In Travancore, there is often a concern whether it is weary officers, grown old in body and mind from years of service to the Government, who emerge to draft laws intended to burden the masses. Not long ago, during the tenure of Dewan Mr. V.P. Madhava Rao, Mr. T. Rajaramarayar implemented a stringent law related to land tax, which caused confusion among the people. However, his tactics were soon challenged and overshadowed by the collective voice of the masses.

Are we not aware that the same officer introduced a bill during Mr. Krishnaswamirayar's time to restrict the freedom of the press that represents the masses, only to see its harmful effects neutralised and contained, much like a serpent with its fangs removed? Mr. V. I. Kesavapillai, who has been reassigned to the Kollam division administration, can safely be identified as the successor to Mr. Rajaramarayar, as evidenced by his recent application of the Firearms Bill. However, the specific intent behind Mr. Kesavapilla's bill remains unclear. Given British India's historical restrictions on the possession and use of firearms, it stands to reason that Travancore should adopt similar regulations. Thus, Mr. Kesavapillai's application of the Firearms Bill likely aligns with this logic. The Travancore Government had no reason to suspect that its subjects would amass firearms and rebel against the government, as there was no interest for the government to engage in martial policies like the British Government. Travancore itself comprises two-thirds forested terrain. A significant portion of its population sustains itself primarily through hunting. In certain regions, the use of firearms is a daily necessity for the inhabitants. They rely on firearms for tasks like forest cultivation, warding off wild animals, and protecting themselves from threats such as robbers, particularly in areas where there is no police presence. Given these circumstances, prohibiting the use of firearms as a means of self-protection would be highly detrimental to the safety of the population. The firearms utilised in this country are predominantly antiquated models, lacking the destructive capabilities of firearms typical in more advanced, civilised systems. The government should possess the authority to regulate and prevent the import of firearms from other countries. However, if the government were to ban the manufacturing, possession, and use of indigenous firearms, which are essential for the livelihood of the people, it would result in significant hardship, akin to the suffering experienced by the people of British Malabar. We trust that the government will be mindful not to inflict such suffering upon the loyal and peace-loving people of Travancore, who have a deep allegiance to the king.