The details of the Indian reform scheme were published on
Monday in Calcutta. Its chief feature consists in the enlargement of the Imperial and Provincial Legislative Councils. This is effected by means of an elaborate system of elections and nominations, in order to secure the satisfac- tory representation of the various interests. On the Viceroy's Legislative Council there will be an official majority of three, but on the Provincial Councils the majorities will be non- official. The greatest attention seems to have been given to that most difficult problem,—the safeguarding of the Mohamme- dan minorities. Of the thirty-two non-official members of the Viceroy's Council, it has been arranged that the Mohammedans shall never be fewer than eight. The Government Resolution explaining the scheme ends with the following words :— "The Governor-General feels that these momentous changes constitute a generous fulfilment of the gracious intention f oreshadowed in the King:Emperor's message to entrust the
leaders of the Indian people witli a greater share in legisla- tion. The Government confidently looks forward to these extensive powers being loyally and wisely used, in association with the holders of the executive authority, to proinote *the prosperity and contentment of all classes in this great country."
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