COVERNING INDIA.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 4, 14 December 1911, Page 5

COVERNING INDIA.

REASONS FOR SHIFTING THE CAPITAL.

AN OFFICIAL DESPATCH

(Received 14, 8.5 a.m.) London, December 13. A despatch to the Viceroy’s Council states that the keynote of the transfer of the Capital to Delhi is a conversion to a series of autonomous provinces, with the grant of a larger share of government to Indians, and power to the Government of India to interfere in case of misgovernment. The removal will materially facilitate the growth of local self-government. It is generally recognised that the Capital of a great central yovernment should be independent. Effect has been given to that principle. The United States, Canada, and Australia had developed legislative councils which made the withdrawal of the Supreme Council from the influence of local opinion a matter of increasing urgency. It was not desirable that the Government of India should be subject exclusively to the influence of Calcutta. The despatch also dwells on the place of Delhi in Indian legend and history. It adds: “The only- serious opposition is likely to come from the European and commercial community of Calcutta.” The cost of the move is estimated at about four millions. The Unionists arc disposed to reserve their opinion, but do not approve the use of the Royal prerogative to settle the matter, which is a subject of acute party difference. The concessions to Bengal, involving the overthrowing of Lord Curzon’s scheme are much criticised.

CALCUTTA OPINION OF THE

CHANGES

BENG AL DEL IG HTED

(Received 14, 10 a.m.) Calcutta, December 10. “The Englishman” strongly criticises the changes and declares that they recall the extravagances of the :V!ovul regime. Tin; Bengali papers rejoice in the revocation of partition of Bengal,