In the House of Lords on Friday week Lord Crewe
described the wave of enthusiasm which is passing over India. The desire of the Indian people to serve side by side with the British Army in Europe was intense. As it was well known in India that the African troops of the French Army were serving in France, it would have been a disappointment to the loyal Indian troops if they had been refused the same opportunity. One of the principal Indian Princes had sent the Viceroy a gift of 50 lakhs of rupees (2300,000-£400,000) for the use of the troops in the field. We may mention also the support of Great Britain expressed by Mr. Tilak, who was imprisoned for sedition. The German militaristic school, following Treitschke and similar prophets, have made a point of drawing attention to what they consider the dishonouring treatment of the proud and ancient races of India by Great Britain. They should not complain, therefore, that these people are to have the honour of meeting cultured Germany on terms of equality.
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