Agrarian riots broke out at the end of last week
in the United Provinces, between Lucknow and Allahabad. The Hindu cultivators in the Rai Bareli district, north of the Ganges, had apparently combined in refusing to pay rent to their native landlords. Agitators induced the discontented peasantry to resort to violence. A mob which was looting shops was fired upon and the ringleaders were arrested. The rioters attempted to rescue the prisoners and were repulsed by the armed police. The disaffection spread to the adjacent district of Sultanpur, where fresh acts of violence were committed. Troops have been sent to restore order. The disturbances are purely local and will doubtless be easily quelled. But they illustrate the danger of Mr. Montagu's policy of making the Indian peasant dissatisfied with his lot, on the theory that discontent is divine. The Indian Government have troubles enough on their hands without needing to create fresh difficulties.
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