The New Viceroy The address broadcast in English and Hindustani
by Lord Linlithgow to the people of India on Saturday immediately after his installation as Viceroy has given his term of office an auspicious start. Devoid of con- descension or affectation, it struck an essentially human note and exhibited the new Viceroy as a man who counted it his business above all things to co-operate with the people. The entry of the new constitution into operation will mark the opening of a momentous chapter for India, and very much will depend on the capacity of the Viceroy to conciliate and influence rather than govern. Wide powers are reserved to him ultimately under the Government of India Act, but the measure of his success will be his ability to refrain from invoking them. 'And Linlithgow could have done nothing better than strike at the outset the note of sympathy with the people of India, and with the villagers in particular, of impartiality in relations with political leaders and of appreciation both of the difficulties and the opportunities of the Civil Service under the new regime. The address merited a cordial reception throughout India, and all the indica- tions are that it has met with its deserts. Lord Linlithgow differs both in personality and in experience from Lord Willingdon, whom his own country will welcome next week, but he has already laid the foundation of a career in India no less notable.
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