Honolulu star-bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1912-2010, 1917-03-07
ny Associated pras,l


progress which is sweeping India can
he found than in some of the states
that are ruled by the Indian Princes
under the protection of the British
government. One OF the most pro-
ncunced examples Of advancement is
Bikaner. which ranks among the high
est Of the more than 700 Indian states.
and whose ruler, the Maharajah OF
Bikaner, descendant OF the famous
fighting race OF Rathore Rajputs. is
held to be che of the most cultured,
/ broad-minded and progressive princes
OF the Indian Empire II has been the
privilege of correspondent of the
Associated Press to spend some time
| In Bfkaner and to talk on numerous
occasions with the Maharajah con-
corning the policy which has reyolu-
tionized affairs throughout this state.
Learns Western Ways
The Maharajah belongs to the new
order of Indian rulers who have been
schooled in the learning of the West
and who have accepted the tenet that
the stability of government depends
upon the enlightenment, prosperity
and happiness of its people. When he
took over the control of Bikaner IS
years ago-he was then 1S-he imme-
diately set about to put into practise
the advanced ideas which he had ac-
quired and today railways. modern
schools, an up-to-date hospital. a model
prison, electric lighting, sanitary i'm
provements. water supply systems,
AND beautiful public buildings furnish
visible demonstrations of progress,
while he has established a representa-
tive assembly and put his administra-
ton on business basis that has re-
suited in the state income being near
ly trebled
In personal appearance, in bearing
and in accomplishments His Highness
impresses one as having just stepped
out of an Arabian Nights tale In which
he has played the part of the gallant
prince, so typical is he Of what one
has been leo to expect In story OF
that sort. Tall, broad-shouldered
handsome, ever affable. yet maintain
ing dignity which brooks no over
familiarity. OF magnetic personality.
born soldier, an excellent horseman,
sure shot and keen sportsman. as the
trophies of big game In his palace
show, an indefatigablet worker in. al
fairs of state-such is the Maharajah.
OF Bikaner at the age OF So.
People Given Voice
One of the most striking innoya-
lions which the Maharajah has made
in his state has been, the establish
ment of the representative assembly
through which his people have a
voice in the government. 1t was a
voluntary concession on his part.
rs Il came to the conclusion, he said,
that the greatness Of i ruler. lies In
the greatness of his people. When /
announced that I Intended to estab-
lish the assembly some of my friends
begged me not to take such q step.
IT is giving away your power, they
declared"
The Maharajah was asked II both
he and the people were satisfied that
the change had been beneficial.
Come and ride with me and my
sons to the temple in the, city this aft
ernoon and l think you win get bet
ter answer than / can give you verb
ally he replied.
Sees Satisfied People
The invitation was accepted and the
correspondent accompanied the Maha.
rajah and his two young princes to
the great Hindu temple where the
ruler and his sons performed their de-
votions. During the morning the
streets had been specially watered to
lay the dust and this had given the
people warning that some member OF !
the reigning family was to pass. As
the carriage with its mounted guard
through the winding ways
dense crowds gathered beside the
road and nearly every window was
filled with eager faces. Even the
roofs were covered with those people /
who hoped to get better view.
It Is not an unusual thing for the |
Maharajah to make a trip through
the capital, but there were the throngs |
just the same, as keen to get q glimpse
as though he we're foreign prince |
And as the carriage advanced the |
people broke into such cheering as the |
correspondent lad seldom heard be |
fore. Even tiny children took up the |
cry of "Khama," q salutation of res
pect and devotion, peculiar to these |
parts and used only for the ruler, and
the volume swelled until it became
almost deafening. More than one of
the aged people gave the Maharajah |
their blessings and invoked any trou- |
bles which he might have to como
upon themselves. All the way this
wonderful demonstration was kept up.
His Highness smiling and saluting to
right and left. When a point finally
was reached where he could make
himself heard he leaned forward and
said
Does 1t pay to do the best one can
for his people? For myself I ask no
better answer than we have just been
given"