Page:A Nation in Making.djvu/297

30

The Reforms and the Growth of Extremism

The most stirring event in 1917 was the announcement made by Mr. Montagu in the House of Commons promising the grant of responsible government, to be rcalized by progressive stages. The announcement roused mixed feelings—hope in those who had not altogether lost faith in British pledges and promises; doubts and misgivings among the wavering; and incredulity among the sceptical. It was followed by a declaration, dramatic in its character, and bewildering in its novelty. Mr. Montagu announced that he would visit India, accompanied by a deputation, to consult Indian leaders and ascertain Indian public opinion. There could now be no suspicion as to his earnestness, or his personal sincerity. It was a memorable departure from the old official ways, and even the sceptics began to feel that here was a Secretary of State who had other qualifications than mere speech-making, and that some real work was intended. The pages of Anglo-Indian history were strewn with the fragments of broken promises (disjecta membra), but perhaps a new chapter was now to be opened.

Mr. Montagu came out to India with his Deputation in November, and began a thorough investigation of the problems involved. He visited many parts of the country and examined witnesses, Indian as well as European. The witnesses were examined in batches of two or three, and were subjected to severe cross-examination. Mr. Montagu was a past master in the art. I had to go through the ordeal along with Mr. R. N. Mudholkar of the Central Provinces, who was my companion in the examination. Later on, I had a further conversation with Mr. Montagu, when the idea of a diarchy had been developed. Mr. Lionel Curtis was, I believe, the originator of this idea. He came out to India about this time and held several conferences. I attended some of them, including one