THE GAEKWAR'S LAPSE

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1331, 8 January 1912, Page 5

THE GAEKWAR'S LAPSE

COMMENDED BY MR: KEIR HARDIE. A DISLOYAL LETTER. By Teleeraon—Press Association—GoDyrleht (Rcc. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, January G. Mr. Koir Hordie, Labour member ; for Merthyr-Tydvil, writing to tho newspaper "Welsh Pioneer," says:—Many of tho Gaekwar of Baroda's fellow rulers have been taught to grovel before the Throne as becomes nit approaching such a symbol of imbecility. The Gaekwar, with his American traditions, kept erect, and turned his back on the King, remembering that a man's eyes aro in front, and that he is not skilled in the art of walking like a crab. Jt is difficult to see what else he could have done. Historians will depict tho Gaekwar as tho one significant figure of the Durbar, and not tho King-Emperor going through his little jjart like a well-painted automato'm. The Gaekwar calmly did all that was required of him-as a gentleman, but, always remembering that his. country was in the dust, ho refused to kiss the foot of tho opprossor.

In reference to the behaviour of the Gaekwar of Baroda, the "Daily Mail's" Dolhi correspondent stated that tho Gaekwar, in paying homago to tho King at tho Durbar, after a: single bow, turned his back on their Majesties, with,, a smile ,of which the intention was unmistakable. "The Times" correspondent declared that the Gaekwar has in various ways shown' a tendency to disregard the duties imposed by the relations of Baroda to the Supremo Government. Many Indian extremists came from Baroda, and were even employed in tho Gaekwar's household. Tho,extremist press also studiously excepted him from the scurrilous attacks made on other princes. Owing to comments on the seemingly indifferent manner displayed by the Gaekwar of Baroda'* in paying homage to the King, the Gaekwar wrote a letter expressing sorrow at his failure to observe the necessary etiquette, and stated that his lapse was due to nervousness.