'The Indian Budget was discussed in the Comnions on Thursday,
and with that discussion the work of the Session practically ended,—a Session which has been momentous in a high degree, and may prove the last of the Parliament elected in 1900. Lord George Hamilton in his speech drew atten- tion to the very satisfactory Budgets of 1901 and 1902, and stated that in the Budget for the year ending in April, 1903, the realised surplus was £3,190,000. The Indian Govern- nient was thus in a position in which it had not found itself for twenty years, and was able to take off taxation. Twenty-five per cent. was to come off the Salt-tax and the limit of exemption of Income-tax was to be raised from £33 to £66. The most important announcement in the speech was to the effect that the Home Government had given way to the Indian Government as regards providing a part of the cost of the proposed extra garrison to be kept in South Africa, partly with a view to having reinforcements ready in a healthy climate near to India. Accordingly, the troops proposed to be earmarked for India would not be kept in South Africa. Lord George Hamilton declared that he personally deplored the position taken up by the Indian Government, and believed that it would be regretted. In our opinion, the way in which the Indian contribution toithe military expenses of the Empire is treated is from every point of view most unsatisfactory. We do not believe that India, in fact, pays too much, but rather the reverse; but owing to the muddled and scrappy way in which increased contributions are asked for and discussed, an appearance of unfairness is no doubt often produced.
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