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there is little need to pursue the enquiry in this 

 direction. If the loss to the Community, of a 

 considerable portion of their legal share of the 

 produce of the soil, were all they had to com- 

 plain of in such an arrangement, the case of the 

 advocates for the present redemption of the land 

 revenue of India would not be irretrievable. Com- 

 pensation, in other ways, might be made. When, 

 however, it appears that instead of the poorer 

 portion of the Community being compensated for the 

 loss resulting from the bestowal of their property, 

 by their own Guardian, on their more wealthy 

 and powerful fellow subjects, that Guardian makes 

 a free gift of it, with the avowed intention of 

 compelling these unfortunate people to make good 

 the deficiency of their own estate, the case assumes 

 a very different aspect. It is no longer a question 

 of policy. It is one rather for the opinion of the 

 Crown Lawyers. 



Scrupulous respect for rights of the people in the 

 soil, it has been said, and, most firmly do I believe, 

 most conscientiously said, is one of the most solemn 

 duties of a Government, and the sentiment has been 

 cordially concurred in by Her Majesty's Govern- 

 ment, and as heartily echoed, I am certain, by every 

 honorable man. Indeed there can be no doubt 

 whatever, that however opinions may differ, all 

 persons officially concerned in this measure could 

 have been actuated by but one sentiment ia their 



