PRESENT SITUATION 193 



finest emotional instincts in Indian nature, in- 

 stincts which I admire; but I would ask you 

 to take long views instead of short views. By 

 all means urge us on when we go too slow; by all 

 means criticise us in the freest friendly spirit in 

 Council and in the Public Press; but never dis- 

 trust us; never lose confidence; above all, never 

 despond. I do not ask you to be optimistic; 

 but I do ask you not to be pessimistic; I do ask 

 you to have a steady confidence in our rule based 

 on a steady belief in our honour. We shall not 

 in the long run disappoint you; only you must 

 give us time. Help us to the uttermost in pre- 

 serving and conserving the forces of stability and 

 order; help us to keep firm the bases of law and 

 authority on which in the end all constitutional 

 government must rest; help us to make clear to 

 young and ardent spirits which are the hope of a 

 great people that we are moving towards a high 

 and worthy goal a goal which will include all 

 that is greatest and best in India's past ; help us 

 to do this, and keep your own confidence unshaken 

 and immovable, and you will be the truest bene- 

 factors of your country. 



THE PRESENT SITUATION. 



We are face to face in India with a situation 

 which is novel and which may be embarrassing; 

 but I cannot account it dangerous. It will become 

 so only if it be handled intemperately. 



It has come upon both rulers and ruled with 

 startling suddenness. The former must not 

 resent ; the latter need not exult. 



We shall have to resort to the more difficult arts 

 of persuasion and conciliation, in the place of the 

 easier methods of autocracy ; and you will have to 

 remember that if you have qualified for govern- 

 ment it is to us that you owe your training. 



