150 SECOND DURBAR 



I should explain that whilst the constitution of 

 India provides for the death of a Viceroy, also 

 for the insanity of a Viceroy, no provision is made 

 to meet the case of a Viceroy otherwise rendered 

 physically incapable of discharging the duties of 

 his high office. 



In cases of ordinary and temporary illness no 

 great difficulty arises, as matters remain som- 

 nolescent pending his recovery; but where the 

 disability is attributable to violence with the 

 consequent risk of political disturbance, a locum 

 tenens obviously becomes essential. 



Under ordinary conditions the Senior Member 

 of Council automatically becomes such substitute, 

 but in a situation such as that created by the 

 Delhi outrage rather more is wanted, as the burden 

 of responsibility, power, and anxiety involved is a 

 very grave one. The solution was found in the 

 designation by the Viceroy of his alter ego. 



I happen to be Senior Member of Council, and 

 it was I whom Lord Hardinge, just before he lost 

 consciousness, designated as his representative 

 at the Durbar and until he could reassume his 

 great position. Hence my appearance in the 

 premier role. 



Some of us doubted the expediency of holding a 

 second Durbar. In the first place, the memory 

 of the Great Durbar might possibly overshadow 

 it to such an extent as to render it a ceremonial 

 manque. Secondly and I felt this strongly 

 it was bound to cripple financially any minor 

 State called upon to participate in it. Durbars 

 drain the resources of Native States, and the re- 

 sponse to the call for a display commensurate 



