Two despatches on railways in preparation, one on general policy, the other on the north-western lines; proposes abandonment of first class railway to Peshawar with completion of bridges on present road and possibly addition of tramway for animal traffic, construction of Indus valley line from Mu...
Encloses draft despatch on reorganisation of Bengal Govt and invites Lawrence's private comments, in particular on persons to be Governor and Council of Bengal; suggests Viceroy should nominate Councillors in subordinate Presidencies subject to right of Governors to object to Secretary of State; ...
His draft on Bengal defeated in Council by 8 to 7; Northcote refrained from using casting vote to reverse this result since Lawrence's opinion also adverse; will submit fresh draft inviting Govt of India to express opinion; is convinced that eventually Supreme Govt must be separated from responsi...
Concern of (Sir) Henry Cole (Director of South Kensington Museum) for preservation of Indian architectural remains, and suggestion that his son, Lt H H Cole should be employed to assist in work of making casts in India.
Has offered Financial membership to Childers; will try to secure Council of India's agreement to Lawrence's nominee as Yule's successor as Resident at Hyderabad; for which some Council members have suggested (Sir) E C Bayley (Home Secretary to Govt of India); Northcote's wish to enhance Governor-...
Childers likely to refuse Finance Membership; Napier's proposal to arm native troops on Abyssinian expedition with Enfields raises 'Imperial question' whether native troops should be allowed Enfield or breech-loading rifles; intends to propose to Cabinet that Governor-General should be able to ov...
Childers has refused Finance Membership; believes there are advantages in placing English statesman on Governor-General's Council, but having failed to find anyone will appoint Temple; John Strachey to succeed Yule on Governor-General's Council; encloses extract from letter to Fitzgerald on scope...