city of Calcutta was distinguished no less for its splendid organization than for its enthusiasm. It thoroughly exposed the secret antipathy of the bureaucracy and at the same time established its own claim and position as a legitimate representative institution. The amusing incident which drew this important declaration from the Government of India is quite illustrative of the temper and attitude which the Civil Service has throughout maintained towards the national movement. On the eve of the sixth session of the Congress in Calcutta the public were surprised by a notice which appeared in the various Anglo-Indian newspapers in the metropolis which ran as follows:—
"THE CONGRESS."
"The Bengal Government, having learnt that tickets of admission to the visitors' enclosure in the Congress Pavilion have been sent to various Government officers residing in Calcutta, has issued a circular to all secretaries and heads of department subordinate to it pointing out, that under orders of Government of India the presence of Government officials even as visitors as such meetings is not advisable, and that their taking part in the proceedings of any such meetings is absolutely prohibited."
And this was followed by a characteristic reply from Belvidere to the Secretary to the Congress Reception Committee, who had with respectful compliments sent some cards for the use of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor and his household:—
"Dear Sir,
