New-York tribune., 1908-03-24
IN AID OF INDIA.
Headquarters Opened for CONNER
ciaI Students from That Country.

10 the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: A movement is on foot in this city which
should be better known. It is recognition Of the
general and very noteworthy awakening of the
East and her outreaching toward the West india
and China, as well Japan, sending young
men in great numbers to study the business and
manufacturing methods of Western centres. India,
particularly is becoming aware that her ruined
industries can be revived only by the technical
education of her young men abroad.
The wealth Of India was once proverbaI and
her commerce in her manufactures extensive,
but now her materials carried TO Europe,
to be returned. machine made, at enormous cost
to Indian consumers This state of affairs is of
long standing and is a basic Of Indias in
creasfng poverty and almost chronic famine. The
average income of almost three hundred millions
Of people there-one-ffth Of the whole human race
is less than IS each year. The only remedy for
this deporable condition is through the education
OF young Indians in the arts and industries Of
other lands, that they may return and build up
those OF India.
In the young who coming here
touching a different social plane from that repre-
seuted by the majority Of Hindus who seek edu-
cation in England The latter chiefly the sons
of princey and aristocratic families, while those
in America are largely from the middle classes.
In them meet the people of India. and Indias
hope is in her common people. Their means are
generally small; many of them are entirely self
supporting. They need encouragement, advice and
sometimes kindly aid.
The movement above referred 10 is in pursuance
Of these ends. To facilitate this work the Society
for the Advancement OF India has recently opened
a headquarters, India House. at No. I142 Park
avenue Manhattan, a centre for Indian educa-
tional interests, not only in New York, but for
the entire country The Offices OF the society are
located there and there is a reading sup
piled with current Indian papers and periodicals
an6 authorities Indian affairs. besides accom-
rnodations for a considerable number OF students.
Intending students can here obtain information In
regard to the various educational institutions OF
this country. and gain some knowledge Of Anerf-
can life and before entering those selected
The society will exercise certain supervision over
such students while in this country, and from
time TO time. if desired, report to relatives or
guardians in India to their progress.
The establishment of this house will encourage
the sending of carefully selected young Indians TO
America 1t will be taken in India as d guarantee
Of the interest Of responsible Americans and as
soon as it is understood there that responsible
sympathy and oversight are assured here many
n1en of will doubtless come forward IN India
to aid deserving students TO study in America
This movement should have the interest not only
OF those who already deeply sympathize with the
Hindus but also of ali those among US who de
sire the expansion of foreign trade. Americas
present share of Inda's commerce is only 1 or ?
per cent Of bulk An increase of sympathy ana
common interest between the two countries will
without question have an advantageous erect upon
commercial relations.
For America there is more than humanitarian
interest in the welfare of India Modern com
r7ercfai relations such throughout the world
that the economic distress Of one country reacts
iniuriously upon all others. The abject condition
Of India is misfortune TO the whole world, and
an effort help her con1mends ftselr 10 souno
Judgment as well human feeling.
A meeting OF the Society for the Advancement
OF India will be held at India House on Friday,
March o. at SIS p. m. at which Bishop Potter
will preside Descriptions Of present conditions IN
india will be given by recent travellers IN that
country John De Witt Warner. John J. Murphy
and Hamilton Holt will be among the speakers
JOHN MILTON DEXTER, NJ. D.