§ MR. W. EWARTsaid, he wished to ask the President of the India Board, Whether, for appeasing the disputes between the planters and the labourers in Bengal, a more prompt and effective system of police and of civil procedure will be adopted, and whether an efficient law of contract will be introduced, and a cheap system of registering contracts? While the free action and enterprise of European settlers deserved every encouragement, the ryots, on the other hand, had a right to protection. It appeared to him, as it appeared to the Committee which considered the subject, that one of the principal remedies for the state of Bengal and India generally was the establishment of a good and efficient police. There should also be a simple and speedy system of procedure with a strict limitation of the power of appeal. A law of contract was also required which should clearly define the position of the two classes, and along with such a law there should be a system for the registration of contracts. He would not enter on that occasion, however, into a lengthened discussion of the subject, but would content himself by expressing a hope that the Government would adopt these and other measures as tending to the security of property, the employment of labour, and the tranquilization of the country.
§ SIR CHARLES WOODsaid, he agreed with the hon. Member that it was not advisable to go into a discussion on that most important subject on that occasion. He had assented to the production of all the papers, which, in the course of a day or 830 two, would be laid on the table, and the House would discuss the question with much greater advantage when it was in possession of all the facts. With regard to the first question he was happy to state that the police of India was at that moment being reorganized on what he trusted would prove a cheap and an efficient system. He agreed with his hon. Friend that one of the greatest misfortunes of India had been the want of an efficient police, and the supply of such a want would, he believed, enable the Government to reduce very considerably the Native Army of India. A more useful reform could hardly be attempted. But the attempt had already been made. The police force would be modelled on the system introduced by Lord Harris in Madras, and partially carried out by Sir Charles Trevelyan; and that system was in course of establishment throughout India. With regard to the civil procedure, that also had, to a great extent, undergone reform; and this reform would contribute largely to the simplification of trials, and the execution of justice without unnecessary expense or delay. The other two questions referred to by the hon. Gentleman had been discussed in the Report of the Commissioners who inquired into the indigo disputes, and a difference of opinion prevailed among them as to the law of contracts and a plan of registration. Both the subjects, however, were under the consideration of the Indian Government.