THE ASIATIC QUESTION.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9067, 6 February 1908, Page 5

THE ASIATIC QUESTION.

Press Association. — Qopyright. Received Feb. 5, 11 p.m. London, Last Night. , Lord Ampthill raised a debate in the House of Lords in reference to the treatment of British Indians in the Transvagi. He expressed satisfaction that a compromise had been arranged, though the Government ought to have secured a settlement before granting the Transvaal self government. Lord Curzon said the settlement was not final, from the standpoints of the Indians and Colonials, which were entirely different. The two forces were pulling in opposite directions. He urged that restrictions ought to be as little vexatious or injurious as possible; the educated and higher classes of natives ought not to be herded with men of lower degree. Lord Elgin said that an honorable settlement had been arranged, satisfactory to both parties. The Indians were excluded from the colonies not on account of bad qualities, but because of their good qualities—the patient industry, frugality and temperance, which made them such formidable competitors to white men. In future the Indian community in the Transvaal, though limited in numbers, would occupy a definite and honorable position. Lord Lansdowne said the Government might have bargained and made better terms. The subject then dropped. Received Feb. 5, 10.45 p.m. Johannesburg, Last Night. A large, meeting at Johannesburg inaugurated a boycott against Asiatic traders, and the employers of Asiatics. A White League _ was formed and will establish committees throughout the Transvaal to obtain pledges r.o boycott.