'History of the Indian Navy. (1613-1863).' [‎65] (84/622)

HISTORY OF THE INDIAN NAVY.
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his earnest desire to raise the tone of the young officers Sir
Charles Malcolm stopped their being allowed ship's grog, and
substituted wine, which he procured from a firm— 6 Sholton and
Malcolm'—on favourable terms, and also got the officers the
privilege of obtaining outfit and uniform at prime cost from
England, through the Army Clothing Department. These
were well meant acts, but raised the first cry of jobbery against
him, which was the chief reproach he ever had to his name;
and though it was a slander, yet he showed weakness in taking
the part of the firm he had patronized, when they evidently did
try to screw out of the officers a profit by supplying inferior
articles; and it ended by a great row, and his giving up the
pet scheme under the advice of Government. He was a fine,
gentlemanly, kind man, and was certainly the greatest friend we
ever had; his rule was just and mild, but dignified; the
transition of the old to the new style of things was wisely and
gradually done, and with much tact and discrimination. He
also fostered and established the scientific branch of the Service
on a sound footing; infusing a tone of zeal and enthusiasm
that had the happiest effect, and was able to work wonders by
his personal and kindly influence. Latterly he fell into bad
health, and had less cordial support from Government. He
showed weakness in his administration from failing powers,
and was superseded when it was decided to introduce steam
into the Service more generally."
The contrast between the character of the first Superinten
dent and that of the second, was very marked. Captain Oliver
was a seaman of the Ben bow school, caring little for dress
and those amenities in his intercourse with the officers of the
Service, which go so far to smooth the rough path of daily
official routine. Having at heart the welfare of the Service,
the blunt and outspoken expressions to which he gave utterance,
when excited, offended those who had served under his courteous
predecessor. But those best qualified to judge, from an in
timate knowledge of the man, assert that, disguised under a
rough exterior, he was possessed of a kind heart, while as to
his honourable sentiments there could be no doubt. He was less
imbued with a love of scientific research than was for the ad
vantage and reputation of a Service, which had ever been the
nursery of scientific talent, but then those only were to blame
who placed over such men as Ross, Moresby, and Haines, an
officer their inferior in every acquirement necessary for the
occupant of such a post, save seamanship, and a knowledge of
steam. Captain Oliver conducted the duties of Commander-in-
chief of the Indian Navy to the best of his ability and to the
satisfaction of Government; he was, unquestionably, a con
scientious and zealous servant, and, though the efficiency of
the Service was sacrificed to the exercise of a misplaced economy,
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