Announces appointment as Secretary of State; since Indian politics are largely unconnected with party struggles at home [the two men belonged to different parties], hopes for open and confidential communication with Mayo; will be anxious to know Mayo's views in time on all questions on which latt...
Northcote has passed to him various letters from Sir R Temple (Finance Member of Governor General's Council) on Indian budget; believes proposals to decentralise finance are premature; suggests less stringent supervision of local Govts' budgets; method of estimating opium revenue; need for India ...
Despatch being sent agreeing to imposition of Income tax; as regards salt duties, Madras and Bombay will not be allowed to increase them; believes there is very strong evidence (but his Council dispute this) for their reduction in north west, but evidence is less strong for Bengal; hopes that, wi...
Asks for Mayo's opinion on pamphlet on education in India by Sir Alexander Grant (Vice-Chancellor of Bombay University 1863-68); questions practice of selling by public auction presents to Governor-General from native princes which must give offence to donors; does not understand why Indian Govt'...
Acknowledges Mayo's letter of 12 February; assures him of desire to support his authority and hopes full and free communication will establish harmony; strongly agrees with minute by Sir H Durand (Military Member of Council) opposing proposal to set up official Govt journal – 'arena of journalism...
Council of India and Cabinet all support him in opposing withholding on principle best available arms from sepoys – such a principle would promote 'and almost justify' disaffection; despatch to this effect will be sent; unjust to send men into action without best possible equipment; Argyll agrees...
Govt anxious that Argyll should convey to Mayo their desire that policy of non-interference in Central Asian politics should be maintained; assumes arms and assistance recently given to Sher Ali will not bind Govt as to future policy, and were merely intended to cultivate good relations with de f...
Home authorities anxious that large loans contemplated for Indian public works should not be made public, since such large anticipations would affect money market injuriously; loans must be raised from year to year.
Mr Rassam; probably cheaper to sell all India's brass artillery for old brass and purchase rifled artillery made of newly developed form of metal from England; glad Mayo contemplates no entangling engagements with Afghanistan; policy regarding payment of subsidies to Amir; despatch on arming sepo...
Proposed appointment of (Sir) B Ellis (Chief Secretary to Bombay Govt) to Governor-General's Council; question of validity of sanads granted by Govt for reasons of state necessity; in view of pressure [from Manchester cotton interests] for Karwar-Hubli railway, his own belief in opening up Dharwa...