Part 11 (1/2)

Colonel Thomas Munro.

_Thirty-two years' service in India._

”If a good system of agriculture, unrivalled manufacturing skill, a capacity to produce whatever can contribute to convenience or luxury; schools established in every village, for teaching, reading, writing and arithmetic; the general practice of hospitality and charity among each other; and, above all, treatment of the female s.e.x, full of confidence, respect and delicacy, are among the signs which denote a civilised people, then the Hindus are not inferior to the nations of Europe; and if civilization is to become an article of trade between the two countries, I am convinced that this country [England] will gain by the import cargo.”

Frederick von Schlegel.

”It cannot be denied that the early Indians possessed a knowledge of the true G.o.d; all their writings are replete with sentiments and expressions n.o.ble, clear and severely grand, as deeply conceived and reverently expressed as in any human language in which men have spoken of their G.o.d.... Among nations possessing indigenous philosophy and metaphysics, together with an innate relish for these pursuits, such as at present characterises Germany; and in olden times, was the proud distinction of Greece, Hindustan holds the first rank in point of time.”

Sir William Wedderburn, Bart.

”The Indian village has thus for centuries remained a bulwark against political disorder, and the home of the simple domestic and social virtues.

No wonder, therefore, that philosophers and historians have always dwelt lovingly on this ancient inst.i.tution which is the natural social unit and the best type of rural life; self-contained, industrious, peace-loving, conservative in the best sense of the word.... I think you will agree with me that there is much that is both picturesque and attractive in this glimpse of social and domestic life in an Indian village. It is a harmless and happy form of human existence. Moreover, it is not without good practical outcome.”

J. Young.

_Secretary, Savon Mechanics' Inst.i.tutes._

(_Within recent years_).