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PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference:

TLC.O. 882

1

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO

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exercised to aid and support the constituted authorities in their laudable efforts to promote the welfare and prosperity of the country.

I beg your Excellency to accept the expression of our sentiments as a respectful token of our confidence in your Lordship's Government, and as a mark of our dutiful esteem and gratitude; and with our earnest prayers to Almighty God to guide, prosper, and preserve your Excel- lency in every undertaking,

I have, &c.

CAETANO ANTONIO, Bishop and Vicar Apost. of Ceylon.

The Right Hon. Viscount Torrington,

&e.

(Signed)

ico.

&c.

(Inclosure 4.)

Proceedings at a Public Meeting at Kandy, Sir Herbert Maddock in the Chair.

1st Resolution-

Moved by R. D. Swan, Esq.

Seconded by B. D. Gerard, Esq.

"That this meeting tender its cordial thanks to the local Government for the prompt and energetic measures taken to suppress the rebellion lately raised within this and the other districts of the Kandyan Provinces, and for the pro- tection of Her Majesty's peaceable and loyal subjects.”

2nd Resolution-

Moved by W. R. Gaskell, Esq.

Seconded by C. Morrison, Esq.

"That this meeting feels confident that no general dis- affection to the British Government exista among the mass of the Kandyan people, except perhaps in certain districts, and is of opinion that the lower orders have been incited by tumultuous assemblages, and violent measures by ill-disposed persons, amongst whom are many chiefs, petty headmen, and priests.”

3rd Resolution--

Moved by Rev. 8. O. Glenie,

Beconded by A. Adams, Esq.

"That the thanks of this meeting are due to Colonel Drought, for the effective and judicious manner in which he has carried out the measures of Government, and for

the ready assistance he has given in cases where his aid or protection were solicited.”

4th Resolution-

Moved by G. Wall, Esq.

Beconded by T. Hunter, Esq.

"That this meeting views with regret the unworthy attempt lately made by certain parties to charge the late

Sir E. Tennent.

April 15, 1850.

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disturbances upon undue display of the military, and records its opinion that the interference of military force was peremptorily required, and most opportunely and judiciously exercised.”

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The Observer" a local newspaper, having the largest circulation, also expressed the general opinion of the public at the time; though the editor of this paper (Mr. Elliott) became subse- quently one of the bitterest and most unscrupulous

of Lord Torrington's opponents with reference to these proceedings.

9853. Mr. Hawes --You have stated that in the opinion of all classes of the population the proclamation of mar- tial law was necessary, and that the natives and Europeans concurred in the opinion; and that there is evidence in the papers before the Committee, that no objection was raised on the score of the natives?—None; on the contrary, during the period of the continuance of martial law the natives them- selves presented addresses to Lord Torrington expressive of their concurrence and satisfaction at the safety which they enjoyed under it. Those addresses will be found.

2854. At the time of the outbreak what was the opinion of the local press, of the newspaper having the largest circulation in the island, of the measures of Govern- ment?-My recollection is, that at the time the local press entirely concurred with the prevailing feeling of - extreme danger and apprehension, and of extreme grati- tude to Lord Torrington for the promptitude of his mea- sures, and the success with which they were attended.

2855. Can you refer to the extracts in proof of that statement ?—I have extracts in my hand which I made before leaving Ceylon from the local papers, but I have not the local papers with me, so that it may not be satin- factory to the Committee to take mere extracts; some of the papers I can produce; I am therefore not disposed to quote extracts of which I have not the original papers to lay before the Committee. On the 19th of August, 1848,

in the “ Observer” newspaper, it was stated as “the opinion of many sæperienced persons that the game of 1818 will be moved over again, and that the partial risings at Matella and Kornegalia are but the preludes to a general rebellion in the whole of the Kandyan provissons.” On August the £nd there was a letter in the "Colembo Observar,” which was inserted in a leading article, and it ocoésies this passage: “ It is the opinion of many that the proclamation of martial law in the Kandymen distric was popsiers ; best from the reports I ham just kaard an instarunction kasing commenced in Doumbura, I am of a contrary opinion, my matte being Puppevillam is battar than mora.'” On the 4th of Angyot another appeared in the same poper, which utstock, “Whallot