Has disallowed Act on Weights and Measures because of its excessive compulsory powers over independent traders; only one member of his Council voted against disallowance; they have beaten Nawab [of Bengal] with aid of Mayo's friends [on a Commons motion]; radicals vote against Indian Govt as matt...
Acknowledges Mayo's letter of 1 September; sorry to hear financial forecast for 1872/73 less good because of opium prospects; answers Mayo's complaints regarding control exercised by Home Govt on various matters, for example, manufacture of gun carriages, and control of military expenditure; agre...
Refers to Mayo's despatch on Gwalior and difficulty of making decision which may involve very serious consequences; believes British under no treaty or moral obligation to return Gwalior fort, regrets Mayo should have said anything to contrary, and requests him to hold out no expectations to Scin...
Has appointed Sir Henry Maine (formerly Law Member of Governor-General's Council) to Council of India – he will add 'much needed element of strength to the Council by his reputation among men of intellectual eminence in this country'.
Agrees that Mayo has taken right view in controversy with Muir over local taxes, that they should all be liable to increase from time to time; feels he must consult Cabinet on Gwalior; possibility that 'row' with Gwalior army would be useful by giving occasion to suppress it altogether; risks of ...