STATELY AND ELOQUENT.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3034, 3 November 1908, Page 5

STATELY AND ELOQUENT.

IVfESSAGE FROM KING EDWARD. TO THE PEOPLE OF INDIA. Received November 2,10.55 p.m. CALCUTTA, November 2. Lord Minto, Viceroy of India, will read to-day at the durbar at Jodhpur, a stately and eloquent message from His Majesty King Edward, addressed to the Princes and peoples of India. The statement dwells on the magnitude and importance of the task undertaken by the late Queen Victoria, and reviews some of the principal results of British rule in India. The King remarksr "We survey our labours during the past half century with a clear gaze and good conscience." He announces that the principles hitherto followed will be steadfastly adhered to. The Government recognise that they are discharging a trust affecting the destinies of multitudes of men now and for ages to come. Their 3uty is to steifnly repress guilty conspiracies, having h 0 just cause and no serious aim. "These conspiracies," remarks the King, "I know are abhorrent to the loyal and faithful character of the vast hosts of my Indian subjects, and I will not suffer them to turn me aside from my task .of building up tße fabric of security and order." After acknowledging the unswerving loyalty of the feudatory rulers the King indicates his intention to remit or reduce punishments inflicted on offenders against the law as a signal mark of Royal demency on an historic anni\ersary. Referring to the apportionment of posts in the public service, His Majesty states that steps are being continuously taken to obliterate distinctions of race. He expects that sure progress will be made in that direction, reminding the peoples of India that the principle of representative institutions have been, gradually introduced. The King states that the time has come, in the opinion of the Viceroy and his other counsellors, when the principle may be prudently extended with politic satisfaction. The claims of equality of citizenship and a greater share in the legislation and Government, advanced by important classes, will strengthen, not impair, the existing authority. The power of administration will be more efficient if the officers conducting it are given greater opportunities to come into regular contact with those affected. The King adds that measures dealing with the matter will be framed soon, and he is confident that they will mark a notable stage in the beneficient progress of India.

The message promises to substantially recognise at th 3 New Year the valour and fidelity of the Indian troops.