survey from its proper point of sight, the "work you have finished, before you de66 cree its final execution: You can never 66 66 place the future by the past: You can measures on their own objects: You ❝ cannot feel distinctly how far people are "rendered better and improved, or misera"ble and depraved by what you have done : "You cannot see with your own eyes the "sufferings and afflictions you cause: You "know but at a distance, on the statements "of those who always flatter the reigning power, and who, amidst the representa"tion of grievances, inflame your mind "against those who are oppressed. These te are among the effects of unremitted This perfectly agrees with Lord TeignMOUTH'S description of the defects of Indian Government before given. CHAP. CHAP. VIII. CONTINUATION OF THE CAUSES OF DELINQUENCY, -DEFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF JAILS IN INDIA, WHERE, INSTEAD OF IMPROVEMENT AND CONVICTION, THE CRIMINAL MEETS WITH ENCOURAGEMENT, AND THE BEST INSTRUCTION FROM EXPERIENCED TEACHERS IN EVERY KIND OF VICE. SHORT TREATMENT OF THE REMAINING CAUSES. I HAVE, I am afraid, already required more time and attention from my readers than I have any reason to expect, considering the very dry and uninteresting nature of my subject. I have nothing to plead in excuse except its utility; and of that they will only be able to judge when they shall have been some time in India. Among the causes which remain, however, there is now only one which will detain us, The Management of Jails. This is a subject of much interest ' to to a good mind; and there is no quarter of the earth where so much remains to be done in improving the condition of prisoners. On this subject, I am afraid I may be considered as an enthusiast. I have, indeed, directed my attention, wherever I have been stationed, to it, in preference to any other; for I am convinced, that in an improper management of the jails, will be found one of the principal causes of delinquency in a Zillah. It is, therefore, most desirable that every Magistrate should on this subject be an enthusiast,-that he should make it one of his most favourite objects of attention ; and in order that they may become interested in the condition of the prisoner, I would strongly recommend to my fellow Civilians, the perusal of such books on this subject as they can find, and more particularly the works of the benevolent HOWARD,* NEILD, * Patron of else the most despised of men, Accept the tribute of a stranger's pen, on on Prisons-and Sir G. O. PAUL on the same subject.* In Mr. HOWARD's book, there is a great deal of detail, and less interesting matter, but nothing that does not merit an attentive perusal, and many sentiments which do honour to human nature. When once the Verse, like the laurel, its immortal meed, Should be the guardian of a noble deed. To traverse seas, range kingdoms, and bring home, COWPER. * Since publishing the first edition, I have been much instructed by a perusal of the two last works. They are the effort of minds devoted to the cause of humanity. the heart of a Magistrate is interested on this subject, he ought privately, and with as little bustle as possible, to direct his inquiries to the state of his Zillah jail, and he will find enough to do. Previous to entering on the subject of the abuses which prevail in Indian jails, a few general observations may be premised on the original intent of such institutions, and on the proper means necessary for accomplishing this intent. In the first place, a Magistrate in India ought always to consider the situation of the different descriptions of prisoners in his jail, and not (as is very common), suffer them to be treated indiscriminately as criminals. He ought to consider, that, besides the sentenced criminals, he has in confinement those who are only suspected, and who have not even been examined by the Magistrate, but who, as they cannot find |