19 DECEMBER 1908, Page 2

In the House of Lords on Thursday Lord Morley explained

the reforms which he and the Viceroy are to introduce into the Indian Government. The matter is so complicated, and deserves such careful consideration, that we will to-day only sketch in the very brierest form some of the main outlines of Lord Morley's proposals. Let us say, to begin with, however, that Lord Morley's speech, and the general attitude of mind shown by him, meet the true test of an Indian reformer. That test is that the reformer should keep his eye upon the object, and not be led astray by abstract considerations. The object is the better government of India, and the welfare and happiness of that strange medley of races, creeds, and vary- ing forms of civilisation and social development which we describe as the Indian Empire, an Empire composed of three hundred millions of people, of whom, in all probability, not two millions have any conception of what is meant by repre- sentative government. Those who have a conception of, and attach value to, personal liberty and equal rights under the law are, of course, infinitely greater in number. Justice and security to pursue happiness in their own way are as much valued by the millions of India as by those of any other race.