GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19498, 5 June 1925, Page 9

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

THE MARQUIS CURZON’S BOOK SACRIFICES OF VICEROYS. TOO MUCH POLITICAL CRITICISM. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, Juno 3. (Received June 4, at 5.5 p.m.) Some interesting disclosures and poignant passages are'contained in the Marquis Ourzon’s book, “British Government .u India.” which has just been published by Cassells. _ , T - Lord Curzon, in discussing Lord Kitchener's supreme ambition to become Vicerov of India, says that Lord Morloy rcfuseil on the grounds of political expediency to give him the post _ because he was a soldier. Elsewhere it is mentioned that Lord Rosebery wished Lord Cromer to bo Viceroy, but the latter declined owing to the five years’ exile. In this connection Lord Curzon refers to the sacrifices which the Viceroys make. Manv lost their lives us a result of the climate. ‘‘Over the vice-regal throne there hangs not only a canopy of broidered gold, but a mist of ■ human tears,” in which there is perhaps a reference to Lord Curzon’s loss of his own wife. “1 think,” he says in another place, “that the majority of those who siu.ered thought tho price worth while, but- jet their countrymen realise that they paid it and remember that the foundation stones of the Empire which they vaunt so loudly have not merely been laid in pride and glory, but have’been cemented with the heart’s blood of stricken men and women. Equally would I say to the Ministers who sit in state in Downing street, tho officials who rule and overrule from Whitehall, and tho legislator at Westminster who are most ready with criticism and most glib with censure that they might derive profitable lessons from history and learn that the Government of India is not a pastime but an ordeal —not a pageant alone, but often a pain, —A. and N.Z. Cable.