I have carefully considered all the circumstances of the murder, which was as you show perpetrated for political reasons, but all the arguments used would be equally applicable to any murder committed by a number of the inhabitants of a given village or district. With the evidence that you have obtained it appears to me that there will be grounds upon which to offer a large reward for such evidence as will lead to the arrest and conviction of any of the offenders. You have the names of several, for whose arrest warrants can be obtained. This will mark very clearly that the law is not dead. The other means are doubtless effective, but the two systems mark the difference between benevolent despotism and law.
The clan or village can always be reached under the system of enforcing payment for special Police Store. I see it stated that the murdered man was sent in by Government. I did not know this; but even had he been so sent, there was nothing to show you that there was the slightest danger to be apprehended. On the contrary the reports received were to the effect that the people were ready to receive the British rule gladly. The Police stations will be proceeded with as quickly as possible. I hope that the arrangements for the administration will soon be begun.
(Signed) H.A. B.
26th. April, 1899.