Page:The Life of Lokamanya Tilak.djvu/314

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the reason for keeping oneself aloof from or boycotting the Reforms Act ; nay, the Gita enjoins us to accept the hievitable and work under distressing circumstances with a clear sense of duty. After a lively discussion lasting for nearly five hours in the open sessions, Messrs. Gandhi, Das, Tilak, Pal, Malaviya come to a compro- mise " and the Resolution concluded declaring that India should work the Govermnet of India Act so as to secure the early estabUshment of full responsible govern- ment.

In supporting the Resolution, Mr. Tilak made an ex- cellent speech. He concluded it in the following signi- ficant and statesmanlike words : —

"We want now clearly to declare, not only here but to the whole world that we are not satisfied with the Act. We want to continue our agitation. We want to utilize it to our best advantage and continue to demand more and we want the rest of the world to know that this is the exact state of things. Do not mislead the civilized nations of Europe. Take care of that. Do not be too generous, too humane to accept with fulsome glee what little has been thrown to you now."

The fierce controversies at the Amritsar Congress threw Mrs. Besant into an unnatural alliance with the Moderates ; and the next few months are thick with con- troversial dust. It is really painful to see the great lady trying to harp on the innocent statement of Mr. Tilak " Diplomacy must be met with diplomacy." Mrs. Besant complained of being used as a tool by Mr. Tilak, called him a menance to India and reported him as having said to a prominent member of the Moderate Party " I deliberately misrepresent the Moderates; that ia