Why did James Augustus Hickey claim that the Bengal Gazette was a ‘commercial paper open to all but influenced by none’? Explain.

James Augustus Hickey claimed that the Bengal Gazette was a ‘commercial paper open to all but influenced by none’ because-

1. It was an English publication, which was independent of the colonial powers.

2. Hickey would regularly give insights to the office and also criticize the nature of the Indian officials within the workspace.

3. Government sanctioned newspapers were encouraged by the governor general, Warren, who persecuted Hickey.

This analysis shows the limited nature of the Bengal Gazette.