The most remarkable demonstration of enthusiastic loyalty, however, came from India. It was no surprise to those acquainted with the conditions in our great Asiatic Empire to know that all classes and creeds were united in their devotion to the British Crown; but it was evident from the comments which followed the statements in Parliament on September 9th that the munificent offers made to the Viceroy had astonished the whole world. By the middle of August it was known that many Indian Chiefs had been addressing inquiries to the Viceroy in the spirit of the ruler of the ancient State of Rewa, who wrote: "What orders from His Majesty for me and my troops?"
On September 9th, the Marquis of Crewe, the Secretary of State for India, in the House of Lords, and Mr. Charles Roberts, Under-Secretary of State for India, in the House of Commons, read telegrams from the Viceroy summarising the offers of the Indian chiefs. Amid glowing excitement and enthusiasm, the Houses learned that Sir Pertab Singh despite his seventy years "would not be denied his right to serve the King-Emperor," and that he was taking with him among his troops his young nephew, the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, a boy of sixteen. The State of Nepal sent seven battalions of Gurkhas, and there were many other offers of men, money, and jewels. The following long cablegram sent by the Viceroy to the Secretary of State for India on September 8th describes the offers of service:
Following is a summary of offers of service, money, etc., made in India to the Viceroy. The rulers of the Native States in India, who number nearly 700 in all, have with one accord rallied to the defences of the Empire and offered their personal services and the resources of their States for the war.
From among the many Princes and nobles who have volunteered for active service, the Viceroy has selected the Chiefs of Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Rutlam, Sachin, Patiala, Sir Pertab Singh, Regent of Jodhpur, the Heir-Apparent of Bhopal and a brother of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, together with other cadets of noble families. The veteran Sir Pertab would not be denied his right to serve the King-Emperor, in spite of his 70 years, and his nephew, the Maharaja, who is but 16 years old, goes with him.
All these have, with the Commander-in-Chief's approval, already joined the Expeditionary Forces. The Maharaja of Gwalior and the Chiefs of Jaora and Dholpur, together with the Heir-Apparent of Palanpur, were, to their great regret, prevented from leaving their States. Twenty-seven of the larger States in India maintain Imperial Service troops, and the services of every corps were immediately placed at the disposal of the Government of India on the outbreak of war.
The Viceroy has accepted from twelve States contingents of cavalry, infantry, sappers, and transport, besides a camel corps from Bikaner, and most of them have already embarked. As particular instances of generosity and eager loyalty of the Chiefs, the following may be quoted: Various Durbars have combined together to provide a hospital ship, to be called "The Loyalty," for the use of the Expeditionary Forces. The Maharaja of Mysore has placed Rs.50 lacs at the disposal of the Government of India for expenditure in connection with the Expeditionary Force.
The Chief of Gwalior, in addition to sharing in the expense of the hospital ship, the idea of which was originated with himself and the Begum of Bhopal, has offered to place large sums of money at the disposal of the Government of India and to provide thousands of horses as remounts. From Loharu, in the Punjab, and Las Bela and Kalat, in Baluchistan, come offers of camels with drivers, to be supplied and maintained by the Chiefs and Sardars.
Several Chiefs have offered to raise additional troops for military service should they be required, and donations to the Indian Relief Fund have poured in from all States. The Maharaja of Rewa has offered his troops, his treasury, and even his private jewellery, for the service of the King-Emperor. In addition to contributions to the Indian Fund, some Chiefs, namely, those of Kashmir, Bundi, Orchha, Gwalior and Indore, have also given large sums to the Prince of Wales' Fund.
The Maharaja of Kashmir, not content with subscribing himself to the Indian fund, presided at a meeting of 20,000 people held recently at Srinagar, and delivered a stirring speech, in response to which large subscriptions were collected.