PERIL IN INDIA.

Waikato Times, Volume 112, Issue 18805, 29 November 1932, Page 9

PERIL IN INDIA.

SIR 8. JACKSON’S WARNING. “I am bound to say I am sceptical of the success of anything in the shape of a fully Hedged Western democratic system of government being successful in India in the near future,” said Sir F. Stanley Jackson, late Governor of Bengal, in an address to the Leeds Luncheon Club. Sir Stanley stated that he gathered from the report of the Franchise Committee that tho members visualised In the near future a democratic system considerably extended throughout India. He was afraid their report went a good deal further than his Government had even thought it would possibly go. In view of the evidence the Government was able to put In front of the members of the difficulties which would he experienced in suddenly enlarging the franchise in places like Bengal to the extent the committee eventually recommended. Sir Stanley added: Different From West. "Those who know the East know that East is East, and is decidedly different from the West. In any democratic system, which I believe will have to come, there will have to be a touch of Eastern ideas. “A very full power of veto, it seems to me. must be entrusted lo some responsible iiead of the provinces. “Above all, it Is necessary, for some years lo come, in my judgment, in tho interest of all good government in India, that, without question. Hie control centre should he absolutely and resolutely maintained." It was plain to anyone called upon to administer an important province in India that there were tremendous- limitations from the point of view of a sense of responsibility in present conditions in India. We must not he misled by any spirit of emotion or burry into a line of less resistance by intimidation or difficulty.