The splendid work done by Indian regulars and Indian imperial forces
(the forces supplied by native Princes) in Europe, in Africa, in
Egypt, in Mesopotamia is a sufficient answer to the suggestion that
British influence in India has been weakened by the war. The
enthusiastic formation of volunteer corps, both of Europeans and of
natives, is a further proof that the peoples of India, now more than
ever, realize the benefits of liberty and security which they enjoy.
In India the torpedoing of the Lusitania made a profound impression,
as the native press proves.
A notable trial, the Lahore conspiracy case, disclosed the curious
fact that almost the only case of "unrest" in India was "made in
America" by returned emigrants from Canada and California, who, on
their way back, were interviewed by the German Consuls at Chinese
ports and advised to stir up an insurrection. This they tried to do,
using bombs made of brass inkpots, and bombarding the houses of
well-to-do natives, seeking in this way to raise money to finance the
rising.
The Pioneer Mail (Allahabad) gives an interesting account of the trial
of these peculiar patriots, half of whom seem to have informed on the
other half. It appears that they, or others like them, were
instrumental in causing the recent riot at Singapore, in which some
twenty European men and women were killed.