[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR, —We are at a
deadlock in India. The Swarajists want complete independence and the expulsion of the British, and even the Moderates are joining in the boycotting of the Commission, though most of them would accept Domininn Status. All agree in denying the right of the British Parlia- ment to decide the political future of India ! Honest John Bull shuts his eyes to facts and is determined to " satisfy the Indians." The Indian politician it is impossible to satisfy; but he is only the scum on the surface of the boiling liquid and may be ignored.
Let us see what can be done about it, to satisfy the real Indian who is not touched by the turmoil of unintelligible politics. He does not understand democracy and has no use for it, and he is worried by the active and restless British official striving to do him good. He has been brought up to traditions of despotic rule and understands no other. With a fairly benevolent despotism he is as nearly disposed to be satisfied as human nature will allow. His ideal State would therefore be something like one of the best of the " independent " kingdoms of India, governed by an Indian Prince on the " Jo hukum " principles, which he understands.
Let us, therefore, aim at a Federation of Indian States governed internally in their own way, but held together and kept in order by a stout British steel frame, for which a Viceroy in Council is indicated, with supreme powers over Army and Navy and Police and sea customs, and a veto on anything anywhere. He would be helped by a Resident (as at present) at the court of each Ruler.
The present British Provinces would be broken up into little Hindu or Mohammedan kingdoms, for whom competent rulers would be chosen from the qualified members of reigning families, or from other Indians of light and leading, who would govern on Oriental lines, which are suited to the people better than our methods. There would be a Chamber of Federated Princes to discuss matters in, common, very much as they do at present.
If you ask, Would there be any improvement on the present state of things in the State described ? Emphatically, Yes 1 because there would be the incalculable benefit of the dis- appearance df those blatant shams—democratic Indian politician agitators—who are not allowed to exist in any Indian State, and would soon be eliminated by banishment, and dungeon, and cord from their present haunts, if my sugges- tion were adopted.—I am, Sir, &c.,
CASSANDRA.
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