A BRIEF ACCOUNT
OF THE
FEAMJEE COWASJEE TESTIMONIAL
AND
THE PEINCIPAL CORRESPONDENCE
RELATING TO THE
FRAMJEE COWASJEE INSTITUTE.
( Printed verbatim from the edition of 1864. )
BOMBAY:
Printed by N. E. Ranina at the Union Press. 1871.THE
FRAMJEE COWASJEE TESTIMONIAL.
The Late FRAMJEE COWASJEE, Esq. whose reoent decase has been a subject of regret with the European and Native Community of Bombay,^— belonged to the Family of Banajee, which, with that of Wadia and Dadysett, have toen long distinguished for their wealth and Commercial enterprize ; and in works of Charity and Benevolence have been second only to that very remarkable man, Sir Jam-setjee Jeejeebhoy, Knight, whose magnificent fortune has been created by an individual acuteness surpassed only by a munificence which has prompted the erection and endowment of spacious Eeceptaeles for the Sick and Indigent, and the performance, through a long life, of secret alms—the extent of which is known only to Him before whom they have gone up as a memorial.
Although Framjee Cowasjee Banajee never had the wealth with which so to provide for the physical comfort of his countrymen—he was very constantly foremost in energy for their mental culture and moral improvement.
From the time when the genius of Mr. Elphinstone sought to incite the Upper ctass of Natives to measures for the introduction of National Education, Framjee Cowasjee has been distinguished as the most active promoter of this object. He was an original member of the Elphinstone Institution; and4
until advancing years and increasing infirmities induced Mm to retire, was year after year elected by his countrymen to represent tliem at the Board of Education. He was the first Parsee Gentleman who educated the Females of his family.
Framjee Cowasjee was one of the Twelve Natives who first held the Commission of the Peace, and those who have sat on the Bench with him remember, the independence and impartiality with which he administered Justice.
He was likewise a Member of the Parsee Panchayet, which so long as the state of Society admitted, exercised so beneficial an influence over the morals of the Parsee Community, and the records of that Institution are stamped with many tokens of his strong sense and excellent judgment.
The Fire Temple raised by Framjee Cowasjee and his brothers, to facilitate the Worship of God after the manner of their fathers, and the Tower of Silence constructed for the reception of the body after death, at a cost of two lacs of Rupees, are permanent memorials of his piety and his respect for the usages of his ancient Religion—while the Dhobee’s Tank, and the Reservoir on the Obelisk Road—to which water is conducted from an estate in Girgaum, the produce of which he set apart to secure this supply of water to the Public, betokens that his benevolence was not limited to the Fraternity of which he was a member.
To perpetuate the memory of a man of whose character and deeds the foregoing is a very hasty and imperfect sketch, the Englishman, Musulman and the Hindoo as well as the Parsee have expressed a desire and the students the representatives at the moment of those to whose intellectual and moral advancement his life was devoted have taken the lead of all in commencing this work and it is with the view of giving each an opportunity of contributing to this object that this Paper is circulated the parti-5
cular mode of effecting such being left for future
consideration.
NAMES OF SUBSCRIBERS.	Rs,
The Hon’ble J. P. Willoughby........................	..	..300
The Hon’ble Sir E. Perry Knight ..	....................30*
Captain P. T. French..	• •	* •	• •	»•	..	200
Roderick Mackenzie Esq. ..	• •	* •	. .	..	300
Messrs Leekie & Co. ..	• •	• •	• *	• •	•»	50
,, Remington & Co. ..	• •	* •	..	..	500
3, Ritchie, Stuart & Co..	..	..	..	..	100
,, Robert Strong & Co..	..	. *	..	,,	50
John Warden Esq. e. ••	••	••	..	50
P. W. LeGeyt Esq. ..	• •	• •	• •	• •	. .	50
S. S. Dickinson Esq. ..	• *	• *	• •	* •	..	50
H. E. G-oldsmid Esq. .«	• •	• •	• •	• •	..	100
Gregor Grant Esq* ..	* •	• •	f *	• •	..	50
W. Howard Esq. ..	• •	• •	• •	• •	..	50
J. McLennan Esq. m. d.	..	• •	* •	..	,.	50
C. Morehead Esq. M. d.	..	• *	..	..	50
Messrs. Ewart, Lyon & Co. ..	• •	• •	• *	..	50
Jugonnauth Sunkersett Esq...	• •	• •	..	..	200
Rugonathlall Ramlall Esq. . .	• •	• •	*.	..	700
Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy Knight. ..	..	.	.	^	£qq
Cursetjee Jamsetjee Esq.	••	••	••	• •	,.	200
Rustomjee Jamsetjee Esq.	..	..	..	..	t	jqq
Sorabjee Jamstjee Esq.	..	..	• •	,.	# #	jqq
Mahomed Ameen Rogay Esq. ^	• *	• •	4.	,.	150
Cursetjee & Jamsetjee Furdoonjee Esq. *.	,.	^
Maneckjee Limjee Esq.	..	• •	• •	. ,	14	200
Bomanjee Hormusjee Esq.	..	.,	*.	.,	^ g
Messrs. Wallace & Co.	..	*.	..	..	s b	Iqq
,, Grey & Co..................................	..100
William Grey Esq. ..	. •	• •	• •	..	.,	50
Messrs. Cardwell, Parsons & Co.	..	. *	..	t #	jqq
„ W. Nicol & Co.	..	..	..	..l00
,, Martin Young & Co.	..	. •	.,	,,	50
,, A. H. Huschkie & Co. ..	.,	. 4	^ t
Nusserwanjee Muncherjee Cama Esq.	.,	..	b #	200
Dhunjeebhoy Nusserwanjee Cama Esq. ..	. t	^ #	200
Cursetjee Nusserwanjee Cama Esq,,	.»	.,	.,	100
Maneckjee Cursetjee Esq. ..	..	..	*.	^	$5
Dorabjee Nusserwanjee Cama Esq .,	•	».	,,	# 4	jqO
Pestonjee Nowrojee Pochajee Esq. ..	..	,.	§ t	50
Javerchund Nurseedass Esq. ..	.,	,.	11	50
Captain J. A. H. G. Crawford. ,.	,.	,,	’ ]	20
* Sir Erskmo subsequently subscribed Rs. 300 ; vide the following proceedings.6
Rs.
J. G. Lumsden Esq..........................................	50
Captain H. Barr............................................	20
W. Acland Esq. ............................................	20
Maneckjee Jamasjee Esq.....................................	15
F.	Hutchinson Esq. ........................................	20
Messrs. Walker & Bone.....................................	50
O. W. Ketterer Esq .........................................	30
Maneckjee Nusserwanjee Esq.................................	50
Nowrojee Jemsetjee Esq.............................•. ...	21
Rustomjee Ruttonjee Esq....................................	21
Framjee Nusserwanjee Esq...................................	150
Dhunjeebhoy Framjee Esq....................................	25
Sorabjee Framjee Fsq. ......................«...,..........	25
Messrs. Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy, Sons & Co...................	50
Colonel P. M. Melvil.......................................	50
Colonel J. Outram ......................................... 5Q
E.	Elliott Esq. “I knew the late Framjee Cowasjee for 34 years, and I ever held that good man’s enlightened views and philanthrophy in great estimation, and I
gladly subscribe my mite.” ....................-...........	100
Coloned J. M. Shortt................................ ......	30
J. W. Muspratt Esq.........................................	20
Ardaseer Limjee Cowasjee Esq...............................	10
Pestonjee Framjee Cama Esq.................................	51
Bomanjee Framjee Cama Esq..................................	51
Dossabhoy Framjee Cama Esq.................................	35
Jamsetjee Rustomjee Eraney Esq.............................	25
Messrs. Hormusjee Shapoorjee’s Sons........................	35
Cursetjee & Jehangeer Hormusjeee Esq.......................	25
Muncherjee Framjee Cama Esq............................. -, .	50
Pestonjee Hormusjee Cama Esq...............................	50
Hormusjee Byramjee Hada Esq................................	50
A. D. Robertson Esq........................................	25
Cowasjee Maneckjee Esq......................-.. 	25
Muncherjee Jamsetjee Esq. ..........................	25
Messrs. Eduljee Framjee & Co...............................	25
Captain Edward Baynes......................................	20
Dhunjeebhoy Cursetjee Esq.. ...............................	25
Messrs. Jehangeer Nusserwanjee & Co........................	100
Munmohundass Davidass Esq..................................	30
Verjeevundass & Nurotumdass Madowdass Esq, ................	30
Cowasjee Nanabhoy Esq. ....................................	15
Dinshaw Dadabhoy Gkandy Esq........................ .......	15
Messrs. Cursetjee Coverjee's Sons..........................	50
Venayeck Gungadhur Shastree Esq............................	50
Messrs. Robert Frith & Co............. ....................	30
Pestonjee Burjorjee Esq....................................	25
Hormusjee Bomanjee Sett Esq. ..............................	10Cowasjee Jehangeer Heerjee Esq......................
Eduljee Nassurwanjee Colaba walla Esq....................
Nowrojee Ardaseer Davar Esq..............................
Messrs, Bennett & Co..................................
Tyabjee Bhomia Esq.......................................
Pranvullubdass Pranjeevundass Esq. .. .•.................
Eustomjee Nowrojee Esq. .................................
Nanabhoy Jamsetjee Esq.....................*.............
Hormusjee Jamsetjee Esq............................*.....
Messrs. Puddicombe & Co..................................
Sorabjee Yachagandy Esq.	....................
Gopaldass Mahadowdass Esq................................
Toolseedass Nurseedass Esq...............................
Luckmidass Nurseedass Esq................................
Dadabhoy Byramjee Esq....................................
Ardaseer Furdoonjee Esq..................................
Mahomed Ibraheem Muckba Esq........................ .....
David Sassoon Esq.....................................
Cowasjee Dhunjeebhoy Powalla Esq.........................
Messrs. Pallunjee Dhunjee’s Sons.........................
Pallunjee Dorabjee Mherjee Esq...........................
Cursetjee Euttonjee Esq...................., . . ........
Hormusjee Byramjee Esq.
Ardaseer Byramjee Cowasjee Esq. ......................
Dhunboyee, Sister of Eramjee Cowasjee* . . ..............
Dhunjeebhoy Byramjee, Eana Esq...........*...............
Cursetjee Dhujeebhoy, Eana Esq.............................
Nasserwanjee Dhunjeebhoy, Eana Esq.......................
Nowrozjee Cursetjee Esq..................................
Cassumbhoy Nathabhoy Esq.................................
John Harkness Esq. ......................................
E.	T. Eeid Esq..........................................
Khaikusroo Hormusjee Esq..................................
Purshotumdass Pranjeevundass Esq. .......................
Burjorjee Jamasjee Sorabjee Esq..........................
Dossabhoy Mervanjee Esq................................ # 3
Noab Auckbarally Khan Esq.............................. „ ^
Dossabhoy Sorabjee Moonshee Esq..........................
Hormusjee Pestonjee Bottlewalla Esq......................
Manuckjee Merwanjee Esq..................................
Spencer Compton Esq......................................
Hormuzjee Pestonjee Eramjee Esq..........................
J. Peet Esq. M. D. ................... .	..............
H. Young Esq. ................ .. .......................
H. B. Erere Esq...............,..........................
Bae Maneckbaye & Mottebaye the Executrix of the late
Jehangeer Naserwanjee Wadia...........................
Messrs. Heycock & Co.....................................a
Rs.
Captain T. S'. Boulton. ..	»..	. ♦	,.	20
Buchoobaee widow of the late Frainjoe Oowasjee Esq....	300
Buttonbaee daughter of the late Framjee Oowasjee Esq..	100
Manvel De Souza Esq. ..	..	..	••	^
Sorabjee Dady Suntok Esq..,	*.	..	. •	I5
Dhunjeebhoy Kustomjee Esq.	. *	..	••	10
Joseph Patton Esq.	..	.	«.	..	.	•	20
Sorabjee Pestonjee Framjee Esq.	..	..	..	20
A. Malet Esq. ...	...	..	50
Nowrojee Nanabhoy Framjee Esq. ,.	..	*.	20
Gungaram Doolubram clerk of the late Framjee Oowasjee Esq.	,.	. #	..	..	. •	10
Pranvullubdass Sumboolall clerk of the late Framjee Oowasjee Esq.	.,	.,	..	..	..	10
Merwanjee Jumsetiee clerk of the late Framjee Oowasjee Esq.	.	*	..	..	..	10
Cursondass Cassedass clerk of the late Framjee Oowasjee Esq.	..	..	.0	«.	* *	~
Jehangeer Framjee Oowasjee Esq.	..	..	.•	25
Byramjee Nanabhoy Framjee Esq.	..	..	.	•	^
Nowrojee Furdoonjee Esq.	..	..	•	•	1^
Dadabhoy Nowrojee Esq. - ..	..	. *	•	*	10
Succaram Purrusram Oarcoon of Poway.	..	••	10
Burjorjee Dadabhoy Carcoon of Poway.	••	**	H
Messrs, Eduljee & Hormusjee.	..	••	••	10
lis. 9367.THE FEAMJEE COWASJEE TESTIMONIAL.
PuESTJANT to notices published in the News-papers, a number of the Friends of the late Framjee Cawasjee Esq., met at the Elphinstone College, 22nd Sept. 1852 to consider the fittest mode of applying the sums which have been raised by subscription to perpetuate his memory. The Chair was filled by P. W. LeGeyt Esq.
Among those who attended the Meeting we observed tlio following :—
The Hon’ble Sir E. Perry.
Colonel Shortt.
Dr. Morehead*
Professor Patton.
Captain French.
Gregor Grant, Esq.
T)r "Pppf
G.	H. Walker, Esq.
Manockjee Limjee, Esq.
Juggonath Sunkersett, Esq.
Cursetjee Jamsetjee, Esq.
Bomanjee Hormusjee, Esq.
Narrayen Dinnanathjee, Esq*
Eustomjee Jamsetjee, Esq.
Yenaikrao Yassoodeo, Esq.
Yenaikrao Juggonath, Esq.
Bappoo Josey, Eao Bahadoor.
Hormusjee Bamanjee, Esq*
Nowrojee Furdonjee, Esq.
Eustomjee Euttonjee, Esq.
Sorabjee Euttonjee, Esq.
Sorabjee Pestonjee, Esq.
Jamsetjee Cooverjee, Esq.
Dossabhoy Sorabjee, MoonsJiee. Esq.
Euttonjee Furdoonjee Parruck. Esq. Yurjeevundass Maddowdass, Esq.
Framjee Nusservanjee, Patell. Esq.
A number of Native gentlemen, among whom we observed all the grandsons of the late Framjee Cowasjee Esq., and a2
large number of the Scholars of the Elphinstone Institution, headed by the Assistant Professor Dadabhai Nowrojee.
P. W. LeGeyt, Esquire, The Chairman, commenced the business of the Meeting with the following address :—
Gentlemen.—We have met here to-day to pay respect to the memory of a very estimable and remarkable man, who has lately been taken away from us by death. You have done me the honor to put me in the Chair on this interesting occasion ; and although I could have wished this office to have been confided to some better and abler hands, yet a friendship of thirty years ‘with the late Framjee Cowasjee, gives me the privilege of considering myself one of the oldest, if not the oldest of his European friends in this Presidency. Framjee Cowasjee was so well known to all of us, that it would be superfluous to usher in these proceedings by any sketch of his character and career ; but it will be more appropriate in this place to read to you a short extract from the Beport of the Board of Education, of which he was long a distinguished member, notifying to Government his resignation of his seat at the Board ; and of the reply of Government conveying its opinion of his eminent and valuable services. The Board express themselves as follows in the second paragraph of their report, dated the 29th May 1851.
“ At a later period in the year, Framjee Cowsjee Esquire, resigned his seat, in consequence of his advanced time of life, and the vacancy was filled up by the election of Bomanjee Hor-musjee, Esquire. The eminent and good citizenship, and zeal in supporting every measures for public improvement, which distinguished our late much esteemed colleague, are too well known to your Lordship in Council to need any notice from us ; but in recording his death, which subsequently occurred at the good old ago of eighty-four, the Board feel a melancholy pleasure in thus publicly expressing the respect in which they hold his memory. The reply of Government to this notice is contained in the forty-fourth paragraph of Mr. Secretary Lumsden’s letter, No. 348C, dated the 6th September 1851, and is as follows :—<£In conclusion, I am instructed to observe, that the tribute which the Board have paid in the second paragraph of their Beport, to the late Framjee Cowasjee Esquire, has been very properly rendered on this occasion to the memory of an excellent and deserving man. The Bight Honorable the Governor in Council gladly avails himself of this opportunity again to express the high opinion entertained by himself and his predecessors of the worth of the deceased, as one who perceived that he could best serve his country by encouraging education, and who acted up to his persuasion.” The Chairman resumed his address as follows:— These sentiments, Gentlemen, are I am sure, fully concurred in by this meeting, and by a large portion of the community of Bombay, which has been abundantly proved by the ready wayin which the proposal to perpetuate Framjee Cowasjee’s memory was received by all classes of people.. This is the first instance that has been known in which persons of the classes and denominations (Natives and Europeans) have come forward to raise posthumous Testimonial in honor of a Native of this Presidency. Professor Patton will explain to you immediately the nature of the Memorial which it is proposed to erect; and I think you will agree with me, that it is a very appropriate one considering that Framjee Cowasjee’s intelligent and active mind was ever alive to the imrpovement of his countrymen, and he was very constantly foremost in proposing measures for their mental culture and moral improvement. Witness too his many charities, his zeal for the spiritual welfare of his tribe, while the Dhobie’s Tank and the reservoir on the Obelisk Road, to which water is conducted from an estate in Girgaum, the produce of which he set apart to secure a permanent supply of water to the public— betokens that his benevolence was not limited to the community of which he was a member. These good works, completed in his lifetime, will doubtless be constantly remembered by a grateful community;, but the present Testimonial, of which I am certain he would himself have highly approved, will in a peculiar manner in after ages perpetuate his memory, and bring forth the virtues of that good man constantly before your children and your children’s grand-children. Such is the nature of the Testimonial to be proposed to your consideration, and I. commend it to your adoption as members of an intelligent and enlightened community.
( Great Applause.)
The following resolution was then proposed by Juggonath Sun-kersqtt JUsq., and seconded by Captain French.
Pesolved.—That this meeting entertaining a high sense of the value of the services of the late Framjee Cowasjee Esquire, to the cause of intellectual and social improvements in the country, are anxious to perpetuate his name in connection with some useful object which he would have approved.
Professor Patton was the next speaker, he said:—
Mr. Chairman and gentlemen,—Before deciding upon the means of carrying out the previous Resolution, we ought to weigh well the consequences of this day’s determination. This is not an ordinary occasion: it is the first time, as far as I am aware, that people of all classes have united, in their desire to erect a testimonial to a native of this country. I hope and believe that many similar meetings will be held to commemorate the sterling honesty and public spirit of many otkers equally deserving. In fact there is one amongst us that it would be impossible to pass over even if he lived in a nation of Howards. Looking forward then to the future, and remembering that the decision of this day will influence the appropriation of testimonials long after we ourselves shall have ceased toinfluence anything, let us.giv.ea4
precedent that we shall be delighted to see followed on other occasions. You have already decided upon the test by which the merits of any proposed scheme must be tried. It must be such as would have received the approbation of the worthy man whose name we have this day met to commemorate I do not know of any better that could have been adopted, for every thing which had for its object to improve the condition of this country, either intellectually, morally or physically, was approved of by him and received from him support as far as in his power. I am satisfied that the proposal I am about to make, unites every requisite to secure your approbation. It is good in itself, and would have received the approbation of the late Framjee Cowasjee. But I shall first read the Resolution.
“That the funds which have been already collected, and such others as may be subsequently added, be appropriated to the formation of a Museum in connection with the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society, and that this meeting unite with them in requesting Government to erect a building to contain a Lec-^ tureroom, a Laboratory, Museum of Arts and Industry, and Library, and to permit the building to be called the Framjee Cowasjee Institute.”
This mode of commemorating the name of Framjee Cowasjee seems to be peculiarly appropriate. When the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society was in its infancy, and ;when many friends of education were either cold or unfavourable to it, Framjee Cowasjee came forward and shewed his approval of their plans and objects, by presenting a number of lamps which he heard they required for their meetings. This first gift to the Society was the commencement of many others, and to the day of his death he took a warm interest in all their proceedings. During his long career (as you have-heard detailed to-day) he was always foremost in every efforts to extend education in this country, and his views of what education ought to be, were characterised by an elevation, and at the same time a practicality, that could scarcely have been expected from the imperfect education he himself had received. He was one of the chief contributors to the erection of the building in which we are now assembled and which has, as was anticipated, risen to the rank of a College! Nearly a quarter of a century ago, when the Native community of Bombay met to consider the most appropriate method of attesting their affectionate and respectful sentiments towards the Hon’ble Mountstuart ElphinstOne, Framjes Cowasjee in a speech replete with good sense and sound views which in our testimonial-giving age might be worthy of attention,proposed that the most satisfactory and durable plan of carrying their wishes into effect, was to found one or two Professorships for teaching the English language, the Arts, Science and Literature of Europe. The Students’5
Literary and Scientific Society is the direct result of that education, and a proof of the wisdom and foresight that suggested it.
The education they have received at the Elphinsione College enables them, and their own actively benevolent disposition prompts them, to spread among their less fortunate countrymen the benefits that they themselves have enjoyed. An enumeration of a few things that have been accomplished during the three years in which the Society has been in existence, will enable you to appreciate the importance of having the Tesimonial attached to a Society of active working men, who will go on adding to its value and importance—instead of allowing it, as most other schemes in this country never fail to do—to become useless when its original promoters are taken away. There is once a month a meeting for transaction of business and reading essays in English, once a fortnight there are two meetings for a similar purpose in the vernacular. At these vernacular meetings large and interested audiences assemble, to see the experiments and illustrations exhibited. Seven Girl’s schools at present containing: children are supported by the Society, and three Boys* infant schools containing: boys: although supported by others, are under the superintendence of the Society. Two school books in Marathi and Guzerati have been already printed and a third is ready for the press. Two monthly publications are issued by the vernacular branches, and the Society has lately undertaken to publish a series of papers in Marathi and Guzerathi similar to Chambers’s Information for the people. For this they have peculiar advantages, having obtained from Messrs. Chambers stereotypes of the illustrations of their educational course. A commencement has also been made of a Library and Museum of Art and Industry, and many valuable contributions have been received. The great difficulty with which the Society, is now laboring is the insufficient accommodation for lectures and the want of a place to deposit the donation of books and Philosophical apparatus, and donations of various kinds which are presented to them. The Society has applied to Government to assist them in this difficulty, and strong hopes are entertained that something will be done; but if an, influential meeting like the present gave their support to the application, and offer to grant the fund now collected for the testimonial to Eramjee Cawasjee, to establish a Museum on the simple condition, that the building should be called the Eramjee Cawasjee Institute. There can scarcely be a doubt that Government would erect a suitable building fcfr the use of the Society.
I believe that the motion of this Institute will be an era in the Educational history of Bombay. It will give that: prominence to the study of Physical science which this age demands, and which is so essentially required by the genius of the people and the wants of the country. The experiments of Natural Philosophy6
will have much greater influence in disturbing the apathy that has reigned here for ages, and in creating a taste for reading, than any purely abstract speculations however beautiful. In the proposed Institute the artisan will see improved machines and improved tools for making them, while at the same time he will have an opportunity of learning the Mathematical and physical principles, without a knowlege of which they could never have been invented. The student who has learned the principles in the classroom, will there see the practical results they have led to and be brought to. view in a proper light the dignity of labour. It is useless to detain you with a detailed account^ of the benefits that may be expected to Bombay from the proposed Institute,. for you must be aware of them yourself; but I would wish to draw your attention to another important, advantage that might be taken of it, in the dissemination of knowledge in the Mofussil. Daring vacations at the College such instruments as would not be likey to suffer injury, might be sent to the various large towns throughout the Presidency, and courses of lectures might be delivered that would have immense influence in destroying prejudice and superstition, and giving more elevated ideas of the nature of education than now prevaiL I shall now conclude by proposing that—
“The funds which have been already collected and such others as may be subsequently added, be appropriated to the formation of a Museum, in connection with. “The Students7 Literary and Scientific Society;” and that this Meeting unite with them in requesting G-overnment to erect a building to contain a lecture^ room, laboratory, and to permit the building to be called “The Framjee Cowasjee Institute.”
The Honshu Sir E. Perry seconded this Besolution in the following terems:
I have been requested to second this Resolution; and tired as I am, having been sitting in Court many hours to-day, I cannot be silent upon the subject of it. You, as his friend and as our colleague, Mr. Chairman, know how highly I estimated the character of our deceased friend (cheers.) He was not a Scholar* and for the last ten years of his life he was not a wealthy man : indeed he had fallen into evil days, and yet he managed to secure the esteem and love of all who came within his influence ; and the question which suggests itself is—what were the qualities which won the esteem and love which he possessed of all the inhabitants of Bombay ? His eminent good citizenship. He possessed that virtue, not common among people now, in an eminent degree. It is a virtue too little exemplified by our Hindoo frier.ds,—who I hope will excuse me for so saying;—nor is it universal among the Parsees, but it is more so among them than among other classes. Framjee Cowasjee exercised that virtue more than others of his countrymen: he was a steady7
good citizen, bold enough to speak out bis opinion, and energetic to exert himself to do his country good. These virtues we are desirous to see universal. Having said so much, it will naturally be a matter of wonder to some of my Native friends~how it is that I figure so humbly in the subscription list to this Testimonial. It is a question which may well be asked,and I will assign the reason. For years past I have had a very great aversion to these testimonials: they have been carried too far,so as to appear ridiculous in the eyes of Society generally. They have usually been given to public men,-—-official men; and as a point of policy I should much like to see the system of presenting these testimonials abolished. I have often thought that it would be better if the rule which prevails in the Army with respect to the presentation of testimonials to Officers there, should be extended to Civil Society; and that it should be neither careful for them to accept, nor decorous for Society to present them, with such testimonals. Though I have subscribed, and not niggardly, to every testimonial which has been promulged, I held back when this was proposed; and that is the reason, why the sum opposite my name in the list appears so insignificant. On reflection I think that in this instance I was wrong; because the arguments I have alleged as leading me to think disparagingly of the system of presenting testimonials generally, do not apply to the individual to honor whose memory the present testimonial is proposed; and when I to-day heard the objects aimed at by it recounted, I felt convinced that I was so; and I feel myself called upon by a strong sense of approbation of those objects, to say how very desirous I am to see them fully realised.
Our friend the Chairman has read a highly eulogistic notice of the late Framjee Cowasjee and his services; and we have heard what a deep interest he took in the proceedings of these young men who have formed themselves into a Society for the object of conferring benefits upon their countrymen. It will, I am sure be gratifying to them and to Professor Patton who has gone hand in hand with them in all their efforts, to hear what Government says upon the subject. I catch the eye of one young mau who espicially, I know, will be gratified to hear this eulogium: —
“The voluntary association of the educated youth of Bombay for the purpose of instructing their countrymen, and of bringing all within their influence to justly appreciate the advantages of education, is very gratifying to Government, as it is honorable to the parties concerned.
“In particular, the spontaneous institution, by the same young men of Female Schools, which they also entirely support, must be regarded as an epoch in the history of education at this Presidency, from which it is to be hoped will in due time be traced the commencement of a rapid, marked, and constant progress.” That is strong language from the Government of the presiden-8
cy my friends. When we hear of the friends of that man proposing a plan in honor of his memory, whereby the Society of these young men may gain “a local habitation and a name.”-which will give them far more extended opportunities for the diffusion of science, for the reception and collection of Scientific objects,and a place of accommodation for the truth-seeking, selfinstructing classes of the Native community;—when we hear of a proposal like this, it must command our admiration. There is one particular feature in this matter to which, if this is to be considered the inauguration of the building and the Institute, I must call attention. In those efforts which have been made by the young men of Bombay for the diffusion of knowledge and science, they have been assisted liberally and gladly by the elder portion of the community. This is not usually the case in oridinary undertakings and projects; and it is a very satisfactory phenomenon,—youth and age consorted together in the most useful and honorable occupation which could be pursued by them. We cannot but look upon this with admiration. There is a tendency in the hearts of youth to become inflated, and a desire to throw off their obedience to the just authority which belongs to those who are older in life and riper in experience than themselves. It is, therefore,a complimentary homage to the individual to honour whom this Institute has been set on foot—that the elders of Society come forward so graciously, and unite hand in hand with the younger and more ardent members of Society for the advancement of their measures.
As I before said, my apathy to subscribe to this testimonial was a mistake on my part, or the argument I give for any aversion to testimonials in general did not apply to this case; and I have expressed as forcibly as I can, my approbation of the scheme proposed to perpetuate the memory of Framjee Cowasjee. But it behoves us to act as well as to talk; and I therefore beg that the Secretary will add another “0” to the figures opposite my name in the subscription List.
I have great pleasure in seconding this Eesolution.
Assistant Professor Badalhoy Nowrojee said:—
Gentlemen.—I have the pleasure to lay before you a proposal from the “Students’ Literary and Scientific Society,” that the Society would be most happy in availing themselves of this opportunity, to express their esteem of the worthy dead, whose name we have here assembled to commemorate in some way. Professor Patton at some length^gave reasons for establishing a new Institution, the like of which has yet had no existence, in this Presidency at least, and perhaps not in the whole of India; and which he has endeavoured to show would have been most approved of by Framjee himself.
The Students’ Society therefore, being in many ways indebted9
to Framjee’s support and benevolence, lays at the disposal of this Committee the sum of Rupees 6,000, that they have been able to collect, for providing the Branch Societies (or the Dnan-prasaracs especially) with the means of fully illustrating the lectures delivered by the students of this Institution to hundreds of their own countrymen. This object, the Society see, will be more fully gained by an amalgamation of the two funds. The advantages likely to accrue to natives from the kind of Institution now contemplated to be established, are so many, that I could scarcely feel myself competent to give a detailed description of them all. I might at least say, that if the Students’ Society and its Branches, with its very limited pecuniary means, but I am proud to*say both the zeal and efforts of some of our best young men of this Institution, at its service, has been able to do something towards the diffusion of useful knowledge among the masses around it. It could be easily conceived, what the same zeal and efforts could do with better, I should rather say more powerful means at its command. It has been often complained that English was taught to too many and that the price of service in offices had fallen very low. But it is no wonder that such should be the case—an overstocked market can never call forth high prices; and why it is asked should every body be quill-driver, and why should it be more difficult to find a hamal than a clerk. The reason as I have already said, is very obvious: new opening must surely be made for the rising generation, and where are they to be looked for. Is India incapable of giving, at the least, a comfortable living to its childien ? No,—India has plenty, but how could that plenty be availed. Can a stone cry out and say: here am I, make use of me. Such and such are my properties, and such and such are the uses to which I am capable of being applied? No, that it cannot do,—and yet it maybe perhaps the fruitful source of the happiness of millions. And if it is the lot of man to live by the sweat of his brow, to depend but upon the material world around him, and when he has at the same time given him the power of supplying the demands implanted in him by nature, it rests with him alone to apply those powers, and to labour till he can find out what he requires. This very Institution that is now proposed to be erected would be nothing but a mere pile of dead matter, if it be not animated by the labor and energy of active men. The inference is clear enough, that man can find nothing that he does not seek for, and thatin a proper way. India has plenty, and that plenty must be sought, and under a particular condition—labour, by great and unpresuming, but well applied, labour of those competent to perform the task. I congratulate on this occasion the Inhabitants of Bombay at least, that that same Eramjee Cowasjee, to whom, with some others, and to him whose name this Institution bears, they are at this moment indebted for the advancement of education and sounder principles
210
among them, is at the same time the founder of a new Instifcu-’ tion suited to their present increased wants. Have not the people of India been impressed with the conviction, that its present arts are capable of being immensely improved and increased in number ? We have a proof of this conviction in this very worthy man. Need I describe here the trouble he put himself to, and the liberality with which he left his purse always open for any useful purpose to introduce improvement in agriculture and even introduce new arts in India. If then the young men of the Stu-? dents’ Society,—furnished with the means of studying most of the useful arts, manufactures, be able to promulgate their knowledge in a practical form, by means of lectures to hundreds; what could be thought more useful to the country, whose good was, to his, Framjee’s heart. Imagine to yourself gentlemen, a Hall with 500 men collected in it, a young lecturer, ready to impart with a good grace and feeling, the results of his some days’ labour at the furnace. Let me next carry you out of the Hall, an enter-prisinglistener takes up the idea, consults the lecturer again,and in time becomes a blessing to the community around him,—introduces, practises a new ait, and thus makes a new opening for the industrious, and gives the world the lesson afresh—that the industrious shall never starve, a lesson more valuable than any thing else. Imagine gentlemen again, another reading to the assembly a lesson on some of the principal moral duties of man, reclaiming by his earnest exhortations some heart .gone astray— persuading with true vehemence to abandon a pernicious custom, or giving more homely, but not the less useful lessons, «uch as that “ Honesty is the best policy;” and a third, exhorting to emulate Newton or Watt; or to use the more simple and more expressive words of Framjee himself,—“ to be able to count the very stars of Heaven.” How often did he say, I am told “ these men must be taught any thing good and ennobling; they must be taught every thing, they must be taught to count even the stars of Heaven.’' If such results indeed be very desirable, and were at least so heartily desired by the worthy man to be commemorated, what better means could be suggested,than be enabled to adopt the most natural course of furnishing those with adequate means that have the will, aud the ability to bring them about. If such there be now, mere halls indeed can do nothing; but the very demand that has now arisen for such an Institution speaks loudly—that the labourers are not wanting; and it is a matter of great congratulation,that the supply is forthcoming, as soon as the demand is made and felt, and more particularly because, from the same quarter to which we when young owed a great deal. It might perhaps have been expected that, I would descant upon the many virtues, high spirit and straightforwardness of Framjee, but it is a matter alreadyso ably dealt with by persons competent to do it deserving justice, that I should11
blush to venture to say a word upon the subject. Yet I cannot refrain myself from expressing my sentiments toward this worthy man. I have had but once for all a talk with him, but the impression that that single visit made upon me and my friend Ardaseer, shall never wear off. It was for the purpose of asking support to our Female schools; and how could I now describe a scene that could only be seen ? Yet I shall try. We approached with great trepidation, we knew not what should be the result of the visit, for we knew not the man, and it was our first visit. But Framjee shewed that he was always prepared to receive even a child with pleasure that brought good tidings of any kind. Many were the sound advices he gave us as to our conduct in the undertaking, many hopes did he raise in us, and shewed great concern that he could not stretch out as good a helping hand than as he was wont to do before. His advices, however, were more worth than anythiug else, and we have now the opportunity of expressing our obligations for the benefit with which we followed those advices l trifling as they might often appear, they are the forerunners of great things to come. Trifling as the Table Lamp present made to the Society might appear,it was the kindler of the first spark of hope, that an earnest desire and endeavour to do an useful thing shall never fail to be properly appreciated. For anybody however to say all that could be said upon so tempting a subject, requires the study of the life of that eminent man. That study however no body is prepared to make, and no body can do all the justice that it deserves ; much less therefore can I pretend to say all, I must therefore stop, and only perform the pleasing task assigned me, by repeating, that the Students’ Society have directed me to intimate, that they would be most happy to add to the sum already subscribed to the Framjee Cowasjee Testimonial, the sum of Rupees 6,000 which they have raised up for a purpose similar to that which is now proposed to be carried out.
The- following motion was then proposed by Curseti’ee Jamset-jee Esq.,. seconded by Manockjee Limjee Esq., and passed—
“ That the following gentlemen be elected a Committee to communicate with Government on the subject, and to make such arrangements as may be considered most expedient to carry out the wishes of the meeting,.
Mr. Warden.
Mr. LeGeyt.
Mr. Cursetjee Jamsetjee.
Dr. McLennan,
Mr. Juggonath Sunkersett,
Captain French,
Mr. Bomanjee Hormusjee.
Mr. Manockjee Limjee.
Mr. Howard.12
Mr. McKenzie.
Mr. Manockjee Cursetjee.
Mr. Cowie.
Mr. Patton.
Mr. Narrayen Dinanathjee.
Mr. Cursetjee Nusserwanjee Caxna.
Mr. Dadabhoy Nowrojee.
Mr. Sorabjee Pestonjee Framjee.
Mr. Eustomjee Jamsetjee.
The fourth resolution was proposed by Bomonji Hormusji Esq., second by Mr. Manockjee Cursetjee, “ That a marble slab with an appropriate inscription in English,Guzerattee, and Marathee, be erected in the Institute, to perpetuate the memory of the late Framjee Cowasjee, Esq.
The following is Mr. Sorabjee Pestonjee’s address.
Mu. Chairman and Gentlemen,—Before the proceedings of this meeting are concluded, I trust you will allow me to speak a few words, and with your permission, I shall at once proceed to read the paper in my hand.
As it has fallen to my lot, Gentlemen, I rise to speak in behalf of my old grandmother, and the other members of the family of my reverei and lamented grandfather,the late Framjee Cowasjee, to commemorate whose name you have raised a fund, and have met here this day to adopt the best means of appropriating that money. His friends and the community who have shown their kind intentions of thus perpetuating the memory of the deceased gentleman, must have felt his loss ; but it is with extreme pain I say, that his loss to the family has been greater, tor in him we have lost a kind patron a beloved and the most affectionate of fathers, and the protector of many orphans, and widows,—his loss, therefore, shall ever remain engraved on our hearts as long as we live. The severity of the afflictions of his aged widow, can be better imagined than described; but she was not the less gratified when she heard that her husband’s name was about to be perpetuated by a suitable testimonial from his friends, and countrymen. Indeed this has proved a very great consolation to her, as she is convinced that her dear companion did not (to use the Persian saying) come into the world and go away without doing any thing. As to his deeds and how praisworthy they may be, I will not take upon myself to enter into particulars, although I have had ample opportunities of witnessing many of them; for however strong my voice may be in his favor, it would not sound so well and so gracefully as your’s would. Moreover, our worthy Chairman, from his long acquaintance with the career of life of the deceased, as well as the Hon’ble the Chief Justice, and the other gentlemen who have preceded me, have already said enough about his character, and who have, I have no doubt left a euffi-13
cient impression upon your minds, of the desirableness of thus publicly appreciating the good services, which the deceased gentleman rendered to his fellow countrymen. It is the duty of every man, if it lay in his power, to assist and devise means for the good of his fellow' creatures, and it was with these pure and honest motives that the deceased devoted himself durin ghis long life to do some service to his countrymen. And as deserving merits have never failed to meet with due reward, I am glad, nay proud to find, that for the little good the decased may have been able to do while in the performance of his duties towards his fellow brethern, he is held in such high estimation in the eyes of you all, and that such a mark of tribute is paid by you to his departed life. This does not only preserve the name of the deceased, but also bestows a great and an everlasting honor on us, his descendants, should we be so fortunate as to follow his footsteps. Allow me therefore Gentlemen, to express to you in behalf of the old lady my grandmother, my father, and the other members of the family, allow me so to express their sincere and grateful thanks to you all, and to those Gentlemen individually who have since his death, showed a great desire to prepetuate his memory. With regard to the object to which you have, now resolved, Gentlemen, to appropriate the fund, I am happy to say it is just the very thing which the deceased Gentleman had always in his heart. For I remember well he often expressed his earnest desire to make arrangements to teach the students of this noble Institution every branch of knowledge, such as, to use his own words, the science of calculating the movements of the stars, that is Astronomy, Navigation, and other similar sciences; his desire therefore is now, I apa glad to say about to be fulfilled by the hands of you his friends, and I trust that the “ Framji Cowasji Institute ” will henceforth prove to be a school for the advancement of the Students of the Elphinstone Institution, and through their medium it will, I venture to hope be a source for diffusing scientific useful knowledge among the natives of this country. And in eonclusiou I hope and pray, that the projectors of this Institution may be blessed with every success in their best intended endeavours.
Thanks were then returned to the Chairman for his able conduct in the Chair, and the meeting broke up at half-past six O’clock.CORRESPONDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT, THE COLLECTOR
of Land Revenues, the Director op Public Instruction and the Municipal Commissioners,
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE FrAMJEE CoWASJEE
Institute.
m. 4577 of 1851.
General Department.
To
Joseph Patton Esquire,
Secretary to the Committee of the Prarnji Cowasji Testimonial.
Sir,
I have been directed by the Eight Honorable the Governor in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 21st November last, submitting certain Resolutions passed at a late meeting of the subscribers to the Framji Cawosji Testimonial, and soliciting the aid of Government towards establishing a Museum in connection with the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society.
2.	The Government of India, have recently declined to sanction an allowance of Rupees (150) one hundred and fifty per mensem,solicited by the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society, to meet the expense of a Building suitable for the purposes of a Library, Lecture Room, and Laboratory, on the ground that that • Institution was not of a nature to warrant such a grant to it from the Public Revenues.
3.	This Resolution of the Government of India, is equally applicable to the present request. The usefulness of the Students’ Literary and Scientific Institution has nowhere been more fully acknowledged than by the Government, and it is therefore with the greater16
regret that His Lordship in Council is compelled to refuse the Committee’s application.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
A. Richardson,
Deputy Secry. to Govt. Bombay Castle, 20th December, 1851.
To
J. G. Lumsden Esquire,
Secretary to Government,
General Department.
Sib,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from A. Richardson Esquire, Acting Secretary to Government, intimating that the Government of India had refused to sanction an allowance of Rs. 150, per month to the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society for house rent, and that the Honorable the Governor in Council conceived a similar reply would be-given to an application which I had the honor to submit on behalf of the Committee of the Framji Cowasjee Testimonial. In reply I would take the liberty of stating, that the sum now collected for the Framji Cawosji Testimonial, amounts to nearly Rs. 10,000, and that there is not much hope of increasing this considerably. With this sum the Committee cannot carry out even imperfectly, the plans which they had in contemplation, and they earnestly request that Government taking into consideration the worth of Framji Cawasji in honor of whom the Testimonial has been proposed, and the highly useful labours of the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society for whom the building is intended, together with the general advantages to be expected from the Library, Lectures, and Museum, will grant a piece of ground for a building, and make such a donation to the fund17
as will enable the Committee to erect a building suitable for the purposes proposed.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, (Signed) Joseph Patton, Secretary to the Committee. Elphinstone Institution, Bombay, 7 th February, 1852.
No. 578 of 1852.
General Department,
To
J. Patton Esquire.
Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Testimonial Committee.
Sir,
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, dated the 7th Instant, and in reply to acquaint you, that as a mark of the approbation with which the Right Honorable the Governor in Council regards the exertipp# made by the members of the Literary and Scientific Society to promote the education of their countrymen, he is pleased to grunt a donation of Rs. 4,000 to be added to the Fund of Rs. 10,000 which has been collected for the purpose of erecting a Museum &c.
2. The decision of Government on the request of the Committee that Government will grant them a piece of ground as a site for the proposed Building will be separately disposed of and communicated to you hereafter.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your mo^l obedient Servant, (Signed) J. G. Lumsdejt Secry. to Govt.
Bombay Castle, 28th February, 1852.
318
To
J. W. Muspkatt Esquire.
General Paymaster.
Sijr,
I have the honor to write to you that in a letter No. 578 of 1852, dated the 28th February, 1852, addressed by J. G. Lumsden Esq., Secretary to Government, to my predecessor the late Professor Patton,it watf intimated to him that the Right Honorable the Governor in Council was pleased to grant a donation of Rs. 4,000 to be added to the Framji Cowasji Testimonial Fund. I beg therefore to request you will have the goodness to pay the amount to the bearer, whom I have authorized to receive it and pass a receipt for the same.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dcnanathjee,
Acting Secretary.
Bombay,	January, 1853.
No. 276 of 1852.
Memorandum.
The officer in charge Land Eevenue Collector’s office presents compliments to Professor Patton, and with reference to the subjoined copy of a Memo : from Mr. Secretary Lumsden No. 2635 dated the 16th instant, beo-s the favor of Professor Patton informing him, whether he has as yet made any selection of the ground which he was informed might be made over to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial.
A. D. RoBEiiTsoN,
In charge Land Eevenue Collector’s Office. Bombay Collector's office, 21 st July, 1852.19
No 2635 of 1852.
General Department. Memorandum.
The Acting Collector of Land Revenue is requested to expedite his reply to the Secretary, of Memorandum (No. 1608) dated the 30th April last. He will be pleased to select the ground in communication with Mr. Professor Patton, Bombay Castle, 1 Qth July, 1852.
(Signed) J. G. Lumsden, Secretary to Government. (True Copy)
A. D. Robertson,
In charge Land Revenue Collector’s office.
To
A. D. Robertson Esquire.
Acting Collector, Land Revenue in Bombay.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial have appointed P. W. LeGeyt Esq., Dr. MeLenan, Juggunnath Sunkersett Esq. and me to make a selection of one of the pieces of ground offered them by Government, and that these gentlemen having resolved to meet at
O	O
the countiy house of Juggunath Sunkersett Esq. on the Breach Road at 5 o’clock p. m. on Monday the 13th Instant and to proceed thence to examine the pieces of ground, you have been requested to send your Deputy Surveyor or any other person you may think proper to meet them at the above mentioned place at the appointed time and to give them any information they may require respecting the spots in question. Bombay, 8th September, 1852.
I have the htmor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant, (Signed) Narayen Dinanathji, Acting Secretary.20
No. 357 of 1852.
From
A. D. Robertson Esquire,
In charge Land Revenue Collector’s Office.
To
jSTarayen Dinanathji Esquire,
Acting Secretary. Bombay Collector's Office, 8th September, 1852.
Sir,
In reply to your letter of this day’s date, I beg to inform you, that I have given orders for a Surveyor to be in attendance on the gentlemen appointed by the Committee of the Framjee Cowasjee Testimonial to select a piece of ground on the evening of the 13th Instant at the house of Juuggunnath Sun-kersett Esq.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
A. D. Robertson,
In charge Land Revenue Collector’s Office.
No. 191 of 1853.
Memorandum,
The Collector of Bombay presents his compliments
Robertson, to the Secretary to the Committee of the Framjee A,ton!rofes-Cowasjee Testimonial, and begs to be informed, with 'uiyni852e reference to the correspondence noted in the margin, ^ryrnra? whether the Committee have made any selection of the •toaMr. ko-ground which they propose to ask Government to make September oyer to theni for the Framji Cawasji Testimonial.
3. Mr. R.obert-	F.	Hutchinson,
son’s Reply No.	11	,
357 dated 8th	OOlleClOr.
Bombay Collector's Office, 17th Mat/, 1853.21
No. 67 of 1854.
Immediate Memorandum.
The Collector of Bombay presents his compliments to the Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial, and begs to be favored, with as little delay as may be possible, with a reply to his Memo. No. 191 of the 17th May last, in order to enable him to answer an enquiry made by Government.
F. Hutchinson, Collector.
Bombay Collector's Office, 14th February, 1854.
No. Ill of 1854.
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esquire.
Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial.
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the lGth Ultimo, I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to inform me what has been done in respect to the selection of a piece of ground for the Framji Cowasji Testimonial.
2. I beg an early answer, which is required to enable me to reply to a further reference which has been made to me by Government.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedjent Servant,
F. Hutchinson,
Collector.
Bombay Collector’s Office, 18^A March 1854.22
No. 237 of 1854.
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esquire,
Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Testimonial.
Sir,
Adverting to my letter of the 18th March last, to ■which I have yet received no reply, I have the honor to acquaint you that, I have received the instructions of Government to offer the Committee as a site for the proposed Testimonial, one of the spots of ground on the verge of the Esplanade, which were made over to several parties in 1836 on sufference tenure and of which a plan may be seen in this office.
2. I request you will be good enough to inform me with as little delay as possible, which of those spots the Committee would wish to have for that purpose.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
F. Hutchinson, Collector.
Bombay Collector's Office, 26th June, 1854.
To
F. Hutchinson Esq.
Collector of Land Kevenue, Bombay.
SlE,
In reply to your letter No. 237 of 1854 dated, the 26th June last, I have the honor to inform you by the direction of the Managing Committee of Framji Cawsji Institute, that they have chosen the spot marked 71 in your plan as a site for the proposed Institute and shall feel obliged by your adopting early measures to put them in possession of it.23
I have been further directed to inform you that it is their intention to erect on the spot, an upper roomed building of the dimensions described in the accompanying plan.
The Committee observe, that a small piece of ground adjoining that selected by them is not to be obtained "without compensating the tenants. I allude to the spot marked No. 43 in your plan. As it is essential that the Committee should be placed in possession of this piece of ground, I shall be obliged by your informing me the amount of compensation that will be required to obtain it.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinanathji, Secretary.
Bomay} 3rd August 1854.
No. 318 of 1854.
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esq.
Secretary, Framji Cowasji Institute.
Sir,
With reference to the 3rd paragraph of your letter of the 3rd instant, I have the honor to state that the piece of ground therein alluded to belongs to Government and could be resumed I think, by Government under the provisions of Act XVII of 1850. I have made enquiry and find that the erections thereon, being tiled sheds used as shops, are the property of the persons named in the margin, whose aggregate rental therefrom is about Rupees eight hundred per annum. It is difficult to say what amount of compensation would be awarded them by a Jury but I have little doubt that the Committee might purchase the shops for less than the owner would expect from Government.24
2.	I beg to be informed at your earliest convenience -whether the Committee desire the spot marked No. 71 in the plan shown to you in this office for the Institute irrespectively of their obtaining or not the piece of adjoining ground above alluded to.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant,
F. Hutchinson', Collector.
Bombay Collector's Office, 18//i August, 1854.
No. 2739 of 1854.
General Department.
To
The Secretary to the Fratnji Cawasji Testimonial Committee, Bombay.
Sir,
With reference to paragraph 2nd of the letter from this department (No. 578) dated the 28th February, 1852, I am directed to refer the Committee to the Collector of Bombay, who has received the instructions of Government regarding the ground applied for.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
C. G. Fraser T sutler. Offg. Secretary to Govt. Bombay Cab tie, 28 th August, 1854.
To
F. Hutchinson Esq.
‘ Collector of Land Revenue,
Bombay.
Sir,	_
I have the honor to inform you, that the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute have instructed me to25
accept the spot No. 71 for the Institute leaving the question of obtaining the adjoining spot for future consideration and to request the favour of your putting them in possession of the spot as early as possible.
I have the honor to be,
Sir
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinnanathjee.
Secretary.
Bombay, 7 th September, 1854.
No. 442 of 1854.
To
Narayen Dinnanathji Esquire,
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 7th September last, I have the honor to inform you, that Government have intimated to me that the spot selected by the Committee cannot be made available for the purpose of the Institute.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant.
F. Hutchinson,
Collector.
Bombay Collector's Office, 22nd November, 1854.
To
H. Young Esq.
Officiating Chief Secretary to Government.
Bombay.
Sir,
*	1 have the honor by desire of the sub-committee of
the Framji Cowasji Institute to state for the informa-426
tion of his Lordship in Council, that sometime ago they applied to Government for a piece of ground for the use of the Institute and Government was pleased to offer through the Collector of Bombay some of the spots on the verge of the Esplanade. The Committee thereupon selected one of them and intimated their determination to that officer, sanguinely hoping, from two pressing letters addressed to them by that officer requesting them to come to an early determination in making their selection, that they would soon, be put in possession of it, but the last letter of that officer intimated to the Committee, that the spot selected by them could not be made available for the purpose of the Institute.
Now the Committee beg again to bring to the notice of Government that the fund at their disposal is just sufficient for building and fitting up the proposed Institute and will hardly leave anything for the purchase of a piece of ground and they therefore earnestly request that Government, taking into consideration the worth of the late Framji Cowasji Esq. in commemoration of whom the Institute has been proposd to be established and the useful labours of the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society for whom the building is chicfly intended, as also the important advantages that the Native community in general will derive from the Library, Museum and lectures in connection with the proposed Institute, will favour the Committee by complying with their request.
I have-^he honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Nabayen Dinnanathji,
Secretary.
Bombay, 22nd February, 1855.27
To
W. Hart Esq.
Officiating Chief Secretary to Govt.
Sir,
With reference to my last letter to the address of your predecessor on the subject of a site for the Framji Cawasji Institute, I have the honor to state that having lately been in communication with the Collector of Bombay, I was given to understand that Government having permitted the heirs of the late Mohomed Ebrahim Mucba to retain on their payment to Government of a certain amount of valuation, the spot of grouud on the verge of the Esplanade which the Committee of the Framji Cawasji had applied for, the spot in question could not be made available for the purpose'of the Institute. I was further informed that there was no other piece of ground belonging to Government that would suit the purposes of the Institute.
Under these circumstances I have been directed by the sub-committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to write to you, that as Government, having a due regard to the many excellent qualities of the individual in commemoration of whom the Institute is proposed to be founded as well as to the general usefulness of the Institute to the Natives at large, have kindly expressed their desire to provide the Committee with a piece of ground for the Institute, and would have in fact given the piece of ground the Committee had applied for, had Government not shown an indulgent consideration to the claims to the ground of the heirs of the late Mahomed Ebrahim. Muckba and as there is no other piece of Government ground available for the purpose, the Committee have no' other alternative but most respectfully to lay that His Lorddrip in Council will kindly extend his support to the Institute so far as to make over to it a certain sum of money at least equal 'to which may be received by Government as the valuatiou of the spot of ground which they were pre-28
paved to give for the use of the Institute, in order to enable the Committee to purchase another piece of ground for the Institute in a suitable locality.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinanathjee,
Secretary.
Bombay, 15 th May, 1855.
No. 1795 of 1855.
General Department.
To.
The Secretary to the Frarnji Cowasji
Institute.
Sir,
In reply to your letter dated thel5th May 1855, I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to request that you will have the goodness to point out to the Collector of Bombay the spot of ground which the Committee would wish to negotiate for, were a pecuniary grant made to them as requested, in order to enable that officer to report whether it would not be feasible to obtain it from the owner by exchange of Government ground elsewhere instead of by a money payment.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
W. Hart Secry. to Govt.
Bombay Castle, 25th May, 1855.29
No. 237 of 1855.
To
Narayen Dinnanathji Esq.
Secretary to Framji Cawasji Institute.
SlEj
With reference to the request made by me to you, on several occasions since the receipt by you of Mr. Secretary Hart’s letter, No. 1795, dated the 25th Ultimo, that you would be so good as to point out to me the piece of ground for the obtainment of which the Committee would wish me to negociate with the owner, I have the honor to beg that I may be informed, as early as possible whether the Committee have selected a site for the Institute, in order to enable me to submit a report which I have been directed to make to Government on the subject.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
F. Hutchinson. Collector.
Bombay Collector’s Office, 22nd June 1855.
No. 262 of 1855.
To
Nab a yen Dinanathji Esquire Secretary to the Framji Cowasji Institute.
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to favor me, tomorrow if possible, with a reply to my letter No. 237 of the 23rd Ultimo.
I have the honor to be,
Sir^
Your most obedient Servant,
F. Hutchinson,
Collector.
Bombay Collector's Office, ll^A July., 1855.30
To
F.	Hutchinson Esq.
Collector of Bombav.
Sir,
With reference to Mr. Secretary Hart’s letter No. 1795, dated the 25th of May last, and yours of the 22nd June and 11th July last, I have been directed by the Sub-committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to inform, that the following are the four spots of ground, one of which they would negotiate for, were a pecuniary grant made to them by Government as requested in their letter of the 13th of May last.
1.	A piece of ground belonging to Mr. Tyebji
Bhaeemeea situated on the Esplanade cross road and adjoining the Scotch Free Church. There are a number of small houses on this spot.
2.	The spot of ground situated on the Girgaum Road near Framji Cawasji Tank on which the present building of the Native General Library stands. It is owned by Mr. Chintoba Ram-chundra Chapwalla.
3.	Ditto. Ditto. It belongs to the Estate of the
late Ramchunder Pondoosett.
4.	A spot of ground with a b uilding standing there-
on belonging to
situated on the Girgaum Road near the Fire Temple of the late Hormusji Bomonji Esquire.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinanathji
Secretary.
Bombay, 21 st July, 1855.31
No. 282 of 1855.
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esquire,
Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Testimonial.
Sir,
With reference to your letter of this day’s date, I have the honor to request that you will be good enough to point out the several spots of ground therein alluded to, to Mr. Govind Gungather,the Head Surveyor of this office.
X bave the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
F.	Hutchinson,
Collector.
Bombay Collector's Office, 21 st July, 1855.
No. 1480 of 1856.
Bombay Office of the Director of Public Instruction, 2Qlh June,
1856.
To
The Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Institute.
Sie,
You informed me in the month of March last that the total sum at the disposal of the Framji Cowasji Institute for building purposes is now about Es. 16,000 exclusive of the Es. 4,000 granted by Government in 1852.
2.	Government have now agreed to expend on the purchase of a suitable site for the Institute, such32
a sum as may be necessary to secure an ample and convenient one-provided that the amount now required together with that formerly assigned, shall not together exceed the sum above quoted as the private capital of the Institute.
3 I have been authorized within this limit to conclude, in communication with the Committee, a final arrangement on this subject. I had hoped that you would have been able ere this to have pointed out an advantageous and available situation. Up to this time apparently you have not succeeded and all idea of purchasing the site originally contemplated has, I believe been abandoned—may I beg that you will consult the Committee on the subject without loss of time and let me know their wishes as soon as possible. I would suggest a reference if necessary to the Collector of Bombay.
4.	I need hardly indicate the propriety of the Committee after this liberal concession by Government making a hearty effort to add considerably to their private resources. I am confident that an appeal on this ground to the friends of the respected gentleman after whom the Institute is named would be warmly responded to.
5.	Will you kindly favor me with a plan of the proposed building.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
C. J. Erskine, Director of Public Instruction.33
No. 904 of 1857.
Bombay, Office of the Director of Public Instruction, 2‘drd May
1857.
The Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Institute.
Sir,
I have the honor to request that you will be kind enough to favor me with an early answer to Mr. Erskine’s letter No. 1480, dated 26th June 1856.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
E. I. Howard, Director of Public
Instruction.
To
E. I. Howard, Esq.
Director of Public Instruction.
Bombay.
Sir,
With reference to your letter No. 904 of 1857 dated the 23rd May 1857, I have been instructed by the Sub-Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to inform you that after trying in vain for a long time to secure a suitable site for the Framji Cowasji Institute they have at last succeeded in contracting for the purchase of a spot which they consider a very elligible site in every respect for the Institute. You will observe from the accompanyiag plan of the premises I have forwarded for your inspection, that the ^spot in question colored red is situated at the South west corner of the Framji Cowasji Tank and a fine building erected on it will be seen from almost every34
point on the esplanade and its prominent situation •appearing from a distance almost in a line with the two new buildings lately erected on the verge of the esplanade by the Church Mission Society will greatly add to the beauty of the town when viewed from the fort and whole of the esplanade. On referring to the original title of the spot in question the Committee find that it is resumable by Government when required for public purposes by paying to the holder of it Rupees 2,500. The Committee therefore request you will be good enough to solicit Government on their behalf to give up their right of resuming the spot after it shall have been purchased for the Framji Cawasji Institute.
If you approve of this site and make over to the Committee the amount Government have been kind enough to promise to pay for purchasing a piece of ground for the Framji Cawasji Institute they will either purchase the buildings situated on the West of the site in question and enclosed within the pencil line drawn on the plan or obtain the permission of the Municipal Commissioners to allow the Committee to erect in the Tank
3	or 4 stone pillars marked in pencil 1. 2. 3. in the plan and to extend their proposed buildings overa portion of the Tank to the pencil line marked A. B. in the plan, which concession,the Sub-Committee have every reason to believe, the Municipal Commissioners will have no objection to make, as this proposition, when carried out will not only greatly add to the beauty of the Tank but also materially tend to the preservation of the water contained in it.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinanathji, Secretary.
Bombay, 8th September, 1857.35
No. 1897 of 1857.
Bombay, Office of the Dirctor of Public Instruction, 15 th December 1857.
To*
Narayen Dinanathji Esquire
Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Institute.
Sir,
With reference to your letter dated 3rd September last, I have the honor to request that you will be kind enough to state for the information of the Eight Honorable the Governor in Council whether under present circumstances the fulfilment of the offer made By Government on behalf of the Framji Cawasji Institute, and which has been allowed, to remain unavailable of tfo long, can not be further postponed.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
E. I. Howard,
Director of Publio Instruction.
To
E. I. Howard Esq.
Director of Public Instruction.
Sir,
With reference to your letter No; 1897 of 1857 dated 15th December 1857, I have been desired by the Sub-Committee of the Framji Cowasjee Institute 'to state for the information of the Bight Hon’ble the Governor in Council, that under the circumstances36
alluded to in the letter under reply, that they cannot for a moment think of requesting his Lordship in Council to fulfil immediately the liberal offer, that has been made by Government. They are, however, glad to have it in their power to state, that one of their Committee who is a member of the family of the late Framjee Cowasjee Esq., has, with a view to enable the Committee to commence with the building at once, offered to advance to them the amount promised to be paid by Government, on condition of Government repaying it to him, as soon as they can conveniently do so.
The Sub-Committee therefore trust that in the event of there being no other difficulty in the way, His Lordship in Council will be pleased to sanction the proposed arrangement, and permit the Sub-Committee to complete at once the purchase of the site they have selected for the building for they apprehend that in the event of their losing the opportunity of securing the site they have now in view they will meet with a very great difficulty in fixing upon another one so well suited for the purpose of the Institute, a difficulty that has up to this time prevented them from making any progress in the cause of the Institute.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinanathji, Secretary.
Bombay, 15th January 1858.37
No. 289 of 1858.
Bombay, Office of the Director of Public Instruction, 6 th February 1858.
To
N AHA YEN DlNANATHJI EsQTJIRE,
Secretary to the Sub-Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute.
SIR,
In acknowledging the receipt of your letter dated 15th Ultimo, I have the honor to forward for your information and guidance copy of a Government Eeso-iution, No. 298 dated 3rd Instant.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
E. I. Howard,
Director of Public
Instruction.
No. 298 of 1858.
General Department.
To
The Director of Public Instruction.
The Civil Auditor.
Bombay Castle, 3rd February, 1858,
Letter from the Director of Public Instruction No. 124 dated the 16th January 1858.
Submits for the consideration of Governmet a request by the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute that, as Government desire to postpone the fulfilment of the offer made by them to contribute towards the purchase of a site for the Institute, they may be allowed to accept an offer made by a member of the family of the late Framji Cawasji Esquire to advance38
the sum promised by G-ovemment Rs. 12,000 on con* dition that it be repaid as soon as Government can conveniently do so.
Resolution of Government on the above, dated the 29th January 1858.
The Right Honorable the Governor in Council is pleased to accord his sanction to the arrangement proposed by the Sub-Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institution and recommended by theDirector of Public Instruction.
2nd. As requested in paragraph 3rd of Mr. Howard’s letter No. 1732 dated 28th October of 1857, Government undertake to give up their right of resum* ing the spot selected for the Institute as long as the ground be devoted bona-jide to the purposes for which, the Institute is to be founded^
3.	The necessary intimation should be made to the Revenue Department of the sanction accorded in paragraph 2.
True Copy
W. Hart,-Secry. to Govt,
(True Copy)
E. I. Howard,
Director of Public
Instruction.
No. 298 of 1858.
Bombay, Office of the Director of Public Instruction, 8th February 1858;
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esq.
Secretary to the Sub-Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute.
Sir,
With reference to my letter No. 289 dated 6th Instant, I have the honor to forward the annexed39
copy of a Government letter No. 341 dated this day for your information and guidance.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant,
E. I. Howard,
.Director of Public
Instruction.
No. 341 of 1858.
General Department,
To
The Director of Public Instruction.
Sib,
I am directed to remind you that Government approval of the recommendation made by you in your letter No. 124, dated 16th January, 1858, and alluded to at the close of paragraph 1. of Government Resolu-sionNo. 298 dated 3rd February 1858, involves the adoption of your suggestion that interest is not to be paid by Government on the amount to be advanced by a member of the late Framji Cowasji’s family for the purposes of a site for the Framji Cowasji Institute, and to request that the person who advances the money may be made to fully understand this (should he not do so already) before he pays it.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
W. Hart,
Secretary to Govt.
Bombay Castle, 8th February, 1858.
(True Copy)
E. I. Howard Esq., Director of Public Instruction.40
Bombay, 25th October, 1858.
E. I. Howard.,
Director of Public Instruction.
Bombay.
Sir,
I have been directed by the Committee of the Framjee Cawasji Institute to state for the information of the Plight Honorable the Governor in Council, that when they applied for the sanction of Government for the erection of a building for the 11 Framji Cawasji Institute” on the site of the Alma Hotel, at the South-West corner of the Framji Cawasji Tank, they intended to apply to the Municipal Commissioners for the use of the bullock shed at the South side of the Tank, in order that the view of the proposed building may not be obstructed by any high building between it and the Girgaum road, and accordingly when they wrote to the Commissioners for permission to extend the proposed building of the Framji Cawasji Institute over a portion of the Tank, they requested that a portion of the bullock shed may be transferred to the Institution, and that permission may be granted for the construction of an open tcrrace on the top of the remaining portion of it.
The Municipal Commissioners however while granting their permission to the Committee for the extension of the Framji Cawasji building over a portion of the Tank, intimated to them that the decision of the Commissioners with regard to the bullock shed would be communicated to them hereafter; and they have since informed the Committee that, as they have made over the bullock shed to Government for the use of the Native Dispensary, they are unable to comply with the request of the Committee regarding the bullock shed.
The Committee anticipating no difficulty in obtain-41
ing the bullock shed, or at least a portion of it, have not only pulled down the Alma Hotel (which cost them Rs. 5,500) for preparing the land thereof for the intended Institute, but have erected a wall in the Tank and are about to fill it up, at an expense in all of about 2,000 Rupees. The Committee havo now to their great disappointment been given to understand that Government intend to construct one or two stories on the top of the bullock shed, for the accomodation of the Native Dispensary, which it is proposed to remove from its present locality; and as by its doing so the view of the proposed building for the Framji Cawasji Institute,from the Girgaum road will notonly be greatly obstructed but the front part of the Institute can hardly be completed without taking in a portion of the bullock shed; they beg to make the following proposal for the favorable consideration of Government with an earnest hope that it may meet with his Lordship’s approbation.
That the bullock shed be made over to the Committee entirely for the use of the Framji Cawasji Institute, on condition of their providing for the use of the Native Dispensary apiece of ground out of the same Tank of the same area as that occupied by the bullock shed, at the North East corner of the Framji Cawasji Tank, by arching over or filling up at their own expense a portion of the Tank at that corner.
As the adoption of this proposalby government would not only prevent the interference of the two institutions with one another, but also secure very eligible sites for both, without subjecting either of them to any considerable additional expense. The Committee most respectfully request, that you will do them the favor of submitting the proposal, for the favorable consideration of Government, and of obtaining their -sanction to the same, otherwise they will be under the necessity of giving up the idea of constructing on the present site the proposed building for an Ins-642
titute, which, has so long remained in abeyance for want of means and an eligible site.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant N AKA YEN DlNANATHJI
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
No. 1561 of 1858.
Public Works Department.
Civil Architect's Office, Bombay, 4th November, 1858.
With reference to his letter dated 25th October 1858 to the Address of the Director of Public Instruction, the Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute is requested to lend the undersigned the plans of the New Institute for Inspection.
Chakles Frederick North, Major,
Civil Architect at the Bombay Presidency.
Bombay Sth November 1858.
With reference to the Civil Architect’s memo No. 1561 of 1858 dateif the 4th November 1858, the undersigned begs to send him the accompanying plans of the proposed Institute for his inspection, and shall be happy to see him at any time that may suit his con-43
venience for any explanation he may require on the subject.
Narayen Dinnanathjee.
Secretary, to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
No. 1564 of 1858.
Public Works Department. Memorandum The 3 Plans of the Framji Cawasji Institute are returned to Mr. Narrayen Dinnanathji with Major North’s thanks..
Charles Fredrick North, Major,
Civil Architect at the Presidency.
Bombay, 9tK November 1858.
No. 3011 of 1858.
General Department.
To
The Secretary of the Committee of the
Framji Cawasji Institute.
Sir;
I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor in Council to transmit for the information of the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute,, the annexed copies of a letter from the Secretary and Curator of the Government’ Central Museum. No. 189, dated 23rd. November 1858, and of my reply thereto of this day.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H.	Young,
Chief Secretary. Bombay Castle 8th December 1858.44
(Copies)
No. 189 of 1858.
To
The Secretary to Government,
General Department. Government Central Museum, Town Hall, November 23rd 1858.
Sir,
In continuation of the subject of the latter portion of my letter No. 175 dated November 4th, 1858, to your address, I have the honor to inform you, that having first ascertained by personal visits (chiefly in company with Mr. Bhow Dajee G.G.M.C.)to the leading members of the various Native communities of the Island, the unanimity of their desires to found an Economic Museum, and natural History Gardens, on a scale worthy of Bombay and finding that the great majority of them wish to connect the Establishment of such Institutions, with an expression of their affection for the Queen, I on the 18th Instant issued printed invitations to 150 Native Gentlemen of mark to meet me here this afternoon to take into consideration the best means of carrying out their double project.
2.	I believed it would be best furthered by means of a public meeting and on the gentlemen assembling at the appointed hour, I laid before them a requisition on the Sheriff of the Town which after an intelligent discussion unanimously adopted. Its terms are as follows:—
To
E.	He ycock Fsq.
Sheriff of Bombay.
Sir,
We the undersigned desirous of establishing some enduring testimony of the loyal devotion of the inhabitants of this Island to Her Most Gracious Majesty45
the Queen, l'equest that j^ou will be so good as to call as early as practicable a public meeting of the people of Bombay for the purpose of erecting an Economic Museum with Natural History and pleasure Gardans, to be styled in our sovereign’s honor the Victoria Museum and Gardens.
We &c.”
On Friday it will be forwarded to the Sheriff whom I shall beg to name an early day for the demonstration.
3.	I first intend obtaining some influential European signatures, for now that the value of the movement as having spontaneously originated on the part of the natives, has been realised, I think it desirable that the former should show their concurrence in it. The number and wealth however of the Native Communities are so greatly superior to that of the English located here, that with the former will necessarily rest the merit of almost wholly executing, as that of first conceiving the felicitous design.
4.	When once the contemplated Institutions are seen established in Bombay, I believe that its example will be followed by all the leading towns of the Presidency each one of them will have its Victoria Museum and Gardens founded not by the Government but by the free desire and efforts of their inhabitants. I believe that the benefits that will result to the material interests of the country though incalculably great, are among the least that will flow from such sources. Their chiefest effect will be to draw together in harmonious intimacy Europeans and Natives, having with each other, without constraint day after day, in such places the most beneficial feelings of natural good-will and esteem must be engendered, and perpetuated between them. I argue most happily from the realization of the schemes now under consideration, and I trust that when the public have subscribed the amount I expect from them, that it may be yet further46
swollen by help from the Horticultural Society. I intend officially applying to the trustees of the Framji Cowsji Institute to throw their means into the common fund, on the condition of carrying out the intentions of the endower of that Institute as regards preserving its individuality.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,.
George Birdwood,.
Secretary and Curator of the Government Central Museum-
No. 3009 of 1858.
General Department
To
The Secretary and Gurator of the Government Central Museum..
Sir,
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 189 dated 23rd November 1858, and in reply to inform you that the project of the “ Victoria Museum and Gardens” is one which the Eight Honorable the Governor in Council can not but approve of believing that it is calculated not merely to develops the production and natural wealth of the country but also to create a taste for observation and for the study of many useful branches of knowledge, and that those who are not benefltted by such an Institution may derive amusement and gratification of a better and more intellectual kind than any that is now open to* them.
2.	But His Lordship in Council while desirous to* encourage and promote this object does not lose sight of the recent orders of the Honorable Court of Direc-47
tors (of which a copy is annexed) relative to the part to be taken by Government in the carrying out of any object to which it is seen to attach importance and towards which contributions from the Public may be received, and his Lordship in Council would therefore point out to you the necessity of avoiding any proceedings which can possibly be misconstrued into an undue exercise of the influence of Government in procuring subscriptions for the proposed Institution.
3.	If the contributions of the wealthy Natives of Bombay to so excellent an object are clearly and un-mi stakeably spontaneous the Governor in Council is confident that Her Majesty’s Government and the Council of India will rejoice to find that so much public spirit,- enlightenment and loyalty exist among them.
4.	The association of the Horticultural Society’s Garden’s with the proposed Museum has always appeared to his Lordship in Council most desirable, and he earnestly hopes that it will be found practicable.
5.	If the Trustees of the Framji Cowasji Institute should connect that Institution with the proposed Victoria Museum, care will of course be taken to perpetuate the name and intentions of its benevolent founder.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H. Young, Chief Secretary.
Bombay Castle 8th December 1858.
(True Copies)
N. D. Chaves.
Examiner.
To accompany Government letter, General Department No. 3011 dated the 8th Decejnber J858.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, H. Young, -------- Chief Secretary.48
No. 19 of 1858.
Bombay Office of the Director of Public Instruction, 5th January 1859.
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esq.
Secretary to the Committee of the Eramji Cawasji Institute.
Sir,
With reference to your letter dated 25th October last, I have the honor to forward the accompanying copy of a Government letter N. 10 of the 4th Instant and the plan alluded to therein and to request that the Committee will be kind enough to state for the information of Government whether they are willing to take the Bullock shed on the terms proposed by Government in paragraphs 2. and 3.
2.	I begat the same time to draw the attention of the Committee to para 3 of the Government letter.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
W. H. Neunham,
For Director of Public
Instruction.
No. 10 of 1859.
To
The Director of Public Instruction
Sir,
pubuc Works I am directed by the Right Honorable the Governor DofE in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, ...... No. 2256, dated 27th October 1858 with accompaniment and in_reply to request that you will be good enough, to inform the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute with reference to the proposal made in their
Ch A KIT ABLE INSU TUTIO NS.49
Secretary’s letter, dated 25th October 1858, to provide a site for the Bombay Native Dispensary by filling in or arching over on the North side of the Framji Cawasji Tank an area equal to that occupied by the portico on the South side of it on condition that the latter building be made over to them, that the area offered Would be insufficient for the requirements of the Dis* pensary.
2‘ I am instructed also to request that you will desire the Committee to state whether (supposing the consent of the Municipal Commissioners and Mr. Kamlall Thacoorseedass be obtained) they Would be willing to fill in or arch over the site indi* catedin the accompanying plan (showing the probable area and arrangements of the Dispensary, if erected on the north side of the Tank ) receiving the Bullock shed in exchange.
3.	In connection with this subject the attention, of the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute should be drawn to the proposal contained in the correspondence forwarded to them with Government letter No. 3011, dated 8th December 1858, relative to the combination or union of the Institute with the proposed14 Yictoria Museum and Gardens”. This arrangement if approved and adopted, would necessitate a reconsideration of the whole matter.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H. Young,
Chief Secretary.
Bombay Castle, 4th January, 1859.
(True Copy)
W. H. Newnham,
For Director of Public Instruction.
750
To
Juggannath Sunkerset Esq.
Kara yen Dinnanathji Esq.
Gentlemen,
I am directed by the Committee of the Bombay Native Dispensary to transmit to you the annexed copy of a letter from Captain W. F. Marriott dated 11th January 1859, on behalf of the Committee of the New Sailors’ Home, to the address of the Collector of Bombay, relative to a suitable house being provided for the Dispensary for temporary occupation to enable the Sailors’ Home Committee, to commence without further delay the erection of the New Sailors’ Home on the site on which the buildings at present occupied by the Dispensary stand and to request that you will be good enough to meet Captain Marriott and Mr.
F.	Hutchinson on the subject of Captain Marriott’s letter and to report the result of your conference to the Committee.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant, James H. Vitters, Acting Secretary.
Bombay, 11th January, 1859.
To
F. Hxjtchinson Esq
Collector &c.
My Dear Mr. Hutchinson,
Government, in stating to the Committee for the new Sailors’ Home the difficulties and probable delays in providing a new site for the Dispensary, have added51
that “ if the Committee of the Sailors’ Home will in mean while provide a house suitable for the Dispensary for temporary occupation, Government will have no objection to its removal from the buildings occupied by it and the immediate surrender of the same to the Committee of the Sailors’ Home”.
On behalf of the Committee, I write to ask your kind assistance in procuring a suitable House. If the arrangement regarding*1 Cardiff Castle” which you suggested could be carried out, the Committee would be very glad, and if it be in your power to ascertain both the consent of the Committee of the Dispensary and of the owners of the house, the Sailors’ Home Committee would be exceedingly obliged by your concluding the arrangement for them.
Possibly I am asking more than you can conveniently do, but if you could kindly undertake the arrangement, the Committee hereby authorize and confirm such agreement as you may make on their behalf.
Of course the terms should provide the power of giving up the house without a very long notice.
Believe me, your’s Faithfully,
W. Fred. Marriott,
on behalf of the Committee,
True Copy.
James H. Vitters,
Acting ^Secretary,
Bombay Native Dispensary.52
No. 652 of 1859.
Bombay Office of the Director of Public Instruction, 22nd March 1859.
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esquire,
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji
Institute.
Sib,
Will you have the goodness to favor me with an early reply to my letter, No. 19 dated 5th January last.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
W. H. Newnham,
For Director of Public
Instruction.
To
Edward Howard, Esq.
Director of Public Instruction.
Bombay.
Sir,
With reference to your letter No. 19 dated the 5th of January last, I have the honor at the desire of the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to state for the information of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council that they are unable to accept the offer of Government on the terms proposed in paragraphs 2 and 3 of Mr. Chief Secretary Young's letter No. 10 of the 4th January 1859 to your address, the Funds at the disposal of the Committee not permitting them to do so.
Adverting to the 3rd paragraph of the Government k letter, the Committee have instructed me to state for the information of His Lordship in Council that they53
do not intend to unite the Framji Cowasji Institute with the Victoria Museum and Gardens. Should Government however resolve to make over the Bullock shed to the Native Dispensary, the Committee apprehend that the spot of ground on which it is proposed to erect a building for the Framji Cowasji Institute, would be rendered quite unsuitable for that purpose, and they have therefore no alternative but to offer that Spot of ground to the Government at its cost price if required for their use.
In the event of Government not requiring the ground the Committee request that they may be permitted to sell it to any private individual that may be desirous of purchasing it from them, and be allowed to enclose and fill up with the consent of the Municipal Commissioners a portion of the Framji Cowasji Tank, at its northern side sufficient for the erection of the proposed building for the Framji Cowasji Institute.
The plans which accompanied the Government letter to your address No. 10 of 1859 are herewith returned.
I have- the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Nabayen Dinnanathjee.
Secretary.
jBombay, Sth May 1859.
No. 1978 of 1859.
Poona Office of the Director of Public Instruction.
15^ September 1859.
To
Narayen Dinahathji Esquire,
Secretary to the^Framji Cowasji
fnstitute.
SjE,
With reference to your letter dated 9th May last I have the honor to forward the annexed copy of a54
letter from Government No. 2380 dated 14th Instant and to request that you will have the goodness to report the actual cost of the ground for the information of Government at your earliest convenience.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
E.	I. Howard,
Director of Public Instruction.
No. 2380 of 1859.
To
The Director of Public Instruction
Sir,
public Works I am directed by the Eight Honorable the Governor D^™T in Council to acknowledge the receipt of your letter ££?££ No. 1614, dated 4th August 1859 and in reply to inform you that Government are disposed to accept of the offer of the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Ins* titute to sell at cost price the spot of ground on which it was proposed to erect a building for the Institute, but I am to request in the first instance that you will be good enough to ascertain and report the actual cost of the ground.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H. Young, Chief Secretary.
Bombay Castle, 4tU September 1859.
(True Copy)
Edward I. Howard, Director of Public Instruction1.55
Copy
To
Edward I. Howard Esq.
Director of Public Instruction
Sir,
With reference to your letter No. 1978 of 1859 dated the 15th September 1’859, I have been instructed by the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to request that as the bullock shed is no longer required for the use of the Native Dispensary the Right Hon’ble the Governor in Council will do them the favor to make over the shed to them on their paying a sum of Es. 2000 as a contribution towards recovering from the Tank a suitable piece of ground for the Native Dispensary.
The Committee have been given to understand that this arrangement will be agreed to by the Committee of the Native Dispensary and they therefore hope that there will be no objection on the part of his Lordship in Council to comply with their request.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinnanathjee,
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
Bombay, \Qth December 1859.56
No. 2653 of 1859.
Poona Office of the Direciorof Public Instruction, 21 st December 1859.
To
Narayen Dinnanataje Esquire.
Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Institute.
Sir,
Before the request contained in your letter of the 16th Instant has been submitted to Government, I beg that you will be so good as to favor me with an answer to my letter No. 1978 dated 15th Septem-ber 1859.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
W. H. Newnham,
For Director of Public Instruction.
To
E.	I. Howard Esq.
Director of Public Instruction.
Poona
Sir,
With reference to your letter of the 21st Ultimo, I have been directed by the Managing Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to inform you that the present site of the proposed Institute has already cost the committee a sum of Es. 6514 besides interest to the amount of about Rs. 800.
I have the honor to be,
«	Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinanathjee, ' Uh January 1860.	Secretary.57
Institution.
JST*. 291 of 1860.	Department
Memorandum.
CHARITABLE
The undersigned requests that the Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute will have the goodness to state what is the area of the plot purchased and of that reclaimed from the Framji Cawasji Tank, as a building site for the Framji Cawasji Institute, and what is the present condition •of the site.
H. Young,
Chief Secretary to Government.
Bombay Castle, 3rd February 1860.
To
Henry Young Esq,
Chief Secretary to Government,
Bombay.
Sir,
In acknowledging the receipt of your Memo. No. 291 of the 3rd instant, I have the honor to state for the information of the Right Honorable the Governor in Council that the area of the plot purchased is about 560 square yards, and that of the ground reclaimed from the Framji Cowasji Tank, about 361 square yards, amounting altogether to about 921 square yards, the old house that had stood on the plot purchased, having been removed, the whole site is now in a condition fit for erecting a building thereon.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinanathji, Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
Bombay, §th February-1860.
858
No. 567 of 1860.
Public Works Department.
General Scientific Institutions.
To
The Director of Public Instruction,
The Acting Collector of Bombay,
The Accountant General,
The Civil Auditor,
The General Paymaster.
Bombay Castle, 13 th March 18s60.
Letter from the Director of Public Instruction No. 107, dated the 17th January 1860.
With reference to Govt, letter No. 2380 of the 14th September 1859, forwards copy of a letter from the Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute, stating that the present site of the proposed Institute has already cost the Committee a sum of Rs. 6,514 besides interest to the amount of about Rs. 800.
Letter from the Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute dated 9th February 1860.
States the area of the site and describes its present condition.
Resolution of Government on the above, dated the 29th February 1860.
His Lordship in Council resolves that as the price of the ground tendered to Government is moderate (about Rs. 7 per square yard) considering the position it occupies it should be purchased on account of Government although the question as to whether the museum will or will not be permitted to be erected on the present site of t|je Marine line is still undecided.
(True Copies)
H. Young, Chief Secretary.59
No. 650 of 1860.
Bombay Office of the Director of Public Instruction, 15th March, 1860.
Memorandum.
Copy forwarded for the information and guidance of the Managing Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute with reference to the correspondence ending with their Secy’s, letter, dated 4th January 1860.
Edward I. Howard, Director of Publio Instruction.
To
The Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute.
To
Edwabd Howard, Esq.
Director of Public Instruction.
Bombay.
Sir*
With reference to your Memo. No. 550 of I860, dated the 15th March last forwarding to me copy of Government Resolution dated the 19th of February 1860 to the effect that the ground tendered to Government by the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute should be purchased by Government, I have been instructed by the Committee to bring to the notice of the,Right Honorable the Governor in Council the peculiar circumstances under which the Committee tendered the ground to Government. That it was when' they saw that Government was determined to grant the bullock shed for the use of the Native Dispensary that they were obliged to make the offer with certain conditions as will* appear from the following extract of a letter dated the 9th May 1859, “ Should Government, however resolve to make over the bullock shed to the Native Dispensary, the Com-60
mittee apprehend that the spot of ground on which it is proposed to erect a building for the Framji Cawasji Institute would be rendered quite unsuitable for that purpose, and they have therefore no alternative but to offer that spot of ground to Government at its cost price if required for their use/7
“In the event of Government not reqiringthe ground the Committee request that they may be permitted to sell to any private individual that may be desirous of purchasing it from them, and be allowed to enclose and fill up with the consent of the Municipal Commissioners a portion of the Framji Cawasji Tank at it& Northern side sufficient for the erection of the proposed building for the Framji Cawasji In titute.”
As soon, however, as the Committee were given to understand that the bullock shed was not suited for the purpose of the Native Dispensary, and that the Government was no longer desirous of making it over to that Institution, they immediately forwarded to you on the 16th December 1859 the following letter and they are very sorry to see that Government has not taken into its consideration the request contained therein when passing their Resolution of the 29th February last.
u With reference to your letter No. 1978 of 1859, dated the 15th September 1859, I have been instructed by the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to request that as the bullock shed is no longer required for the use of the Native Dispensary the Right Honorable the Governor in Council will do them the favor to make over the shed to them on their paying Rs. 2,000 as a contribution towards recovering from the Tank a suitable piece of ground for the Native Dispensary ”
“The Committee have beeu given to understand that this arrangement will be agreed to by the Committee of the Native Dispensary, and they therefore hope that there will be no objection on the part of His61
Lordship in Council to comply with their request.” Dated 16th December 1859.
It will therefore clearly appear from the above communications that when the offer of the ground was made to Government, the Committee firmly believed that Government was determined to make over the bullock shed to the Native Dispensary.”
The offer therefore was made not from any desire on the part of the Committee to get rid of the site— but solely with the view of not coming in the way of Government granting the bullock shed to the Native Dispensary and as Government no longer intends to make over the shed-to that Institution the Committee beg that the Eight Honorable the Governor in Council will be pleased to take into favorable consideration their request contained in their letter of the 16th December 1859.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinnanathjee,
Secretary.
Bombay, 5th May .1860.
No. 345 of 1860.
Public Works Department. Executive Engineer Office P. D. Poona, 21th April 1860.
To
Mr. Ardasir Framji,
Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Institute.
Sir,
Having learnt that Government have invited the ,Framji Cawasji Institute Committee to add their funds to the Victoria Museum on condition of being provided with separate accomodation under the same62
roof, and having been appointed by Government to prepare designs for the Yictoria Museum and a number of other public buildings proposed to be erected on . the esplanade, I have the honor to request you will lay the letter before the Committee-and favor me with any information tending to the object in view. I particularly desire to be informed of the amount and nature of the accommodation that would be required by the Institute and also of the amount which the Committee would be prepared to pay for the accommodation so furnished them, in what, it is to be hoped will prove one of the finest Edifices in Bombay.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, H. S. T. Wilkins, Captain, Executive Engineer on Special duty
P. D.
No. 391 of 1860.
Public Works Department, Executive Engineer’s Office P. D.
Poona, 10th May 1860.
To
Mr. Ardasir Framji,
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
Sir,
Permit me to draw your attention to my letter No. 345 of 27th ultimo and to request the favor of an early reply thereto.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
H. Wilkins, Captain, Executive Engineer P. D.
On Special Duty.63
To
Captain, H. S. F. Wilkins,
Executive Engineer on Special duty,
Bombay.
Sift,
With reference to your letter No. 345 of the 17th Ultimo and No. 391 of the 10th Instant, to the address of Mr. Ardasir Framjee, on the subject of the Framji Cawasji Institute, I have the honor to forward to you the accompanying extract from a letter addressed to Government by the Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute under date the 9th May 1859, on the subject in question, by which you will perceive that no arrangement has been come to with Government as regards the proposed amalgmation.
Under these circumstances, the Committee is not, I am instructed to state, in a position to make any arrangement with you in this matter.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
S. P. Fbamji,
On behalf of the Secretary, Naha yen Dinnanathjee,
Bombay, 21stf May 1860.
Extract from a letter dated 9th May 1859 addressed to Government by the Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute.
“ Adverting to the 3rd paragraph of the Government letter, the Committee have instructed me to state for the information of His Lordship in Council that they do not intend to unite the» Framji Cawasjee Institute with the Yictoria Museum and Gardens.” (A True Extract)
S. P. Framji.64
To
E.	I. Howard Esq.
Director of Public Instruction.
Bombay.
Sir,
I have been desired by the Managing Committee of the Framjee Cawasjee Institute to request you to favour them at your earliest convenience with an answer to my letter to your address, dated the 5th May 1860. I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinanathjee, Secretary.
Bombay, 30th August 1861.
To
Dr. Bhawoo Dajee and
Dr. G. Birdwood,
Secretaries to the Victoria Museum
Committee, Bombay.
Gentlemen,
I have been instructed by the Managing Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to communicate to you for the information of the Victoria Museum Committee, their opinion that it would greatly add to the advantage of the Institute, were the Victoria Museum built close to, and if possible, in one harmonious plan, with- the Framji Cawasji Institute.
I have also been instructed by them to submit the following proposals for the favorable consideration of the Victoria Museum Committee.
That the Framji Cawasji Institute making over .to the Victoria Museum Committee, the philosophical65
apparatus and the collection of minerals &c., of the value of about six or seven thousand Eupees, and further to the Museum Committee such a sum of money as would make up, with the value of the above mentioned apparatus, minerals &c., a sum equal to Eupees ten thousand. That in consideration of the above the Victoria Museum Committee appropriate a gallery, in the proposed Victoria Museum building, to the formation of a Natural History Museum to be called after the name of the late Framji Cawasji and to be under the management of the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute, or the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinanathji. Bombay 17th September, 1861.
To
E. I. Howard Esq.
Director of Public Instruction
Sir,
I have been instructed by the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to write to you for the information of the Eight Honorable the Governor in Council, that they have at last resolved to erect the proposed building for the Framji Cawasji Institute, on the site of ■ the Alma Hotel aqd the ground reclaimed by them from the Framji Cawasji Tank.
, I have also been instructed by them to request, that the Eight Honorable the Governor in Council
966
•will early favor them with a compliance of the request contained in their letter to your address, dated the 16th, of May 1860.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinnanathjee
'■Secretary*
Bombay ISith September 1861.
No. 1575 of 1861.
Poona Office of the Director of Public Instruction 2ith September 1861.
To
ITARAYEN DlNNANATHJI ESQ.
Secretary to the Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that your letter dated the 18th instant has this day been handed up to Government.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Edward I. Howard, Director of Public Instruction.67
CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE BOARD OP COMMISSIONERS.
To
The- Municipal Commissioners
for the Island of Bombay.
Gentlemen^
I have been desired by the Sub-Committee of the Framji Cowasji Institute to write to you that they have all along been very desirous of erecting a building for the above named Institution near the Framji Cawasji Tank with a view that the works which bear the name of that much respected Gentleman and which are intended wholly for the benefit of the public at large, may be grouped together in one locality that after a great many fruitless attempts to attain this object which unfortunately extended over a very long, period, they have at last succeeded in securing a suitable site by purchasing the premises called the Alma Hotel situate at the South-West corner of the Framji Cawasji Tank and marked A in the accompanying plan of the premises. The piece of ground thus secured is not however large enough; for the building intended to be erected on it and the Sub-Committee therefore request that you will do* them the favor of permitting them to construct stone pillars in the Tank at its South-West corner on the lines marked B C and C D in the plan, to extend the proposed building to these lines which: will be about
10	feet from the present wall of the Tank, to make over to them the paved passage *between the Alma Jlotel premises and wall of the Tank and the bullock shed, also a very small portion of the shed as far as the point where the line mark B C of the intended68
stone pillara in the Tank -would if produced towards the South meet the line formed by the exteriors or southern row of pillara of the bullock-shed.
I have been further desired by the Sub-Committee to request your permission to convert the roof of the bullock-shed into an elegantly railed terrace under the superintendence of the Superintendent of Repairs and according to the design furnished to them by that officer and approved by you leaving the lower part under the roof untouched and to open a communication from the proposed terrace to the Framji Cawasji Institute in order that the public who may resort to the Institute to hear lectures or for any other purpose may have an opportunity of enjoying the benefit of the open air on the terrace.
The Sub-Committee in preferring this request on behalf of the Institute hope that as the Framji Cawasji Institute will be a very useful and important Institution to the public at large, that as a very large sum of money was expended on the enlargement and improvement of the Framji Cawasji Tank by that respected Parsee Gentleman in commemoration of whom the Institute has been established, that as the whole of the Ground along the South-West corner of the Tank as well as that portion of the Tank itself over which the Sub-Committee are desirous of extending the proposed building was, the Sub-Committee have been given to understand purchased by the late Framji Cawasji Esquire, and made over for the use and benefit of the public, that as the compliance by you with the request of the Sub-Committee will in no way cause any inconvenience to the public or injury to the Framji Cawasji Tank or to the adjacent bullock shed—the latter «f which will soon become quite useless for any Municipal purpose whatsoever as soon as the Vehar water-works shall have been completed,—but . on the contrary tend greatly to improve the general appearance, and that as the pro-69
posed Framji Cawasji Institute grouped together with the two magnificent buildings erected by the Mission Society on the verge of the esplanade will generally improve the appearance of the Native Town when viewed from the foot or along the road leading from it to the town, the request of the Sub-Committee contained in this letter will be complied with by you and to represent that your compliance will confer a very great boon on the whole community of Bombay for whose benefit the Framji Cawasji Institute has been established.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinanathjee, Secretary.
Bombay, 3rd, March, 1858.
No. 1124 of 1858.
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esquire,
Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Institute.
Sir,
I have the honor by direction of the Municipal Commissioners, to. acknowledge the receipt of your letter bearing date the 3rd instant, and in reply to inform you that the Commissioners have no objection to the construction of the proposed building for the Framji Cawasji Institution or to the arching over of part of the Tank, as shown in the Plan forwarded with your letter.
As regards your request that a portion of the Bullock shed may be made over to the Institution^ and that permission may be given for the construction70
of a terrace oyer the remaining portion of the shed, I am desired to observe that the decision of the Commissioners will be communicated to you hereafter.
The Plan which accompanied your letter is herewith returned.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
F. Hutchinson Clerk to the BoarJ of Commissioners.
Bombay Municipal Commissioner’s Office 19th March 1808.
To
F. Hutchinson Esq.
Clerk to the Municipal Commissioners
Bombay.
Sir,
On the receipt of your letter conveying to the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute permission of the Municipal Commissioners to construct a series of stone pillars in the Framji Cawasji Tank at its South West corner in a line parallel to the Southern portion of the Western parapet wall as indicated in their first letter to the Commissioners, the Committee proceeded to take the requisite measures for erecting the stone pillars when to their disappointment found that the parapet as well as the foundation wall, in question was not erect but was inclined full 6 inches towards the tank and was consequently not strong enough in the opinion of the professional gentleman to sustain the weight of the two storied massive building proposed to be erected on that spot for the Framji Cawasji Institute and the course he suggested to overcome this difficulty was to construct a solid wall in the tank along the line of the proposed pillars and to have th^ space between it and present wall opposite to it filled up.71
Thia would take away a small portion of the tank but would not in their opinion much curtail the usefulness of the tank as the part proposed to be filled up is almost dry at the close of the dry season when water is most wanted and it is situated at the Western side of the tank from which the water can never come into the tank but through which it always finds its way to the sea. Besides the supply of water in the tank cannot possibly be of any great use to the people except for the ensuing year by which the Island of Bombay is almost sure to be supplied with waters from the Vehar water works.—The only part of the Tank on which the supply of water at the close of the iry season can depend, is at its Southern side where moats are at work, where the water is deepest, and where it is now being drawn from and the Committee 3ngage in the event of the Municipal Commissioners permitting them to fill up the portion of the tank, to jxcavate and deepen at their own charge that portion rf it which is immedeatly under the moats, should the supply of water in the tank fail at any period of the lext dry season.
The Committee therefore hope that under the sircumstances represented above the Municipal Com-nissioners will be pleased to permit them to fill up ;he portion of the tank above indicated them.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinnanathjee,
Secretary.
Bombay 9th June 1858.72
No. 2198 of 1858.
To
Narayen Dinnanathji Esq.
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
Sir,
I have the honor, by desire of the Municipal Commissioners, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 9th instant, and, in reply to inform you that, under the circumstances represented, the Commissioners comply with the request therein made.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
F.	Hutchinson, Clerk to the Board of Conservancy.
Bombay, Municipal Commissioner’s Office Yoth June 1858
To
H. Aher Esq.
Superintendent of Eepairs,
Bombay.
Sir,
I have the honor to forward herewith Copy of a plan showing the line of the proposed pillars or a wall to be erected in the Framji Cawasji Tank for the purpose of the Framji Cawasji Institute. The space on the West and North of the dotted lines marked A. B. and C. D. include the ground originally applied for and that required for the broad foundation of pillars and sloping of a wall in the event of its being sane-IS
fumed by the Municipal Commissioners instead of the’ permission already granted for the erection of pillars and have to request that you will be good enough to to have the said line marked out in the tank so as to enable us to begin with the erection of stone pillars on the points B. C. and D. immediately.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Nahayen Dinnanathji,
Secretary.
Bombay, 15th June 185'8.
No. 2227 of 1858.
To
Kara yen Dinnanathji E.^.
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that the Municipal Commissioners have no objection to your constructing the proposed walls, in the Framji Cawasji Tank on the site shown on the Plan which accompanied your letter of th« 15th Instant.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
F.	Hutchinson, Clerk to the ]3oard*of Conservancy
Bombay, Municipal CommissioTier’s Office, 18th June 1858.
1074
No. 2247 of 1858.
To
N ARE A YEN DlNNANATH.II Esq.
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji
Institute.
Sm,
With reference to the 2nd para of my letter No. 1124. dated 19th March last, on the subject of your request that a portion of the Bullock shed, at the Framji Cawasji may be made over for the purpose of the proposed building for the Framji Cawasji Institution, I have the honor to inform you, by desire of the Municipal- Commissioners, that, in consequence of an application from Goverment, they have consented to make over to them, on the Vehar water works coming into operation, the Bullock shed in-question, in order that the site of it may be appropriated for a new Building, for the Native Dispensary; and that they regret, therefore, that they are unable to comply with the request of your Committee to be' permitted to construct a terrace over the Bullock shed, in connection with the Building proposed to be erected for the Institute.
I have the honor to be,,
Sm,
Your most obedient Servant,,
F.	Hutchison,
Clerk to the Board of Conservancy.
Bombay, Municipal Commissioner’s Office, 21 st June 1858.75
HSCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE
To
Rtjstomji Cowasji Banaji Esq.
Sin,
I have tlie honor to forward the accompanying copy of the proceedings of a meeting held in the Library of the Elphinstone Institution to commemorate the name of the late Eramji Cowasji Esquire, as it has been suggested that you might wish to unite with his friends in Bombay to do honor to the memory of one so much esteemed by all who knew him.
The proposed Institute has received the approbation of all the most influential natives of Bombay, and it is hoped, will be of great use in spreading a knowledge of the arts and sciences of Europe throughout this Presidency.
Should you approve of the proposal I would request your influence with such other friends of the deceased as you think likely to aid in the undertaking.
I am,
Your most odebient Servant,
Joseph Patton,
Secretary.
Bombay, nth October 1851.
To
Nusservanji Bomanji Modee and
Cawasji Shapooeji Ljjngda.
Gentlemen,
I have the honor to forward the accompanying copy of the proceedings of a meeting held in the Library of76
the Elphinstone Institution to commemorate the name of the late Framji Cawasji Esquire, as it has been suggested that you might wish to unite in showing your respect for the memory of one so much esteemed by all who knew him.
The proposed Institute has received the approval of all the most influential gentlemen of Bombay, and, if carried into effect, will have great influence in raising the character of the people of this Presidency. Should you approve of the proposal, I would request your influence with such other friends of the deceased as would be likely to aid the undertaking.
I remain,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant, Joseph Patton, Secretary,
Bombay, \%th November 1851.
To
Joseph Patton Esq.
Professor Elphinstone Institution.
Bombay.
Bib,
I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th Instant, enclosing a copy of the proceedings of a meeting held in the Library of the above Institution for the purpose of raising a fund from among the friends and acquaintances of my late lamented Brother Framji Cawasji, to be applied towards the formation of a museum of arts and sciences in commemoration of the memory of that worthy Individual. I quite approve of the proposal and beg to77
tender the Projectors of this laudable plan for perpetuating the memory of one so deserving, as well as to yourself my .best thanks for not having forgotten me. I shall endeavour all I can, to influence a subscription here among my Friends and shall in due time com-jnunieate to you the result.
I remain,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Rustomji Cawasji.
Calcutta, 29th October 1851.
Canton 28th December 1851.
To
Joseph Patton Esq.
Dear Sir,
We tike great pleasure in acknowledging * the receipt of your esteemed favor with its enclosures which came to hand on the 16 th Instant per the “Ganges” stating the object of the Testimonial raised in Bombay to perpetuate the name of the late lamented Framji Cawasji Esquire, and requesting us to join in the project.
Agreeably to your request we have exercised our best influence and weight where we knew it would be of any effect and are now glad to inform you that the greater portion of our Parsee community here have ably testified their respect for the above deceased gentleman by contributing to the aforesaid testimonial the sum of $ 225, which we beg to remit to you in Bill No. 61190 drawn by the Oriental Bank on the game bank of your place for ^ Rupees 528§ @ Rs. 235. per. 100, we hope will be’acceptable to your Committee. Herein we have much pleasure to enr close a copy of the list of the parties subscribing the above amuont.78
In conclusion we beg to offer our earnest thanks to you for permitting us to join our Bombay friends in commemorating the name of our late lamented fellow .countryman.
We have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servants, Nusserwanji Bomanji Modee and Cawasji Shapoorji Lungdana.
LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS RESIDENT IN CANTON TO FRAMJI CAWASJI TESTIMONIAL.
Dollars
Dadabhoy Nusserwanji Mody & Co..........................	31
Cawasji Shapoorji Lungdana..............................	31
Pestonji Framji Cama & Co...............................	25
Pestonji Dorabji Nusserwanji	Camaji & Co................	25
Cursetji Rustomji Camajee...............................	25
Edulji Framji Sons & Co..................,. ............	15
Cawasji Pallunji & Co...................................	10
Nusserwanji Ardaseer Banza &	Co...................	10
David Sassoon Sons & Co.................................	10
Rustomji Byramji & Co...................................	5
Byramji Cooverji Bhabha.................................	5
Herjeebhoy Ardaseer & Co................................	5
Jehangeer Framji Buxey..................................	5
Burjorji Sorabj..,...................................g
Ilormsji Jamasji Nadershaw.......................,......	2
Pestonji Jamsetji Motteewalla...........................	2
Pallunji Nusserwanji Pateli.............................	2
Pestonji Byramji Col ah...,.............................	2
Aderii Shapoorji Goozratee..............................	2
Cawasji Edulji Khumbata.................................	3
Dossabhoy Ilormusji Dolakhaw..........................	1
Cursetji Rustomji Daver..........................,......	2
Edulji Cursetji-----»...................................	2
Total dollars.. 22379'
To
Narayen Dinanathji Esq.
Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Institute Committee.
Dear Sir,
As I am about to quit Bombay permanently, I beg you will do the favor to submit my resignation of the Chair to the members of the Committee.
With my cordial wishes for the success of the' Institution and thanks for the support I have received from the Members and yourself while I have occupied the Chair.
I beg to Subscribe myself,
Your most faithfully,
J. M. LeGeyt.
Bombay 1 Qth May 1853.
Students’ Literary and Scientific Society, Bombay 2ith December, 1853
To
Narayen Dinnanatiiji, Esq.
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji
Institute Committee.
SlR,
In accordance to a Resolution passed at a meeting of the Managing Committee of the Society, held on the 20th instant, I beg to make over to you by the enclosed Cheque of Rs. 3112-1-6, on the Commercial Bank, the balance as in the margin, of the Framji Cawasji Apparatus Fund.
You will be pleased to pass me a receipt for the same.
I remain,
9	*
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Bomanji Pestonji,
Treasurer.
Dept. Recpi of Coml. Bank 2577-9-2
Inter-
estdo. 227-7-10 Balance in Coml, Bank.. 307-0-6
3112-1*6'sa
To
The Honorable J. Warden, Esq.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that at a meeting of the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute, held in the rooms of the Elphinstone Institution on the 8 th instant, it was resolved unanimously that you be requested to be Chairman of the Committee in the room of P. W. LeGeyt Esq. resigned.
I therefore request you to do the Committee the favor of accepting the office.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinanathji, Secretary.
jBombay, 20th April 1854.
To
Narayen Dinnanath.ji, Esq.
Secretary to the Framji Cowasji
Institute Committee.-
Sir,
1 have had the honor to receive your letter, dated yesterday, informing me that, at a meeting of the Managing Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute, it was resolved unanimously that I be requested to be Chairman of the Committee.
I beg you to convey to the Committee the expression of my willingness to accept the Office to which they have done me the honor to nominate me.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
James Warden.
Bombay 2\st April 1854.81
To
Professor Giratjd,
Professor Dadabhoy NowRojI and,
Ardaseer Framji Esq.
Gentlemen,
I have been directed by the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to communicate to you, that they shall feel much obliged by your forming yourself into a Committee to take charge of the philosophical apparatus, specimens of minerals &c;, belonging to the F. C. Institute, arid at present deposited in the Elphinstone Institution.
I have the honor to be, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinnanathji.
Secretary.
Bombay 24#/t October 1854.
To
Narbaybn Dinnanathji, Esq.
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji
Institute.
Sir,
Having been desired by the Head Master of the Elphinstone Central School, to remove the cases containing the collection of rocks and minerals belonging to the Framji Cawasji Institute, iio\f lying at the school, I have rented a portion of the premises below the "Native General Library, occupied by Mr. Sorabji Framji for Es. 7 per month, to place the cases from May 25th 1858.
1 remain, »
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
■	Ardaseer	Framji.
Bombay, 7th July 1858	Curator.82
To
Professor Hughlings,
Secretary to the Students’ Literary and •Scientific Society, Bombay.
Sib,
I have been instructed by the Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to inform you, that they are of opinion that it would greatly add to the advantage of the Institute were the Yictoria Museum built close to, and if possible, iu one harmonious plan with it ; and that they have passed a Resolution making the following proposals to the Committee of the Yictoria Museum.
That the Framji Cawasji Institute make over to the Yictoria Museum Committee the philosophical apparatus, and the collection of minerals, &c., of the value of six or seven thousand Rupees, and that they pay to the Museum Committee such a further sum, as would make up, with the value of the abovementioned apparatus, minerals &c, a sum equal to ten thousand rupees.
That in consideration of the above, the Victoria Museum appropriate a gallery in the proposed Victoria Museum building, to the formation of a natural History Museum, to be called after the name of the late Framjee Cawasjee, and to be under the Management of the Framjee Cawasjee Institute, or the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society.—
I have further been instructed to inform you, that they have resolved to invite tenders at once for the erection of the proposed building for the Framjeo Cawasji Institute on the site of the Alma Hotel, and the ground reclaimed from the Framjee Cawasji Tank.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
IS!" are. a yen Dinnanathji, Bombay \%th September 1861.	Secretary.83
To
Ardasir Framji Esq*
Sir,
I have the honor to inform,you that the committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute have resolved to make over, to Dr. G. Birdwood for safe custody the philosophical apparatus, minerals &c. now in your charge and to request, you will be good enough to inform me, when it will be convenient to you, to make over the same to that gentleman..
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
Narayen Dinnanathji,
Secretary.
Bombay 18fli September 1861
To
Sir Alexander Grant Bart.
My dear Sir,
With reference to your note dated the 31st. ultimo, I beg to inform you that the building of the Framji Cawasji Institute has not been commenced yet, but plans and specifications of the building have been prepared, and tenders have been invited and received. The arrangements for commencing the building will be completed as soon as a reply to a reference that has been made to Government is received' and the building will probably be finished in, about a year.
Believe me,
Dear Sir,
Yours sincerely, JUGGUNNATH SUNKERSETT.
Bombay &th October 186184
To
JUGGONNATH SUNKERSETT Esq.
President of the Framji Cawasji Committee &c. &c. &c.
My dear Sir,
In thanking you for the favor of your note received last evening, I am sorry to inform you that the statement it affords of the Framji Cawasji committee appears to me so little satisfactory that I should think it my duty to bring the matter before the next meeting of the Student’s Literary and Scientific Society, and to consult with them what steps ought to be adopted by the Society for obtaining the advantages to which they are entitled, and which have been so long withheld from them by your committee.
Our meeting has been postponed till Monday next, November Hth,
Believe me my dear Sir,
Yours sincerely,
A. Grant.
Bombay 5 th November I86fl
To
Sir Alexander Grant Barf.
My dear Sir,
In reply to your note of the 5th Instant I beg to in-' form you that it has been laid before the committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute and they consider that it calls for no remark beyond this acknowledgement in the present state of affairs.-—
Believe me,
My dear Sir Yours Very Sincerely JtTGGtWNATH SUNKERSETT Bombay 1th November 186185
To
Narrayen Dinnanathji Esq.
Secretary to the Framji Cawasji
Institute Committee.
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that your letter of the 18th September last was brought before the notice of the managing Committee of the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society on Friday the 22nd ultimo, which was the first occasion of their holding a meeting since the date of your letter,
I am instructed by the managing committee to inform you that they are glad to learn that tenders have been invited for the building of the Framji Cawasj Institute and they trust no delay may be suffered to take place in the accomplishment of so desirable a work.
The managing committee have authorized their curator of minerals &c. Mr, Ardasir Framji to make over the whole of the collection to the Framji Cawasji committee with a view to their being ultimately placed in the Victoria Museum.
With regard to the philosophical apparatus mentioned in your letter, I am instructed to request that this may be reserved for the use of the Students’ Society as originally intended. This apparatus will be from time to time urgently required by the Students’ Society for the illustration of lectures.
With regard to the proposal of the Framji Cawasji Committee to pay towards the Victoria Museum a sum of three or four thousand Eupees, I am instructed to request that the Framji Cawasji Committee will keep this proposal in abeyance until such time as the Framji Cawasji Institute is completed both externally86
and internally as it appears probable tliat all the available funds may be required for the purpose.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant,
J. P. Hitghlings.
Secretary to the Students^ L. & S. Society
Bombay 11 th December, 1861
To
Professor J. P. Hughlings.
Secretary to the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society.
Sir,
With reference to your letter to my address, dated' the 11th Ultimo, I have been instructed by the managing Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute to inform you, that it is their intention to commence with the institute building with as little delay as possible, and that they in compliance with your request resolved not to make over the philosophical apparatus to the Victoria Museum.
With regard to your last paragraph, your Society may be assured, that whatsoever we may decide oa will be the result of mature deliberation.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Tour most obedient Servant,
Kara yen Dinnanathji Secretary
Bombay 20th January 1862.87
To
Narrayen Binnanathji Esquire.
Secretary to F. C. Inst. Committee
Sir,
I beg to resign my seat as a Member of tlie Committee of the Framji Cawasji Institute.
I am
Your obedient Servant, Rustomji Jamsetji Jeejibhoy.
Bombciy 20^ January 1862.
To
Ardaseer Framji Esq.
Sir,
I have the honor to transmit to you for your information and guidance, the following resolution passed at a meeting of the Framji Cawasji Institute Committee, held on the 21st Ultimo.
“That in compliance with the request of the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society contained in their Secretary’s letter of the 11th. December 1861, the philosophical apparatus of the Framji Cawasji Institute be not made over to the Victoria Museum.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinnanathji,
Secretary.
Bombay 5th February 1862.88
To
The Municipal Commissioners.
Gentlemen,
I have been informed that you are closing up the Bullock shed at the Framji Cawasji Tank, in order to prevent persons of low character making use of the shed as they do at present. You will oblige by informing me, whether you have any objection to allow materials intended for the Framji Cawasji Institute to be stored in the shed, after the walls have been built up. In this case, I would request that the side which opens in the premises of the Institute may be kept as it is I engage to remove the materials within 24 hours’ notice, and if necessary will be happy to pay a nominal rent for the use of the shed, but as the Institution is to be a public building I hope that for the short time the shed will be required for the use of the Institution, you will kindly pefmit the use of it free of charge.
I have the honor to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, Narayen Dinanathji, Secretary to the Framji Cawasji Institute.
Bombay, 16 th July 1862.THE LAYING OF TEE FOUNDATION STONE OF TEE FRAMJI CAWASJI INSTITUTE.
The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Framji Cawasji Institute, took place on Saturday, the 22nd day of February 1862 afternoon at five o’clock on the verge of the Framji Cawasji Tank, Esplanade, the Honorable Juggonnath Sunkersett, President of the Committee of the Institute, performing the ceremony. The President was assisted in the interesting ceremony by the members of the Committee aa well as a large number of the Friends and admirers of the late Framji Cawasji. Amongst those who were present, we noticed the Honorable W. E. Frere, the Honorable Rustomji Jamsetji Jejeebhoy, the Honorable the Nawab of Savanoor, the Honorable Mr. Tristram, Sir Alexander Grant, Bart, the Rev. Dr. Wilson, Dr. Birdwood, Messrs. Bomanji Hormusji, W. Crawford, T. C. Hope, R. S. Sinclair, G. Foggo, G. W. Terry, Munguldass Nuthoobhoy, Cursetji Nusserwanji Cama, Bomanji Framji Cama, Framji Nusserwanji^ Sorabji Pestonji Framji, Nowroji Nanabhoy Framji, Dossabhoy Framji Cama, Narayen Dinnanathji, Yenayekrow Juggon-riathji, Jehangeer Nowroji, Cursetji Furdoonji, Yish-wanath.Narayen, Dossabhoy Framji Kurraka, Cawasji 1290
Edulji, Ardaseer Framji, Pestonji Ruttonji Cola, Cursetji Rustomji Cama, &c. &c. &e., The place was decorated with flowers, and leaves. The Honorable Juggonnath Sunkersett commenced the proceedings with the following address :—
Gentlemen,
We are met here this afternoon to lay the foundation stone of a building, which on the death of the late Framji Cawasji, we resolved to dedicate to his memory under the name of the Framji Cawasji Institute. The duty lias devolved on myself, as President of the Fi'amji Cawasji Committee. For the credit of the occasion, I wish it had been entrusted to any one else; but so far as my personal feeliugs go, its discharge is a matter of great satisfaction to me, for the late Framji Cawasji was one of my best friends, and I ain one of his oldest surviving friends, and his old Colleague in the late Board of Education,and other managing bodies. Indeed this day’s duty has fallen to me, not simply because I am President of the Committee, but by reason also of the express wishes of the family of my lamented Friend. The building will contain a lecture room, a reading room and a laboratory. It was intended that a Museum of Natural History and Economic products should be accommodated under the same roof; but the Victoria Museum being about to be erected, that idea has been abandoned ; and the ^Committee’s collection of minerals, rocks and fossils has been made over to the Government Central Museum. When the Yictoria Museum shall be built, these with other Natural History specimens will be placed on one floor while another will be91
devoted exclusively to economic articles, the former (it will be the gallery) to be denominated the Framji Cawasji Museum of Natural History. The Institution as you are aware, is to be in connection with the Students’ Literary and Scientific Society, and of the benefits it is likely to afford to that Society and the public at large, none can doubt. The style of the building is very plain, but suitable for the purpose for wliich it is designed. It is true that considerable delay has taken place in laying the foundation, and the Committee has suffered no little blame for this— and I must add undeservedly ; for we have spared no exertions in giving effect to the wishes of the originators of the Institution. But all know the competition which exists in Bombay for good building sites, all know the numberless obstacles (each petty enough in itself) which must be overcome before a building can be commenced even after a site has been secured. We are satisfied then with our own conduct, and at the same time well aware that the criticism we have experienced, has been prompted by the best of motives; we would here take the opportunity of thanking those from whom it came and all others who have sincerely desired to assist in bi inging this undertaking to its present stage. The Speaker, here stopped and laid the foundation stone when he resumed his address as follows:—
“ May God bless thia undertaking.”
And now in conclusion let me say a word to my 'young friends, for whose special advantage this Institution is designed. Framji Cawasji was one of those whom you would call “ old Bombay,” and for my old92
friend and for the class of “ old Bombay,” I would express the hope, that, when in the enjoyment of the benefits thus secured to you by them in this instance as well as in numerous others you may have a kindly thought'for those to whom you are indebted for them.
Pan Sooparee and nosegays were then distributed, and the interesting ceremony was brought to a close by the Union Band, which was in attendance, striking up “God save the Queen.”
The following is the Inscription on the Copper-plate laid under the Foundation Stone:—
IN THE REIGN OP HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY, VICTORIA,
AND UNDER THE VICEBOYAI.TY OF,
The Bight Hon’ble C. John Earl Canning,
GOVERNOR GENERAL OF INDIA,
His Excellency the Hon’ble Sir G. Bussel Clerk,
BEING GOVERNOR OF BOMBAY J
THE FOUNDATION STONE OF
The Framji Cawasji Institute
WAS LAID IN THE PRESENCE OF
THE FRIENDS AND ADMIRERS OF THE LATE, FRAMJI COWASJI ESQUIRE,
By the Hon’ble Juggonnath Sunkersett,
ASSISTED,
By the Members of the Committee of the said Institute, on Saturday the 22nd day of February in the year of the Christian Era 1862; of Yeszdezard 12 1; of Shalivan 1783; §f Yicramaditya 1818; Hizri 1278; and of the Jewish year 5622.
May the Blessings of God Almighty Be Upon
THIS WOBK.