The Government of India is about to try an important
experi- ment in the way of decentralization. Each subordinate govern- ment is invested with full power over education, gaols, police, Toads, civil buildings, and other local work, and empowered -to expend a fixed sum, amounting, as we imagine, from the Times' -telegram, to about 10 per cent. on the revenues of the province, upon those objects. Moreover, they are authorized to levy local rates for the same purposes, though the Viceroy hints very wisely that they must not use the latter power too rapidly. The innovation is a good one, as it gives the local officials more interest in local work, and gets rid of one cause of the incessant conflicts between the -"
local" and " general " governments, but we must await infor- mation on two points. Can the Locals tax what they like ? If .so, the Empire will lose very soon every source of revenue as yet -unworked, and especially the tobacco tax, which might prove a mine. And secondly, can the Locals borrow ? If so, let the India House look to its credit, for they will stretch the power to treaking-point. The temptation on each Governor to build zomething great during his short reign will be nearly irresistible.
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