276 REPORT OF THE INDIAN HEMP DRUGS COMMISSION, 1893-94. [CH. XIV.

(81) Kali Das Mukerji, Sub-Deputy Collector: After advocating prohibi-
tion of ganja on the grounds of the evil effects, and stating that there would
be no danger from the discontent caused owing to the small number of the
consumers, the witness proceeds: "The reasons usually put forward in favour
of ganja consumption are as follows: (1) that Hindu friars and jogis cannot do
without it, for it helps them in their religious contemplation, and sustains them
under severe exertion and exposure; (2) that it is a safeguard against disease
in malarious tracts; and (3) that it serves the labouring classes as a refreshing
stimulant, alleviating fatigue. I do not think that any of these reasons is con-
clusive, though plausible. In fact, none of them stands the test of close examin-
ation. If any intoxicating drug is at all necessary for friars and jogis, alcohol,
opium, or siddhi may serve the purpose. Eight kinds of intoxicating drugs are
prescribed in the Tantras for Hindu devotees, and it is optional with them to
take any if they care to do so at all................... That ganja is a safeguard
against disease in malarious tracts is not necessarily true................... Even
as a stimulant and remover of fatigue, ganja has very little to recommend it to
the labouring classes................... A careful observation is sure to establish
the fact that any ordinary labourer whose only stimulant is tobacco is on the
whole a better workman than his ganja consuming brother."

Opinions against prohibition of
ganja in Bengal.

571. It is impossible to quote the mass of opinion against prohibition of
ganja, but the following analysis of some of the most
important opinions will give an idea of the strength
of these opinions:—

(1) Prohibition impossible or unnecessary, or could not be enforced with-
out a large preventive establishment.

(1)  Hon'ble D. R. Lyall, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue.

(2)  Mr. Westmacott, Commissioner.

(9) Mr. Price, Collector.

(11) Mr. Skrine, Collector.

(21) Mr. Jenkins, Collector.

(17)  Mr. Gupta, Commissioner of Excise.

(46) Ganendra Nath Pal, Deputy Collector.

(197) Mr. H. M. Weatherall, Manager, Nawab's Estates, Tippera.

(2) Prohibition would be strongly resented by religious mendicants, or
would be regarded as an interference with religion, or would
be likely to become a political danger.

(1) Hon'ble D. R. Lyall, C.S.I., Member, Board of Revenue.

(3)  Mr. Westmacott, Commissioner.

(19) Mr. Manisty, Collector.

(18)  Mr. Hare, Collector.

(16) Mr. Marindin, Collector.

(32) Mr. Bedford, Deputy Commissioner.