The "National Congress." as the educated Bengalees call it, assembled
at Allahabad on December 26th, and Mr. George Yule, a Calcutta merchant, was elected Chairman It appears from his speech, and from the resolutions to be proposed, that it is intended to direct all efforts to a single end, the opening of the Legislative Council. It would be increased to thirty members, half of whom would be elected and half nominated by the Crown. The Viceroy would remain independent, and retain a veto; but the Legislature would make all laws, control expenditure, and exercise the right of interpellation. This will seem to many Englishmen a moderate plan, but it trans- mutes the vital principle of Indian government, as thence- forward the Secretary of State could give no final order either for the passing of a law or a military expedition. The powers taken from the representative of the Crown are also taken from the Minister responsible to Parliament. It will be observed that the Congress as yet has avoided the crucial question, the nature of the electorate. It is on this point that the scheme will break down, as no system can be devised which would not give all power to Hindoos, thereby rousing the Mussulmans to fury, and most of it to Bengalees.
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