Description | Apologises for not writing but is in the midst of intinerating; is attracted to college [at Cottayam] built by Rani of Travancore for educating Syrian priests and to diffuse useful knowledge throughout Travancore; Travancore government applies to college for men to fill posts as judges, collectors, revenue peons etc.; much of curriculum is therefore not purely missionary; government has recently granted large tract of land in Calada [Kallida] about 6 miles from Quilon; proposed medical man will work either for the college or directly under the rani; had sent for two youths to act as schoolmasters on understanding that it was a private arrangement and he would be personally responsible for their conduct; has arranged with Colonel Munro for introduction to Cottayam of people from Seringapatam conversant with making sugar; is also considering asking Mr. Kohlhoff for two or three able cultivators; aim is to revive ancient church, not to introduce religion and to be "medium of communication between people and the government"; because sometimes they fulfil requests of independent government it is necessary that sometimes accounts sent to Committee must be kept secret; gives example at Pandalum of negotiation of interest-free loan to Christian merchants [copy]. |