We know, and respect,the feelings of attachment with which the Natives of India regard the Lands inherited by them from their Ancestors;and We desire to protect them in all Rights connected there-with,subject to the equitable demands of the State;and We will that generally,in framing and administering the Law,due regard be paid to the ancient Rights.We deeply lament the evils and misery which have been brought upon India by the acts of ambitious Men,who have deceived their Countrymen,by false reports, and led them into open Rebellion.Our power has been shewn by the Suppression of that rebellion in the field;We desire to shew Our Mercy,by pardoning the Offences of those who have been thus misled,but who desire to return to the path of Duty.
Already in one Province,with a view to stop the further effusion of blood,and to hasten the Pacification of our Indian Dominions,Our Viceroy and Governor General has held out the expectation of Pardon,on certain terms,to the great majority of those,who in the late unhappy disturbances,have been guilty of Offences against our Government,and has declared the Punishment which will be inflicted on those whose Crimes place them beyond the reach of forgiveness.We approve and confirm the said Act of Our Viceroy and Governor General,and do further announce and proclaim as follows:-
Our Clemency will be extended to all Offenders,save and except those who have been, or shall be,convicted of having directly taken part in the Murder of British Subjects.With regard to such,the Demands of Justice forbid the exercise of mercy.
To those who have willingly given asylum to Murderers,knowing them to be such,or who may have acted as leaders or instigators in Revolt,their lives alone can be guaranteed;but in apportioning the Penalty due to such persons,full consideration will be given to the circumstances under which they have been inducted to throw off their allegiance;and large indulgence shall be shown to those whose Crimes may appear to have originated in too credulous acceptance of the false reports circulated by designing Men.
To all others in Arms against the Government,We hereby promise unconditional Pardon,Amnesty,and Oblivion of all Offences against ourselves.Our Crown and Dignity,on their return to their homes and peaceful pursuits.
It is our Royal Pleasure that these Terms of Grace and Amnesty should be extended to all those who comply with their Conditions before the First Day of January next.
When,by the Blessing of Providence,internal tranquility shall be restored,it is Our earnest Desire to stimulate the peaceful Industry of India,to promote Works of Public Utility and Improvement,and to administer its Government for the benefit of all Our Subjects resident therein.In their prosperity will be Our Strength;in their Contentment Our Security;and in their Gratitude Our best reward.And may the God of all Power grant to Us,and to those in authority under us,Strength to carry out these Our Wishes for the good of Our people.
END
(DREAM OF MACAULAY TO MAKE INDIA A TRULY DOMINATED NATION WAS THUS FULFILLED)
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