568 
means as might facilitate the adminiftra- 
tion of this extenfive empire in the hands 
of the fupreme government. May thofe 
gentlemen, now departing for the fubor- 
dinate Prefidencies, accompanied by the 
applaufe and affe€tions of this feciety, re- 
member, with reverence and attachment, 
the fource whence they have derived the 
firft principles of inftruction in the duties 
of that fervice, which they are qualified 
to adorn! 
«© My moft fincere acknowledgments are 
offered to the learned gentlemen who 
have affifted at the examinations, and who 
have difcharged the duty of profeffors and 
teachers in the feveral departments. 
<¢ Their knowledge, talents, and fkill, 
can be equalled only by the indefatigable 
zeal, induftry, and happy fuccefs, with 
which they have promoted the object of 
this inftitution. ‘Che affiduity and learn- 
ing of thefe gentlemen, have produced 
many able and ufeful works in oriental 
languag:s and literature which have been 
publithed fince the commencement of the 
inftisuticn, and which have accelerated its 
beneficial effects. Continustions of thefe 
works are now ina ftate of confiderable 
progrefs, and many additional works of a 
fimilar defcription are aétually prepar- 
ed for publication. The profeffors and 
teachers of the Perfian, Arabic, Hindoof- 
tanee, Bengalee, Shanfcrit, and Tamul 
languages, are now diligently employed 
in compofing grammars and diéti.naries, 
and in preparing tranflations and compi- 
lations for the ufe of the ftudents in their 
refpective departments. The operation 
of thefe ufeful labours will not be confin- 
ed to the limi's of this inftitution, or of 
this empire. Such works tend to promote 
the general diffufion of oriental literature 
and knowledge in every quarter of the 
globe, by facilitating the means of acces 
to the elementary ftudy of the principal 
languages of the Eaft. The exertions of 
Proceedings of learned Societies. 
{July 1, 
the profeffors have reeeived confiderable 
aid from the numerous body of learned 
natives attached to the inftitution; and 
the labours of thofe learned perfons have 
alfo contributed to increafe the general 
ftcck of Oriental knowledge. 
“¢ Reviewing all thele circumftances,: 
and confidering the induftry and ability 
manifefted by the profeffors and teachers ; 
the fuccefsful advancement which has al- 
ready been effeéted in the general. exten- 
fion of the moft ufeful, praétical, and ne- 
ceffary branches of oriental learning ; the 
progreflive improvement manifelted by the 
ftudents-in every clafs of their preferibed 
{tudies ; the frequent inftances, attelted by 
the public certificates, of laudable and. 
exemplary attention to the difcipline, fta- 
tutes, and rules of the College ; and the 
fupply of highly qualified public officers, 
which the fervice has aétually received 
from this inftitution, added to the num- 
ber of thofe who proceed on this day to 
apply the attainments acquired in this Col- 
lege to the benefit of the Company and of 
the Nation; it is my duty to declare in 
the moft public and folemn manner, that 
this inftitution has enfwered my moft 
fanguine hopes and expeétations; that its 
beneficial operation has juftified the prin- 
ciples of its original foundation ; and that 
the adminiftration and difcipline’ of the 
college have been conducted with honour 
and credit to the character and {pirit of 
the inftitution, and with great advantage 
to the public fervice.” 
His Excellency then returned to his 
apartments attended by his fuite. - 
In the evening, a grand dinner was 
given to the ofhcers and ftudents of the 
College by his Excellency at the Govern- 
ment-houfe ; at which were prefent the 
honourable the Chief Juttice, the Mem- 
bers of the Supreme Council, and all the 
principal civil and military officers at the 
Prefidency. 
PREMIUMS. 
