The Times was able on Tuesday to publish telegrams of
comment upon the reforms from two of the leaders of the Indian Mohammedans. The first, from his Highness the Aga Khan, president of the All-India Moslem League, supported the proposals without qualification. The second, which was also favourable, though more cautious in tone, w s from Mr. Ameer Ali, president of the London branch of the League. We desire to refrain from detailed comment till more is known as to the feeling of the Mohammedan community ; but if, as we trust may be the case, they express themselves satisfied with the share of representation accorded to them, the best friends,of India and her peoples and creeds will be able to feel a sense of relief. It is, however, greatly to be hoped that the British people will not imagine that they can relieve themselves of their responsibility for the good govern- ment of India by any piece of political machinery such as elective Councils. In the last resort, we are in India because, owing to the want of homogeneity in her population, the rule of a firm, impartial trustee, who shall govern in the interests of the governed as a whole and not of one section, is the prime need. To ignore this fact and choose the easier and pleasanter way of pretending that self-government is possible in India would be a grave dereliction of duty.
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