a time in keeping such interference within due bounds. If they stood between the ráyats and their alleged oppressors, they still left the Company's Courts to deal with all questions of mere revenue. Sir James Stephen has clearly shown that 'Impey's alguazils,' as Macaulay styles them, were no more to blame for what happened than the officers and agents of the Supreme Council. The real culprits were the men who framed the Act of 1773, which opened wide the door to endless conflicts between the rival powers of the Company and the Crown[1].
In the latter part of 1779 the rashness of Justice Hyde brought the long-smouldering quarrel to a violent crisis. During Impey's absence from Calcutta, Hyde issued a writ against the Rájá of Kásíjora. A sheriff's officer, with a band of Sepoys and sailors, entered the Rájá's house and sequestered all his property, including an idol, which was packed, says Hastings, 'like a common utensil in a basket.' Happily, his women and children had fled betimes to escape the crowning insult of a violated zanána. The Council's answer to this challenge was promptly given through the Governor-General himself. A strong party of Sepoys set off to capture the whole posse of Hyde's followers, and escort them back to Calcutta. Like steps were taken to protect the other Zamíndárs from the pains and penalties threatened by the Supreme Court. For several months of 1780 the whole province was thrown into a dangerous ferment.
- ↑ Gleig, Impey, Stephen.
