The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-03-28

claimed illegal The principal society had its Headquarters In Dacca. The result of the proclamation has been to convert the organizations into secret societies. for though ostensibly they are defunct 1t is not believed that they have ceased to exist. Their ramifica- tions have spread far and wide; the Dacca society alone numbers several thousand members. consisting almost entirely of Brahmins< and other high caste 'iindus There are no Mahome- dans. There Is ample documentary evidence of connection with the Cal cutta Anarchists from whom inspira- modelled on approved Russian methods. having three circles. only the inner circle is really active, furnishing ma terial whence Anarchists are drawn. Lists have been found showing a man in each village capable of rendering active assistance. The astonishing thing is clearly demonstrated that some of these societies were formed six years ago, before the partition of Ben gal.
 Beyond occasionally terrorizing vil- lages. committing acts of dacoity to ob tain funds. and generally obstrHcting the work of administration, these societies give no visible sign of activ ity. It is unquestionable. however. that they enjoy the sympathy of the bulk of high-caste Hindus. and 1t is a grave sign that few people are found ready to assist the government fin the work of suppression. The societies do not constitute serious present dan ger. It Is not what they are. but what they may become in time of trouble--- a real menace. Their sources of intel- ligence are admittedly far better than those of the police. It Is urged that the chief want is not more native de- tectives but large increase in the number of European police officers.
 In Calcutta there is a practically unanimous tendency among the Ben gall Hindus to resent the granting of separate representation to Mahome- dans. Some of the leaders indignantly protest against any special concession to Mahomedans, and even insist that they must leave interests, which. they contend are identical with those or the HinJus in the hands of the Hindu majority. It is quite evident that the creation of separate Mahomedan electorate would likely to cause bitter Hindu feelings, at any rate In this province. In some influential Bensah quarters signs of reaction from the first jubilation. over the reforms are noted and a disposition to maintain that they are too limited in scope. such me mas Dr. Rash Behari Chose, president of the Nationalist Congress do not, however. share thts view. European opinion holds that 1t is su- premely important to keep the Vice roy's Executive Council wholly Eng fish, but that the provincial Executive Councils are less important and do not matter.
 Mos1em Opinion.
 A lengthy representation expressing Moslem opinions on the reform scheme has been forwarded to the Viceroy by Syed All Imam. chairman or the Special Subcommittee of the All-lndia Moslem League. The memorial says that the All-India Moslem League notes with a great sense of relief that
 portion of Lord Morley's recent speech which deals with class representation as it affects the Mussulmans of India. It is the principle of mixed electoral colleges that created in the mind or the Mussulmans the apprehension that the elction as influenced by such principle will result in the return or | those who would be members Of the
 Mohammedan community. but by no
 means their representative. as they would only be manjatoriess and nomi-
 nees of a non -Moslem majority. The
 announcement of the Secretary of l State that the principle of mixed cleo 1 toral colleges has not been laid down
 AS an unalterable one in the despatch,
 and that his lordship was not sure that l the election might not be held in two
 stages with exclusive Mohammedan
 electoral colleges, has been read by | Mohammedans with much thankfulness.
 as 1t has helped completely to dispel the doubts that had been cast on the prospects of the Mohammedans partici- pating In the benefits that will result
 from. the contemplated changes. The all India Moslem League, in this con, | nection, begs to assure your Excellency
 that 1t has not the least desire that an | iron wall should be raised ever be- | tween the Mohammedans and their Hindu countrymen, but what 1t does l desire Is that, considering the condi- | tions existing in India, real, effective, and truly Mohammedan representatives are essential in the best interests of | the country.
 Having this all-important aspect of class representation In view. and guarding 1t jealously aginst any en- croachment, 1t will be satisfaction to
 the Mohammedans of India to be as-
 sociated as much as possible with their
 non -Moslem countrymen. Both these | objects are looked upon by the Mussul-
 mans as essential for the proper ad-
 Justment of the balance of the social forces of the country.
 "The Indian Mussulmans contribute
 largely to the defence of the Empire. and considering the population of the
 Frontier Province. Kashmir and the Punjab. 1t is not too much to say that
 the Mohammedans may rightly claim
 to have the honor of being the gate
 keepers of India. It may also be sub
 mitted that as "a community their re- ligious association with the Islamic countries of the world Is not without 1 interest to enhance the value of their | N''0'A