Page:Mahatma Gandhi, his life, writings and speeches.djvu/365

 has won the admiration of all who understood the difficulty and danger of the position."

 Mr. BHUPENDRANATH BASU Mr. Bhupendranath Basu said that the Committee felt that, in spite of the great anxieties connected with the European situation, they could not let the occasion of Mr, and Mrs. Gandhi's visit to this country pass unnoticed. Mr. Gandhi's work in South Africa was known throughout the civilized world. His great devotion for principles won for him the affection of the fellow subjects, and had warm admiration from his strongest opponents. Mr. Gandhi's leadership had its strength in devotion to the sacred doctrine of returning love for hate. The Indians in South Africa had followed his leadership with absolute fidelity, being confident of his single-minded zeal for their cause. Mrs. Gandhi's conduct reminded him (Mr. Basu) of the spirit of the women of ancient India. Her work for the husband and for the cause he had taken up were worthy of the best traditions of their country's womanhood. Mr. Kallenbach, a stranger to them in race and creed, had suffered with them and for them, and his attachment for their cause would never be forgotten by a grateful people. With Indians working in Mr. Gandhi's spirit, they need never despair for the future of their country. 