Had a long conversation with the Duke upon Indian matters. The recollections of his youth are strong upon him, and he still clings to the old forms.
March 25.
Read some evidence before the Commons on the China trade.
Committee. Examined Mr. Elphinstone. He gave very good evidence.
House. A flat discussion on the Kentish petition.
March 26.
We had two to one last night. The House not very full. It seemed by no means the wish of the House to have a property tax; quite the contrary.
Mr. Elphinstone re-examined by Lord Lansdowne and others. He gave a very good evidence, and quite knocked up colonisation.
Monday, March 29, 1830.
Office at 2. Looked over regulations, &c., relative to the half-castes and considered their question. Came to a decided opinion against their admissibility to offices which can be held by natives.