INDIANS CLAIM EQUALITY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 254, 17 February 1921, Page 5

INDIANS CLAIM EQUALITY.

I PROMINENT EDITOR'S OPINION. I ' BITTERNESS AGAINST AUSTRALIA. (By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) DELHI, Feb. 15. When interviewed the editor of a prominent moderate vernacular paper said that all classes in India were dissatisfied with the King's message read at the opening of the Legislative Chambers. The message was .apparently expected to express contrition over the Anirilzar incidents and announce a rectification of the treatment of Indians throughout, the Empiro. The hitter question was causing great discontent and alienating the moderates, who favoured co-operation with the Government, lie referred to the treatment of Indians in East Africn, South Africa, Fiji and Canada, and was particularly bitter regarding Australia. Jie was an Indian gentleman and a British subject, yet was unable to a,o to Australia. Was it British justice that Australians could come to India and establish great trade agencies while Indians were forbidden to do similarly iu Australia? "Unless the embargo is relaxed when we get self-government, which undoubtedly is coining, we will forbid Australians to conic to India." he said. He expected these questions would be given consideration by the new legislature.

i In the Legislative Assembly Jamnadass Dwardass, of Bombay, moved a resolution recommending the Governor-General: (1) To declare the firm resolve of the Raj Ito maintain that the connection of i'ndia ' with the Empire is based on the principle of equal partnership and perfect racial equality, Indian lives being held as sacred as British. (2) Expressing regret that mac tial law in Punjab departed from these principles fjund was calculated to deeply wound the self-respect of the Indians. (3) To compensate the families of certain Indians who had suffered through the Amritzar troubles on the Mime scale as the Europeans, and (4) to further punish officers guilty of the improper exercise of their duties. After a lengthy discussion the motion was withdrawn. The speeches were marked by seriousness and moderation and with an evident desire on all sides to avoid bitterness and comply with the Duke of Connnught's appeal to "forget and feugive."

The Duke of Connaughl has departed from Rawai Pindi. Tlirj city shops wen.' again closet! in connection with tho non-eo-opcrators who hud refused to join in tlif welcome.

Thirty-four martial law offenders wen released for offences in the war. Tie sentences of 5-15 others were reduced.—A. and N.Z. cable.

DUKE'S VISIT CONCLUDED.

DELHI, Feb. 14. The Duke of Coniiaught's visit culminated in a brilliant garden party and a magnificent fireworks^ display given by the ruling princes to signalise the. duke's visit.

_Maharajah Sciiidi* of (Iwalior has waived his claim to 28 lacs of rupees, due to him for war expenditure. The Duke of Connaught, on behalf of the authorities, gratefully accepted the gift.—Renter.