vi.
of eminent Englishmen still living for a precedent. But the circumstances of this country furnish even a stronger reason for such a course than what may be said to exist in the conditions of England or of any other country. In publishing the life of Kristo Das Pal, the writer was confronted with difficulties of serious magnitude which would not have occured, if he had undertaken the task during the life-time of that illustrious journalist. Points which are now obscure in the biography of Kristo Das Pal might thus have been cleared up, and a fresh light thrown upon the life of that great man. It is obviously the dictate of prudent and sound sense to prevent such obscurity and confusion, in connexion with the Lives of those eminent men who are treading in the foot-steps of that illustrious Patriot, and are endeavouring to serve their country, according to the measure of their abilities and of their opportunities. This work therefore is not to be viewed in the light of a complete biography in respect of the eminent living men concerned. It is much less pretentious in its character. It seeks to throw into shape, not always perhaps, the most consistent, or the most harmonious, the leading details of their lives. It will thus help the future biographer in the performance of his task, and obviate difficultes which otherwise would have been insurmountable. This is the only claim which may rightly be preferred on behalf of this work.
It will occur to the reader that there are some important omissions in the list of eminent living celebrities. But it is necessary to point out that this is only the first part of the work, and as soon as the necessary materials will be forthcoming, the omissions will be supplied. With these remarks, the writer throws himself on the indulgence of the reader.
Calcutta,
11th Nov. 1889.
Ram Gopal Sanyal.
