Letter from the undersigned Sirdars, etc. of the Baroda Sate to Philip Sandys Melvill, Agent to the Governor-General of India, Baroda [‎23r] (13/18)

For our part, we submit that the primary object of Government is to keep proper
order in the country, and that, with this end in view, we decide all cases in strict
obedience to the laws for the time being in force. "We have no objection to act
according to whatever changes the Government may from time to time think fit
to introduce into the law. In the present case, however, the power of executing
the law is to be transferred from one body to another, and we can see no reason
why such transferrence should take place. By our position and dignity we are
entitled to the confidence of Government, and it can hardly be alleged that we
will abuse the powers which are solemnly entrusted to us, and for which we are
responsible to the State. In the British Government, respectable persons are
elected honorary Magistrates, and Jagirdars are generally empowered with
criminal jurisdiction equal to that of a Mamlatdar. There is also a law in force
regarding such jurisdiction, viz. Regulation XV. of 1827. Under these circum
stances, we submit for your Honour's serious consideration whether we are not
entitled to similar powers in this State, and whether, in that case, our dignity
will not be greatly lowered in the eye of the public, not to speak of the deep
humiliation which we will thereby suffer.
16. (1) With respect to clause 8, para. 10, we beg to state that the present
Ministry and their subordinates do not treat us confidentially. There are numer
ous instances to prove this assertion, and the following is one of them. At
present the Kadi and Patan Divisions are much disturbed by robbers and
plunderers, and although the new police force has been sent to restore peace and
order to these parts, it has not been able to perform the task well. On such
occasions, it was always the practice to send one of our class to the disturbed
place; but whether the present Ministry intends to dispense with our services,
or whether they consider the police force sufficient for the purpose, none of
us has yet been asked to offer assistance on the present occasion.
(2) On various occasions we have sent our vakils Elected representative or attorney, acting in legal matters such as contracting marriage, inheritance, or business; a high-ranking legal official; could also refer to a custodian or administrator. with verbal as well
as written requests to His Excellency the Dewan to visit us, but they have not
been complied with; and when we state that there was not a single occasion on
which we were thus disappointed even by the Maharajas, your Honour may
consider whether the behaviour of His Excellency is not calculated to wound our
feelings.
17. As to clause 9, para. 10, we beg to state that the dismissal of some of
the hereditary Government servants, and the appointment of new men in their
stead, have increased the expenditure of the State. As the old Kamdars enjoyed
their office in hereditary succession, it is but natural that they should regard
the interests of the State as identical with their own, and should work with zeal
and care, so as to secure greater confidence of Government than the new Kam
dars. The Kamdars of the old class used to receive the protection of the State,
so that if any of them died leaving a minor heir, another man was appointed to
conduct the business attached to his office till the heir reached the age of majo
rity. This custom is peculiar to a Native State, and, by abolishing it, much