DECEMBER 7, 1908

p.6

A MISCHEVIOUS LEADER.
-----------------It is quite apparent that the Hindus in Vancouver have extremely bad
advisers and it would seem as if the influence of these advisers is, with them,
supreme. That was indicated on Saturday when the Government
Commissioner was refused a hearing to submit to these Indians his report on
the opportunities offered them in British Honduras. The individual who spoke
for them and who declined on their behalf to hear the report was Teja Singh,
the same man who has been industriously counselling them for some weeks to
have nothing to do with the government’s proposals. This man Teja Singh, it
will be remembered, made the statement, at a public meeting something over
a week ago that the Hindu representative who accompanied Mr. Harkin to
British Honduras had been offered a considerable bribe to make a favorable
report to their countrymen here. The statement was discredited at the time
and it is now known to be a mischievous falsehood, presumably of Teja
Singh’s own devising, intended to work upon the Hindus and prevent them
giving any consideration to the Honduras project. Teja Singh has no doubt, his
own ends to serve in misleading his countrymen: he is evidently one of the
reckless agitators who is bent on disturbing conditions In India and raising
revolt, if possible against British government. His method apparently is to
keep his countrymen here where they will suffer and send to India false
reports of the attitude of the people of Canada towards them. Tactics of that
nature may have their effect in arousing hostility to British rule, but that that
hostility will be very widespread is doubtful.
The question for the people of this country, however, is what is to be
done with the Indians now in Canada? If they will not listen to any
suggestions for their removal elsewhere, even to a more congenial climate and
happier conditions, and if they insist on remaining here despite their inability
to find work or to support themselves, what are we to do? It is impossible to
say “let them take the consequences of their stubbornness and starve.” That is
not the humanity which is practised in this country and it would not be
creditable either to the people or to the government. Deportation, perhaps, is
possible, but at what a cost to the better feelings of the public.
Whatever may be the unshot(?) one thing should be seen to by the
government and that is that men of the stamp of Teja Singh are not allowed

DECEMBER 7, 1908

p.6

control the actions of such a large number of unfortunates who are likely to
become a public charge. The authorities should have no hesitation in sending
this man and others of his type about their business. They may be more of a
nuisance than a danger but for nuisances of his stamp there is no room in this
country.