Sir Harcourt Butler's Committee has - completed its tour of
inquiry into the Indian States, and Sir Harcourt has made known his conclusion that the quality of administration in these States is continually improv- ing. The Committee has yet to consider the large amount of material which has been laid before it, and its Report will be as important in its own sphere as that of the Simon Commission. After all, about a quarter of the population of India lives under the Ruling Princes. The problem is to reconcile the practical autocracy of the States with the developing democracy of the Indian. Legislatures. There is, of course, a Chamber of-Princes which ean take up matters with the Viceroy, but not all the States adhere to it, and at best it is a weak connecting link with the Central Government. Yet the Indian States are pro- foundly concerned m whatever the future government of India may be. There can be no new trade regulation that does not in a greater or lesser degree affect the States. The Ruling Princes have briefed Sir Leslie Scott to represent their interests while the new Constitution is being shaped. It is certain that they will get 'qlziod advice and able advocacy.
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