THE PRINCE IN INDIA

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 80, 28 December 1921, Page 5

THE PRINCE IN INDIA

ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION AT CALCUTTA GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF REPRESSION By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright Delhi, December 25. Although the boycott and general strike imposed by Gandhi’s agents had a marked effect at Calcutta, it failed to produce as great an impression on the reception of the Prince of Wales as the agitators had striven for. As far hs his progress from the railway station to Government House was concerned, the Prince was well cheered*. Although there were crowds of Europeans, it was estimated that not more than five thousand Indians were seen on the entire route. Dalhousie Square, where the Prince' paused, to receive an address, was the rallying point for the bulk of the Anglo-Indian population, with the result that his reception was (is enthusiastic as any in London. Near the throne on un open stand sat a Tibetan delegation. Reports received indicate that ihe hartal' is proceeding quietly throughout the city. The greatest possible precautions were taken to cope with any outbreak of disorder. The city was filled with troops, including horse, foot, and guns, and armoured cars, which were drawn up in the side streets abutting on the route of the procession. Volunteer bat. taiions, numbering five thousand men, helped to keep order, and the Civil Guards added another five thousand. The hartal is not ns complete as that of last November, for many cubs, trams, and omnibuses are running, and the majority of tho private servants have not succumbed to the terrorists’ threats. Gandhi’s emissaries, who have been canvassing the city steadily for the past few weeks, succeeded in forcing the clos. tire of tho bazaars. Tho Government’s new policy, of repression has resulted in approximately ten thousand arrests in tent days; and 750 arrests were made yesterday. Eight thousand still remain in custody. The mill workers, who are a sinister factor of unrest, usually flock to Calcutta on these occasions; but. .to-day they were tightly bottled up beyond the Hoogly, and very few ■succeeded in,trickling past the cordon which rings the city. All possible preparations were made by the Europeans to cope with the week’s stoppage of supplies. Some of the hotels have laid in five days’ supplies. The servants, who are showing signs of striking through the pressure of the Gandhists, have been warned that they will .bo permanently dismissed, and .that every vacancy in the hotels will be filled immediately with Goanese. The Prince attended the races during the day, and the city was wonderfully illuminated at night. The Prince spent Christmas Day quietly.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn '