Page:Allan Octavian Hume, C.B.; Father of the Indian National Congress.djvu/84

 be the firmest support of ordered progress, in the dark times of trouble and unrest.

So much for the principles and objects ; there remains to consider the experiences of Congress methods. On this part of the question Mr. Hume lost no time in reply- ing to Sir Auckland Colvin's challenge. The main point of his defence was that, so far from the action of the Congress being premature, the fear was that it might be too late. But before dealing with this central question, it will be convenient to say a few words regarding the minor objections raised. With regard to the charge that the Congress pamphlets excited hatred to the Government, Mr. Hume replied that nothing was to be gained by ignoring the notorious practical grievances felt by the peasantry. Every one who makes himself acquainted with the village life knows how bitter, when they talk among themselves, are the complaints, not loud but deep, with regard to the costly and unsuitable civil courts, the corrupt and oppressive police, the rigid revenue system, the galling administration of the Arms Act and the Forest Act. What is wanted is justice, cheap, sure, and speedy ; a police that the people can look up to as friends and protectors ; a land revenue system more elastic and sympathetic ; a less harsh administration of the Arms and Forest laws. Accordingly the policy followed in the pamphlets and lectures has been, not to ^' blink or pretend to ignore the grave evils that exist." In every hamlet there are the natural leaders of the people who " acknowledge and are grateful for the many unquestionably fine things we have done for them." But they " equally recognize and grumble over the many bad things they have to put up with by reason of our well-intentioned ignorance of how to fit our burden properly to their backs." Therefore " in our pamphlets we approach these intelligent men with sympathy, we admit their grievances, but