INDIA’S RULE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 February 1921, Page 5

INDIA’S RULE.

NEW PHASE OF POLITICS. INAUGURATING NEW CHAMBER. {ART TO BE PLAYED BY PRINCES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Feb. 9, 5.5 p.m. Delhi, Feb. 8. There was another brilliant function in connection with the Duke of Connaught inaugurating the new Legislative Chamber at the famous Hall of Audience in Delhi Fort. The Duke, with the Viceroy (Lord Chelmsford) and Lady Chelmsford, proceeded in great state, with full escorts of artillery and cavalry through massed crowds to the fort, from which Royal salutes were fired. A large amphitheatre was filled with a most representative audience, including nearly a hundred ruling Princes, bejewelled and clad in the richest robes. Officials were in full dress, and the whole ceremony was splendid and imposing. The King’s proclamation inaugurating the Chamber expressed the belief that the future was full of great and beneficent activities before the Chamber. In summoning the Princes to a larger * share in his councils, he did so with full reliance in their proved devotion to the Throne, and in confident anticipation of mutual understanding and identity of interest fostered thereby. The Duke of Connaught, in his opening speech, said the magnificent court of the old Mogul Emperor was a fitting stage for the ceremony. He stood there at the bidding of an Emperor mightier even than the old Mogul; an Emperor whose desire was that every breath of suspicion and misunderstanding should be dissipated, and who invited the Princes to take a larger share in the development of their Motherland. The Duke paid a tribute to the Princes’ devotion and assistance in war, and he was confident they would approach the quesbefore the Chamber in a spirit of co-operation and loyalty. During the past half century the great Indian States had emerged from seclusion, and now rightly aspired to play a wider part in modern life. That day’s ceremonv would promote the fulfilment of such desires, and strengthen the bonds of unity between the Princes and the ' Empire, and promote the well-being of India.—Reuter Service. Delhi, Feb. 7. Princes and ruling chiefs j articipated in the brilliant assemblage which welcomed the Duke of Connaught. The whole proceedings were marked by much enthusiasm. The efforts of extremists to create disaffection had no apparent effect, the whole city being m a joyous mood.