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 256 EARLIER INDIAN SPEECHES

It is a sign of fear. If we trust and fear God, we shall have to fear no one, not Maharaj ahs, not Viceroys, not the detectives, not even King George. I honour the anarchist for his love of the country. I honour him for his bravery in being willing to die for his country ; but I ask him Is killing honourable ? Is the dagger of an assassin a fit precursor of an honourable death ? J deny it. There is no warrant for such methods in any scriptures. If I found it necessary for the salvation of India that the English should retire, that they should be driven out, I would not hesitate to declare that they would have to go, and I hope I would be prepared to die in defence Of that belief. That would, in my opinion, be an honourable death. The bomb-thrower creates secret plots, is afraid to come out into the open, and when caught pays the penalty of misdirected zeal. I have been told : *' Had we not done this, had some people not thrown bombs we should never have gamed what we have got with reference to the partition movement." (Mrs. Besant : Please stop it). This was what I said in Bengal when Mr. Lyon presided at the meeting. I think what I am saying is necessary. If I am told to stop I shall obey (Turning to the Chairman) I await your orders. If you consider that by my speaking as I am, I am not serv ing the country and the empire I shall certainly stop. (Cries of " Go on.")- (The Chairman .Please explain your object). I am explaining my object. I am simply (Another interruption). My friends, please do not resent this interruption. If Mrs. Besant this evening suggests that I should stop she does so because she loves India so well, and she considers that I am erring in thinking audibly before you young men. But

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