Indian speeches (1907-1909)

r to the Princes and Peoples of

Peoples of India, in commemoration of the exalted task then solemnly undertaken. Half a century is but a brief span in your long annals, yet this half century that ends to-day will stand amid the floods of your historic ages, a far-shining landmark. The proclamation of the direct supremacy of the Crown sealed the unity of Indian Government and opened a new

Crown with toil and courage and patience, with deep counsel and a resolution that has never faltered nor shaken. If errors have occurred, the agents o

and devotion are capable of doing, to mitigate those dire calamities of Nature. For a longer period than was ever known

improvement, and to administer the government for the benefit of all resident therein. The schemes that have been diligently framed and executed for promoting your material co

has been favoured, molested, or disquieted, by reason of his religious belief or worship. All men have enjoyed protection of the law. The law itself has been administered without disrespect to c

s with a stern arm guilty conspiracies that have no just cause and no serious aim. These conspiracies I know to be abhorrent to the loyal and faithful ch

e occasion of the Coronation Durbar in 1903, the sentences of persons whom our courts have duly punished for offences against the law, should be remitted, or i

and power. In this path I confidently expect and intend the progress henceforward to be steadfast and sure, as education spread

ouraged by British rule, claim equality of citizenship, and a greater share in legislation and government. The politic satisfaction of such a claim will strengthen, not impair, existing authority and power. Administration will be all the more efficient, if the officers who conduct it have greater opportunities of regular co

that opportunity should be taken to show in substantial form this, my high appreciation, of

that time cannot weaken. My dear Son, the Prince of Wales, and the Princess of Wales, returned from their sojourn among you with warm attachment to your land, and true and earnest interest in its well-being and content.

l that are needed, for the achievement of a task as glorious as was ever