Now, gentlemen, what is the predominant note in the political situation
of to-day. I refer the many attempts which are being made to introduce
in this country some kind of Self-government. Some people call it
Self-government, others call it Home Rule, others again Swaraj--but
we need not quarrel with words, they all mean the same thing. I would
much rather you should give your attention to the thing itself than the
name with which you want to call that thing. Now, what is it which is
necessary in the interest of our race--not only in the interest of our
race (but in the interest of the world at large)--for no race can have
its self-interest fulfilled in the highest degree without at the same
time contributing to the interest of the empire and of the human race.
So I ask you to consider what is necessary for you to have by way of
Self-government. It is abundantly clear that the highest authorities
in England have come to the conclusion--our politicians and many other
persons who have devoted their time and energy to the cause of the
country have also come to the conclusion--that we must have some form
of Government which may be described as Government by the people and
for the people.