BOLD STROKE IN INDIA.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1968, 27 January 1914, Page 5

BOLD STROKE IN INDIA.

COMPLETE SUCCESS. TROOPS CONCENTRATED IN SEDITION CENTRE. By Telegraph—Press Accoclation—Cop.rrljlit (ItCc. January 26, 11.40 p.m.) London, January 2G. Advices from Calcutta state that tho soldiers participating in the Eastern Bengal manoeuvres wero astonished at tho porforvid popular welcome given thcin. Some eighty thousand aro concentrated in and around Dacca.

Jlajor-Gencrai Sir Robert Scallou commands the battalions comprising tho Black Watch, the Argylls, tho Sutherlands, and other British regiments, four batteries of artillery, and somo of tho smartest corps of tho British Array. Very few people of tho district had over previously sot eyes on British soldiers. There had been no regulars at Dacca since tho uativo detachment garrisoning the fort mutinied in 1857. The country is remoto from the frontiers, and is cut off by rivers and swamps from the routes frequented by troops. Moreover, it is the centre of aggressive sedition, and tho selection of such an area for manoeuvres is a new departure. ' ■ Regiments inarching thither were evorywhero welcomed, even tho small villages erecting arches. The colonels wero garlanded and presented with addresses, while fruit, cigarettes, and other gifts were thrust into the hands of the troops. Groat crowds aro visiting the oamps. Major-General Scallon, l'n order to emphasise the peaceful naturo of tho proceedings, ordered the boy scouts to. head a ceremonial niarch through the town. Large numbers of women, throwing a3ido their veils, watched the march. ALMOST UNGANNY. AN OFFICER'S DESCRIPTION. (Rcc. January 26, 11.45 p.m.) London, January 2G. At Calcutta the keenest interest was evinccd in the sham fighting, An officer describes the heartiness of the reception given to tho troops' as almost uncanny. It was so different from what was' expected that tho effect on the British and Indian soldiers was bewildering. The "Standard" says that it is too soon to ask what tho Bengali agitators and sedition-mongers think of the enthusiastic welcome to tho troops, strikingly contrasting with tho sullen recaption of tho Viceroy in Calcutta, but everything points to tho complete success of the concentration of the troops as a political mo.ve.