INDIA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2379, 21 December 1908, Page 5

INDIA.

CABLE NEWS

THE PROPOSED CHANGES.

TO LEAD TO A PARLIAMENTARY

SYSTEM

United Press Association, Copyright

LONDON, Dec. 18. Viscount Morley admitted that the power of deporting without trial was a tremendous instrument of executive authority. "‘But,” ho added, “summary jurisdiction is necessary ‘ under the circumstances in order to protect a peaceful and harmless people. This ought not to arrest the reform policy. Ihe action of extremists and irreconcilables must not force tlio Government to drop the policy announced two years ago. I believe this would soon restore order and discharge the intention of the State Parliamentary system. I believe that the changes-I contemplate will lead directly or of necessity to the establishment of a parliamentary system.”

Lord Lausdowne declared that such tremendous changes ought not- to be introduced until Parliament had fully discussed them. Nothing ought to be done in regard to a parliamentary central Government.

Lord McDonnell insisted on complete and absolute control of Indian affairs. They must keep their hands on the Government of India. All provincial local governments must be subject to that condition. Lord McDonnell denounced the partition of Bengal as a great blunder. He urged that it should he retracted.

ENLARGED LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.

LOCAL AND DISTRICT BOARDS

LONDON, Dec. 18

Mr. Buchanan, in his statement regarding India,, explained that it was not intended to establish advisory councils, Imperial or provincial, as their function would be better discharged by enlarged legislative councils. The enlargement of such councils and the extension of their functions to the discussion of administrative questions were'' deep reaching features of the new scheme. Provincial councils would be increased in size, and greater reality given to their debates. The Governor’s veto and the power of the Vice-Royal Council would be still held in reserve. It was intended to secure a large representation of the land-holding class and Mahommedans; also to largely increase the number of members elected by municipalities and district boards. The Viceroy’s Council would be increased to 62 members, partly elected by special classes, but ta permanent official majority would be maintained. Special communities and interests ought to be represented on the councils. Resolutions moved by unofficial members of a council, dealing with a general administrative question, could be submitted to the Government in the form of recommendations. Similar recomendations affecting the Bud-' get would be considered. The Governent also desired to vivify local and district boards, thereby training people to manage local affairs. Executive councils will be established elsewhere than Madras and Bombay. Mr Buchanan claimed that this was a real step forward to meet the political aspirations of honest reformers, while British supremacy would be maintained unchallenged. Indians would be educated in administration in the schools of experience. It was important that these reforms should appear as' the spontaneous gift of Britain as a nation to popularise them in India. „ No discussion took place in the House of Commons.

NEWSPAPER CRITICISM. GENERALLY FAVORABLE. LONDON, Dec. 18. The “Times” welcomes the general character of the proposed reforms, especially the increasing of the strength of the Legislative Council, but gravely doubts the expediency of reforms affecting the composition and vigor of the looal central executive. The “Standard” says that the proposed reforms will not appease the_extremist section of Indian home rulers, while the moderates will only regard them as a partial concession of the demands. Nevertheless, it is a spirited attempt to solve a tremendous problem. The “Daily News” states that the scheme is incomplete, but that it will help Britain to retain the moral strength and influence which it has been losing for a decade. The “Telegraph” is neither pessimistic nop sanguine, but expectant. Certainly the utmost has been conceded which the present circumstances admit. The “Chronicle” declares that it is a great scheme.

CALCUTTA, Dec. 18. The Indian .authorities have prohibited the extremist congress which was intended to be held at Nagpur at Christmas time in opposition to the moderational congress at Madras.

CABLE NEWS

INDIAN OPINION.

RESPONSIBLE NATIVES AND EUROPEANS FAVORABLE.

(Received Dec. 21, 1 a.m.)

? CALCUTTA, Dec. 19. The editorial manuscript and machinery of a vernacular newspaper named the “Revolution” have been seized at Lahore.

Responsible Indians welcome the reforms almost with enthusiasm.

The official world regards the scheme as going further than had been anticipated, v but in view of Viscount Morloy’s insistence on a permanent official majority in the Vico-Regal Council, they accept the concessions to the provincial councils without misgivings.

Leading Bengalis describe the reforms as generous. The native papers generally welcome the reforms. The Bengalee newspapers look for more concessions.