Sir Charles Wood also has been compelled to give way
in the matter of the claims of the Indian Army. Their grievance is this:— One-half of them have since the amalgamation been remarkably well provided for, but about 1,500 have not, and the Act contained a pledge that all should be treated alike. Instead of that an officer admitted into the Staff corps is promoted very much faster than an officer left out in the line. Sir Charles Wood promised redress, and though he professed not to know how to secure it he probably sees his way clearly enough. He cannot cancel the Staff promo- tions, and he cannot accelerate much those of the line. He must pay for the difference, offering to the old officers substantial induce- ments to sell their claims. That is what he ought to have done at first, and would not do. The one thing valued in India is increase on retiring pensions. Indians want to be comfortable at home, not under that climate.
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