INDIA.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17057, 31 January 1921, Page 7

INDIA.

THE DUKE AT CALCUTTA. A HEARTY WELCOME. (By Cable—Press Association—Copyright.) (Reuter'a Telegrams.) (Received January 30th, 5.30 p.m.) DELHI, January 28. The Duke of Connaught was warmly welcomed by large crowds at Calcutta during the *Royal procession over two and a half miles from the Howmh station to Government House. An address, presented by the Corporation of Calcutta, referred to developments in the city since tho Duke's last visit in 18S9, and declared tho present visit was proof of the King-Emperor's sympathetic interest in India. Tho addresj concluded with an expression of unfailing Joyalty and devotion, also profound regret at the postponement of the Prince of Wales' visit, to which all were looking forward in the near future. In reply, tho Duke expressed pleasure at renewing acquaintance with a groat city which was the London of tho East. He reminded his heiirors of tho potent influence of such a city in moulding public opinion and sotting standards of Dublic conduct in other parts of the country. In the new chapter of Indian political development which it was his mission to open, Calcutta would necessarily exorcise a predominant influence He had every confidence the citizens would continue to be animated by those qualities which had served them and their country so well in the past, and that others would continue to look to the city for right loading. He would gladly convey to the King the message of loyalty and devotion, and he shared their hope that the Prince of Wales would shortly visit India and win the same widespread affection which his magnetic personality evoked in other parts of the Empire. The Duke of Connaught was subsequently welcomed by tho Governor. The city's welcome was very enthusiastic, but the non-co-operators had previously conducted a strong campaign for the purpose of boycotting the visit, and this, coupled with the propaganda of Gandhi, had' an effect. Part of the city observed a strict "hatred example, ' and there were few public,vehicles plying, and most of tho shops were closed.

BOYCOTTING THE .DUKE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) DELHI, January 28. The extremists are making frantic el-forts to boycott the Duke of Connaught's visit t<& Calcutta, The shops, bazaars, hotels, and restaurants are closed by order of the extremists. Indians have been ordered to refuso to work on the steamers on the river, oi* permit traffic in- the mam streets. There will he no illuminations. The tramwayraen have declared a genoral strike. The student, population is aggressive. ' ' Gandlii la malting wild speeches, declaring that the present regime la a I kingdom of sin.