25 JANUARY 1930, Page 2

* * * * .Moderation in India Lord Irwin's visit

to Bombay has been marked by a rally of moderate opinion. It is customary to say that the Indian Liberals have no adequate organization. Conse- quently the protests of the Liberal Federation in Madras against the decisions of the Nationalist Congress were lightly regarded. It is evident, however, that there is a stronger feeling than ever before that the Nationalist Congress ought not quietly to be allowed to rule the roast. During his visit to Bombay the Viceroy has received a very encouraging promise from the moderate leaders of both Hindus and Moslems to make the most of the Round- Table Conference. Another fact of importance is that Mr. Patel, the President of the Legislative Assembly at Delhi, has refused to be intimidated by the Congress into resigning his office. He has explained that long ago he came to the conclusion that he ought to regard his position as above party. He had thought of resigning in order to express his disapproval of the composition of the Simon Commission, but he had been prevailed upon by the Viceroy to remain. Now that he was called upon to resign by the Congress he felt that similar reasoning still required him to remain. His decision, and his frank expression of respect for the Viceroy, are certain to help the movement towards honest participation in the Round-Table Conference.