Parties in India

THE other noticeable thing in the report is its reference to political parties in India. Here it strikes a characteristically sound and friendly note. It divides the people who take an interest in politics in India into three parties, the Old Guard of the Congress, the party led by Mrs. Besant, and the Anglo-Indian extremists. The last it leaves aside, because it is obviously irreconcilable; and it advises the first two to join forces. The ground it gives for this advice is essentially sound. “These two groups,” it says, “are at one as regards the objects to be attained, the abatement of bureaucratic dominance and the transfer of authority from the permanent officials to the representatives of the people. The difference between them has been only one of method and tactics. There seems, therefore, to be no reason why these two groups should not coalesce.”