ON THE EVE OF A STRUGGLE?

We have reserved the most important aspect of the Viceroy’s speech in reply to the Punjab Chamber of Commerce deputation for separate treatment. We refer, of course, to that aspect of the speech which shows that the measures which the local Government has been taking during the last few days are not its own, but are in pursuance of a policy which has been laid down by the Government of India, and, that the policy itself is not the fruit of an impulse, but a deliberate policy which has been evolved for a definite purpose. Even a cursory glance at this part of the speech shows that the Government of India has now made up its mind to come to grips with the non-co-operation movement as such as distinguished from its individual advocates and champions. “I wish to take this opportunity of impressing upon you,” said His Excellency, “that the Government of India will spare no effort to protect peaceful, law-abiding citizens against violence or coercion or intimidation or other breaches of law. The Government of India is very conscious of its power and strength and it has the support of all law-abiding citizens of India. It cannot fairly be said that we have abused this power. We are sometimes criticised for not having sufficiently exerted it and I admit that we have sought to avoid action which might be misrepresented as too severe or as provocative; but recent events have made it imperative that the full strength of the Government should, if necessary, be exerted for the purpose of vindicating the law.” These words refer to only one set of men. Had he only ordinary disturbers of the public peace in view, it would have been both impossible for him to take credit for having so far stayed his hand and unnecessary for him to declare that the Bombay happenings have made it imperative that the full strength of the Government should be exerted.