27 MAY 1899, Page 17

INDIAN GRADUATES.

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR.") should like to be allowed to bear witness to the great and good work which is being carried on by Dr. Miller at the Christian College, Madras. It was one of my greatest pleasures and privileges to pay frequent visits to that College when I was Governor of Madras, and I can say that of all the educational institutions for which the Southern Presidency stands pre-eminent in India, none has during the last twenty- five years exercised such a powerful influence on the education of the people, as that over which Dr. Miller BO worthily presides. It is not only by the eight hundred and eighty graduates who during the last twenty-five years went out from the College, that its beneficent results are to be measured. Many thousands of others during that time have received a liberal education, and have learnt, amongst other things, the English language, which must have been the means of pro- curing them employment in various walks in life in India. It is far from my wish to disparage the efforts that are being made by other schools and colleges in various parts of the Presidency. They are all doing good and noble work in preparing students for the active affairs of life • and although, doubtless, many prefer to be employed by Government as Magistrates, Revenue officers, lecturers in Government colleges, police officers, forest officers, translators, Post Office inspectors, yet the vast majority of those educated at these colleges find remunerative employ- ment in mercantile and other pursuits. Dr. Miller does not deny that there are many defects in Indian education, but surely this does not detract from the merit of a man who has devoted his life to remedying these defects. As an illustration of the good that is gradually permeating the masses of the people, I would wish to add that I have often met, while shooting in remote parts of the Presidency, natives devoid of clothes who could converse fluently in the English language, all of whom have received the elements of education at one or other of these colleges.—I am, Sir, &c., 10 South Cliff, Eastbourne, May 22nd. CONNPM An A