offending
many very influential, though interested, individuals.
The motion was seconded by LEWIS GRANT, Esq., who
said—l have the pleasure of seconding this resolution ;
and I am glad of the opportunity which the occasion af-
fords me of paying my tribute, however unworthy it may
be, to the excellent character of our late Governor,
which in every relation of life, so far as it came under my
observation, was such as to command admiration and es-
teem. I feel assured that recollections of him will be long
and fondly cherished in Bombay ; and that even if the la-
bour of love and affection in which we are now engaged
was left unperformed, monuments to his memory would
not be wanting, but that his name and fame would go down
to aftertimes in connection with the great works of social
improvement which have been adverted to in the resolu-
tions which have been adopted, and which have so happily
prospered under the fostering auspices of his liberal and en-
lightened administration.
The seventh resolution was moved by JAMSTTJEE Jua.
HOY, Esq.—" That the Committee be requested to circu-
late copies of the proceedings of this meeting and subscrip-
tion lists through the out stations."
This resolution was seconded by the Venerable Arch-
deacon JEFFREYS. It is not my intention at this late hour,
he said, to detain the meeting, in order to add my feeble
aid to the light that has been already thrown around the
character of our late beloved Governor by those who have
gone before me ; there appears to be such a perfect unani-
mity of feeling on the subject, that all that I can say has
been already anticipated. I can only bear my testimony to
what you have already heard, that our lamented Governor
was so universally kind and amiable and courteous, that
he won the affections of all who knew him. lam not pre-
pared to assert that he never, in any one instance, made
an error of judgment, for to say this would require a far
more extensive acquaintance with his public conduct than
I can pretend to, but I firmly believe that he was sin-
cerely desirous of doing that which was just and right. By
this trait in his public character (in which all are agreed)
he won the esteem as well as the affections of all,
and I believe it may be said
cFor with truth, that he has
my own
noptaea
r, I
not left a single enemy behini
should be very ungrateful, indeed, if I did htr
testimony to his personal kindness and courtesy to
myself, and not only to myself, but to the whole body of i
the clergy of our Church Establishment, n whose. name I
now speak, and whose unanimous feeling
and opinion I am
certain that I faithfully represent. But, my Lord, it was
not merely in the kindness and courtesies of society that
our late Governor excelled ; no, nor merely in that genuine
love to mankind which evidently filled his heart, and met
its reward in the love of others. His praise stood on far
higher ground than this—on the ground of genuine piety
and love to God. There is the strongest reason to believe
that, amidst all his multiplied avocations, he was no stranger
to real heart religion and private communion with God.
The general interests of religion, and of our own Church
Festablishnient in particular, occupied a large share of his

attention ; and when I consider the vast amount of cor-
respondence which passed under his own eye, as stated
by his Secretary (all of which he examined for himself), I
am quite astonished at the readiness with which all the
correspondence was answered which passed through my
department ; and I cannot but feel bound to acknowledge
that amidst his various and extensive engagements the
Church occupied even more than her share of his atten-
tion. With these observations, my Lord, Ido with the
sincerest pleasure second the motion that has just been

made.
JAMES HENRY CRAWFORD, Esq., in moving the eighth
resolution, said, One resolution more remains to be moved,
which has just been put into my hands. Before, however,
submitting it to this meeting, I must avail myself of this
further opportunity of addressing it, to say that I consider
it a subject of congratulation to those who called it, and to
every friend of Sir Robert Grant, wherever situated, that it
has been attended by as numerous an assemblage of all
ranks—native as well as European—and been marked by as
great a degree of nnanimity, as I ever remember to have
seen in this place. My own connection with Bombay ex-
tends to a period of upwards of 30 years, and havinr, neces-
sarily been present at many public meetings during that time,
I can safely say that I never attended one in which the
general feeling was more in unison with that of its promo-
ters, or more strongly and'unequivocally manifested, than in
the present instance. Unfortunately for myself,my protracted
absence from Bombay on duty, and only recent return, have
greatly lessened the means which most around me have
possessed of becoming personally acquainted with the many
excellencies of our late respected Governor's character, both
in public and private life ; but I have seen enough to satisfy
me that, in the discharge of his official duties, he was ac-
tuated, as has been more than once stated this day, by a
sincere desire to do right at all times, and to all persons,
and to improve the condition of the country and the people
entrusted to his care to the utmost of his power ; and I
have experienced in the few opportunities of personal in-
tercourse which it has been permitted me to enjoy, all that
kindness of heart and disposition, urbanity of manner and
friendly feeling, which others have to-day so ably and
eloquently described. Under these circumstances I am
anxious not to let the present opportunity escape of adding
my humble tribute of respect to the memory of him whose
loss we all deplore, and of stating, that to the extent in
which my short residence under his Government has per-
'flitted me to form an estimate of Sir Robert Grant's '
character, I cordially and honestly concur in all that has
been said in its praise. I have now, Gentlemen, to call
your attention to the resolution in my hand, which I am
sure will pass with as much unanimity as any that has pre-
ceded it, and to propose—" That the best thanks of this
meeting are due to the Lord Bishop for his conduct in the
Chair."
HENRY FAWCETT, F,sq., seconded the motion, which,
like all that preceded it, was unanimously adopted.
We subjoin some of the remarks of the Bombay Courier,
which gives the report of the proceedings of the above
meeting :
" We are enabled to present our readers with a full re-
port of the very interesting proceedings in the Town-hall
on Saturday last, which had for their object to comtnemo-
rate the name of the beloved and excellent Governor who
has been snatched from his earthly duties to a happier
existence. All who have known Bombay for the last
fifty years say that never during their recollection has
there been so numerous, so zealous ash assemblage of
friends as that which met to do honour to and gild
the name of the good and talented man 'who so won
the hearts of all who were subjected to his control in
the Presidency. There have been popular and esteemed
Governors and Commanders in Bombay, but nothing like
the spectacle of Saturday was witnessed when they
quitted the seat of Government and of power to retire
into the privacy of their domestic circles. In this instance
the large space of the Town-hall was crowded from its
entrance on every side, and all appeared enthusiastic to
pay the last tribute to that benevolent and philanthropic
Governor who had given such proofs of his interest
and affection for the mingled races of the country, had
exhibited such earnestness for their mental culture and
improvement, had contributed so largely when the hand
of charity could allay suffering, and had struggled so hard
to remove physical defects and open the resources of the
different provinces. Considering his short tenure of office,
the three years only during which he had governed us,
we find that he has effected a vast deal of good, and
given that impulse to the eliciting the, resources of the
country which we hope will urge on infinitely more exten-
sive amendments. It was no fault of his that the measures
of benefit to the country were not more ample. The li-
mited nature of his instructions offered a perpetual obstacle
to amelioration on a larger scale.
"We must refer our readers to the proceedings of the
meeting for a more elaborate tribute to the memory of Sir
Robert Grant ; suffice it for us to say, that the gathering of
his friends on this occasion convinces us of the justness of
our previous remark that "he died without one personal
enemy ;" the meeting which has been held to do him
honour has been every way worthy of Bombay. There were
no favours to court, no smiles to win, no benefits to hope for
in prospect ; but yet all were present to sound the praises
of and to raise a lasting memorial to him whose tongue
could no longer praise nor hand bestow the rewards and
honours of patronage. Ttle Chamber of Commerce, to
its honours besides evincing its estimation of Sir Robert
Grant by its members on Saturday, intends separately,
and distinctly from what may be effected by the aid of a
general subscription, to raise a tablet to his memory in their
hail of meeting."

UNIVERSITY OF LONDON,

SOMERSET HOUSE.

MATRICULATION.
Dr
Examiners in Classics,
Re Jenard,
Rev. C. Thirlwall.
Mr. G. B. Jerrard,
Mathematics, Rev. R. Murphy.
Chemistry, Mr. Braude.
Natural History, Rev. Professor Henslow.
The following students, having passed the Examination,
were admitted as Members of the University :

FIRST DIVISION.
Brett, University College.
Davison, ditto.
Fenton, ditto.
Foggo, King's College.
Greenwood, University College.
Hargreave. ditto.
Manning, King's College.
Mason, University College.
Ridley, ditto.
Sargent, King's College.
Shaen, University College.
Stansfeld, ditto.
SECOND DIVISION.
Bird, King's College.
Bower, ditto.
Clarke, ditto.
Gibson, University College.
Goodeve, King's College.
Grindall, ditto.
Harrison, ditto.
Lawford, University College.
Muliens, ditto.
Sugden, ditto.
The folbwing Students were arranged in the order of their
proficiency in Chemistry and Natural History :
Ridley, University College.
Clarke, King's College.
Davison, University College.
Lawford, ditto.