Acknowledges Mayo's letter of 3 June; Mayo's negotiations with Amir; intends to send despatch explaining Government's policy towards Afghanistan; will be sending Railway despatch which supports policy of Mayo and his predecessor; requests Mayo's views on Punjab Tenancy Bill; Russian jealousy and ...
Queen agrees Duke of Edinburgh may accept presents during his visit to India – they should not be excessive or given with view to obtaining Govt favours; Society of Arts urges formation of Govt of India Dept to encourage growth of crops 'specially connected with the Industries of England; Argyll ...
Has announced new railway policy in Parliament apparently to general approval, but fears Govt may in fact be slow and inefficient in pressing on with railway construction; need for each line to be completely surveyed and estimated before commencement; is considering finance very carefully; believ...
Delay in beginning Lahore-Peshawar line; irregularities among railway companies; loss of guaranteed lines important contributory cause to Indian deficit; need to make savings through efficient management of existing lines and economical construction of new ones; 'Lancashire is now in great distre...
Refers to Mayo's letter of 8 July; Mayo must exercise his own judgement regarding his Council arrangements – Argyll has no objection; he and Gladstone both approve Mayo's explanations in his despatch regarding relations with Afghanistan; wishes Russia could be persuaded to admit that river Oxus m...
Acknowledges Mayo's letter of 16 July; while wanting Mayo's views, does not wish to evade responsibility for Punjab Tenancy Bill which he has decided to not to disallow; in context of Col Oliphant's case, expatiates on too minute supervision by Govt of India of Local Govts; accepts need to check ...
Acknowledges Mayo's letters of 21 and 29 July; has decided not to veto Punjab Tenancy Act, but draft despatch now before his Council (which may amend it) urges Mayo to make 'regular suits' before Revenue Courts cheap and accessible, as this will be only means of redress to aggrieved parties; doub...
Question of awarding Star of India to Nizam of Hyderabad (surely too young) or to his minister Sir Salar Jung; Council of India violently opposed to scholarship scheme regardless of whether clause opening Covenanted Service to natives by selection is adopted – Argyll asks for Mayo's views on sche...
Queen has stated through Gladstone that precedence accorded Duke of Edinburgh in India should follow Irish precedent with some modification in favour of Viceroy because of importance of maintaining latter's position 'in the face of India'.