SEDITION IN INDIA.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12767, 8 February 1910, Page 3

SEDITION IN INDIA.

THE NEW PRESS LAW. ANARCHICALPROPAGANDA. A STARTLING STATEMENT. DRASTIC PROVISIONS. (Puess Association— Copyright.] London, Feb 6. Sir H. H. Risley, Home Secretary for India, in submitting to the Viceroy's Council the Press Bill, anabhng local governments, without prosecutions, to suppress newspapers which were mischevious, though not technically seditious, gave a startling picture with details of native newspapers' anti-British propaganda among youths from whom thei great body of civil servants of India were drawn and tho manner in which peaceful viUogcs were invaded by preachers of. political murders and sedition. He added : W e aro confronted with a murderous conspiracy. Newspapers started hereafter must make a deposit of £333. Existing journals are exempt unless they otfend. There is no censorship ; but the Customs and postal authorities are entitled to search in connection with suspected matter, and tho deposit **J1 be forfeited on repetition of the offence unless an appeal to the High Court be successful." ■ Tho "Chronicle" uiges that care should be taken in the definition of offences' like attempts to. excite racial hatred, and religious animosity and hatred! and adds : "Sir H.-H. Risley s account of widespread anarchical propaganda is very striking. When the incendiary articles are jpart and parcel of murderous acts, is as Viscount Morley said, moonshine, to talk heroics about the freedom of the press." The "Daily News" says that no Indian editor will be able to print a single adverse comment upon the administration of the Government's policy or an official's actions. If tha evolutidn be driven underground Ye peril will be incalculable.