Minute by J. H. Littler, April 2, 1850

Minute, dated 2nd April 1850 by Major General Sir J. H. Littler.

        I regret, much that I cannot agree in opinion with my Honourable Colleague Mr. Bethune as to the interference of Government in the cause of Female Education.

        A few days ago, Mr. Bethune proposed that I should issue instructions to the Magistrate of Baraset and other stations where female schools are established to afford them protection and encouragement as well as to facilitate the undertaking in which he was engaged. The proposition, though apparently not unreasonable I declined on the grounds that it was not usual for Government to interfere in such matters either directly or indirectly.

        Magistrates and other Judicial authorities are at all times prepared to do their duty, and protect those who may make known their grievances or demand their assistance.

        To call their particular attention therefore to this point as a specified measure, would, I consider, be not only superfluous, but in fact, would bear the appearance of a compulsory order, and be viewed in that light probably by the people in general.

        The scheme of Female Education is doubtless unpopular, and looked upon by the mass, with fear and dread, whether Hindus or Mahomedans. Will it not involve a dereliction of the principle of neutrality to which the Government, (I have always understood) is pledged in like cases?

        It appears to me also that suspicious, ill-disposed natives, may consider it subservient in some degree to the views of Proselytism. I cordially agree with His Lordship that every praise is due to Mr. Bethune for his persevering, laudable exertion in such a noble cause and so great an undertaking.

        Individually I wish him every success, but having always been of opinion that Government should not interfere in such cases, I have deemed it incumbent upon me to record my sentiments accordingly.

J. H. LITTLER

The 2nd April 1850

From: Bureau of Education. Selections from Educational Records, Part II (1840-1859). Edited by J. A. Richey. Calcutta: Superintendent Government Printing, 1922. Reprint. Delhi: National Archives of India, 1965, 57.