We have noticed Mr. Disraeli's policy as to the Indian
labour test elsewhere, but must add here that he threw out in his speech at Buckingham a hint of devoting the surplus to a Famine. grant. That policy, recommended, we see, also by a correspondent of our own, is, we fear, too dangerous. If the incoming Cabinet will give India a loan of ten millions for five years at 3f per cent., it would materially aid the Government, but a grant would disorganise all Indian economics. We should never have sparing administration again, never any healthy fear of bankruptcy, never any collected Reserve. Rngland would be expected to meet any crisis, the Army ex- penditure would be endless, and all sense of responsibility would be diminished. We doubt if money is wanted at all, believing that Lord Northbrook can obtain all he wants by Exchequer Bills, or a loan at 4 per cent., but certainly there is no necessity for alms. India is self-supporting. If we lose sight of that principle for an hour, the Empire will become the subject of democratic attack.
