THE INDIAN EMPIRE

Evening Star, Issue 13098, 3 November 1908, Page 6

THE INDIAN EMPIRE

p. - • - FIFTY YEARS UNDER THE GROWN, r' , A SACRED TRUST. ■ 0.-.-ii—. ;.' WILL NOT BE FRIGHTENED .BY CONSPIRACIES. -7 : Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. CALCUTTA, November .2. The Viceroy, (Earl Minto) will read today, at a durbar .at-Jodhpur a. Message from King' Edward, addressed to the princes and peoples of India. The Message dwells on tho magnitude and importance of the task undertaken by Queen Victoria, and reviews some of the principal results of British rule in India. Tt says: “We survey our labors <jf.the past haff-century with a clear gazq ‘and a good conscience.” The principles hitherto followed will be. steadfastly .adhered to. The. Government recognise that they are discharging a trust affecting the destinies of multitudes of men, now and for ages to come. ’ > Their paramount ’duty is sternly to repress guilty conspiracies having no just cause and no serious ahns. ‘ “These conspiracies,” His Majesty says, “I know are abhorrent to the / loyal and faithful character of, the vast hosts/ of my Indian subjects, and I .will not suffer them to turn me aside from my task of building up the fabric of security and order.” ~\ After acknowledging the unswerving loyalty of the feudatory rulers, the King indicates his intention to remit or reduce the punislunents awarded to the offenders against the law, as a signal mark of the royal clemency bn this historic anniversary (the fiftieth of British Crown rule). Referring to the apportionment of posts in the Civil Service, His Majesty states that steps are continuously being taken to obliterate distinctions of race. Ho expects that sure progress will be made in that direction, reminding the people of India that the principles of representative institutions have been gradually introduced. The time had come when, in the opinion ol the Viceroy and his other counsellors, the principle may be prudently-extended with politic satisfaction to the films' of equality of citizenship and a greater share in legislation and Government. This will strengthen and not impair the existing authority, and the power of the Administration will be more efficient if the officers conducting it are given greater opportunities of regular qpntact with those affected. Measures dealing with this matter Are being framed]" and will soon be advanced. He is confident that they will mark a notable stage in the beneficent progress of India. The. Message promises to substantially recognise at the New Year the valor and fidelity of the Indian troops. A GREAT IMPRESSION. CALCUTTA, November 2. . (Received November 3, at 8.7 a.m.) There was a brilliant durbar at Jodhpur. The Message of the King has created a profound impression, and Earl Minto is the recipient of great numbers of congratulatory telegrams from all parts of India. STRENGTHENING THE BOND. LONDON, November 2. (Received November 3, at 8.47 a.m.) ‘The Times’ says that the loyalty and veneration of tho hulk of the Indian people mil be strengthened and deepened by the terms of the King’s proclamation.