PUBLIC RECORD
OFFICE
Reference :-
TC.O. 882
1
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
cinnamon has increased from 44,7361. in 1847, to 73,3871. in 1849. That whilst the export trade has increased, the inland trade has increased also, as indicated by the increased consumption of rice and salt, and the revenue drawn from tolls which exhi- bit an increase in 1849 of 2,3481. on the previous year. That it appears that the expenditure has
been reduced in successive years, as follows:
1847 1848 1849
£ 8. d.
53,441 10
15,223 0
0
0
11,115 0 0
or, compared with the year 1846, the expenditure of 1849 is reduced by no less an amount than 79,7801., and that farther reductions are in progress.
IV. That these measures of economy and re- trenchment, and of relief to the trade and industry of the island, are highly creditable to Lord Tor- rington and the members of the Government of Ceylon generally.
V. That it appears that in the year 1848 an insurrection occurred, which, among other causes of long standing, was mainly attributable to unfounded rumours and misrepresentations which were indus- triously circulated amongst the people, of numerous vexatious and onerous taxes imposed or to be imposed. That the people of the Kandyan pro- vinces, especially in the districts of Matelle and Kornegalle, rose in large numbers, attacked the towns of Matelle and Kornegalle, destroyed much public and private property, and created universal alarm. That the accounts which reached Lord Torrington of these disturbances, represented that disaffection prevailed to a great extent amongst the inhabitants of these populous districts, who were known to be generally in the possession of arms, and that the extensive and scattered plantations of coffee were exposed to imminent danger.
VI. That at this time the amount of military force at Lord Torrington's disposal, for the main- tenance of the public peace in so extensive an
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island, was exceedingly small, and that under these circumstances he immediately sent to Madras for reinforcements, and also with the unanimous advice of his Executive Council proclaimed martial law on the 29th and 31st of July, in the districts of Matelle and Kornegalle.
That the Governor had the full concurrence and support of the highest military authorities, and generally of all classes of the inhabitants, as appears
by the published proceedings and resolutions of public meetings in Kandy and Colombo, in these and the other measures which he adopted for the suppression of the rebellion, and that they were successful in promptly effecting that object and completely restoring the public peace, which has not since been disturbed.
VII. That martial law in the proclaimed districts was continued till October 10, or a period of ten weeks. That the policy and necessity of this pro- longation of martial law has been denied by many of the witnesses examined, whose opinion is entitled
to consideration. That it appears, however, that Colonel Drought, the commandant at Kandy, in a statement laid before this Committee, considered the continuance of martial law necessary; that Major-General Smelt on the 25th of September addressed a letter to Lord Torrington, in which the following passage occurs:—
"It appears to me that the continuance of mar- tial law is more essential now than before the capture of that individual; for the Executive Council has decided that he should not be brought to trial, having voluntarily offered to come forward and give some extraordinary and valuable information on the subject of the late insurrection. In this information it is expected that some of the most influential natives are or will be implicated, both us to, the origin and as instigators of that insurrection. If martial law was, therefore, discontinued now, I think much trouble and difficulty might be looked for in the arrest and safe custody of these persons, and be attended by many other evils which martial law would prevent; such, for instance, as risings or breaking out in different parts for the hindrance of such arrests."