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...
Encloses papers concerning petition of Mr Roepstorff, a Dane born in Tranquebar, for employment in India received from King of Denmark via Prince of Wales.
Letter of introduction for Roepstorff; encloses note on him from Danish Minister in London [this note is misplaced after Northcote's letter of 20 October].
Yule's satisfactory letter on Hyderabad's claims to portion of Mysore should it escheat to British Crown; on Azim Jah's case, believes Govt of India must acquiesce in what has been practically decided between Govt of Madras and Secretary of State; near impossibility of preventing Muslim chief fro...
Enclose correspondence (not present) on Madras Army; its unsatisfactory state has been exaggerated by English officers; reasons for thinking Madras Army officers are, in most respects, much better off than formerly; complains of Durand's opposition to new organisation [i.e. irregular system of of...
Explains reasons for opposing introduction of specific performances clauses into contract law for India as proposed by Maine; ryots not able to enter into such contracts as free agents – 'the specific performance clauses would only serve to rivet his chains, which I would gladly help to knock off...