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...
Refers to his letter of 16 November (1), and enlarges on his objections to Parliamentary Committee of Enquiry; reforms would be hindered; dangerous to discuss military matters (including weaknesses of Indian military system) in public; even more dangerous to discuss relations with Native States –...
Will do his best on railway gauge question despatches on which have just arrived; serious delays in public works business caused by Col (Sir) R Strachey's non-arrival back in India, and death of Col Anderson; has had to deal severely with negligent and incompetence in Public Works Dept; reply by ...
Refers to Argyll's letter of 20 October and encloses note by Anderson on Corbett's opinions which should be publicised in order to elicit opinions and encourage further experiment.
Is glad mission to Persia has been given up; encloses financial estimate for 1870/71 which should be kept secret; need to adjust procedure for making financial statements to Parliament and in India to avoid discrepancies due to their being based on data collected at different times; opposition co...
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...
Stephen intends to resign as Law Member of Council in Spring 1872 when he hopes to have passed Bills for law reform or at least have then ready for passing.
Council has agreed income tax for 1871/72 can be kept to 1½% on incomes above 1000 rupees and 1% on incomes below and Mayo personally hopes it will be possible to exempt incomes below 1000 rupees altogether; evidence that income tax on lower incomes cannot be retained without much injustice and d...