( 
44 The Tamil Epic Chinlamani. [no. 3, kew series, 
do not entertain a doubt that, unless Government adopt measures 
to counteract certain tendencies in the native mind, the machinery 
it is now forming with so much zeal, ability and expense, will be in 
great measure inoperative. The native, arguing on palpable facts, 
maintains that it is not vernacular attainment that confers office and 
emolument, but a knowledge of English; rnd consistently enough 
he is disposed to devote all his energies to the latter. The remedy 
is, however, in the hands of Government. Let it be promulgated, 
by Government that in all cases a candidate for public employment 
from the peon upwards, must pass a graduated examination in order 
to test his knowledge of his own language ; or present a certificate, 
signed by competent authority, to show that the required standard 
has been attained : this, and this only, will secure the efficiency of 
the means adopted by Government, for promoting vernacular edu- 
cation. 
It is in place here to refer to a valuable contribution to the study 
of the vernacular languages of Southern India in the form of a com- 
parative Dravidian Grammar recently published in London by the 
Revd. Mr. Caldwell. The study of comparative Grammar as regards 
the Indo-European family of languages has made great progress in 
the west; and for some time past the Dravidian tongues have been 
matter of enquiry and investigation among oriental scholars in Eng- 
land and on the continent of Europe. One or two works have 
issued from the press in Europe in Tamil executed in the most beau- 
tiful style. All these facts conspire to persuade the inference that 
an era is opening for the development of the treasures bequeath- 
ed to the natives of Southern India by the talent and industry of 
former ages. 
Under these circumstances it may be of some benefit to direct 
attention to some of those ancient works which, in Southern India, 
have, for so many centuries, been the admiration of indigenous 
scholars ; and the patterns for guidance in the authorship of modern 
times. By thus pioneering the way no doubt needs be entertained 
as to the track being followed by a succession of adventurers who 
will do good service. AVhilst the attention of Europeans is drawn 
to the ancient authors of the Dravidian race, and thereby much that 
