Page:The Life of Lokamanya Tilak.djvu/252

 and persecutions that had fallen to Mr. Tilak's share were simply innumerable. Only he could have emerged unscathed out of such a terrific ordeal. More, he turned seeming defeats to account and successfully enhanced his prestige and honour from out of every reverse. Since 1890, he had been steadily gaining in power and popularity, while latterly the tide of his influence had become irresitible. No wonder, that, not only those who were associated with him in politics but many others took part in the celebration. A large meeting attended by over 8,000 persons was held (23rd July). Friends and admirers from different parts of Maharashtra read addresses and delivered congratulatory speeches. A dress of honour, several individual presents and a huge sum of one lakh of Rupees — testified to the feelings of his admirers. Sitting heavily garlanded in the midst of jubilant friends and well-wishers, Mr. Tilak thought of the past ; " Memories of storm and suffering " said he " rather than those of comparative happiness rise before my mind's eye." He was also saddened to find that those with whom he started his career in the early eightees — Chiplunkar, Dharap, Apte, Kelkar, Agarkar, Namjoshi, Gokhale — had " shuffled off their coil " one after the other. He alone remained to represent them. " Looking into the future " said he " after completing sixty years, one's mind cannot but be filled with mis- givings ; and with declining strength one is apt to feel less hopeful. But I devoutly hope that with your support, I may be granted life and strength to add to whatever work of public good I may have done."

When, under somewhat similar circumstances, Par- Bell was presented with an enormously big cheque, he