THE INDIAN INDUSTRIAL PROBLEM 569 



labour the latter is demanding a larger share. It must not be 

 imagined that the great primary industries are materially 

 affected in this way — they are not and it might even be 

 contended that the ever-increasing perfection of mechanical 

 appliances is rendering the labour question one of constantly 

 diminishing importance. With this phase of industrialism we 

 are not at present concerned. It may be fully trusted to look 

 after itself, but there is no likelihood that it will ever be 

 greatly developed in India excepting in certain localities. The 

 main reason for this is that over the greater part of the country 

 there are no special natural resources. 



There is no doubt that the various castes and groups of 

 artisans in India maintain themselves against the present 

 competition of European industrialism and that, although they 

 may have suffered severely, they have not succumbed. Equally 

 it is certain that much could be done to render their work more 

 effective both by improving their methods and by supplying 

 their trades with a commercial organisation that would bring 

 their proceeds into the markets where the demand is greatest. 

 Obviously Government is the only agency by which such a 

 change can be brought about ; the greatest difficulties will 

 probably arise from the opposition of the artisans themselves, 

 who care little about education and are averse from abandoning 

 the free and improvident life they have always led. In framing 

 a policy the provision for a suitable education must come first. 

 It must be of a simple character and have a direct bearing upon 

 their future prospects. It must appeal to the people and attract 

 them by its direct reference to their everyday life and, above 

 all, it must not be regarded as the first rung of a ladder which 

 will elevate a few above their fellows ; its object should be to 

 raise the mass from their lethargy and ignorance to a higher 

 level, whence in due time a fresh start may be made. For the 

 present, possibly for a long time to come, we must look to the 

 educated classes, as we now understand that term, to furnish 

 the men who will lead the industrial groups and bands which 

 it should be a primary duty to organise. 



( To be continued) 



