MANAWATU EVENING STANDARD AND POHANGINA GAZETTE. Circulation, 2,800 Copies Daily WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER, 1. 1902. A NOTABLE EVENT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7413, 1 October 1902, Page 2

MANAWATU EVENING STANDARD AND POHANGINA GAZETTE. Circulation, 2,800 Copies Daily WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER, 1. 1902. A NOTABLE EVENT.

Almost simultaneously with the Coronation a somowhat similar event was occurring in India, when the Viceroy formally installed the Maharajah of Mysore on the throne of his fathers at ihe termination ot his minority. The event is* not only interesting in itself— for the Maharajah is a young man of great promise, who has been admirably trained by hiß English tutor, and has most creditably striven to lit himself for the duties of his exalted and responsible position—but also as illustrating tho sound principles *ori which the relations ot the Government of India towards tlio native States are based. And it has a further interest at the present moment when tho public services of Lord Salisbury aro fresh m/men's minds. For it was to Lord Salisbury (then Lord Cranborne) that it fell to formulate tho policy which preserved Mysore to its native rulers. The misgovernment of the Maharajah had made it necessary to put him on one side in 1831, and in 1866, after 35 years of British. administration, the time had come to pronounce definitely whether, on the death of the deposed Maharajah, tho State should bo annexed, —or restored to his adopted son. Tho Secretary of State for India, Lord , Cranborne; without consulting his Council, decided in favour of restoration, and his successor, Stafford Northcote, gave effect to that decision in the teeth of tho opposition not.only of the Council but I of practically the whole body of AngloIndian opinion, led on by -no less a | person than the Viceroy, Sir John Lawrence himself. The result has amply justified Lord Cranborne's foresight— a fact which may give food for .reflection to those who. are inclined to pin their faith too unreservedly to expert; opinion. The State was restored in 1881, and was admirably governed until 1804, when the Maharajah's death during the minority of his son made! the' appointment of a regent necessary. The Maharani; who was selected'for the post, has shown, as the late Begum of Bliopal also showed, what Indian womanhood is capable of when placed ma position of high tm_t, and the grant to her of a saluteof 19 guns is a fitting tribute to the ability, tact, and loyalty with which she ' has discharged her difficult duties. The young Maharajah succeeds to what is, in many respects, the best-governed native State in India, with a.revenuo^hi-h, since 1831, has increased from 55 to nearly.. 200 lakhs of rupees; and if he i 5 true to the promise of his'youth, a period of enhanced prosperity is assured to" Mysore -under .his government, , r ..