A Step in the Right Direction.

THE Civil and Military Gazette understands that the Punjab Government is considering the question of the release from jail of certain Ludhiana students who were convicted in the conspiracy trials of 1915 and 1916. A decision to release the youngmen from jail would be a step wholly in the right direction. It would show in the most effective manner that the Government is not vindictive, that it is strong enough to be generous, and that it realises the truth of Burke’s noble dictum that magnanimity is not seldom the truest wisdom. The authority of the law has been amply demonstrated by the punishment inflicted upon the youngmen, and which they have partially suffered. Now let mercy take its course. This is all the more desirable because the persons concerned are young and they should surely be given an opportunity of leading better lives, if they can.