The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1916. INDIA’S LOYALTY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 36, 17 May 1916, Page 4

The Stratford Evening Post WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED THE EGMONT SETTLER WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1916. INDIA’S LOYALTY.

If Germany entertained any illusions in regard to a revolt in India, and it is undoubted tliat such illusions were a factor in the things hoped for by the Huns, they must by this have been pretty well dispelled. The cartoons of Hindi Punch (spoken of in ail India as “an outspoken and fearless critic, and one of the best organs of instruction for the public,” show the deep loyalty of Britain’s wonderful Eastern possession, and in a recent issue a fair sample of the sentiment expressed in its articles is given. “The times at present demand from all classes of the people,” it says, “and from all the subjects of His Majesty’s Dominions ( whether those living in the I nited Kingdom or over the seas, a practical turn of mind and a whole-hearted cooperation without suspicion or disti ust of others. For the whole Empire is at one, ready to avenge the insult which the Hun has heaped against the best traditions and the very first principles of humanity. Is there any one that could entertain a doubt or the least suspicion about the thorough-going loyalty of India and the willingness of the entire Indian population throughout the length and breadth of this mighty land to participate to its utmost power in the struggle of the Empire' and to bear every share of the responsibilities of the Empire?” The Secretary for India told Americans the other day that the Viceroy, Ford Chelmsford had reported to him that the situation in India could hardly be more favorable. The retiring viceroy. Cord Hnrdingc. had something very interesting to say on the subject in his farewell address to the Legislative

Council at Delhi. “Heads of Government have told me that never in their experiences have the relations between the Government and the people been closer or of greater confidence, and 1 readily believe it. When 1 hoar pessimistic prophecies or apprehensions as to tln» future of. India, 1 ask myself who ten years ago would have predicted the magnificent loyalty of the ruling Princes and the people of India which we hare seen since the outbreak of war. None ever doubted the valor of tile Indian -Army. British and Indian, but who would have said twenty years

j ago that it would he possible to send lout of India to the different theatres 1 of war army after army of brave and i experienced soldiers?’’ 1 hough the j exact number of troops India has sent I to the firing line is not stated, Lord I Hardinge not long ago said that 300,000 troops, British as well as native, had been sent abroad. The pre-war establishment of British troops in India was 70,000, and it is estimated that the maximum number of British and native troops that could he mobilised then was under 335,000. Considering all things this was a very fine achievement, for the largest expedition that ever left the shores of India before the war was 18,000 men. Though the population of India is so huge, there arc important limitations to the recruiting of large armies io>service in this war and a large proportion of the population is not of lighting stock. But whatever , India -ay do she will never aid Germany in any shape or form. Some reasons why In dia prefers to remain loyal to Great Britain arc set forth in an article fur the London Graphic by Mr S. B. Banorjea, editor of the Calcutta University .Magazine. It was written, according to the author after consultation with a number of distinguished Indian leaders, and may therefore he taken as authoritative. He says: “It has been proved beyond any'doubt that the German authorities treat-Indian prisonerskindly, while English prisoners cue treated harshly. It has also been established that tempting offers have been made to the Indian soldiers to desert the English and join the Germans. The Kaiser and his officers are under the impression that the Indians are anxious to get rid of the so-called British yoke and regain independence. They believe that if the Indians aie .backed by the Germans they will get rid of the British rule once for fill. This is a sad mistake—an illusion. The Indians know very well that they have not yet learned to stand on their own legs" They know and realise the fact that the British rulers art? m'aking them fit to occupy a hifeh place in the, scale of nations. They are gratefuj for the 'thousand and one impriivommcs, made to their land. Indians that England’s cause is tlieir cause, and no amount of German patronage will induce them to leave their true friends—tlieir brothers. They are not guided by sentiment; it is not fear of consequences that has induced them to stand by Britain, it is the feelmg that Britain is fighting for the cause of civilisation that has.macle them warmer admirers of her than e\ei . l ieie are other reasons which will m.vu make the Indians take the side of Germany. First, German frigbtfmiiess. The Indians realise that if the Germans became their rulers' They would be treated harshly. Baby and women killers cannot be called civilised beings.” .