An important Indian debate took place in the House of
Lords on Tuesday on the proposal to create an Executive Council for the United Provinces of Agra and Ondh. The proposal took the form of a draft proclamation by the Viceroy under the powers conferred on him by Lord Morley's Indian Councils Act of 1909. That Act makes it possible for the Viceroy in Council to create an Executive Council in a Lieutenant-Governorship provided that the draft of his proclamation be approved by both Houses of Parliament. The Viceroy's Executive Council approvedof the proposal as to Agra and Oadh only by a majority of one. The proposed new Executive Council was to consist of two members, of whom one was to be an Indian. But the jealousy between Hindus and Mohammedans in the provinces is notorious, and the inevitable preferment of one race over the other would, in the opinion of several able administrators, have led to endleae recriminations. Nor was the demand for the Executive Connell strong among Indians themselves. In short, the proposal was coutentioum.and it wee felt by numerous critics of the proclamation in the florae of Lords that such a measure should not be introduced at a time of political tome. This feeling was ably expressed by Lord MacDonell, whose motion praying that the Royal Meant be withheld was carried against the Government. We trust that the Government will remember that a truce should be a truce, and not au oppor- tunity for taking politicians off their guard.
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