Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/848

 758 THE GREAT TRIAL

sentence that was passed upon him as it finally stood was a sentence of simple imprisonmentlfor.six years. You will not consider it unreasonable I think, that you should be classed with Mr. Tilak. That is a sentence of two years' simple imprisonment on each count of the charge, six years in all which I feel it my duty to pass upou you ; and I should like to say in doing so that if the course of events in India should make it possible for the Government to reduce the period and release you no one will be better pleased than I.

MR. GANDHI'S REPLY.

[After the Judge had pronounced sentence, Mr, Gandhi said'} I would say one word since you have done me the honour of recalling the trial of the late Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. I just want to say that I consider it to be the proudest privi- lege and honour to be associated with his name. So far as the sentence itself is concerned I certainly con- sider that it is as light as any judge would inflict on me and so far as the whole proceedings are concerned I must say that I could not have expected greater courtesy.

��MESSAGE TO THE COUNTRY.

��[After sentence and before he left the court Mr. Gandhi asked the General Secretary of the Congress who was near him to convey to the country the following message:]

" I am delighted that heavenly peace reigned supreme throughout the country during the last six days. If it continues to the end of the chapter, it is bound to be brief and illuminating."

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