Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/481

 and intimate acquaintance with details which it is needful to master in order to be prepared for the unexpected which so frequently happens. The Duke of Wellington said he had passed a considerable part of his life guessing what was on the other side of a hill. In the exercise of your callings you should bear yourselves with fidelity to those who employ you, with candour and consideration to those who are associated with you, and with integrity to all, always maintaining a high standard of honour and rectitude, and always disdaining by unworthy acts to obtain advantages for yourselves to push yourselves forward in the general struggle. A habit of introspection will enable you to perceive wherein you have deviated, and help you to keep in the prescribed course.

It is unlikely, even if it be desirable, that you should be indifferent as to the political and social results of public measures submitted for general consideration. It is not Only the desire but also the interest of the Government that the people should be well governed, and that they should be contented, happy and prosperous. This is also your interest and your wish, and the Government is therefore entitled to rely upon the assistance and co-operation of all enlightened men, and especially of such as have received a high educational training, in its efforts to promote good administration. All the best efforts of all classes are needed to render the resources of the country sufficient for the expanding wants of the population, to prevent the recurrence of famine, to mitigate the rigours of epidemics, to conserve the public health, and to promote civilizing influences. Your duty will be, whenever fitting opportunity offers, to give honest and sound advice, so far as your knowledge and observation enable you to do, to the Government as well as to your fellow-countrymen. It is important on the one hand, that the Government should be informed of the wants and feelings of the people, and, on the other, that the intentions of the Government should be fairly and truthfully represented to the governed. In dealing with political questions there is always the danger of being misled by words and phrases and of allowing them to exercise an undue influence. You should endeavour to get at the root and substance of the matter in controversy from time to time. Endeavour, to use the words of an eminent living writer, "to think straight and see clear," and, having formed your opinion after a careful exercise of your judgment, abide by that opinion until you see reason to change it.