Turning to more general questions, Mr. Morley said that India
was commonly called an "insoluble problem" ; but insoluble or not, it was one which had to be faced. He had done his best to get at the truth, but he did not dare to dogmatise. "The man who dogmatises about India is a pure simpleton." One thing was certain : there was a new spirit abroad in the land. Education was spreading, and with it were coming new ideals and aspirations for the native mind. What was needed in facing such a problem was not sentiment, but intelligence. British institutions could not be transplanted to India. "That is a fantastic and ludicrous dream." Even if it could be done, it would not be for the good of India. But at the same time the necessities of the day must be clearly faced. "For as long a time as my poer imagination can pierce through, for so long a time our Government in India must partake, and in no small degree, of the personal and absolute element. But that is no reason why we should not try the great experiment of showing that you can have a strong and effective administration along with free speech and free institutions." After two excellent speeches by Lord Percy and Sir H. Fowler, Mr. Keir Hardie's Motion to place the salary of the Secretary of State on the Estimates was rejected by 153 votes to 89.
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