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members of the Imperial Legislative Council. He had under his supervision and control some of the détenus. As Magistrate he had to look after them, and, I am afraid, with a stern official eye. That was Mr. Emerson, the unbending Government servant. But behind the cold, rough exterior, there was beating a kindly heart, which had a soft corner for the sufferers and a clear vision of their patriotic purposes, however misguided. I remember his telling me, with undisguised respect, the story of the honesty and disinterested- ness of one of the internees under his charge; and if I rightly recol- lect, he repeated it publicly in a speech in the Council Chamber.

I once had to refer to him, in the course of a speech in the Imperial Legislative Council in connexion with the Rowlatt Bill: it was a little bit of banter in which I indulged and which both of us enjoyed. I was moving an amendment, urging that the accused should be allowed the right of appeal, which had not been provided under the Bill; and I emphasized my point by reference to the Barisal incident in which Mr. Emerson was the Magistrate and I was the accused. I said, 'I was fined Rs. 400 in that case by the Magistrate who now sits in this Chamber not very far from where I am speaking (casting a glance at Mr. Emerson, who was seated almost next to me); the order was set aside by the High Court; but, if there had been no appeal, if I had not that right, a wrong would have been perpetrated without remedy, or redress.' There was a gentle titter among members who understood the reference; and when the meeting was over, I went up to Mr. Emerson and said, 'I hope I have not offended you.' 'Far from it' was the courteous reply, 'I felt proud of it' he added.

Ever since then our relations have been friendly; and, when I visited Dacca after my appointment as Minister, I heard golden accounts of the Commissioner from all sides. When, therefore, after Mr. Bompas's retirement, the office of Chairman of the Improve- ment Trust, one of the highest in my gift, became vacant, and his name was mentioned as that of a suitable candidate, I at once accepted the suggestion and appointed him to the office. It was an appointment involving hard work, and heavy responsibility, and I think Mr. Emerson fully justified my choice. The splendid work begun by Mr. Bompas, which has harmonized important sections of our great city, has been continued with unabated vigour and undiminished efficiency; and, when at a Conference of representa- tives it was proposed to form an Improvement Trust for Howrah on the other side of the river, it was decided that the Chairman of