The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

212 LIFE OF SIR ROWLAND HILL. [1852
I must, in fairness, add that the gentleman whose
appointment seemed at the time so objectionable
proved a very good officer.
At this time of doubt as to who might be my new
official superior, and what the position I might hold
with him, I perused with great
portant document just
issued :
satisfaction an im-
"December 28th. The Report on the East Indian Post Office
contains, among other matters, the following testimony in favour
of uniformity of rate. It is curious to contrast the evidence of the
officials there and here on the question, especially when the greater
distances and inferior means of conveyance in our Indian Empire
are considered.
" *
34. Uniformity of postage, without reference to distance, is
recommended by its simplicity, by its fairness, and by the facilities
it gives for the introduction of other improvements into the department.
Combined with a low rate of charge, it forms the con-
spicuous and chief benefit, which the monopoly of the carriage
of letters enables the Government to confer upon the whole body
of its subjects, by almost annihilating distance, and placing it within
the power of every individual to communicate freely with all parts
of the empire. It makes the Post Office what, under any other
system, it can never be the unrestricted means of diffusing know-
ledge, extending commerce, and promoting in every way the social
and intellectual improvement of the people. It is no longer an
experiment, having been introduced with eminent success into the
United Kingdom, as well as into the United States of America,
France, Spain, and Russia. It is advocated by every officer of
experience connected with the department in India, and by every
individual who has been consulted in the course of this inquiry, and
it has already been recommended by three out of the four subordinate
Governments.' "
I may add that the recommendation of the Com-
mission was soon afterwards carried into effect; so
that, with the exception of some outlying portions, a
low uniform rate of postage was established over the
length and breadth of our vast Indian Empire.