Allan Octavian Hume
summary dismissal from any appointment if he either ventures to think for himself, or fails to ingratiate himself with the reigning favourite."
In a close service like that of India, the temptation to cultivate the good graces of those in high office is only too great. Brilliant official prizes, carrying with them large incomes, extensive influence, and pleasant surroundings, await the happy man whom a Viceroy delights to honour. No exceptional discipline therefore is needed to promote the desire for self-advancement. On the other hand a whole service will be demoralized by a policy which penalizes honest independence, and stimulates, instead of checking, mean and selfish ambitions. As regards average human nature, Edmund Burke said in a similar connection, "Men will not look to Acts of Parliament, to regulations, to declarations, to votes, to resolutions. No, they are not such fools. They will ask. What is the road to power, credit, wealth, and honours ? They will ask. What conduct ends in neglect, disgrace, poverty, exile ? - These will teach them the course which they are to follow. It is your distribution of these that will give the character and tone to your government. All the rest is miserable grimace."
It will be for the public to decide whether, as suggested by The Times, Mr. Hume was "in the wrong" when he sacrificed a noble career in the public service rather than accept a policy which must prevent men of rigid principles and unselfish candour becoming the responsible advisers of Governors, Viceroys, and Secretaries of State.
