branch of the administration which regulates the relation of the Government with Native States and other countries, is generally retained in the Governor-General's own hands; but the Home Department, the Departments of Revenue and Agriculture, Finance and Commerce, Military, Public Works, and Legislation are now each the especial domain of the individual member in charge, and he is primarily, and to a large extent solely, responsible for the despatch of business which arises therein. In each case the Secretary places it, ready for disposal, before the member in charge. If it is unimportant, the member passes final orders; in more serious matters he submits his orders to the Viceroy for approval. If the Governor-General concurs with the member in charge, and thinks further discussion unnecessary, his orders are final. If he disagrees with the member in charge, or on other grounds thinks that the case should come before the Council, he passes orders to that effect. The Council remains technically responsible for all acts of every member; but the real burden of all, except that of his own department, is removed; the intolerable delay of joint consultation is avoided in all but cases of importance, and the power of the Council for controlling the huge machine of administration is enormously increased. As matters now stand, it is not too much to say that, but for this arrangement, the Executive Council, whatever might be the powers of despatch of individual members, could not keep abreast of its business for a week.
