PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TEC.O. 882
1
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-
COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
10
A native of Ceylon lives almost exclusively on
rice and the vegetables of his own fields.
I do not believe that he consumes in the month more than 1s., or at the utmost 20s. a-year of other articles of food.
It is essential, too, to remember the different value of labour in the two countries, and that whilst the Bengal Coolie, who pays 38. 3d. in taxes cau earn but about 58. or 68. a-month; the Kandyan and Singhalese, who can earn from 12s. to 18s. a- month, has to pay 28. 114d as his share of tax- ation.
One signal effect of the recent taxes, and especi- -ally of the Road Ordinance, has been to arouse the Kandyans to the necessity of exertion, and to over- come their habitual refusal to labour for hire.
It has been observed that since the passing of these taxing ordinances the Kandyans have been offering themselves in hundreds to work on the coffee estates, when before that none but Malabars were willing to accept of employment.
I put in a letter from the most extensive coffee-
planter in the island, Mr. Worms, in illustration of
this fact.
"Rothschild Estate, Puselawn,
My dear Sir Emerson, October 11, 1849.
"We have just heard of your intention to visit England, and although we regret your temporary absence, which Ceylon can ill afford, we rejoice at the opportunity you will enjoy in unbiassed England to expose the groundless charges brought against Lord Torrington. To rule-giving satisfaction to
al parties-never yet was effected, and we trust both Lord Torrington and yourself have experienced enough as statesmen not to permit such factious statements to weigh heavily upon your minds. Since 1845 Ceylon has entirely changed its political inovements as the policy of the present Government has been directed to such legislation as was calcu- lated to facilitate trade, and improve the produce of the island, at the same time not neglecting the necessity of upholding its military greatness; whereas former Governors chiefly directed their energies to maintain the military importance of the colony,. not that any blame attaches to former Governors, but the simple fact that of late years only has
11
Ceylon developed its capabilities. Ceylon owes to Lord Torrington many thanks, for his Lordship is the first civil Governor who has looked, con amore, into the interests of the agriculture and general trade of this colony. As to the existing attack levelled against Lord Torrington for proclaiming martial law, we ever had but one opinion with regard to its necessity; and we trust even his Lordship's oppo- nents now concur with us in its propriety. We have extensive properties in Ceylon; and it is our firm belief that had not the steps been adopted which now give rise to unworthy remarks, plunder and ruin would have visited the plantations in the interior. From facts, after the proclamation of martial law, which threw themselves in our path of inquiry, we have no doubt but what attempts were made to rouse Badulla into rebellion, which was alone checked and ultimately prevented from assum-
ing vital consequences by the continuance of martial law. Thus was the country kept in subjection, showing the natives that any outbreak elsewhere would prove abortive, from the stringent measures taken, which alone can and will ever hold place
and
One
over a multitude of demi-civilized people-many may forget the fashion of the times; émeute after émeute! but those who have witnessed carnage loss of property from rebellious subjects can better appreciate measures which tend to the general safety of property and life. We sincerely trust that when these matters are fairly put before the British public and the House of Commons, that justice will be done to Lord Torrington in acquitting him trium- phantly of all derogatory charges, and tha this Lord- ship will glean renown for his vigour and prompti- tude, and the signal success of his measures. remarkable and almost unhoped-for result of Lord Torrington's policy in requiring the natives to con- tribute some trifling amount toward the revenue of the colony, is, that they are now beginning to labour and throw off the drowsiness of indolence to which they have hitherto given way, as no necessity called We have their faculties into operation as yet. employed on our estate Malabars alone; from 500 to 800 Coolies during crop; formerly no Kandyan could be tempted to work as a common Cooly on our estate, but within the last few months the Kan- dyans have presented themselves in hundreds, offer-