The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 08 (of 12)Burke, Edmund
History
The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 08 (of 12)
Burke, Edmund
Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1760-1820; Political science -- Early works to 1800
That the said Warren Hastings himself was sensible that the frequent
changes by him made would much disorder the management of the revenues,
and seemed desirous of concealing his intentions concerning the last
change until the time of its execution. Yet it appears, by a letter from
the British Resident, dated the 23d of June, 1784, "that a very strong
report prevailed at Benares of his [the said Hastings's] intentions of
appointing a new Naib for the approaching year, and that the effect is
evident which the prevalence of such an idea amongst the aumils would
probably have on the cultivation at this particular time. The heavy
mofussil kists [harvest instalments] have now been collected by the
aumils; the season of tillage is arrived; the ryots [country farmers]
must be indulged, and even assisted by advances; and the aumil must look
for his returns in the abundance of the crop, _the consequence of this
early attention to the cultivation_. The effect is evident _which the
report of a change in the first officer of the revenue must have on the
minds of the aumils, by leaving them at an uncertainty of what they have
in future to expect_; and in proportion to the degree of this
uncertainty, their efforts and expenses in promoting the cultivation
will be languid and sparing. In compliance with the Naib's request, I
have written to all the aumils, encouraging and ordering them to attend
to the cultivation of their respective districts; but I conceive I
should be able to promote this very desirable intention much more
effectually, if you will honor me with the communication of your
intentions on this subject. At the same time I cannot help just
remarking, that, if a change is intended, the sooner it takes place, the
more _the bad effects_ I have described will be obviated."
That the Council, having received the proposition for the removal of the
administrator aforesaid, did also, in a letter to him, the said
Hastings, condemn the frequent changes by him made in the administration
of the collections of Benares,--but did consent to such alterations as
might be made without encroaching on the rights established by his, the
said Hastings's, agreement in the year 1781, and did desire him to
transmit to them his plan for a new administration.
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