'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎300] (319/622)

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HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
sented to the Court, in Memorials, to which they replied by
peremptorily declining to comply with the prayer of the peti
tioners. The mates of the Indian Navy received only 80
rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. a month, increased to 100 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. after eight years'
service—a less sum than is paid to officers of a corresponding
rank in the Royal Service—and midshipmen An experienced sailor, but not a commissioned officer. only received
50 rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. per mensem, without an allowance by parents or
guardians being obligatory, as in the sister Service. Both
these ranks were expected also to subscribe to the Indian
Navy Fund out of their meagre pay. The fact was, therefore,
that the pay of these ranks, particularly of the three junior
grades, was insufficient for their support in respectability in
India, but the Court turned a deaf ear to all remonstrances and
representations. That under these depressing influences, the
officers of the Indian Navy, unlike their brethren of the Army,
who forced the Court to concede higher pay and emoluments,
remained true and faithful to their masters, and were ever
ready and efficient in time of war, speaks more for their loyalty
and patriotism than volumes of eulogy.*
directly they arrive in the Indian Seas, they receive from the Indian Government
the following allowances per annum, in addition to their pay :—
Indian Pay.
Royal Pay.
Total.
Rs.
£
£
Commander-in-chief
. 30,000
2,555
5,555 per annum,
Commodore in command
. 15,000
1,066
2,566
Commodore second ditto
. 10,000
940
1,940
(701
1,201
1,075
Every Captain....
. 5,000
^ 575
(450
950
Every Commander . .
. 2,500
300
550
Lieutenants' messes receive the following allowances : —
2,500
2.000
1,750
1,250
850
3rd rate .......
4th rate .......
5th rate .......
6th rate .......
All vessels commanded by a Commander
There are other allowances granted them, such as house rent, if doing duty
ashore; and an officer in command of a vessel gets freight on Government trea
sure at the rate of from f to 1 per cent, according to distance. The privilege has
been a fortune to many. On private freight they receive from f to 2 per cent.
In the Indian Navy, freight on Government treasure was not allowed, and,^ on
private freight, they received only J per cent. They formerly received from^4 0
2 per cent., and were responsible for f of any loss, but were cut down to ^P er
cent., and made answerable for the full value of any loss. Consequently no 0 car
cared to carry treasure under such conditions. „
# The " Friend of India," in August, 1854, acknowledged that 11 a tee ing
which approaches discontent, constantlv makes itself manifest among them, 1 is
not without foundation." "Their pay," it added, "is scarcely on the mman
scale ; their promotion is wretchedly behindhand ; their nominal rank on y sei
to render their practical subjection to the Koyal Navy more irksome an um
Hating. They are in the position in which the Company's officers were pa^
before the great Indian reform, when they could never practically attain a ig ^
rank than that of captain. Their services scarcely meet with the rewar w
becomes brave men or a grateful Government. The personal efiorts