NATIVE RULERS (INDIA).

HC Deb 05 March 1896 vol 38 cc307-8

On the Motion for the Adjournment of the House,

DR. CLARK

complained that the Secretary for India had given insufficient information in regard to the deposition by the Indian Government, without due inquiry, of the Maharajah of Jhalawar and the suicide of the Maharajah of Patna, about whom Questions had been asked at question time. It was a very serious matter for the people of India if native rulers were to be secretly deposed by a mere Departmental Committee without getting a fair trial, and without any information being given to the House of Commons in the matter.

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

said it was quite true that the Maharajah of Jhalawar had been deposed, but circumstances warranted that action on the part of the Government of India. The Maharajah was first deprived of powers in 1887, but was subsequently partially reinstated; and circumstances had since arisen which compelled the Government of India, in the interest of the people over whom he ruled, to again depose the Maharajah. When papers containing full particulars of the occurrence arrived from India, it would be found that the action of the Indian Government was fully justified. Then, in regard to the suicide of the Maharajah of Patna, the hon. Member had said at Question-time that the Maharajah had been driven to this act by the persecution of the Indian Government. There was no doubt the Maharajah was insane, and he might have got into his head that he had a grievance against the Government of India. He thought the House should not be made a platform on which to discuss matters of this kind. He certainly, as long as he had anything to do with the Government of India, would not interfere. The Government had a duty to perform towards the people of India, and if they found that anyone is abusing his power they could not allow it. He thought that when the papers were laid on the Table, the hon. Gentleman would see that there was no alternative to the course taken by the Government.

DR. TANNER

How soon may we expect these papers?

LORD GEORGE HAMILTON

I cannot say.

DR. TANNER

About what date approximately?

Adjourned at Twenty-five minutes before One o'clock.