We cannot but regret that the newspapers should give so
much prominence to the agitation that is now going on in Bengal. No doubt that agitation should be carefully watched, and, we presume, is being watched, by the India Office ; but if it becomes the subject of general and not very wise talk here, its influence in India is likely to be increased, not diminished. The moment the line of frothy declamation is overstepped, and treasonable acts are committed, we would punish them with the utmoat severity ; but till the line is passed the Bengalee, in our opinion, should be allowed to
indulge to the utmost his capacity for windy rhetoric. No Empire has ever been overthrown by outside chatter, though the substitution of words for deeds by the men. whose duty it is to rule soon brings down the fabric of government. We note that Sir George Eirdwood in his letter in Tuesday's Times points out that the so-called coronation of Mr. S. N. Banerjee was a true regal consecration because an umbrella was placed over his Lead and the tail of a yak waved before hi= If this view can be supported, the coronation was pre- sumably a treasonable act, and should be dealt with as such unless the Government of India are convinced that it is a case of de minimis.
