DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.49382#0214
132
CHAPTER V.
expects reforms as the price or the reward of our loyalty. That loyalty
would indeed be a poor thing if it proceeded from a lively sense of favours
to come. Nor could any serious and responsible Indian publicist
advocate that, as a result of the war, there should be a sudden and
violent breakage in the evolution of political institutions in India. The
problem before us is how, without asking for any violent departure from
the line of constitutional development which far-sighted statesmen—
English and Indian—desire for India, we cannot still press for a
substantial advance towards the development of free institutions m
this country. It is our earnest hope that the spontaneous outburst
of loyalty throughout the country has dispelled for ever all sense of
distrust and suspicion between us and our rulers, and that, after the
war is over, British officials will consider it their duty not so much
to .idminister one’s affairs efficiently as to train thepeople to administer
our affairs. With this change of spirit, the people will also begin
to look upon these officials as zealous co-adjusters in the task of their
political self-development.’
Lieutenant-General Sir James Willcock’s message to the
Indian Army Corps at the Front.
Order of the Day No. 1. -
“ Soldiers of the Indian Army Corps,—
“ We have all read with pride the gracious message of His Majesty
the King-Emperor to his troops from India,
“On the eve of going into the field to join our British colnrades,
who have covered themselves with glory in this Great 'War, it is our
firm resolve to prove ourselves worthy of the honour which has been
conferred on us as representatives of the Army of India.
“In a few days we shall be fighting, as has never been our good
fortune to fight, before and against enemies who have a long history.
“ But is their history as long as yours? You are the descendants
of men who have been mighty rulers and great warriors tor many
centuries. You will never forget this. You will recall the glories
of your race. Hindu and Mahomedaii will be fighting side by side with
CHAPTER V.
expects reforms as the price or the reward of our loyalty. That loyalty
would indeed be a poor thing if it proceeded from a lively sense of favours
to come. Nor could any serious and responsible Indian publicist
advocate that, as a result of the war, there should be a sudden and
violent breakage in the evolution of political institutions in India. The
problem before us is how, without asking for any violent departure from
the line of constitutional development which far-sighted statesmen—
English and Indian—desire for India, we cannot still press for a
substantial advance towards the development of free institutions m
this country. It is our earnest hope that the spontaneous outburst
of loyalty throughout the country has dispelled for ever all sense of
distrust and suspicion between us and our rulers, and that, after the
war is over, British officials will consider it their duty not so much
to .idminister one’s affairs efficiently as to train thepeople to administer
our affairs. With this change of spirit, the people will also begin
to look upon these officials as zealous co-adjusters in the task of their
political self-development.’
Lieutenant-General Sir James Willcock’s message to the
Indian Army Corps at the Front.
Order of the Day No. 1. -
“ Soldiers of the Indian Army Corps,—
“ We have all read with pride the gracious message of His Majesty
the King-Emperor to his troops from India,
“On the eve of going into the field to join our British colnrades,
who have covered themselves with glory in this Great 'War, it is our
firm resolve to prove ourselves worthy of the honour which has been
conferred on us as representatives of the Army of India.
“In a few days we shall be fighting, as has never been our good
fortune to fight, before and against enemies who have a long history.
“ But is their history as long as yours? You are the descendants
of men who have been mighty rulers and great warriors tor many
centuries. You will never forget this. You will recall the glories
of your race. Hindu and Mahomedaii will be fighting side by side with