Page:Viscount Hardinge and the Advance of the British Dominions into the Punjab.djvu/165

Rh illuminations for presentation to the Governor-General.

The letter commenced by drawing the King's attention to the forbearance of the British Government and its strict observance of treaties in the case of the Punjab and Kashmír. Then it was explained how Lord Wellesley's Treaty of 1801 provided for the protection of the people, and how their rights were secured to them by the Convention of 1802. It was required of the King that he should reform the defects of his police administration, as well as those of the judicial and revenue departments. It was stated that, if oppression and misrule should continue to prevail, the Government reserved to itself the right of appointing its own officers for the administration of the country. Attention too was drawn to the sixth article of the Treaty of 1801, which enjoined the Governor-General to carry out its provisions, with reference especially to the case of the peasants. The King was reminded how Lord William Bentinck had tendered similar advice in 1831, and how he had threatened to bring the province under British rule. He was also reminded how, only three years before, he had been addressed in these terms: — 'The maladministration of Oudh is extreme. Necessary arrangements must be made in reparation. I am extremely sorry that the Wazír has been obliged to resign, contrary to the wishes of the British Resident. Notwithstanding this, your Majesty has dismissed him on your accession to the throne and appointed another Minister.'