Page:Labour in Madras.djvu/62

36 better your prospects of life. You have certain grievances, which, on examination, seem to me to be quite genuine and should be removed. The second is that you must receive a response to your desire for knowledge about, and interest in, the great things that are tappening in our country to-day. It is very peculiar that western educated Indians have been blamed by Government for being careless of the welfare of their poor countrymen like you. When a person like me comes in your midst and tries to help you then also the Government blames. I do not see why His Excellency Lord Pentland or Sir Clement Simpson or Mr. Symonds or anyone else should object to our meetings. The fact is, Brothers, that they distrust us. They fear that we are going to harm them. Why should they be afraid if all they do and say is all right? If truth is on their side they would not mind the effects of the good work we are doing together. What has been my advice to you in these meetings? I have told you to be fearless, to re spect yourselves, to resent any insults offered, to be united, for united you will stand ard divided you will fall. We must carry on our work. We must realise the sympathies of other leaders and plan what we should do. The first requisite is that you who are members of the Labour Union must decide what it is you want. Next, do not be hasty in action ; do not be rude in speech or rough in manner at your Mills; be polite and obedient but also respectfully protest if bad treatment is meted out to you. By your good conduct and exemplary behaviour, shame those, Indians or Europeans, whose speech and manner are rude and rough. Report every