The Daily News. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8. REFORM IN INDIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 309, 8 February 1910, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8. REFORM IN INDIA.

The latest cables show that strong measures are at last being taken ro suppress the sedition-breeding section of the Press in India. The English papers just to hand give particulars of the Government reforms which were foreshadowed in the King's Message '.o his Indian subjects. These show tint a generous fulfilment has been made of the intention of the King to entrust co the leaders of the Indian peoples a greater share in the legislation and government of the country. That the important arid far-reaching changes cannot be looked upon as being perfect in detail until put to the test of experience is officially admitted* "The Governor-General in Council," says the summary of the regulations, "is conscious that many of the details of the sckeme which is being introduced may be founu on trial to be unsatisfactory or capable of improvement. Experience alone can show how far methods .which are new to India give to the different classes and interests a measure of representation proportionate to their importance and influence, and to what extent an untried electoral machinery is suitable to the varying circumstances of the different provinces, and the numerous electorates." The present regulations relate exclusively to the clauses of the Act amending the constitution and extending the powers and numerical strength of the Legislatures, and confer upon the Indians a reasonable share in the conduct of the affairs of their own country. But in so doing, the sovereign power is not relaxing precautions necessary to ma'.n.tain predominance. The disqualifications of candidates include persons who have been sentenced by a criminal court for a offence punishable by more than six months' imprisonment; any person who has been dismissed from the Government service; or has been debarred from practising as a legal practitioner; or has been declared by the Governor General-in-Couneii to be of such reputation and antecedents that his election would be contrary to the public interest. Every elected or nominated member will be required, before taking his seat, to make an oath or affirmation f his allegiance to the Crown. The degree to which the functions of the Councils are to be extended lias already been made fairly familiar. In the Go-vernor-General's Legislative Council no discussion is to be allowed in regard to matters affecting the foreign relations of the British Government or the Government of India, or to matters which »r» sub judice. The President may also disallow any resolution on the ground that its introduction is oppos :d to the public interest. Subject to these restrictions, a resolution may be move.d regarding any matter of general public interest. Meantime if the influence exercised by the seditious and anarchial native newspapers can be overcome, it will soon be seen whether or not India is the better for the more liberal form of government; so long, however, as the seditiomst is allowed to spread his doctrines unchecked, just so lonsj will the smouldering fires of racial prejudice and enmity be an ever-present source of danger to India and AngloIndians.