Page:The Life of Lokamanya Tilak.djvu/285

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and so chalk out her course as to bring about unity. But she and the Moderate leaders were pledged to support the Reforms. No doubt they talked of slight improvements, here and there ; but they made no secret of their intention of accepting whatever reforms were granted. Probably they were afraid of reactionaries of the type of Lord Sydenham and considered it to be the height -of statesmanship to run no risks. They wanted to strengthen the hands of Mr. Montague. Mr. Tilak on the contrary knew full well that it was to establish its credit with the civilized nations that England was granting us Reforms. Mr. Montague was as anxious to give as we were to take. Why not ask for more ? The philosophy of Moderation said " Half a loaf is better than none." Mr. Tilak was prepared, if need be, to risk the loss of the proferred half in his endeavours to get three-quarters. He believed more in winning than in receiving. It was, therefore, psychologically impossible that the Moderates should come over to his side. Not only were they unwiUing to join hands with him in the matter of Reforms, but even regarding the Punjab situation. Several members of the Congress Deputation approached prominent members of the Moderate Deputation but with no result. The efforts of the British Congress Committee were also unavailing.

Mr. Tilak did his best to " educate the British Democracy " by means of speeches and writings. Mr. Tilak's shortcomings as a speaker have been noticed by many unsympathetic critics. It is worth remembering therefore, that many of his speeches were greatly appreciated by the British audiences. Mr. Tilak never appealed