The history of Great Britain in India contains several examples
of a justified descent from the language of formal government to the language of frank reasoning. The famous manifesto of Queen Victoria to the people of India when the East India Company was superseded was one example. Another is Lord Irwin's latest address, and we would place it high in that honourable list. Lord Irwin asked his audience to think the subject over, and to tell him if they would wish him to convene a conference with the object of solving the old problem of communal hostility. In making such an advance Lord Irwin, of course, runs risks. As the Simla cor- respondent of the Times points out, some Indian politicians are already accusing the Viceroy of encroaching upon that sphere of moral influence which belongs to the Legislature and the Indian National Congress. Nevertheless, we are convinced that Lord Irwin has done a wise and excellent thing. India can never advance to self-government if she is eternally rent by this demoralizing strife.
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