Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-18
ANARCH|SM IN CHECK
Plotting in India Confined to
Small Groups.
DREAD OF THE INF0RMER
Dispute Between Planters and
Ryots Cause Clashes.
MANY ARMED POLICE PATROL
Views of Native Newspapers on Best
Method of Extirpating DAN
gerous Influences.

Sp cial Cablegram to The Star.
CALCUTTA. January 1s.-There is no
necessity to jump to the hasty conclu-
sion that a fresh anarchist conspiracy
has been discovered in the two Bengals
because the government has suddenly
deported nine persons Of some standing
in those provinces. The ramifications
of the original plot disclosed to the pub
lie when the Manicktollah Garden was
raided were undoubtedly extensive and it
has taken time to trace them out. The
organized body which controlled the OPP
erations was broken up by the action of
the police, and since then the anarchist
plotting has been carried on by small
groups, and even by individuals.
Concerted action on a large scale is
no longer possible, and the dread Of the
informer has kept all but the most des-
perate spirits in check.
There was, however good reason to be-
lieve that outside the small circles con-
tanning anarchists who did not shrink
from murderouS crime were certain SYM
pathiZers with the general movement
though they were not prepared to go to
extreme lengths. In other words. they
were ahetting treason and giving support
to a conspiracy which is still smolder-
ing. Some contented themselves with vio-
lent speeches. others took the conduct
of dangerous Samitis, or associations, and
others saw to the circulation of seditious
news sheets and pamphlets.
Money is reported to be mySteriouSly
forthcoming from secret sources. apart
from the funds derived from the dacoities
directed by the Samftis. In now resort
ing to the act of 1918 the authorities
have acted undoubtedly on information
which showed that persons deported were
concerned. either directly or indirectly. in
reasonable practices, or had abetted or
melted to acts of violence.
Drastic Legislation Fails.
The idea that the mere suggestion OF
drastic legislation would. in some meas
archy in Bengal has not been justified by
recent events. 1t is true that for few
days after the excitement caused by the
executions of kanai Lall Dutt and Saty-
ondra Nath Bose there seemed to be a
lull. but Information is now coming TO
hand that recrudescence Of the agitation
against the government is to be presently
looked for
The "Yugantar' has once again found a
secret printing press. and during the last
few weeks copies have been scattered
broadcast throughout Calcutta: indeed.
the printers have posted copies to promi
nent Europeans with the remark that the
''Yugantar" is a spirit not a paper and
therefore cannot be suppressed. The pres
emf issue is in Bengal. The paper appeals
to the people to initiate the "heroism of
khudiram Bose and kanai Lall Dutt, and
the language used is of a semi-mystical
and religious kind.
4 remarkable state of affairs is reported
from Bettiah, in the Champaign district
of Behar. Disputes between the planters
and the ryots led to acts of hostility. and
in order to protect the European popula-
ton large forces of the Bengal armed po-
lice and Gurkas were drafted into the
town and its neighborhood. Fifty rounds
of ball ammunition were served out to
each member of the Behar light horse.
Seven cases have been reported to the
police in which Europeans have been at
tackled. and stories are current Of eques-
TRANS being ambushed and of inoffensive
people being molested on the highway.
Police Inspector Knight was badly
mauled by a budmash with lathe. and
Maxwell Smith. a planter, was chased by
mob. Nineteen persons were convicted
at Bettiah of being members Of an unlaw-
full assembly and sentenced to the full
term of six months solitary confinement.
No fewer than 2OO prisoners are awaiting
trial at Motiha,i, under various charges,
chiefly for assaulting Europeans. for in
cendiarisn. and for melting class against
class. According to the latest reports the
situation had slightly changed for the
better.
Armed Police Effective.
The strong force OF armed policemen,
supplemented by the GOorkha detachment
had pacifying effect upon the combatlve
portion OF the inha bitants. The situation
was SO threatening at one time that "a
general exodus ensued of the wives and
ia miles of the planters. for whom accom-
mediation was provided in the clubs and
circuit house and in the protected bunga-
lows of the officials. The ladies and chill
dren eventually returned TO their homes,
but the country Is still burdened with an
army of policemen.
Sir Edward Bakers entry on his duties
as lieutenant governor of Bengal leads
the Calcutta Statesman to publish an i'll
teresting appreciation Of the man and Of
1t says:
Sir Edward Baker has the signal ad-
vantage of assuming charge Of a province
which he knows we'll and in which he
is we'll and favorably known. He has the
good will Of both communities and of all
classes. 1t is obvious that Sir Edward
Baker will need all the good fortune that
has hitherto attended his career il in
dea ling with the many difficult problems
awaiting him he is TO give universal sat
isfacton. Happily he possesses qualifica-
lions which should enable him to cope
successfully with the greatest and most
pressing OF these questions. One unpleas-
ant and troublesome legacy left to him
finances Of Bengal. 1t Is to be hoped
that the new lieutenant governor will be
able to devise means Of extricating the
province from it's financial troubles.
Question Of the Moment
The most pressing question Of the mo-
ment. however Is the question as to the
best method of extirpating the danger
Gus influences whose most conspicuous
effects have been seen in the series Of
outrages that have recently shocked the
entire community. 1t Is to be hoped that
Sir Edward will prove to be the right
man for the emergency. He has
already shown that he takes a sane
view Of the situation. While he does not
believe that the seditious unrest has
penetrated the masses of the people. he
declines to accept the assurance given
in some quarters that the mischievous
ideas to which the campaign Of violence
owes it's birth are confined to a few mis-
guided youths.