SIGNS OF THE TIMES IN INDIA.
By Editor
THE following facts show what great changes are coming over the position of the pariahs (outcasts) in this country. Just lately the Mahars, pariahs of the Bombay Presidency, petitioned the government to redress their grievances, complaining that they were treated worse than beasts, not being allowed to touch the well of any village, and their very shadow being deemed pollution. The government replied cautiously that, tho they sympathized with them, they could at present do nothing to remove these grievances. But ten years ago no pariah would have dared to sign such a petition. Then, again, in Madras an interesting event is taking place. The pariahs of Triplicane presented a cow to the Hindu temple there. When this was refused, and they were driven away from the temple, a Brahmin gentleman of the neighborhood took up their cause, and arranged for them to come and worship outside the temple. For this he has been ostracized. Letters are at present appearing in the daily papers on the subject, and the Brahmin may go to law on behalf of the pariahs. Recently in Chingleput, on the occasion of Rev. A. Andrew's semi-jubilee, the Hindu community, including all the high officials, presented him with a testimonial in which they praised him for his successful efforts to elevate the condition of the pariahs, and declared that they rejoiced to see them becoming Christians, as Hinduism offered them nothing but contumely! These are all "signs of the times," and show that the spirit of Christianity is taking hold of the Hindu community. On the 7th of June, Norway, through her parliamentary body, seceded from the union with Sweden, and declared King Oscar of Sweden deposed from the throne of Norway. The kingship will be offered to a prince of the present royal family of Sweden; but it seems unlikely that King Oscar will permit its acceptance. It is rumored that, in case a Swedish prince is not designated by King Oscar, the crown of Norway will be offered to a Danish prince. This action comes as a result of King Oscar's refusal to grant the demands of Norway for separate consuls in foreign countries. Norway is prepared to compel recognition of her independence by force of arms, if necessary. What the outcome of this step will be is not yet apparent. Reports from St. Petersburg indicate that the czar has taken the first steps looking toward peace negotiations; that is, that he has requested his American ambassador to ascertain through President Roosevelt what Japan's demands will be. In the meantime there is said to be not the slightest surface indication of any change in the situation regarding the continuation of the war. Preparations to send additional troops to the front continue, and a new draft of horses from Poland has been ordered, while a further mobilization of men in the province of Moscow is announced. President Roosevelt has ordered that the Russian war-ships now at Manila disarm or leave port within twenty-four hours after the notice was given. His decision not to allow the Russians time to repair damages received in battle is looked upon by Russia in a very unfavorable light. The Russian press speaks in a very bitter way of this ruling, it being generally understood that vessels of a belligerant may remain in a neutral port long enough to accomplish any repair work necessary to make them seaworthy. The Russian ships will disarm. Two attempts on the lives of prominent persons are reported during the week. While the king of Spain was visiting Paris, a bomb was thrown at the carriage in which the king and the French president were riding. The bomb was exploded by striking one of the guard's horses, and little damage was done. On June 7, an anarchist made an attempt to take the life of Vice-President Fairbanks at Flint, Mich. A hurricane recently swept over Natal, South Africa, doing great damage, and killing a large number of persons. The report states that 440 bodies have been recovered, and many more are known to have been killed. Another massacre of Armenians by the Tartars of Trans-Caucasia is reported to have taken place on May 29. The massacre was occurring simultaneously in a number of villages, and large numbers were being killed.