INDIA.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 170140, 17 February 1921, Page 7

INDIA.

PERFECT RACIAL EQUALITY'. By Electric Telegraph)—Copyright. Reuter’s Telegrams. DELHI, February 10. The Duke of Connaught has departed from Rawul. In Pindi City tho shops were again closed in connection with the noil-co-operators’ refusal to join in j tho welcome to the Duke. Thirty-four! martial-law offenders wero released for offences in the war ,and tho sentences of 345 others were reduced. In the Legislative Assembly Jannadass Deardass of Bombay moved a resolution reconunending tlio GovernorGeneral, first, to declare tlio firm resolve oft ho Raj to maintain that the connection of India with the Empire is based on the principle of equal partnerships and perfect racial equality, Indian lives being held as sacred as British; and, secondly, expressing regret that martial law in tlio Punjab lias departed from those principles, and is calculated to deeply wound the self-respect of Indians; thirdly, to compensate families of certain Indians who suffered tlmnigh the Amritzar troubles , on the same scale as Europeans, and to further punish officers guilty of the improper exorcise of their duties. After a lengthy discussion the motiou was withdrawn. Tho speeches were marked by seriousness and moderation, with an evident desire on all sides to avoid bitterness and comply with the Duke of Connaught’s appeal to forget and forgive. A LOGICAL ARGUMENT. Interviewed, the editor of a prominent moderate vernacular paper said that all classes in India wero dissatisfied with tho King’s Message rend at the opening of the Legislative Chambers. Tho message iwas apparently expected to express contrition over tlio Amritzar incidonts and to announce rectification of the treatment of Indians throughout tho Empire. Th© hitter question was causing great discontent and alienating the moderates who favoured co-oper-ation with Government measures. Ho referred to the treatment of Indians in East Africa, South .Africa, Fiji, and Canada, and was particularly liittor regarding Australia. Ho was an Indian gentleman and a British subject, yet ho was unable to go to Australia. AYas it British justice that Australians could come to India and establish great trade agencies, wliilo Indians wero forbidden to similarly in Australia? Unless tho embargo be relaxed, when wo get selfgovernment, which . undoubtedly is coining, we will forbid Australians in India, lie expected these questions lo be given early consideration by the new legislators. ,