One evening my wife came into our rest house, from the other villages
where the houses were nearly finished, and I saw that she was greatly
pleased at something that had occurred. She said that the women had all
come to her and almost their only question was about the
looking-glasses. She asked, “Suppose there are no looking-glasses in
Calcutta, then what am I to do?” Almost a wail of despair went up from
the crowd. “O mem sahib, mem sahib! you must not say that, you promised
and we know you won’t break your promise.” “All right,” she replied, “I
will get you the glasses if I have to go to Wilayat for them,” and they
were all as happy as some little girls would be at the promise of dolls
from Paris. Bundles of twine, loads of pictures and boxes of
looking-glasses were duly given and all were happy for many a day.
The greatest aid to me in making improvements was the village
committees, each composed of five men, the majority ruling. For the
selection of these committees I had appointed annual election days when
all the men over twenty years of age, were each allowed to cast a ballot
for the man they wanted. On the morning of the election days the school
teachers took their places apart and the men one by one went to them and
got a ticket written, of the names they chose. These tickets were folded
and the men slipped them into a closed box, a teacher checking the names
of the voters in a list that had previously been made. The only
collusion possible was with the teachers and they were strictly enjoined
not to utter a word of suggestion but only to write the five names given
to them. There was probably considerable electioneering beforehand and
many an hour’s talk as they smoked their hookas, about the make-up of
the new committee. There was considerable excitement over these
elections and it increased year by year and made everybody feel that he
was somebody, though he was only the village sweeper. There was great
interest among the crowd at the close of the polls when the names of the
candidates were read off and counted.
The committees thus chosen were clothed with authority and felt their
responsibility. They acted with such discretion that I never heard a
word of dissent against any action of theirs. This may be accounted for
that there were no ranting babu pleaders among them and they had not
learned the tricks and bribery of civilized people. They were very
deliberate and assumed such a magisterial air and dignity, that could
not be excelled by the judges of any High Court, and I do not doubt that
their rulings were just as equitable. There was no Court of Appeals
though the committees often came to me for advice and suggestions, but I
never interfered after they had given their decisions, so that it became
a saying amongst the people “The Committee has spoken,” as if nothing
further was to be said or done. I had formed a set of rules which the
committee executed. They settled all disputes, had charge of the tanks
and fishing, looked after the drains and saw that the houses and streets
were kept clean and in order. The system was one of self-government, and
made the people think and act for themselves.
I had built only one tank near one of the villages. One day not long
after the new houses in the other villages had been completed their
committees came to me in a body. Their spokesman said that I had been
very kind to them, that they did not wish to make any complaint and
hoped I would not be angry with them for making another request, but as
I had built a tank for one village from which its people had water for
their fields and plenty of fish for food, they hoped that I, as their
mabap, would also supply them with tanks. I asked if they would give the
land. Certainly they would do this as they would make allotments of
other fields to those occupying ground where the tanks would be placed.
I gave them a favorable answer and received their hearty thanks. The
tanks were soon dug, the people of the different villages, coming with
their cattle and carts making gala days in helping each other. After the
rains the tanks were stocked with fish which in a few years became very
plentiful.
The villages were now in a most prosperous condition. I had insisted on
their saving all the refuse and the soil became rich. My theory was that
the man who impoverishes his land steals from his own pocket. There was
an abundance of fuel from the trees that had been planted, so that the
manure was not burned as formerly. There was a rotation of crops with
different kinds of grain and vegetables. Every third year new seed was
imported or got from other parts of India. Grass was grown which with
the green stuff was preserved in silos so that there never was any
scarcity of fodder. The silos were for the preservation of feed, what
the manure pits were for the preservation of manure. The cattle were
from imported stock and excellent, quite a contrast with the poor
half-starved beasts of the surrounding villages.
I had quite a tussle with my friends on the milk and cow question. It
was formerly the custom for them to let the calves run with the cows and
no milk was procured. I insisted that the calves should not be allowed
to go to their mothers even for a day after their births. The people
said this was not the custom with their forefathers, that it was not
possible, the cows would not give milk or allow themselves to be milked
unless the calves were present. There was very near a rebellion. After
reflection the committees quieted the rest, by saying that the sahib
knew everything and should have his own way, which he had, with the
result that the cows became as good milkers as on any dairy farm in
Europe.
It was the custom when a calf died to stuff its skin with grass and
every time the cow was milked this imitation calf was placed beside her.
I learned indirectly that I was extolled as a wonderful sahib, that I
not only knew how to make lightning with a machine, but all about cows
and how to make butter. I had thoroughly studied this latter subject
during my foreign trip as well as about silos.
There was plenty of fruit from the trees that had been planted. The
committee passed a rule that those appointed to gather the fruit should
bring it to the Chibutra where at evening it was counted or weighed by
the committee and each family given its portion.
The new houses were abodes of neatness, health and comfort, and each
family took pride in keeping everything in good order. My wife
instructed the women in various industries, among them making articles
to adorn their houses and themselves, so that they were most willing to
accede to her wishes. She gave them flower seeds and every house had its
pots of flowers. The women instead of idling, were very busy in their
household duties or carrying water for their flowers. The people from
the surrounding country for miles came to see my villages as to a fair.
It was something strange for them to see common natives enjoying so much
health, comfort and pleasure and their admiration was a stimulant to the
people.
I could but pity those around them living in poverty, squalor and filth,
with constant sickness, whilst their landlords lived in cities, grasping
everything they could from their miserable half-starved ryots.
There were several things from the absence of which we were blessed.
There was not an accursed opium den, liquor shop or money-lender within
our boundary, and I might add no oppressive, grasping zemindar. I had
prevented these evils from the first and the committees insisted that no
one should use opium or liquor; that no one should borrow money outside
of their own circles, and passed a usury law that no one should charge
more interest than six per cent per annum on pain of forfeiture of the
amount loaned, so that these village committees, unlettered heathen,
were considerably in advance of the great Government of India, that next
to the twin curses of opium and liquor, fosters the other curse, the
robbing of the poor by tolerating the incredible percentage of the
money-lenders.
The Collector of the district in his cold weather tour, once encamped
not far from one of the villages. The committee concluded to make up a
present for the Barra Sahib. They collected vegetables, fruit, flowers,
fish, milk and butter, quite a cart load. When well dressed they
appeared before him, to his surprise and astonishment, as he afterwards
told me, for he could not have got as good supplies from his own house
and garden. This reception greatly pleased them, and he promised to pay
them a visit on the following morning. Bright and early every one was at
work. The clean streets were sprinkled, and all put on their gayest
apparel. Nearly all went to the boundary to meet him, and followed him
in procession with the village band in the lead. This band was quite a
feature at our evening assemblies, melas and fairs. The instruments were
all native, and the music was not such as is heard in the Grand Opera
House in Paris, but it suited the people, so what more could be asked?
The Collector was completely taken aback at the sight, and still more
astonished when he saw the well built houses, every veranda adorned with
flowers and the clean sprinkled streets. They escorted him to the
Chibutra under the big tree, when he told them how pleased he was, and
thanked them for the presents they had sent. The women were particularly
happy when he complimented them on their appearance, the neatness of
their houses, the beauty and variety of the flowers on their verandas. I
was not aware of his going near the village, or I would have been
present, but I was glad that the people had acted of their own accord
and pleasure.
I have great faith in nature, that if man was not distorted by beliefs,
traditions, customs, education and society, he would be as virtuous,
honest and good as other animals; but that is another subject.
The committee sent me word of the Collector Sahib’s presence, so I went
out to show him due respect as a loyal zemindar. The committee had a
reason for my coming. The collector’s servants and camp followers had
raided the gardens, fields and fruit trees, taking what they chose and
refusing payment, as usual with them. Besides, some of them had nets and
were catching loads of fish of all sizes. To excuse themselves they said
they were the Barra Sahib’s servants, and wherever they went they took
what they wanted and paid nothing. This was the truth, but did not make
their robbery and insolence any more palatable to my people. On hearing
this I told the committee to come with me to call on the sahib. I had
not met him, as he was a new arrival in the station, and had not called
on me for the probable reason that the cantonment magistrate—somewhat of
a cad, always in debt to his servants and shop-keepers, having a lot of
gambling IOU’s against him in the club at the end of every month—had
dropped my name from the calling list which was in his charge, giving as
a reason to some one that newcomers might not care to become acquainted
with Eurasians. But then he was the second generation from a London
tailor, and as some society expert has observed that it takes seven
generations to make a gentleman, he was only two-sevenths of one, so no
matter.
The Collector received me with great kindness. He told me of his public
reception, how surprised and pleased he was, that the village was a
paradise compared with others, that it was the model village of all he
had ever seen. When about to take leave, I told him that the committee
were outside the tent. We went out. They hesitated, expecting that I
would talk for them, but I preferred to let them tell their own story.
Their leader began by saying how glad their hearts had been made by his
honor coming to them, that they were all his servants, that everything
in the village was his, and they hoped his highness would not be
offended if they said that some worthless fellows in his honor’s camp
had gone into the fields and taken vegetables and fruit and had caught
fish from the tank with nets which was against the rule, and given
nothing in payment except gali, and threatened if they were reported to
take much more. He told this with great effect in his own eloquent
village language which would lose all its force by translation.
The Collector at once became very angry and calling his servants
denounced them for committing robbery and disgracing him, and threatened
that if any of them dared to go near the village again he would have
them brought up and flogged. He offered to pay for the stuff stolen but
the committee refused payment as they did not care for the value, but
did not like the insolence and abuse. The Collector then thanked the
committee for reporting the matter. He remarked to me that this probably
happened wherever he went, and no one dared to report to him for fear of
ill treatment. I replied that I had heard of men boasting that they
liked to travel with Government officials, as it never cost them
anything to live. He asked me about the villages and I gave him their
history, of the fish supply in the tank and the rules about taking fish,
not omitting the committee compelling Gulab, as a punishment, to eat the
fish raw that he had caught, at which he was greatly amused. He
afterwards made several visits to the village, calling upon me. We had
some excellent fishing in the mornings at the tank, for he was one of
Izaak Walton’s followers. On his return to the station he and his wife
called on us, and we became the warmest friends, dining with each other
frequently, in spite of the fellow who had charge of the calling list.
I had another experience soon after, that was not quite so pleasant. The
time for the settlement or re-assessment of the village lands arrived,
and I went out to look after my interests while the Settlement Officer
was present. I had never met this man, but I knew all about him from a
to zed. I called at his tent and sent in my card, when it came back
written upon, “Please state your business.” Had I not known it before,
this would have shown me at once that he was English, for this is one of
their ways of showing their self-importance and of snubbing, as I never
met it in any other class. I wrote that I was the zemindar of the
village, and left him to infer what he chose. Had I stated that I wished
to become acquainted with him, he would likely have replied that he did
not wish my acquaintance, or some similar remark to show that he was a
gentleman; or if I had stated my business he might have sent word that
he would send for me when he wanted me; and this would also have been
English, you know.
I was admitted to the august presence, with scarcely a nod from him, nor
was I offered a seat. “Well,” said he with a brazen stare, “what can I
do for you?” treating me as if I were some itinerant beggar. I was
flustered and angry, for he had brass enough in his face and insolence
in his manner to upset the temper of a saint. I mildly replied that as
zemindar of the village I had come out of courtesy to him. “Well,” said
he, “as I am about to take my bath, I will bid you good morning,” and
out he went into another apartment.
I concluded to remain at the village, come what would, without expecting
the pleasure I enjoyed with my Scotch friend, the Collector. The village
committee took the Settlement Officer a fine present, but he treated
them with such contempt that they never went near him again. His
servants robbed the gardens and fruit trees, but I suggested to the
people to say nothing. He every morning fished at the tank and made
large hauls, while his servants came with nets and took away loads of
small fish as well as large. This was done daily, until it became
irritating beyond endurance. The committee came to me with complaints,
and I saw that I must do something or lose my position in their
estimation; so I concluded to beard the lion or jackass, whatever might
happen. I saw him seated in front of his tent. He did not rise or even
nod, or say anything. I did not know why he should have treated me with
such insolence, unless it was in the nature of the beast to do so.
“Well, what is it?” he finally asked. I replied, “I hope you will excuse
me for troubling you, but your men have gone into the gardens of the
villages and taken vegetables and fruit and abused the people when they
objected.” He stopped me with, “I don’t believe a word of it;
Chuprassi!” and up came a sleek villain whom I had seen in the gardens.
“Did any of the servants go into the village gardens and take
vegetables?” “Khudawand!” said the fellow with his hands together.
“Lord, why should we become bastard thieves when we have all we want in
his highness’ camp?” “There!” said the Khudawand, “I told you that it
was not so.” “But,” I remarked, “I saw this very man in the garden with
his arms full of vegetables.” He made no reply. I continued, “The people
do not mind the loss of the stuff, but they don’t like the abuse they
receive.” He only listened. Have you ever remonstrated with a man when
he only stared? Is there anything more irritating? I went on, “I built a
tank and stocked it with fish at considerable expense, and the rules are
that no outside natives shall fish in it, and the villagers themselves
shall not take fish under a certain size, and that no nets shall be
used; but your servants are daily using nets and carrying away loads of
small fish.” At this he sprang to his feet, blustering out, “I have had
enough of this. That is a public tank, and my servants shall fish there
if they want to.”
“No,” I said, “that is my tank,” when he cut me short, saying, “I have
had enough; I want to hear no more. It seems to me that you are putting
on a good deal of side for a damned Eurasian, if I must tell you so.”
“Eurasian or not,” I replied, “my father was and is H. J. Smith of
Jalalpur, and as you are his nephew we are cousins; and it comes with
bad grace for you to twit me of being an Eurasian when it was from no
sin of mine, but at the pleasure of your own virtuous, Christian uncle.”
This all came out in a volley before he had time to interrupt me. He
sprang to his feet, for he had taken his seat, his face all aglow with
anger, and shaking his fist at me while he stamped upon the ground, he
fairly shouted, “It’s a lie; all a damned lie! Do you wish to insult me?
You must leave at once. Chuprassi!” But I was off and away before his
minion could come around the tent.
It was some minutes before I recovered from my terrible anger, and then
I cursed myself by the hour for being such an ass, such an extra
long-eared one, for making a stupid blunder as to quarrel with a
Settlement Officer who had the valuation and taxation of all my lands in
his power. Though I had the satisfaction of telling the truth and
getting rid of some of my bilious indignation, it would have been better
not to have gone to him after the repulse of the first call; rather to
have lost all the fruit and vegetables, all the fish, both small and
great, before angering a settlement officer.
It is said that there are two parts in a man, right and left, to
dominate the brain in turn. When one part had spoken as above, the other
said, “Who cares what such a man can do? Is it not better to be a man
and stand up for your rights than to cringe like a coward and quietly
submit to the oppression of a tyrant? Was not the heavy blow that you
gave that insolent bully’s head worth more than all the increased
assessments he can make?” Thus the two parts of me alternately held the
floor, the one lamenting the probably increased taxation, the other
pleading for the rights of my manhood.
The officer did not depart for some days, and though I could do nothing,
I also remained. The whole of the camp followers, taking their cue from
their master, ravaged the gardens and fruit trees. Their delight was in
fishing with nets, a score of them, taking loads of small fish, out of
sheer sport. I remonstrated with them, but they replied with the
insolence of their master that their sahib had told them to catch all
the fish they wanted. The result was that there was not a minnow left in
the tank. The villagers were terribly wrought up. They proposed to
attack the thieves, but this would only have increased the trouble, as
my party would have got the worst of it, not in a fight, but in the
courts, where they would have been brought up for riotous conduct. Many
or all of them would have been taken away from their work or their
homes, kept in jail awaiting trial, and then likely be imprisoned for
years as criminals, for the sahib and his whole camp would have sworn
that my people were the aggressors. “He should hae a lang-shafted spune
that sups kale wi’ the deil,” and I knew that our “spune” had a very
short shaft compared with that of the English gentleman and his crew.
To vindicate myself, I explained to the villagers what I had done, and
was obliged to let them know what I thought of the sahib. The whole
village was intensely agitated, and nothing was talked of but the
tyranny of the settlement officer, comparing him with the collector
sahib, who was so kind and pleased.
It happened just as I anticipated, the assessments were increased twenty
per cent. Great stress was laid on the rich productive land, compared
with adjoining villages, on the valuable fruit trees, the comfortable
houses, on the tank yielding a large amount of fish.
On hearing of the officer’s report I wrote to the Government in the
Revenue Department, making a long statement, showing in what condition I
had found the villages, a lot of dilapidated huts; that I had
contributed several thousand rupees for the construction of houses; that
the soil had been very poor, which I had enriched with fertilizers and
judicious cultivation; that many acres were absolutely barren, usar
land, which I under-drained and fertilized with lime and manure, and
after years of labor and much expense, had changed it to productive
soil; that I had built drains for the streets, and made the villages
healthy; and lastly, I had built the tank and stocked it with fish,
employing men to go a great distance, and bring the best kinds. I might
have told how the tank had been robbed by the camp of the Settlement
Officer, but caution controlled me to say nothing that would irritate,
as I was now a supplicant for mercy, since I knew I could not get
justice. I prayed that under the circumstances, the assessment might
remain as formerly, or at the same rate as of the villages in the
vicinity.
My application was denied, on the plea that the Revenue Department could
not upset a report of the Settlement Officer who had been upon the
ground and thoroughly understood the whole matter.
I went to the Collector and laid the whole subject before him, asking
for justice, omitting all mention of anything unpleasant that had
occurred. He wrote to the Department stating that he had spent some days
at these villages; that they were models, not only of the district but
of all India; that he had never seen any to compare with them; that they
were like villages at home; that he was surprised and delighted to find
that such improvements could be made in India; but it was all due to the
energy and personal attention of Mr. Japhet, who had spent large amounts
of money in the improvements. He hoped, therefore, that the Board would
reconsider its decision, as it would only be just to Mr. Japhet to make
some concession. The reply was that in view of the representations of
the Collector the assessment would be reduced to ten per cent. above the
former rate, but “further than that it would not be advisable, etc.”
This was a gain, and somewhat satisfactory. If a robber waylays you, and
empties your pockets, it is better to accept a sovereign that he
generously offers you out of your own purse, than go without supper and
bed.
I had then the pleasure of re-stocking my tank with fish and in the
evening after it was finished, at our assembly, we had a kind of a
jubilee meeting, thanking our stars that another settlement officer
would not come again for thirty-three years.