Page:Indian Home Rule by Mohandas K. Gandhi.djvu/32

24 should, therefore, have no difficulty in carrying on the government.


 * You may think so: I do not. But I will not discuss the matter just now. I have to answer your question, and that I can do well by asking you several questions. Why do you want to drive away the English?


 * Because India has become impoverished by their government. They take away our money from year to year. The most important posts are reserved for themselves. We are kept in a state of slavery. They behave insolently towards us and disregard our feelings.


 * If they do not take our money away, become gentle, and give us responsible posts, would you still consider their presence to be harmful?


 * That question is useless. It is similar to the question whether there is any harm in associating with a tiger, if he changes his nature. Such a question is sheer waste of time. When a tiger changes his nature, Englishmen will change theirs. This is not possible, and to believe it to be possible is contrary to human experience.


 * Supposing we get self-government similar to what the Canadians and the South Africans have, will it be good enough?


 * That question also is useless. We may get it when we have the same powers; we shall then hoist our own flag. As is Japan, so