Page:Allan Octavian Hume, C.B.; Father of the Indian National Congress.djvu/108

Commons, in order to discuss Indian affairs. On th. occasion Sir W. Wedderburn, after briefly explaining tl situation, moved the following Resolution : *^ That it desirable to form an Indian Parliamentary Committe for the purpose of promoting combined and well-directt action among those interested in Indian affairs." Thi" Resolution was seconded by Mr. Caine, supported by Mr. John E. Ellis, and carried unanimously. Mr. Jacob Bright then moved, " That the following members form the Indian Parliamentary Committee, with power to add to their number." The names, which included all those present, were the following : Mr. Jacob Bright, Mr. Caine, Mr. John E. Ellis, Dr. W. A. Hunter, Mr. Illingworth, Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Mr. Walter B. McLaren, Mr. Swift MacNeill, Mr. Dadabhai Naoroji, Mr. Herbert Paul, Sir Joseph Pease, Mr. J. Herbert Roberts, Mr. R. T. Reid, Mr. Samuel Smith, Mr. C. E. Schwann, Mr. Eugene Wason, Mr. Alfred Webb, and Sir W. Wedderburn. This motion was seconded by Mr. Illingworth, and supported by Mr. Samuel Smith, Mr. Dadabhai Naoroji, Mr. Swift MacNeill, and Mr. Schwann, and was carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr. Caine, seconded by Mr. S. Smith, Sir W. Wed- derburn was appointed Chairman, and Mr. J. Herbert Roberts Secretary of the Committee. From time to time new members joined, so that at the close of the Session the Indian Parliamentary Committee comprised no fewer than 154 members of the House of Commons, a formidable body from a Parliamentary point of view. From among these the following were elected to form a Working Committee : Mr. W. S. Caine, Mr. J. E. Ellis, Mr. W. S. B. McLaren, Mr. D. Naoroji, Mr. J. G. Swift MacNeill, Mr. Herbert Roberts (Secretary), Mr. C. E. Schwann, Mr. S. Smith, Mr. A. Webb, Sir W. Wedderburn (Chairman), and Mr. H. J. Wilson.