29 AUGUST 1925, Page 2

What happened on Monday, when Mr. Patel succeeded Sir Frederick

Whyte as President of the Assembly, was therefore all the more agreeable. The Viceroy's message approving of Mr. Paters election was read, and Sir Frederick Whyte then addressed Mr. Patel, who was clad in the homespun cloth affected by the Swarajists and wore a Gandhi cap. After speeches in honour of Sir Frederick Whyte's impartiality and courtesy had been made Mr. Patel withdrew and presently returned in the robes and wig of his new office. The sequel was remarkable. As he had put off his homespun clothes so had lie also put off his Swarajist doctrines—at all events for the time being. In his speech he declared that he had accepted office fully understanding all the implications of his act. The Swarajists had been described as destructive critics ; their duty now was to show that they could also construct. The Viceroy had pleaded for co-operation, Sir Frederick Whyte had pleaded for co-operation, and now he himself pleaded for it. From . this moment I cease to be a party man." There had been rumours, he said, about his attitude towards the Viceroy. The truth was that if the Viceroy required him ten times a day he would always attend and his assistance would always be at the disposal of the Government officials. One man does not 'make a political summer, we know, but it is impossible not to cherish a fearful hope that a new era may be opening.

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