Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/83

 the country. They will not naturally risk their own reputation upon the efforts of those who^ however cleverly taught at the College, cannot possibly have any real practical acquaintance with the works to be constructed. I hope it may be found practicable to follow up this theoretical training by a practical instruction in the lower grades of the Department, after which there might be an examination as to what they can really do. I hope the Government will see its way to adopting something of this kind; for without it there will be a great deal of dissatisfaction and discouragement given. On this occasion, if you will permit me, I will in a few words explain my views, my personal views, as to the position that I consider the Government to hold in respect to education in this country, and more particularly as to the position in which the Government stand towards those who take advantage of that education. It is a matter of great importance and one which it is very desirable we should clearly understand before matters proceed further. It appears to me that some of those who take advantage of the education afforded them by Government entertain the belief that they rather confer a favour upon us by availing themselves of the instruction offered to them, and that we are bound at once without farther question to take care of them and provide them with maintenance when they have finished their education. It must be clear that, if education spreads, as we all hope it will, and if the number of schools increases every year, it is impossible for us to offer employment to all who look forward to it. But there is another point. At present, and for some years past, it has pleased Providence to entrust the affairs of India to the British nation. The area of our territory in this country, and the extent of our responsibility have been gradually increasing, whether we desired it or not. We are bound to keep in view that we are the Government of the British nation, and that we are placed here to regulate, control, preserve harmony, and, as far as we possibly can, promote the happiness of all the many races and classes who inhabit this country. In time we, like all that has preceded us, must pass away. But so long as we remain, and so long as the Government continues in our hands, it must ever be a British Government, conducted on British principles. Our acts must be such as are considered sound, and wise, and honest in England. It follows therefore that while we ought to avail ourselves freely of the services of able and distinguished natives of India, we cannot cease to introduce and promote to high office a certain proportion of our countrymen from England adequate to sustain the national spirit of our Government.