THE KING'S TRIUMPH

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1367, 19 February 1912, Page 6

THE KING'S TRIUMPH

RESULTS OF-THE ROYAL VISIT TC ,' .• . INDIA. (By William Maxwell, in the "Daily „ ' Mnil.") .. - : . . .'• Calcutta's'farewell' to the King aijd Queen was more crowded and impressivo ovon : than - her welcome. -.It. gives/the true measure of.the success of the Royai visit. ■ '.'.'•■ ... From Bombay to Calcutta it has been a personal and progressive triumph.- At every stage of the journoy the popular enthusiasm a new force, a .new Eigrnnificance. But it was at Delhi that the real impulse' was felt. Lord Morley, before I left London, 1 assured mo that it w-ould be politically,the most important visit ever paid to: India.. Ho spoke with knowledge of the adminchanges to be'announced at the ■■Durbar, and ho was right in his estimate of their effect. From that moment the King assumed anothor character in the eyes of India. Ho passed at one bound from personal to political supremacy, ond realised the popular conception of the ruler.

A New Atmosphere, What this means to India wo saw at Delhi and at Calcutta when tho multitudes did'homage before the vacant thrones.,' There wea neither servility nor affectation in those amazing demonstrations. They were the natural expression of native revorenco and complete submission.' This sentiment, has affected all classes. Even those who wore at first inclined to criticise the administrative changes havo accepted them as acts of the Emperor. •

The offect has been universal and instantaneous. ' A now atmosphere ha» been created. Bengal, about which there had' been forebodings, has responded to the common impulse. It' is only just to say that neither the King not tho Government shared those fears. The Bengalis are an 'motional race. Tho partition ol Bengal was a sentimental, if unreal, -grievance. The fact that tho Emperor appeared to intervene between the great Viceroy and themselves restored their confidence, quickened their loyaltv. It would be folly to assume that this will end all agitation in Bengal. Agitation is tho evidence of life. As the King truly said: "On every side I trace signs of stirrings of now, life." Political agitation will still be Been in Bengal as elsewhere, but a new spirit will animate and-direct it, and for this new spirit their Majesties will be responsible. Indian reformers have taken off their coat to tho sun after buttoning it to the .wind, und it- is true hero as in other countries that the masses follow their leaders. This reconciliation is the great achievement of the visit, and will not depart with the Medina, ■ ■ ■

A Royal Legacy. Another legacy the King has left' his people is'tho astonishing note'of eagerness. The royal speeches were searched for advice- and direction. The students have .alreadv inscribed on banners- the golden words of. wisdom. They have taken to heart tho hint that tho Bengals can find scope for their abilities in trado and industry instead of devoting themselves exclusively to professional and political careers. But the address that.moved the Indiana most and produced tho most _ profound impression was that in which his Majesty spoKo of knowledge' as a sweetener of labour and' an assurance of highor comfort and health. The Hindus have hoard more lately of the dangers of education than of ' its advantages. Many havo grown suspicious of our methods, and "Back to tho Vedas" hasbecomo a popular cry among tho reformers. The king's words go far to restoro. confidence and check a tendency that was retrograde and possibly dangerous. - If tho offect of the visit be described in a sentence, it is this: "If has politically and socially created a calmer and clearer atmosphere; a spirit of conciliation has entered tho mindß of tho people."

The Queen's Interest. They are satisfied that their Majesties, at oay rate, hare a personal interest in their welfaro. This interest was manifested in mnny unrecorded ways. Tlio Queen has been indefatigable. No historic monument within reach has been unvisited. She has given audience, to many purdah ladies, and learned much of tho'habits and aspirations of those ■uho influence the youth of the communit.v.

The King, too, had.seen and conversed with the leading natives: ho has discussed with them some of the problems that India now is solving. His Knowledge and sympathy .have .deeply impressed many, as I have hoiml.ffom these natives themselves. These private confer nces- rannol fail of lasting died when all the pageantry niul glamour of the visit have, faded.

lint the pageantry, too, has -served 'ii purpose. It luis uppealcd strongly to th tradition and sentiment of the East. . 1' has been stately mid magnificent. As t demonstration of- Imperial authority aud power, it has brought, back to the minds of the people the realities of the British Itai and their share iu a great Empire. Whatever misgivings some had ivhen their Majesties started on their journey must, have been dispelled by the fervour and lovnltv they met in. all places anil from all classes." The message India/will semi to tlio United Kingdom'will be pllieial confirmation of the impression their Majesties take home with thorn. They have'"sown tlit* good seed.. The harvest' may not. prove so great as. ipany believe, but-thnt.it will ripen under, loss threatening skies and in a less glonniy atmosphere is certain.