OCCASIONAL NOTE

Before many days have elapsed the troops of the Allies will find themselves on German soil, and the question naturally arises – what kind of a reception are they likely to meet with at the hands of the beaten population? If we may judge from the experiences of Napoleon in 1805-07 the reception ought to be a very cordial one. The Corsican drove across Germany like a tornado, uprooting armies, institutions and dynasties. The Prussians, then as now the military backbone of Germany, were totally unable to make head against him, and by the time he reached Berlin, after destroying their armies at Jena and Auerstadt, the people, high and low, had been reduced to a state of almost imbecile terror. Highborn officials stationed themselves at the back of the crowds when the conqueror entered their capital, and enjoined the people to cheer lustily and shout “Vive 1’Empeur.” “Our lives,” they exclaimed, “depend upon keeping him in a good temper.” The result was that, when Napoleon appeared, he received such an ovation that, as he himself remarked, he “hardly knew whether to rejoice or to be ashamed.” The Berliners fawned upon him and denounced each other to him, and the Prince von Isenburg actually raised a regiment for the French in the streets of Berlin, composed entirely of deserters from the Prussian army. The impression left upon the mind of Bomaparte, and of history, was that the Germans only hold together with difficulty in prosperity, and go completely to pieces in adversity.

BOMBAY BREACH OF TRUST CASE

At Esplanade Police Court yesterday afternoon, before the Third Presidency Magistrate, police charged L. Carpenter Turner who described himself as advertisement agent with criminal breach of trust in respect of (1) a platinum ring set with a big diamond cluster brooch valued at Rs 380, the property of Messrs. Lund and Blockley; (2) a gold diamond cross ring worth Rs 400 and a diamond and ruby cluster ring of the value of Rs 575, the property of Messrs. J. Lamingian and Co. (3) a gold ruby and diamond heart-shaped ring of the value of Rs 325, the property of Messrs. Surajmal Lalubhai and Co. The evidence showed that the accused had obtained the rings from different firms on approval at different times during the past two months. Accused pleaded guilty. He said he had no intention of defrauding any of the complainants. His intention was to return the rings or pay for them. His worship convicted the accused and sentenced him to five months’ rigorous imprisonment.

INDIAN EDITORS TOUR

The Indian editors have returned from a six days’ visit to the west front. They visited the territory newly conquered by the British and the Americans, and were particularly interested in Ypres, Givenchy, and other places imperishably associated with the valour of the Indian contingents during the first years of the war. The editors were entertained to luncheon by the West India Committee at the Savoy Hotel yesterday when the opportunity was taken to discuss the question of assisted emigration and the settlement by which it is proposed to replace the indenture system. Further engagements of the editors include visits to Windsor Castle, Woolwich Arsenal, Oxford, and a reception by Mr. Montagu at the India Office.

DEMONSTRATION IN ALBERT HALL

A demonstration in the Albert Hall last night following upon the Labour Conference was of a tumultuous character. Mr. Smillie, referring to the interruptions, said some of their revolutionary friends wanted to begin immediately to wipe out all authority in London. That was not the way. It was easier to get what they wanted by ballot than by bloodshed. Mr. Thomas, M.P., said it was useless to howl at other people if they were not intelligent enough to vote right. Mr. Arthur Henderson urged the necessity of reconstructing the Internationale. They did not want a Bolshevism peace which meant bloodshed.

INDIAN ARMY RESERVE OF OFFICERS 

A press communiqué states:- Recruitment for the Indian Army Reserve of Officers has been suspended. Candidates for such commissions may, however, continue for the present to submit applications for consideration should it be decided to reopen recruitment in the near future. Such applications will be retained by the General Officers Commanding until called for by Army Headquarters. Applicants are advised not to relinquish any civil employment unless they receive definite official information that services are required in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers.