INDIAN FORCES.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14885, 27 January 1914, Page 7

INDIAN FORCES.

« — MANOEUVRES AT DACCA. TROOPS ACCORDED SPLENDID RECEPTION. OFFICERS AND MEN ASTONISHED. (Br Cable.—Prcre Aseociation.—Ccr7*' : S ht;) (Received January 2fith. 11.40 p.m.) LONDON. January 20. Advices fr«m Calcutta stnt* that the soldiers participating in the Eastern Bengal manoeuvres were astonished at the perfervid popular welcome extended to them. Eighty thousand troops are concentrated in and aro::nd Dacca. Lieti-tenant-Gcncral Sir Robert Scallon commands tho forces, which include battalions of the Black Watch, tho Argyll ; and Sutherland Highlanders, and other British regiments, also four batteries of artillery. Some of tlie smartest corps in tho British Army arc taking part. Very few people in the district have ever set eyes on British soldiers, as there havo been no regulars in Dacca since a native detachment E ar soning the fort mutinied in 185< • The country is remote from the frontiers, cut off by rivers and swam its from the routes frequented by troops, and is the centre of aggressive sedition. The selection of such an area for manoeuvres is an important departure. Regiments marching thither were •welcomed everywhere, even small villages erecting arches. Tho colonels wore garlanded and presented with addresses, and fruit, cigarettes, and other gifts were thrust into the hands of tho troops. Groat crowds are visiting the camps. Sir Robort Scallon, in order to emphasise tho peaceful nature of the proceedings, ordered the Boy Scouts to head the ceremonial march through the town. Largo numbers of women threw aside their veils and watched the march. The keenest interest is evinced in the 6ham fighting. An officer described tho heartiness of the reception as almost uncanny, it being so different to what was expected. Tho effect on the British and Indian soldiers was bewildering. The "Standard" says it is too coon to ask -what tho Bengali agitators and sedition-mongers think of the enthusiastic velcomo accordod to tho troops, which is in striking contrast to we sullen reception of tho Viceroy at Calcutta. Everything; points to the complete euccess of the concentration as a political move.