Serious Affrays.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVII, Issue 76, 29 November 1913, Page 5

Serious Affrays.

THE INDIAN PROBLEM.

SEVERE CRITICISM.

[By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] London, November 28. The Daily Telegraph says that an official enquiry into the allegation of the repression of the Indians is urgently required. The position is the most difficult and most dangerous ever faced by Imperial statesmen. India lias a population in Natal of 150.000. The poll-tax is a rough and ready way to stem invasion. It does not believe in Lord Hardinge's vigorous protest and the gratuitous hopes that General Botha will realise the Viceroy's difficulties. Capetown, November 28. The Cape Times says that not a hint has been given that Lord Hardin ge will accept General Botha's disavowal of malafides, which is the first thing a statesman, a diplomatic English gentleman, and the head of the Government of India ought to have done. It might also lie expected that the Vicerov would advise the Indians

to call a halt in the carnival of violence and riot into which they have been led by the madness of the Imperial Government, which has intervened with other than friendly advice.

A GENERAL FIGHT

Capetown, November 28

Accounts of the . Blackbourne incidents are conflicting. It appears that there were two separate affrays, one

on the Hillmead Estate and the other on the Blackhourne Estate. Six Indians were killed at Hillmead and three police taken to the hospital.

Half the Hillmead workers have agreed to resume. Police were sent to arrest the ringleaders and recalcitrants. The latter attacked the police. Their compatriots, proceeding to work, rejoined them, and a general fight ensued. The police fired overhead, and the Indians retaliated. The troopers and horse police then fired in earnest.

OPINION IN INDIA. (Received 8.30 a.m.) London, November 28. Router's Delhi correspondent states •that Lord Hardinge's speech eased the tension. The native press is j more conciliatory. Meetings expressed gratitude at i Lord Hardinge's utspokenness. The Times of India declares that owing to General Botha's evasions tfley will not trust his affirmations. The Bombay Chronicle says that I General Botha's speech was inspired by a tone of lofty superiority amounting almost to contempt of the Indians' claims. The Bombay Gaaette says Lord Hardinge's speech is not calculated to diminish the difficulties, and may obscure the Indian grievances in a controversy involving greater issues.

POLICE USE FORCE WITH FATAL EFFECT. (Received 9.15 a.m.) London, November 28. j The Xatal Indians' Association cable alleges that the position is intensely serious. The military police are using arms to force the strikers to re-: sume. Four were killed at Blackburn and sixty-six injured, twelve seriously. Tin 1 casualties will probably be more, hut the Government refused facilities for investigation. The Association .trust the Imperial r»nd Indian Governiments will immediately intervene. The I Association also reports that thirteen leaders were arrested.