Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/755

 Committee. The adoption of the Congress franchise is my own suggestion. But what I have laid down as the guiding principle is really unassailable. The scheme of Swaraj is that scheme which popular representatives- frame. What happens then to the experts in adminis- tration and others who may not be popularly elected ? In my opinion, they also should attend and have the vote even, but they must necessarily be in a minority. They must expect to influence the majority by a cons- tant appeal to the logic of facts. Given mutual trust and mutual respect, a round table conference cannot bn t result in a satisfactory and honourable peace.

The abrupt withdrawal of Sir Sankaran Nair was an unfortunate incident. In my opinion, he had nothing to do with my, or later, with Mr. Jinah's opinions. As Speaker, especially, he was exempt from any implied or express identification with anybody's views. I cannot help feeling that Sir Sankaran erred in the conception of his duty as speaker. But as we progress towards democracy, we must be prepared even for such erroneous exercise of independence. I congratulate Sir Sankaran Nair upon his boldly exercising his inde- pendence, which I have not hesitated to call cussedness in private conversation and upon the independence of the Committee in not suffering a nervous collapse but quietly electing Sir Visveswarya and voting thanks to the retiring Speaker for the services rendered.

�� �