became subscribers when he became editor. Had not the least idea whether or not the circulation of the Hurkaru among the Indigo planters afforded a yearly sum of Rs. 1000. There were several daily papers in India. He believed there were six.
To Mr, Newmarch:—There is much difference in opinion as to whether ryottee cultivation is beneficial or not.
Mr. Newmarch:—Have not some of those papers taken an opposite view of the question from that taken by you?
Mr. Forbes:—In Bengal, with the exception of one daily paper, the others advocated the cause of the planters.
Mr. Newmarch:—Don't you believe that those who entertained different opinions from you, did so conscientiously?
Mr. Forbes:—When it arose from ignorance of the subject. I believe there are no conscientious men who know anything about the subject who hold a different opinion from myself as to Indigo planting. There are many conscientious men who believe so, but I don't think they are a large body. I know a great deal of Native society. There is a large body of Natives who have a strong feeling against the Europeans.
Mr. Peterson:—That being your feeling, do you think the publication of the Nil Durpan would bring about a good feeling?
Mr. Forbes:—Certainly not; I think the feeling against the Europeans will be greatly increased by it?
Mr. Peterson:—Do you know where the original of the Nil Durpan had been published?
Mr. Forbes:—I have been told, in Dacca.
Mr. Peterson:—Do you know that the drama has been represented there?
Mr. Forbes:—Yes, I have heard so. I received the information by a letter from Dacca, that the drama was represented there.
By Mr. Peterson:—No conscientious person would write that pamphlet. I have never seen any publication written in opposition to the Nil Durpan.
By the Court:—I don't think my paper has been injured by the pamphlet. I cannot say what effect it may have in England.
Mr. Brett recalled:—The first intimation he had of the publication was a letter from Lahore containing an envelope,
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