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Lutyens' residence at which she and I and one or two others spoke on the Indian situation. It was a pleasant function, at which much sympathy was expressed for the Reforms. I saw Lord Southborough before I gave my evidence. We discussed the situation and the prospects of the Reforms; and they seemed to be hopeful. In the course of the conversation I suggested that our strongest witnesses should come last. Lord Southborough thought they should come first and create a favourable impression. I think his view was sound, and this was the course that was adopted. The official witnesses were first examined, Lord Meston being one of them. He had just vacated his office as Finance Minister to the Government of India, and represented its views.

The committee room where the Joint Committee sat, almost overlooking the Thames, used to be filled from day to day with an cager and expectant crowd of Indians, among whom there was to be seen a sprinkling of lady visitors. Such a display of colours and dresses, such a diversified array of representatives, all inspired by one idea and one hope, had perhaps never before been gathered together in that chamber. All India in miniature was there. It was not the pleasure of sightseeing that drew them. It was the intense interest in the theme, the momentous issues discussed, the under- lying consciousness that here in that little room, businesslike and unpretentious, ideas were developing which would materialize in a policy that for generations would shape the destinies of India. Lord Sydenham might say what he liked about the unfitness of India for self-rule; Extremists might denounce the Reforms as worthless; but here was an object-lesson significant and convincing in the silent but eloquent testimony it bore to the passionate ardour of our people for self-rule, and their interest in the Reforms. Among them were lawyers who had sacrificed princely incomes, at least tempo- rarily; there were orthodox Hindus, who, though swayed by social and religious ideas that interdicted sea-voyage, mustered from day to day in that committee room to hear the evidence and to note the temper of the Committee. All India was there, and from afar the proceedings were watched with breathless interest by the millions of an expectant people.

Lord Selborne, the Chairman, was of course the central figure, and occupied the place of honour. Calm, dignified, fair to every witness and to all interests, he conducted the proceedings with judicial impartiality. I confess I had a prejudice against him at the