INDIA'S POSITION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 241, 20 March 1915, Page 5

INDIA'S POSITION.

SPECIAL LEGISLATION PROPOSED.

Delhi, Marcli 18. Lord Hardinge, addressing the Legislative Council, said that on a previous occasion he alluded to the desire to avoid controversial questions. A number of important measures had already been deferred. iA' measure was now being introduced as a precaution to ensure public peace. It was no slur on the people, but the Government was informed that the measure was absolutely necessary to meet possible emergencies. No one was more jealous for the honour of India and her reputation for loyalty than he was, but he was not disposed to allow the honour of India to be tarnished by the criminal acts of a few ill-balanced minds. He preferred to take the council into his confidence, rather than promulgate the measure in an ordinance. He was confident of their help and co-operation. Sir Reginald Oraddock, in introducing the Bill, congratulated the country that the need for the Bill liad not previously been felt. He emphasised the fact that it was of the nature of a war measure required in order to arm the military authorities with special powers which the emergencies of war might demand and nip in the bud the manifestations of lawlessness which were beginning to show themselves. After a full recognition of the general loyalty of the country, he alluded to the campaign engineered on the Pacific Coast of America. Some deluded men, with their minds poisoned, had returned to India during the last few months and committed acts of violence. In Bengal seditious activity was rccrudescent and had become more daring. Two movements not unconnected in the Western Punjab had been looting and incendiarism- and racial conflicts between Hindus and Mohammedans. The danger would only be serious if unchecked promptly. The Bill fell into two parts. The first was generally applicable immediately and empowered the Governor-General in Council to issue regulations to ensure the safety of the country. It was modelled on the English Defence of the Realm A'ts. The second permitted the creation of special tribunals of three Commissioners, three of whom must have the qualification of Sessions Judge, to hear cases made over to them by the local Government, concerning lireaelies of the regulations under the Act and of any offence punishable by transportation or imprisonment for seven years. The order of the tribunal was final. Numerous Indians heartily supported the main principle of the Bill, which was unanimously passed.