We must point out the extreme danger of Lord Hardinge's
action. It is only too likely to lead to recriminations on the part of the Ministers of the Union—Colonial opinion is almost sure to force them to such recrimination in order to show "spirit" We shall then haie the unedifying spectacle of a Viceroy of India and the Ministers of the Crown in a self-governing Colony hurling ' accusations and insults at each other across the Indian Ocean. In our opinion the less men in the position of the Viceroy make public speeches the better. We do not say for a moment that the Viceroy and his Government are not to act as trustees for the people of India. Of course, they must do so. But their business is to complain to the supreme Power —the British Government—and not to make charges on what, after all, cannot but be hearsay evidence, though it may be good hearsay, or to tell a Colonial Government how they are to manage their own affairs. No doubt this puts the great responsibility of arbitrament on the Home Government, but that is a responsibility which they must perforce bear, lest worse things befall the Empire. The Government of India is not, and cannot be, an autonomous organism, and any Viceroy who thinks that it is should receive a sharp reminder to the contrary from the Cabinet. Above all things, in a difficulty like this what must be exacted is reticence and coolness. We have to add that rioting has occurred during the week in Natal, and that on Thursday several coolies were shot by the police after considerable provocation.
Previous page
