APPENDICES.

7. I am glad to observe that you have not underrated the objections to the transfer which are likely to be entertained in some quarters. The compensation which will be offered to Bengali sentiment by other of your interdependent proposals is in my opinion fully adequate, and I do not think it necessary to dwell further on this aspect of the change. But it cannot be supposed that the European community of Calcutta, particularly the commercial section, can regard it without some feelings of chagrin and disappointment in their capacity as citizens. But you may rely, I am certain, upon their wider patriotism, and upon their willingness to subordinate local and personal considerations to those which concern the general good of India. Nor, on full reflection, need they fear any seriously untoward consequences. The city will rema1n the seat of a most prominent and influential Government. I see no reason why it should suffer in material prosperity, retaining as it will not merely an almost universal commerce, but the practical monopoly in more than one branch of trade. And from the standpoint of sentiment, nothing can ever deprive Calcutta of her association with a century and a half of British Government, signalised by many great events, and adorned by the famous roll of those who have preceded Your Excellency in the office of Governor-General. Such a history is a perpetual possession, and it will guide the steps of all travellers to Calcutta not less certainly than has the presence of the Supreme Government in the past.

8. In view of this change it is your desire that a Governorship in Council should be constituted for Bengal. You remind me that the possibility of such a creation was fully discussed in the years 1867 and 1868, although divergent opinions were expressed by different authorities of that day, and no steps were in fact taken. One of the principal objections felt then, as now, to the proposition taken by itself, hinged or the difficulty of planting such an administration in Calcutta side by side with that of the Government of India. The criticism is valid, but it would be silenced by the transfer of the capital to Delhi. I note with general agreement your observations upon the probable appointment in Ordinary circumstances of a statesman or administrator from the United Kingdom to the Governorship of Bengal, while concurring that the appointment, like the other great Governorships, would be open to Members of the Indian Civil Service whenever it might be desirable to seek for an occupant among their ranks. I also share your conviction that no lower grade of administration would be held in the altered conditions to satisfy the reasonable aspirations either of Hindus or of Mahomedans for the reputation and status of Bengal among the great divisions of India.

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