Page:The Life of Lokamanya Tilak.djvu/120

10 nuendoes from eulogies of picturesque and popular bandits (?)... one feels that the Government are on perilous path.

"There is one aspect of the "sedition" trials in India which must not be lost sight of. And that is, the new definition of 'disaffection' enunciated by Mr. Justice Strachey * * * According to him 'disaffection' may be seditious even though it be simply strong disapproval of some omission on the part of Government. We feel confident that such an interpretation of the law would not be tolerated in England and if not speedily over-ruled, may produce grave mischief in India."

This was the considered opinion of an English news-paper and it amounts to a declaration that Mr. Tilak was unjustly convicted by an incorrect, arbitrary and novel interpretation of Sec. 124-A of the Penal Code. Far from over-ruling this interpretation, the Imperial Legislative Council gave legal status to it by amending on i8th February 1898 the notorious section in the teeth of Indian opposition.

In the chorus of sympathy that rang the air, the scene at the National Congress is most significant. When the favourite orator of India said in thundering accents:—

"I declare on my behalf and on behalf of the entire Native Press that in our heart of hearts we believe Mr. Tilak to be innocent of the charge brought against him. The ends of technical justice may have been satisfied but substantial justice has grievously failed. My sympathy goes forth towards Mr. Tilak in his prison home for whom the Nation is in tears—". The whole assembly rose to their feet and expressed.