The Washington herald., 1909-02-14
East Indian Affairs.
r Ne wsshlrran Henld:

Editor TIE wsshing-nn Herald:
TIE letter OF Mr.. Soutter which you
published last Monday contains a num-
Der OF interesting statements IN regard
to East Indian affairs. but II leaves with
the reader an impression that British
rule is neither benehcent nor popular &C
cordlng 10 Indian standards This af-
fords another illustration of the readi-
ness with which citizens OF one country
criticise the treatment which another
country accords to its colonists OF de-
pendents-
It should never be forgotten that Great
Britain exercises sovereignty over India
by accident rather than BY intention.
From 1902 until l7g the adventures IN
Ger charters granted BY SIX Of the great
European powers struggled for supremacy
in the trade with the Orient. This strug-
gle finally became so acute that actual
clashes OF arms resulted OF course
each nation felt bound to protect its
flag. even II it few from the masthead
OF a merchantmen on foreign seas, and
wars at home involved the trading posts
abroad Thus il was that when war was
kinGled IN I7f5 between France and Eng
land, Duplex. the governor Of POndi-
cherry. and Give. a clerk at Madras.
found their relations changed from that
Of commercial rivalry TO leaders OF op-
posing martial forces.
For nearly forty years India was the
scene OF warfare, the conbetants being
European troops OF native princes seek
ing to aid one party OF the other 70 hold
concessions necessary for commercial
prestige And when peace was finally
restored Il was the East Indian Com
pany that directed. under the charter OF
IT73, the political affairs Of India. But
the aid OF the home government was
called upon so frequently 70 protect the
interests and the lives OF English sub
jects, that the entire administration was
transferred in 1S5S from the company 10
the Crown. This transfer vas made IN
spite OF the violent opposition OF many
who wire opposed to territorial RxL
panslon in India. And Parliament, BY q
formal vote. recorded its opinion that the
extension OF dominion in India was not
conducive TO the honor and interest OF the
nation
A country so rich in natural resources
as India and inhabited by peoples who
looked with disfavor upon commerce
would naturally tempt the thrifty West
ern traders, and in the contest for su-
premacy one nation would Of necessity
prevail. It happened TO be England, and
India may well rejoice that It was not
one Of the five commercial rivals.
History affords 10 exception 10 the
principle that whenever two peoples OF
wholly different races occupy the relation
Of ruler and ruled there results less Of
wisdom, benevOience. and justice than
was expected Still. in India II IS possible
TO point to many specific benefits. IN
1858 Europeans and Euroasisns held - Der
sent Of the Offices paying 500 or more per
annum: they now hold q. Hindoos then
held IS per cent. they now hold %. and
the average salary paid to natives has
risen per cent. while that paid TO Euro
peans has fallen 4 per cent The numbe.
Of persons having an annual salary be-
tween $500 and 1900 is approximately
27.000. Of whom 500 are Europeans, 400
EurOaslans, and 1910 natives.
In the municipal committees and district
boards there are $3.50 natives and 2.fIs
Europeans. These figures show that India
is practically administered BY Indians
under the supervision Of a small number
of Europeans.
The most potent charge against s gov
ernment IS the burden OF taxation. Yet
in India the taxes per head are lighter
than in any other civilized country in
the world. The cost Of the government
falls lightly upon the people,. being s15s
per capita.
It must be admitted that India Is now,
as never before. secure from foreign ag-
gTeSsion- The laws have been codifed
5000 miles Of railway traverse the penin-
suia carrying passengers for less than
cent per mile per person, vast systems Of
irrigation have been introduced. postal
and telegraph service unite every towa