§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether it is true that on the occasion of the Delhi Assemblage His Highness the Maharajah Scindiah, when paying his visit to the Viceroy, was kept waiting outside the Viceroy's tent for nearly an hour previous to admission; and, whether it is true that no explanation has since been rendered to His Highness?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONSir, we have no official information upon the incident referred to; but as I know from an authoritative private source what occurred I have no objection to state it. At the Delhi Assemblage Lord Lytton had in the space of two days to call upon and return visits from upwards of 200 of the Native Princes and Nobility. Every precaution was taken to prevent the Native Princes from being kept waiting; but, by some unforeseen accident, Maharajah Scindiah and some others were kept waiting an hour. As Scindiah was unwell upon that day the delay was doubly annoying to him, and on coming into the Viceroy's presence, though perfectly courteous, his demeanour indicated some annoyance. Next day Maharajah Scindiah spontaneously gave an explanation, which was at once accepted by the Viceroy, and upon the declaration of Her Majesty's title, Scindiah was the first to reply, and thus led the Royal response of the other Chiefs to the Viceroy's address.