ESSAYS BY THE STUDENTS OF THE COLLEGE OF FORT WILLIAM, &C. 
, 
obtaining a knowledge of the manners 
and customs of the natives of India, takes 
for granted the necessity of such know- 
ledge; and in plain langtiage tells the 
students, that whatever situation they 
occupy, whether they aré employed in 
the legislative, judicial, or commercial 
line, an acquaintance with the hereditary 
usages and opinions of those for whom 
they legislate, and with whom they have 
any dealings, must be the foundation of 
every liberal, and politic, and just prin- 
ciple of conduct. In the third essay, a 
still more enlarged and comprehensive 
view of the subject of the second, seems 
to be recommended. The question, as 
it is stated for discussion, seems to say to 
the students, “a knowledge of the man- 
ners and customs of the Asiatics is neces- 
sary, but it is not all that is necessary; 
you must matk the operation of these 
nanners and customs, and observe what 
effect they produce upon their character 
and capacities ; you must apply your know- 
ledge. In order to conciliate the affec- 
tions of those under your sway, and se- 
cure their fidelity; make yourself ac- 
quainted with their character, that you 
may not unintentionally, and through 
ignorance do violence to their prejudices, 
and shock their feelings.” 
Before we read a line of any one of 
these essays, sich were the reflections 
which came across our minds on looking 
over the contents of the volume, where 
the subjects of them are stated. It is 
time to notice the essays themselvés, 
which do credit to the good sense, and 
what is more, to the good feelings of 
their respective authors. 
_ The more important and immediate 
advantages of an academical institution 
in India are so obvious, that it can excite 
no surprise if the three gentlemen who 
employed their pens in the enumeration 
of them, should coincide in their opi- 
nions, and cast their eyes onthe same ob- 
jects. So striking indeed is this coinci- 
dence, that there is scarcely a sentiment 
in any one of the first three essays, which 
is not to be found in one of the other 
two. 
Mr. Martin, after anticipating the dis- 
covery of many treasures of literature, 
which an intimate acquaintance with ori- 
erital languages alone can bring to light, 
proceeds thus: 
But these studies, though yaluable in 
themselves at all times, derive additional im- 
portance when considered in a political point 
of view. <‘ Justice is the. pillar which sup- 
. Ann. Rev. Vor. II. 
673 
ports the fabric of human society.’ Its strict 
and impartial administration has, almost in 
every age and country, been esteemed the 
firmest bond for conciliating the affections, 
and securing the obedience of its subjects. 
If, therefore, any specks may haye arisen, to 
dim the lustre and stain the purity of a sys 
tem, so essential to the happiness of millions, 
and in which their interests are so deeply in- 
volved; «whatever tends to dissipate and erase 
them, excites our gratitude, and engrosses 
Gur atténtion. The clouds which have ob- 
scured its path will now retire and disperse; 
while the success which must inevitably 
crown the steps of industry, will enable us to 
introduce the solid advantages of European 
literature; will promote the cultivation of 
wealth, by giving vigour and dispatch to bu- 
siness ; and will be the means 0 accelerating 
the progress of civjl society, by enlarging the 
channels of intercourse. Our credit too, as 
a nation, is interested in marking the progress 
of our conquests, not by the vain effusion of 
innocent blood, or the dolena Wi of millions 
of the human race; but by a generous an® 
liberal communication of the arts and sci-~ 
ences ; while policy requires, that the people, 
whom our arms have rescued from the gall- 
ing bonds of Asiatic slavery, should, while 
they acknowledge the necessity, experience 
the benefits of their submission. 
«« If then it be of acknowledged moment 
to acquire the principles of general know- 
ledge, and to render ourselves acquainted with 
the languages of those countries which we 
may hereafter govern, it is of proportional 
importance to consult the experience of his- 
tory; as a field, exhibiting the varied opera 
tions of the human understanding, and a thea 
aire, representing the various changesand pas= 
sions of the human heart. Unfurnished with 
any ideas on genefal policy, and unaccustom- 
ed to contemplate the objects which wise and 
salutary laws ever have in view, we should be 
totally unable to form any just estimate of 
the syetems of ancient legislators, or of their 
influence on the general happiness of the peo- 
ple. History, by pointing out the objects of 
true worth and value, teaches us to despise 
the brilliancy of those martial exploits, which, 
though they niay have procured the tem 
rary applause and admiration of mankind, 
have ever been condemned by the calm and 
dispassiogate suffrage of posterity: It will 
encourage us, by the numerous examples 
which it displays of a noble disregard to pri- 
vate interest, when opposed to the great claims 
of society, to love, and imitate those quali- 
ties which we admire and extol in others; 
and will prompt us to 1esist the progress of 
that degenerate spirit, which sacrifices, with- 
out a blush, the considerations of duty and 
interest to the base indulgence of sloth and 
appetite. 
«* But there is no feature in the institution 
that shines with brighter or more distinguish- 
ed lustre, or that more demands our gratitude 
and esteem, than the asylum it affords against 
Xx 
