1835.] 



History of the Ramoossies. 



225 



whereas the demands of the native Governments were 

 imcertain^ and most commonly increased, although levied 

 generally with some consideration to their circum- 

 stances. 



When we reflect on the wonderful revolution that has pla- 

 ced us as rulers over this extensive country ; and not- 

 withstanding the ready and constant desire of the British 

 government to improve the condition of the inhabitants, 

 it would be unreasonable not to expect to hear the cla- 

 morous voice of discontent frequently breaking forth 

 from among those classes that feel most depressed from 

 being in a state of subjection to foreigners. We there- 

 fore hear many of the inhabitants complain loudly of the 

 slow and uncertain manner in which criminal justice is 

 administered under our Government, and that the pu- 

 nishment awarded to robbers and murderers is in gene- 

 ral much too lenient. There are some grounds for com- 

 plaint, but the delay principally arises from the exten- 

 sive duties which our magistrates and judges have to 

 perform, and the difficulty of obtaining the necessary 

 evidence ; perjury and forgery prevails to a very great 

 extent, and delays must occur in passing sentence when 

 the trial apparently has been brought to a close. 



With the former Government, the criminal law in ge- 

 neral was administered in a summary manner ; as of- 

 fenders were seized, they were after a slight investiga- 

 tion often put to death, or one or both hands or feet, or 

 probably their nose or fingers, were chopped off ; much 

 depending on the caste and connexions of the prisoner, 

 and the influence of his friends, and the means he pos- 

 sessed of bribing his judges. In those days. Sirdars 

 and Jageerdars had also the power of dispensing justice 



quite surprising to see with what tact many of them manai!:G their intrigues, 

 and the effrontery and boldness with which they carry thoni on, especially 

 in the Mahratta territory, although in appearance they generally look all 

 gentleness, simplicity, timidity, and innocence. 



