OCR Text |
Show India Is Decreed a Larger Share of Self -Government;' King Issues Proclamation i , ONDON, Dec. 23. King George hs-T hs-T sued a proclamation today an-I an-I r.ouncing the new measure giv-JJ giv-JJ ing India a larger degree of self-government. self-government. The, proclamation characterizes the government bill as a historic act. giving representation long desired by the natives. It calls for the determination of the people and the officials offi-cials to work together for the common purpose of making the new plan of government gov-ernment a success. The prec!aination says, in part; "Another eooch is reached today in the annals of India. I give royal assent to the act, which takes its place among Die great historic measures passed by the parliament of this realm for the better government of India and the greater con-I con-I continent of her people. "The act. which has now become a law, I entrusts elected representatives of the peoplo with a definite ahare in the gov ernment, and points the way to a fully responsible government hereafter. If, as I confidently hope, the "policy which this act inaugurates should achieve its purpose, pur-pose, the results will be momentous in the story of human progress. "I have watched with understanding and sympathy the growing desire of my Indian people for representa r i ve institutions, institu-tions, 'i heir scope has been extended, stage by siage, until there now lies before- us a definite step on the road to responsible re-sponsible government. "I rely on the iiew popular assemblies to interpret wisely the wishes ed' those they r epresent a r.d not forget tiie interests in-terests of Lhe masses who cannot yet be admitted to the franchise. I rely on the hade;s of the people and ministers of tiie future to face responsibility a nd endure misrepresentation, a nd to sacrifice- much for the common interest of the state, remembering re-membering that true patriotism t ran-scends ran-scends party and communal boundaries. "A new era is opening. Let it egin with a common determination amon'y my people and my officers to work together for the common purpose." |