It may be said that this is merely a matter
of language. And so it is. But the way in which things are done may be of decisive importance. We have always taken the view that a Parliamentary Commission to make inquiries in India and to report to Parliament was the correct Constitutional method ; but at the beginning, unfor- tunately, we were all badly served precisely in this matter of language. There was a most unhappy economy of ex- planation and the Indians (as ought to have been foreseen) jumped to the conclusion that Great Britain did not wish to give adequate consideration to their wishes and opinions. The Viceroy tried to correct the mistake, but the mischief had already got too long a start. The sub- sequent introduction of the policy of the Round Table Conference was admirable, and if it is properly used it will yet straighten the tangled skein.
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