পাতা:সংবাদপত্রে সেকালের কথা দ্বিতীয় খণ্ড.djvu/৭৬৪

૧૨8. সংবাদপত্রে মেকানের কথা measures; but the country would have been better without such an example. That there was wisdom, perhaps, in refusing to reward with honours those who had supported the enlightened measure of abolishing the suttee, we will not question ; but Roy Kaleenath Chowdree had other claims to distinction from his wealth, the antiquity of his family, and the public works he had completed ; and it was scarcely prudent to allow an impression to be created on the public mind that, but for the part which he took in that great question of humanity, his eminent public services would have been rewarded in the only mode in which Government has the means of recognizing them. When the ruffian, Raj Narayun Roy, whose only title to distinction arose from the accidental circumstance of his having presented an address of thanks to Sir Charles Metcalfe, was made a rajah, and Roy Kaleenath Chowdree was not, the conclusion, which the natives naturally drew, could not be favourable to the character of our Government.—Friend of India, Dec. 17. . When a native gentleman distinguishes himself from the great mass of his countrymen by the noble purposes to which he applies his wealth, his memory deserves to be rescued from the oblivion of the grave. Baboo Roy Kaleenath Chowdree, who for many years set an example of wise munificence and public spirit to his countrymen, died December the 12th, at the age of forty-three. This amiable and intelligent individual founded a school at Takee, , where English, Bengallee, and Persian, were taught by competent instructors. At the same place, he established a dispensary, for the gratuitous distribution of medicine to the sick ; a professional European (Mr. H. Critchley) was placed in charge of it. Amongst other public works, the baboo constructed a road from Baraset to Bagundee, and built inns for travellers, who obtained gratuitous refreshment. He was always a kind and generous friend to the poor, and was also distinguished for the liberality of his opinions. His mother, at the age of seventy, still survives in health and strength. He has left two daughters, but the bulk of his property. is divided between his four brothers. He has left one zemindary, of the value of a lac of rupees, to be devoted to the support of the public charities, already mentioned. Baboo Roy Kaleenath Chowdree was conversant with the English, Sansorifi, Persian, anâ Bengallee languages, and wrote