CABLE NEWS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2338, 3 November 1908, Page 5

CABLE NEWS

INDIA. KING EDWARD’S JUBILEE MESSAGE. AN ELOQUENT PRONOUNCEMENT. United Press Association, Copyiugm (Received November 2, 10.55 p.m.) CALCUTTA, Nov. 2. Lord Min to read to-day at “a" durbar at Jodhpur a stately and eloquent message from King Edward addressed to the princes and peonies of India. The message dwells on the magnitude and importance of the task undertaken by Queen Victoria, reviews some of the principal results of British rule i India, and remarks: “We survey our labors'of the past half-century with clear gaze and good conscience.” It announces that the principles hitherto followed will he steadfastly adhered' to, that the Government recognise they lire discharging a trust affecting the destinies of multitudes of men mow and for ages to coean, that their paramount duty is sternly"to repress guilty conspiracies, having no just 'cause and no serious airnS “These conspiracies,” remarks the King, “I know are abhorrent to the loyal land •faithful character of vast hosts of my Indian subjects, and I will not suffer them to _ turn me aside from my task of building up the fabric of security and order.” The message continued, after acknowledging the unswerving loyalty of the feudatory rulers, that the King indicates his intention to remit or reduce the punishments of offenders against the law' as a signal mark of royal clemency oh a historic anniversary. Referring to the apportionment of posts in the public service, ho states that steps are being continuously taken to obliterate distinctions of race. He expects that sure progress will he made in that direction, reminding the peoples of India that the principles of representative institutions have been gradually introduced. The King states that the time has come in the opinion of the Viceroy and his other counsellors when the principle may be prudently extended. With politic /satisfaction the claims for equality of citizenship and greater share in the elgisl'ation of the Government advanced by important classes, will strengthen pot impair the existing author-' ity. The power of the administration will be more efficient if the officers conducting it arc given greater opportunities for regular contact with those affected. The message adds that measures dealing with the® matter, will lie framed soon. His •Majestys is confident that they will mark a notable stage in the beneficent progress of India.. The message promises to substantially recognise at the New Year the valor and fidelity of the Indian troops.