The speech which Lord Hardinge of l'enshurst, the new Indian
Viceroy, made at the dinner given him on Thursday by the County of Kent, was singularly wise and sound, and goes far. to justify the choice of Lord Morley and the Government. The most notable portion of Lord Hardinge's speech was that in which he spoke of Ruisia and our understanding with her. It is clear that he recognises that this is the key of the whole position, and that it is to the fact that we have come to under- stand Russian policy and to make our policy understood at St. Petersburg that we owe the beneficent change in the Indian as well as in the Continental situation. Russia, as we have always contended, threatened India, not because she had any serious desire to turn us out, but only in order to gain the advantage of a diplomatic counter-attack. The Entente with Russia has caused the Government at St. Petersburg to put aside all thought of such strategy, and has made it possible for us to come to an Agreement in regard to Persia which is of immense advantage to both nations. Those who out of any sentimental feeling for the Persians attempt to undermine the foundations of the understanding with Russia will do a very poor service to their country.
