Page:Labour in Madras.djvu/61

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LABOUR IN MADRAS
35


display German tendencies in this country should be op posed. Think over what I am saying and you will see why I do not want you to go on strike. If by going on strike you were affecting the pockets of Messrs. Binny & Co., I would not mind, for they are making plenty of money; but by such a step you will injure the cause of the Allies ; our soldiers, who have to be clothed, will be put to inconvenience and we have no right to trouble those who are fighting our King's battles, because a few Europeans connected with these Mills and this Government are acting in a bad manner. Therefore we must have no strikes. As to our meetings : If I coine here every Saturday and speak to you, you may rest assured that the Government will under some pretext or another arrest me under the new Rule of the Defence of India Act and put me into prison. Now, I am not at all afraid of going to prision, but I must ask you first whether you want me to risk my freedom at this hour. A very great and important fight for Home Rule for India is going on now. If we get Home Rule, all of us will be free men instead of slaves. Now, if I have to go to prison, I would prefer to go on the issue of Home Rule, Home Rule is the big problem, your labour troubles are included in it, are a part of that big problem. If we gain Home Rule, all your labour troubles will be solved, and therefore it is my view that if I have to go to prison. I should be sent there, because of what I speak or write on Home Rule. I want your opinion on this point as soon as you can give it me. The value of our work is very great. It is, broadly speaking, twofold. I come here because first I want to