Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1846-05-02
AFFAIRS IN INDIA.

The following proclamation Of the Governor
General of India issued subsequent to the late Bri
fish victories in the Punjaub, and before the sub
mission of the Sikhs, indicates the policy proposes
to be pursued by the British Government in India
FoRErsx DEPARTMENT., Kussoon, Fen. Ia, 1876.
The Sikh army has been expelled from the left bank Of thu
river Sue having been defeated in every action with TIL
loss of more than 220 pieces of field artillery.
The British army has crossed the Sute and entered tn
Punjaub. a
The Governor General announces by this proclamation
that this has been adopted by the Government of
da accordance with the intentions expressed the procla
nation Of the 18th December last having been forced up
on the General for the purpose Of eectuay pro-
tecng the British Provinces for vndcang the authority Of
the British Government and for Furnishing the yoators of
treaties, and the disturbers of the peace.
These operations will be steadily perseveed in and vgor
ous prosecuted until the objects proposed to be accomplish
ed fully attained The occupation Of the Punaub by the
British forces will not be relnqushed until ample atonement
for the insult offered the British Government by the nrac-
on Of the treaty Of $780, and by the unprovoed invasion
the British Provinces shall have been exacted These objects
will include full indemnity for all expenses incurred during
the war; and such arrangements for the future government
Lahore will give perfect security the British
Government against similar acts Of perdy and aggression.
Military operations against the Government and army of the
Lahore State have been undertaken by the Government
India from any desire of territorial aggrandzement. The
already announced in the proclamation
Of the 18th December sincerely desired a strong
government
control its army and protect its subjects The sincerity
these professions proved by the fact that preparations
hostes had been made when the Lahore Government sud-
DENLY and without pretext of complaint invaded the British
British Government TO have recourse TO and organize
the means Of offensive warfare and whatever may bea
the Lahore State the consequences alone be attributed
the misconduct Of that Government and its army.
No extension Of territory desired by the Government
India the necessary for providing indemnity for the
past and security for the future WILL however, involve the
enon by the British Government Of portion Of the country
hitherto under the Government Of the Lahore State The
tent Of territory which may be deemed advisable hold
will be determined by the conduct Of the Duba and by
sderaton for the security of the British frontier The Gov
eminent Of India WILL under any circumstances to the
British provinces the districts hill and pan situated between
the rivers Sue and Beas the thereof being appro
pated part of the indemnify required from the Lahore
State
The Government Of India has frequently declared that
did not desire TO subve the Sikh Government in the Pun
aub and although the conduct Of the Dubar has been such
to justify the and Of retrbu
tion (he infection OF which may yet be required by sound
policy if the recent acts Of violence be amply aoncd for
and immediate submission rendered. nevertheless the Cover
norGenera st willing that opportunity should be given
the Durbar and TO the chiefs submit themselves the
authority OF the British Government and by good
faith and the observance of prudent counse enable the Go
General TO organize Sikh Government in the person
Of descendant Of its founder, the late Maha Rsah Runeet
Singh, the faithful ally Of the British power.
The Governor General, at this Of most complete
and decisive victory cannot give stronger proof Of the for
bcarance and moderation Of the British Government than
making this declaration Of his Intention the and mode
IF the arrangement remaining for further adjustment
The Governor General therefore calls upon all those chiefs
who the well wshers Of the descendants Runee Singh
md especially such chiefs have participated in the hos
lie proceedings against the British power in
with him for carrying into effect such arrangements shall
maintain Sikh Government at Lahore capable Of control
ing its army and protecting its subjects and based upon prn
,plcs that shall provide for the future tranquility Of the Sikh
States shall the British frontier against repetition Of
,cts Of aggression and shall prove to the whole world the
moderation and justice Of the paramount power Of India
IL this opportunity Of rescung the Sikh nation from militia
anarchy and mrule be neglected. and hostile opposition
10 the British army be renewed the Government Of India
will make such other for the future government
of the Punaub the interests and security Of the British
power may render Just and expedient.
BY order, &c. +. CURRIE,
Secretary 10 the Government Of India.