Citizens of the Empire,
It is my greatest pleasure to announce the correction of many of the wrongs that occurred following the successful liberation of the continent of North America, most notable the factionalization of the various parties that be into the states of the English Alliance and Francophone Entente. Such divisions have now been rendered meaningless with the removal of the former power bloc. Now, there remain only Louisiana and Canada.
Although this is a great triumph for the peoples of the continent, to have overcome their differencealthough not without some difficulty and disagreementit must be recognized that the time for celebration is not yet at hand. It is my firm belief that if such unity is to be rendered permanent there must be compromise and understanding between all parties involved. If we are to stay together, we must come to an agreement with one another regarding how we are to cooperate. As such, after much discussion with my nearest advisors, I have come to the conclusion that the following measures shall be undertaken to meld together the existing Empire, the former Democratic Republic of America and New Englander Federation, and all other acquired territories:
On Citizenry
The peoples of the former Democratic Republic of America and New Englander Federation, amongst other acquisitions, now being under the legal jurisdiction and protection of the Empire, and being within its newly expanded borders, are in effect now amongst its citizens. In acknowledgement of this fact, all persons currently residing within the areas of those two states over which the Empire exerts authority are to be considered citizens of the Empire and to them will be afforded all rights and legal protections afforded by such privileges.
On Slavery
The Empire, in its wisdom and following the precedent set by the Republic of France in 1794, abolished slavery shortly after its inception. Such practices are still known, however, in the former Democratic Republic of America and to a lesser extent in the former New Englander Federation. It is not practicable for a division of such magnitude and of such double standard to exist within a unified nation. Therefore, I have authorized legislation immediately declaring the practice of slavery within all territories of the Empire illegal. All former slaves are henceforth considered free men, all previous contract with their owners void, and all further attempts at returning to such a state of oppression to be in violation of the law. Military forces of the Empire stationed within these territories have been ordered to ensure compliance with this new law to the utmost. Economic compensation and assistance will be granted to those sectors of the economy where the fortunes of profit rested upon slavery to ensure their stability.
On Language
It is clear that amongst the primary reasons for the division of the Patriots following the liberation of the continent was that of language. The East has always traditionally spoken English, and the West has spoken French. It is not possible to force one side or another to switch; such a measure is simply impracticable. Therefore it is the opinion of this government that the Empire shall henceforth adopt a system of dual official languages: English and French, and all government documentation, of whatever level of government, shall be produced in both tongues such that it may be intelligible to all citizens of the Empire, so as to promote unity and equality.
Although this is by no means a comprehensive listing of the measures that have been, and are being undertaken to promote the establishment of a united state it is my sincere belief that they are the first steps required. I thank you for your concern and dedication to patriotic duty in reading this. God bless the Empire.
- Emperor Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur