§ Considered in Committee.
§ (In the Committee.)
§ Clause 2.
§
(4.31.) Amendment proposed,
In page 2, at the end of the Clause, to add the words—"A record of all proceedings at the meetings of the Viceroy's Council, as now published in the 'Gazette of India,' and of the Presidency and Provincial Councils, shall be published in separate volumes and presented yearly to Parliament."—(Mr. Schwann.)
§ Question, "That those words be there added," put, and negatived.
§ Clause agreed to.
§ Clauses 3 to 8, inclusive, agreed to.
§ (4.32.) SIR W. PLOWDEN (Wolverhampton, W.)Before we lose sight of this Bill in Committee, I should like 312 to make a last effort to obtain from the Government an express recognition of the principle which they have admitted, of the desirability of representative natives being added to the Indian Councils: This is the last opportunity that we can have of rectifying what I believe is a defect, and I hope that that defect may be rectified. Every single administrator of great experience who has held high position in India has now admitted the desirability of this change in our administrative system in that country. The change has been admitted as desirable in years long gone by, but opinion is now much more largely gathered together in favour of its adoption. Now, Sir, I believe there is one method by which this recognition can be at this stage of the Bill admitted. I do not suppose the hon. Baronet the Member for the Evesham Division of Worcestershire would raise any opposition to the recognition of this principle of representation which I seek to see admitted into the Bill. I was very grieved to hear in the Debate a few nights ago the remarks which fell from the hon. Baronet. He qualified the words which he had used, but he stated distinctly that in times of crisis and danger the natives of India were not, for ability and energy, able to take the place of Europeans. I would traverse altogether that statement. I think it is most unfortunate that an hon. Gentleman in his position and with his knowledge should have ventured to formulate such an opinion and to have expressed it in this House. He, I believe, was not present in those series of sad events which took place in 1857 in India. I think the country was unfortunate in his absence, and I think the hon. Baronet himself was unfortunate in being absent, because a man of his great administrative ability would in these serious occurrences have been of great assistance in the country; and, on the other hand—
§ (4.36.) THE CHAIRMAN (Mr. COURTNEY,) Cornwall, BodminI understand the hon. Member desires to move an Amendment to this Bill referring to the desirability of adopting the representative principle in the Councils. The Preamble is always taken last, in order that it may be in perfect consistence with the Bill in its final 313 shape. The Preamble would not be consistent with the Bill in its final shape if amended as proposed, and therefore the Amendment would be out of order.
§ (4.37.) MR. MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)Is it within your knowledge, Mr. Courtney, that the Government have in three cases admitted the representative principle?
§ THE CHAIRMANOrder, order! That is in no way relevant.
§ Bill reported, without Amendment; to be read the third time upon Monday next.