New-York tribune., 1909-02-14
SECRETARY ALL POWERFUL.


In the case Of Oriental countries much de-
peDds upon continuity of policy. Asiatics and
Africans are as vet unable to master the mys-
tsries Of parliamentary government, in spite OF
al that Is said to the contrary. True, the aV-
srage term OF Office Of a Viceroy Of India Is Tor
tre years-sometines extended, as IL the case
q Lore Curzon. But, If a sensible man. he re
sizes his own comparative ignorance about the
country is glad to avail himself Of the advice
gad experience of permanent English ofnclaI-
dom in India and rarely attempts any innova-
tons or reversais of the policy Of his predeces-
sors Unfortunately, the Secretary Of State for
India is free from any such influences. Any
personal acquaintance that he may have ac-
Quired about India viii have been gained only
as tourist in 2 few weeks visit, and the old
sdAge that a little knowledge is dangerous
thing is likewise applicable TO this case He is
supposed to be guided by the advice Of board
composed Of retired Anglo-Indian officials and
knewn as the Council Of India But their offices
are for the most part sinecures and their duties
nominal.
The Secretary Of State is not many sup
pase. compelled TO abide by their decisions. but
as member of the Cabinet accords his chief
consideration in such matters to the ministerial
majority in Parliament; and the opinions of
Parliament in the matter Of Indian admins
rsfion are worthless The members OF that
BODY have. as q rule no knowledge of India be-
yOnd what they have obtained from the news
papers. and have indeed extremely limited
tcqusintarce with colonial and international
soices. their views being distinctly parochiai-
They fail to realize that principles and laws
Rat are Indispensable for tae good order ana
Welfare OF the public in the United hlnsdom
ere altogether inappiicable in India, and that'
er the other hand, King Edward is compelled
h tolerate domestic slavery, polygamy ana
other things of the same kind IN India which
De could not possibly permit in Great Britain
TIE attempts OF the British government to rule
India in accordance with the views and preju-
aOes OF the Parliamentary majority at West
Einster have always resulted in failure and IN
lSuble. and the only Secretaries OF State Tor
india who have proved a success are those VINO
hsFe worked independently Of Parliament ana
IN touch and in unison with the Viceroy and his
eoHncil at Calcutta
Now Lord Morley Of Blackburn, er1inent in
hsrsture and in statecraft where the domestic
sSsirs OF Great Britain are concerned, is one
Of those ministers who are endeavoring 70 rule
3noia With greater regard for the Parliament
trF majority at Westminster than Tor the
siers based on experience of the viceroy and
9 MS feliow administrators at Calcutta Ihe
iaacyasions 10 which he has committed himself
Tsile they commend themselves TO people in
-nsland are looked upon as irnpracticable, and
esa as dangerous. by British oIiclaloOil
tsrO1ghcut the length and breadth OF HIN
easfan: and il IS because Lord Mimic resents
1s manner IN which he has beer overr1ooen oy
LORD Morley. and because he does not desire 10
-ass any hand in the execution Of policy OF
ahich he strongly disapproves, tnat he Is re-
Agning the vice-oyalty Of india. the graaoest
s1o most lucrative Office in the gift CT the Brit
AZ crcwn
Lord carzon who had taken the trouble TO
S&Ee profound study Of everything relating 70
-aaa before he became Governor General. was
ss'sec q give I'd the of5ce e tho same way
.aso Sectored Sac overrulec- not only in mat
: , of imperial policy. but eren IN mere admin
-srztise and local details. by Lord Morley's
s'-onlst predecessor as Secretary Of State for
soss ST John Brodrick. now Lord Middleton
.hs extent to which Lord Middleton and Lord
-Siley have encroached upon the prerogatives
nc Viceroy of IndIe IS shown by the recent
ION on the part OF the great commercial and
,-s'stiial interests IN India, ranging from Bonn