18 SEPTEMBER 1920, Page 3

The Indian National Congress, by a majority of more than

two to one, has carried Mr. Gandhi's resolution refusing to co-operate in the Montagu scheme of government for India. Of course, if the new scheme were really to be boycotted it would have no chance from the beginning, but it must be

remembered that the National Congress has by no means been representative since the Moderates broke away from it. The Times correspondent attributes the carrying of the resolution to Mr. Gandhi's personal influence. It had been expected beforehand that the Congress would not definitely commit itself. But Mr. Gandhi " swept the Congress off its feet." He uncompromisingly refused to accept anything from the British Government until the Punjab and Khalifat wrongs were righted. In spite of all this, it must be pointed out that consider- ably more than half the registered electors of the Congress were absent from the poll. Until it is seen whether Mr. Gandhi's personal success at the Congress was or was not merely a tem- porary achievement it would be unwise to prophesy. It is clear enough, however, that the anti-British feeling which commits itself to a boycott of all British gifts and institutions is tremendously strong wherever it exists. Exactly how wide- spread it may be we have yet to learn.