INDIAN FAMINES - Institute for Social and Economic Change

RECENT FAMINES.
"large stores of grain in the hands of dealers,
probably enough to supply the market for a
couple of years." It is evident from the tone
of the letters containing these remarks that the
only blame which can be imputed to the writer
was that he was too sanguine at this time. He
tries to stimulate every one, and to take a
cheerful view of affairs. He writes, " Don't let
the people get down-hearted." "Set the people
to help themselves-a somewhat difficult matter
in Orissa; but there is nothing like trying."
The Govemment of Bengal were of course guided
for the time by their representative, and acted
accordingly. It was evident, however, that the
crops were not up to an average, and the Board
of Revenue were asked "to suggest any measures
by which it may appear to them that
Government can aid with advantage, with a
view to mitigate the effects of the present scarcity."
The result of this was, that on the 11 th
December it was determined to inaugurate
public works, and that Government, on their
own estates, should set the example of affording
relief to the helpless poor. Relief committees
were recommended; for It it is on the exercise of