During the five years that he has been Viceroy, Lord Curzon has deposed two native rulers.  One of them was the Rajah of Bhartpur, a state well-known in the history of India by its long successful resistance of the British treaty.  In 1900 the native prince, a man of intemperate habits and violent passions, beat to death one of his personal servants who angered him by failing to obey orders to his satisfaction.  It was not the first offense, but it was the most flagrant and the only one that was ever brought officially to the attention of the government.  His behavior had been the subject of comment and the cause of scandal for several years, and he had received frequent warnings.  Hence, when the brutal murder of his servant was reported at the government house, Lord Curzon immediately ordered his arrest and trial.  He was convicted, sentenced to imprisonment for life, deprived of all his titles and authority, and his infant son was selected as his successor.  During the minority of the young prince the government will be administered by native regents under British supervision.

In 1901 the uncle of the Maharaja of Panna died under mysterious circumstances.  An investigation ordered by Lord Curzon developed unmistakable evidence that he had been deliberately poisoned.  The rajah was suspended from power, was tried and convicted of the crime, and in April, 1902, was deposed, deprived of all honors and power and sentenced to imprisonment for life, while one of his subordinates who had actually committed the crime by his orders was condemned to death.

In January, 1903, the Maharaja of Indore, after testifying to his loyalty to the British crown by attending the durbar at Delhi, and after due notice to the viceroy, abdicated power in favor of his son, a boy 12 years old.  The step was approved by Lord Curzon for reasons too many and complicated to be repeated here.  During the minority of the young man the government will be conducted by native ministers under British supervision, and the boy will be trained and educated with the greatest care.

In 1894 the Maharaja of Mysore died, leaving as his heir an infant son, and it became necessary for the viceroy to appoint a regent to govern the province during his minority.  The choice fell upon the boy’s mother, a woman of great ability and intelligence, who justified the confidence reposed in her by administering the affairs of the government with great intelligence and dignity.  She won the admiration of every person familiar with the facts.  She gave her son a careful English education and a few months ago retired in his favor.

In several cases the privilege of adoption has been exercised by the ruling chief, and thus far has been confirmed by the British authority in every case.