Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/791

 depletion in their ranks but determinedly to pursue their goal without swerving an inch. The authorities mistak- ing our suspension for weakness may resort to still greater oppresson. We should submit to it. We should even abandon defensive civil disobedience and concentrate all our energy on the tasteless but health-giving economic and social reform. We should bend down on our knees and assure the moderates that they need fear no harm from us. We should assure the Zamindars that we have no ill-will against them.

The average Englishman is haughty, he does not understand us, he considers himself to be a superior being, He thinks that he is born to rule us. He relies upcn his forts or his gun to protect himself. He despises u-. He wants to compel co-operation i.e., slavery. Even him we have to conquer, not by bending the knee, but remaining aloof from him, but at the sametime not hating him nor hurting him. It is cowardly to molest him. If we simply refuse to regard ourselves as his slaves and pay homage to him, we have done our duty. A mouse can only shun the cat. He cannot treat with her till she has filed the points of her claws and teeth. At the same time we must show every attention to those few Englishmen who are trying to cure themselves and fellow Englishmen of the disease of race superiority.

The minority has different ideals It does not believe in the programme. Is it not right and patriotic for them to form a new party and a new organisation ? They will then truly educate the country. Those who do not believe in the creed should surely retire from the Congress, Even a national organisation must have a creed. One, for instance, who does not believe in-.

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