AN EVIL TO BE EXTERMINATED

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7049, 10 February 1910, Page 1

AN EVIL TO BE EXTERMINATED

SEDITION IN INDIA MUTUAL EFFORTS REQUIRED FOR THE PURPOSE. NEW PRESS HILL PASSED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received February 9, 9.45 p.m.) LONDON, February 9 Intimation has been received from Calcutta that the Indian Legislative Council lias passed the new AntiSeditious Press Bill, which was submitted on Monday by Sir Herbert Bisley, Home Secretary to the Indian Government.

Hie measure, which was passed after seven hours’ continuous sitting, contains provisions enabling the local Governments without prosecutions to suppress newspapers which are mischievous, although not technically seditious.

During the discussion, Lord Minto, the Viceroy, caused a sensation in the Council by stating that the Government fiad decided upon the release of those who were deported and imprisoned fourteen months ago. 1 This action, he said; was being taken on the ground that the political movement of which they wore leaders had since degenerated into an anarchical . conspiracy waging war against the British and Indian communities alike. It would be a itmg time, added the Viceroy, before tho evil was exterminated unless both , communities could work together with this purpose in view. He believed that tho release of tho deportees would encourage such mutual efforts. The Indian members of the Council cheered tho announcement, but English opinion gravely questions the wisdom of the proposed release, believing it is due to pressure from Home. WHO WILL BE THE NEXT VICEROY? LORD KITCHENER SPOKEN ©F. Tire “ Daily Mail ” states that if v the ; Liberals remain in office long enough, Field-Marshal Lord Kitchener will 'succeed Lord Minto as Viceroy of India. . It says that the unsettled condition of India demands a Viceroy whoso character and are such as to inspire the confidence of Europeans and natives alike.