Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/654

 564 NON-CO-OPERATION

I have no hesitation in saying that I do not want to show much sympathy for those who had their heads broken or who were said to be even in danger of losing their lives. What does it matter ? It is much better to die at the hands, at least, of our own countrymen. What is there to revenge ourselves about or upon. So I ask everyone of you that, if at any time there is blood-boiling within you against some fellow countrymen of yours, even though he may be in the employ of Government, even though he may be in the Secret Service, you will take care not to be offended and not to return blow for blow. Understand that the very moment you return the blow from the detec- tive, your cause is lost. This is your non-violent campaign. And so I ask everyone of you not to retaliate but to bottle up all your rage, to dismiss your rage from you and you will rise graver men: I am here to congratulate those who have restrained themselves from going to the President and bringing the dispute before him.

Therefore 1 appeal to those who feel aggrieved to feel that they have done the right thing in forgetting it and if they have not forgotten I ask them to try to forget the thing ; and that is the object lesson to which 1 wanted to draw your attention if you want to carry this resolution. Do not carry this resolution only by an acclamation for this resolution, but 1 want you to accompany the carrying out of this resolution with a faith and resolve which noth- ing on earth can move. That you are intent upon getting Swaraj at the earliest possible moment and that you are intent upon getting Swaraj by means that are legitimate, that are honourable and by means that are non-violent, that are paceful, you have resolved upon, so far you can say to day. We cannot give battle to this Government by means of steel, but we can give battle by exercising, what

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