The Vernacular Press of India on the Indian Contingent.

Thames Star, Volume IX, Issue 3005, 2 October 1878, Page 3

The Vernacular Press of India on the Indian Contingent.

(TIKBS 1 OOBBBBPONDEHT.) The despatch to Malta of an Indian contingent has created a feeling of exultant loyalty which, if the vernacular Press may be relied upon, is almost universal. The aspiration for military equality has been most unexpectedly evoked and gratified by the association of Indian troops on equal terms.with the English army for the defence of the British Empire in Europe. A profound interest has been excited in the maintenance of English preatige, ' and by' enlisting the mertial ardour prevailing so Videly in India in support of the preservation of the whole Empire, t source of perpetual danger has been converted into a powerful weapon of protection. A magnificent effect has by this means been made, for the first time— the awakening, namely, among the Indian people of a feeling of rivalry with the ' English towards the maintenance of the common Government. As it is very important that native opinion should be fully realised on this subject in order to guide future policy, I i send you the following few short extracts , selected from innumerable articles published, by the vernacular Press in approbation, of the employment of the JNntiva Army:— . • • . • ' J be Kham Kwaa Alar says:—'' "The time has arrived for the native troops to acquire great distinction. 1 In order that the stain attainting their fame since 1867 may now be 1 removed. Government will begin to place confidence ia

them. If war break out they will have to light a civilised, disciplined army. It is'to be hoped that nothing will be left undone to win renown, and that they will soon return triumphant to India."

The Urdu Akhbar says :—

" There is no doubt that the subjects of her Majesty, in whatever part of her dominion they live, are inspired with enthusiasm by this intelligence. It will be no difficult task for our armies to acquire victory over the Russians now. It is the duty of all Her Majesty's subjects to pray for the success of the English arms."

The Akhbar c Jammani says:—

•' Brave soldiers of the Indian Army, it is ordered by the Empress of India you should go to Malta ! If the enemy wish;' to fight, fight bravely, and destroy their wh ole army. Your ambition will now be put'to. the test. Cheerfully obey the orders of the- Empress of India."

The Punjabi Akhbar says :-r

"We find Parliament divided even at the eleventh hour. If the present opportunity is lost, no' Rood opportunity is likely to recur again. It is very good policy on the part of the Government to utilize the service of the, native troops. The war in Europe presents a fit opportunity of calling upon the Panthans, Rajpoots, and Sikhs to exhibit their valour bravely in the .field. We hope in the event of war with Russia, that the native troops will* be allowed to take part in it." ■ ;■!■■■.■:■>■:■ ■■;- :.:■■■:.;:.::

The Almora Akhab says :—

" The Hindoo religion strictly forbids a sea voyage, and an orthodox Hindoo will prefer death to crossing the sea; but at the present state of affairs it is just the reverse of this. Those native soldiers who have not been sent to the Mediterranean with the Indian Contingent are uneasy at heart, and are anxiously awaiting the day when they will receive orders. For the sake of the Government they are willing to act in opposition to the dictates of their religion, because they love the English Government."

The Safir i Budhone says :—

" Those regiments which have..not, yet received orders for foreign service are much grieved. The soldiers who were left behind on account of illness are' very anxious. In filliug up vacancies in the regiments, where one was required four volunteered. It is a source of delight to us that the Government has sent native troops on an expedition to Europe' and afforded them an opportunity of exhibiting their bravery. This.is the cause of an increase of confidence and loyalty on the part of the native troops. If success attends their arms, they will win a good name and share the fame of victory with the English soldiers." " . ... ,

The Karnatah Wardecka says :-—

"This wise resolution of the Government to send native regiments on active service out of India will inspire every native soldier, with joy and with feelings of gratitude for the proof it has afforded of the generous confidence placed in the loyalty of the natives and the native army. Native soldiers will now have an opportunity of fighting against disciplined armies in civilized Europe and of achieving a name. We have great pleasure in recording the enthusiasm evinced by. the native troops on being selected for service in Europe.'

The Arunodaya says:—

" These preparations bare inspired the well-wishers of English rale with hope and enthusiasm. The' satire regiments show so much eagerness. and alacrity to to join the expeditionary force, every one is so anxious to show his soldierly qualities, that the English army is sure to gain the rictory. This eagerness of the native army of Her Imperial Majesty supplies the strongest proof of the loyalty and fidelity of the people. The native army has been denounced as a source of expenditure in peace and of anxiety and danger in war; but the enthusiasm and excellent soldierly spirit now exhibited ■ must brnig detractors to admit that that is an error." ■

The tfame Jamshed says :^- „..,;■/, •" English papers disapprove the expedition because England has not hitherto employed a native army in a European war. In Parliament, also, .the objection has been raised, but was easily disposed of. The answer was that Her Majesty the Queen possessed in her Imperial rights the power of sending without the consent of Parliament any subjects of the British Empire to make war in the country's cause. The native army has gone to Malta sanguine that the expedition will prove the falsity of the charges of disloyalty. The native troops are as brave as lions in the battle-field, but at the same time as obedient and amenable to discipline as sheep. They never give them* selves up to rapine or carnage."

TheKast Goftar says':—

"This force has convinced Russia of two facts —one, that England has formed a firm resolution to oppose her; the other, that in the event of war England will not fight single-handed, but will be assisted by her great dependency—lndia, which has already despatched in a short time a portion of her army, and which can supply a very large force. Great surprise has been felt that Mr fawcett, distinguished as a well wisher of India, has joined the opposition on this matter." .

The -Som Prokash says :—

"This expedition isi more ;< significant than the assumption of the title of Empress at Delhi; it shows tbat the Queen regards India as her own peculiar possession. , But a few important Englishmen reproach the people of India, yet this despatch proves that their Sovereign .both loves and trusts the Indians, and that they are neither ungrateful nor inhuman." '

The Grambarta Prakashika says:— "It is by right that India should in this way repay the great benefits received. The Hindoos now hare disregarded caste, which they used to guard more jealously than their lives. "What stronger proof can be given of loyalty ? There will now, be no looger any distrust. Proof is given of their satisfaction with English rule." The Education Gazette, referring to the opposition of Mr Bright among others to the participation of Indian troops in European warfare, remarks that it is much surprised to see excellent and wise Englisbmen evince a kind of disgust for people of another religion. " Indian troops," it says, "form a constituent part of the strength of the Empire. , European Sovereigns have hitherto regarded Indian troops as a separate caste unwilling to go to Europe; now they are undeceived and £videno» is afforded of the deep rooted attachment Wt byjbe native arm X to.th.c Government." ' J

I!