'Russia and India in 1903' [‎18v] (38/68)

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RUSSIA AND INDIA IN 1903.
representatives of the force. Much has been written
about it of late. Unfortunately, the adverse events
attending the visit of the representatives of the Volun
teers of India for the Coronation prevented much being
seen of them in London. There was also confusion
as to their whereabouts, and many invitations from
their comrades at home never reached those for whom
they were intended. At first the Volunteers were to
be at the Indian Camp at Hampton Court. This
being a natural and proper arrangement was cancelled
by cable, and the men told to make their own arrange
ments. Representations led to the first order being
renewed. Telegrams in that sense went to Port Said.
But it was then too late, and the Volunteers scattered
themselves over the Metropolis.
The first thought must be in considering the handful
of whites set in the midst of 300,000,000 of Asiatics,
surely every physically capable European, man and boy,
must be a Volunteer. The total number of European
men, women, and children throughout all India is esti
mated at 200,000, or one to 1,500 Natives ; but 76,000
of the 200,000 belong to the European Army—one
British soldier to about 3,000 of the population. If,
as would certainly be the case in the event of war
with a formidable external foe, a large proportion of
the Army was on the frontier, the absolute necessity
of every white man being trained to and practised in
the use of arms becomes clear ; it should be insisted
upon in return for the privilege of residence and sharing
in the great opportunities afforded by the British
Sovereignty. This is the law in Netherlands India,
irrespective of nationality. There are always many
sources of fanatical outbreak even on the calmest sur
face. The recollections of the Mutiny and of recent
events in other parts of Asia should be fresh still in
the memory, and lead to the omission of no possible
precaution. Europeans are scattered in very small
numbers over the whole country, and no man can say