Thread by @HindooHistory

The Morning News, 1896

"HINDOO SERVANTS"

"Must be Handled Roughly, as They Don't Appreciate Kindness"

#HindooHistory

"Today the Hindoo servant is a lazy, good-for-nothing thief, and I will tell you how to handle him," said the general traffic manager of the Southern India Railway in his office at Madras, India to an Enquirer representative, who was in the orient several months ago..."

"Continuing, he said: 'I have seen a good deal of change in the country during my fifty years residence here, and one of the most remarkable changes has been in the treatment of servants."

"A few years ago in the good old days of the Madras presidency, if a servant disobeyed his master, he would have him strung up and whipped. If the whipping caused death, a fine of seven rupees ($1.75 in American money, according to present value) would have been imposed"

"If, however, the servant's master did not care to run the risk of having to pay the fine, which was considered a big sum for the life of a Hindoo in those days, all he had to do was to send the offending servant with a note to the police magistrate..."

" and an official whipper would return with Sammy. The whole appliances for whipping were kept at the police department. Sammy would be made to carry his own whipping post. Flog him hard? I should say they would."

"The general average would be thirty lashes, and if the master thought that the rascal was not punished enough he would order thirty more lashes.If the Hindoo died from the effects of the punishment, why, there was no fine to pay, and it was simply 'good riddance to bad rubbish.'

"But look at the condition of things now. The rascally Hindoo will stand up and sass you. 'You ask why. it is because the Hindoo whipping post has been abolished."

"At present the offending Hindo is brought before a rajah or judge of his own race, and, of course, he will not be severe on his countrymen"

"The only way that the Hindoo servants can be made to obey is to beat and kick them. You cannot show them kindness or they at once put you down as a softie."

"Take my advice, as long as you remain in India, and your servants are lax in their work, you just make them acquainted with the toe of your boot."

"The old gentleman sighed, as he recalled the former manner of dealing with servants. His tone of voice indicated that he would like it re-established. His advice was both good and true, for Hindoo servants do not appreciate kindness..."

"and understand only a kick when you desire them to obey. A 'sahib' (master) who will not give his servant a kick or a slap has no standing with the Hindoo, and is counted by them as a no-good sahib.'"