INDIAN POLICY.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 249, 19 February 1898, Page 3

INDIAN POLICY.

In the House of Commons Mr Walton has moved his amendment challenging the Indian frontier policy. Lord George Hamilton. Secretary of State for ludia, replying, said the Liberals had vetoed the only workable plan suggested by the Indian Government for the proper maintenance of the frontier. Unless the tribei were under direct control it would be impossible to prevent them committing outrages. In view of the Russian advance it was necessary to watch the Afghanistan border. The Government would enforce its power over and control the great trade routes leading into Afghanistan. In future* the Government would attend to the administration tf duties for the protection of tribal countries ou the Indian frontier, and thus exclude their interference with British interests. The Governmrnt would adhere to its obligations to the Ameer. Mr Asquith asked the House of Commons to declare that the occupation of Chitral and the maintenance of the fortified road deserved condemnation. Mr Curzon, replying, said he was unable to understand the objection to the n.aintenancc of the roacl, which the predecessors of the Government had constructed. Sir W. Harcourt said the forward policy during the last twenty years had cost £70,000,000, in addition to an enormously increased Indian army, He re gretted that Britain had not contributed to the expenses of the present frontier war. Mr Balfour said he was unable to afford the slightest hope of avoiding complications on the froutier. He looked forward to a ppriod when the task already accomplished south and north of the disturbed districts would be extended gradually among the tribes. Amidst cheers, the amendment was declared lost by 311 votes to 208.