THE SEPOY'S PAY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 3097, 21 January 1909, Page 4

THE SEPOY'S PAY.

The recent cable message dtating that the pay ot the Indian Army was to be raised is of considerable interest and importance. A correspondent of "The Times" says that no feature of the anti-British propaganda of the last few years has been more sinister than the persistent attempts of agitators to disaffect the Indian Army and prevent recruiting. Attempts have again and again been made to distribute inflammatory leaflets secretly among Sepoys, and in a large proportion of the Press articles that have formed the subject of prosecutions the native troops have been held up to contumely as the mercenary upholders of a foreign despotism. Printed incitements to revolt have been followed by personal appeals when the men have been off duty or on leave. The Sepoy is told that he is worse off than the labourer, and that while the British soldier is pampered, he is neglected and illtreated. The Sepoy knows this to be false, but it is clear that anything done to improve his lot will strengthen his determination to remain loyal, hence the importance of better pay. The increase in the pay of the men is, therefore, applauded as an act of justice, and a substantial recognition of "the martial instincts, splendid discipline, and faithful readiness of service" of the Indian Army. /