Defends his policy of establishing friendly contacts with neighbouring Central Asian states in general and Forsyth's mission to Yarkand in particular [cf Argyll's letter of 5 May 1870].
Memorial of Cotton Supply Association; prospect that expenditure reductions imposed last September may even produce small surplus for financial year 1869/70.
Encloses memorandum by (Sir) John Strachey (Home Member, Governor-General's Council) contravening belief that Bengal Govt had been badly treated by Lord Lawrence and Govt of India on question of local taxes; the truth was that (Sir) William Grey (LT-Governor of Bengal) had changed his position fr...
Domestic circumstances may precipitate Grey's retirement from L-Governorship of Bengal earlier than anticipated; no suitable Bengal Civilian available to fill vacancy; in view of Temple's shortcomings (on which he enlarges) and unpopularity as Finance Member, suggests his appointment to Bengal; M...
Stephen wrote dispatch on Legislative Council [cf Argyll's letter of 1 July] but Mayo thinks he can always prevent collision with it; agrees with Argyll on opium question; on adoption of narrow gauge for Indus Valley Railway, interests of a private company ought not to be considered when question...
Is sending despatch on reorganization of Ajmer district – currently worse governed spot in British India when it should be a model for surrounding Rajput states; unsettled condition of Yarkand and Kashgar; encloses draft Resolution in Govt of India Financial Dept on local taxation and decentralis...
Is sending home Financial Dept Resolution [at f394] on decentralisation of financial responsibilities to Local Govts which he is confident they will adopt; self-interest and public opinion will be more effective check on extravagance than control by Supreme Govt; need for reform of expenditure on...