The Indian Princes and Federation
It is now virtually certain that, as the Viceroy 'assumed in his address to the Chamber of Princes at Delhi on Monday, the Princes are prepared to accept 'andtake part in a federal constitution for India. -Lord Willing- don Spoke in somewhat general terms and alluded pointedly to 'the " doubts and misgivings " that many of the rulers are known to entertain in face of the'eluinges proposed. But the tone of his speech' Was' cer- tainly hopeful, and it will encourage those who earnestly desire some tangible outcome of the "eons- Missions and conferences of the past fiVe yearS.. The extremists alone profit by What 'cannot but be regarded—however mistakenly—as hesitation, if not reluctance, on the part of the Government to press resolutely_ forward with self-government for India on the lines, laid down by the Prime Minister after the London Round Table Conference. Lord Willingdon took occa- sion to assure the Princes that the Crown would maintain the absolute security of their rights , and privileges, and to remind them that it was their duty to administer their States "in a rund„, satis- factory and progressive manner for the welfare and benefit of their- subjects." Their duty' is not less important than their rights.
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