Let me apply these observations to the present case.
Mr, Rivaz has just asked leave to introduce a Bill which has

I may almost say, been for years in course of incubation. It

represents the unanimous views of the Government of India,

12



90 LORD CURZOX'S SPEECHES.
it has been accepted by the Secretary of State, it is support-
ed in the chief by the powerful argument to which we have
just listened, by the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province to
which it is proposed to be applied. Yet so conscious arc
we of the importance of the precedent we are setting, and of
the far-reaching consequence of the solution we propose
that we resolved to give the amplest opportunity for* the ex-
pression of opinions, and even of criticism, to those whose
interests will be affected by the measure. Inj'my opinion
the legislation in this Council, which is invested with the law-
making prerogatives of the Government of India^* should be

•

deliberate in proportion to its facility for making laws. Laws

that are made in haste are apt to be repented of at leisure.
For these reasons we but now introduce the Bill, which

public and expert opinion will have ample opportunity of

discussing during the next six months, and fortified, as we

hope, by this outside assistance, we shall then take up the

measure when we reassemble at Simla next year. As regards

the merits of the Bill itself, I would make a few observations.
