After these declarations were made, difficulties began. On the one
hand, it filled us with hope that many of us, I must confess, did not
examine this statement minutely and critically and had only a vague
impression as to what was going to be done and were unduly suspicious,
but on the whole, it has made us hope for the realization of that which
we have been fighting for, for the last 50 years. On the other hand,
it gave rise to despair in other people. I would ask you to mark the
dates. The statement of the Secretary of State was made on the 20th
of August. On the 13th of September the memorable pronouncement was
made by His Excellency the Viceroy. On the 20th September, Sir Hugh
Bray and Mr. Hogg spoke in the Indian Legislative Council; and they
at once made it clear that it was nonsense to think of any kind of
Self-government so far as India is concerned. I ask you to note that
fact because I shall ask you to consider what followed, in the light
of that interesting event which took place on the 20th September. I
am referring to the speeches made by Sir Hugh Bray and Mr. Hogg. Now,
Sir Hugh Bray, apart from criticising the political activities of the
people of this country--I will not retaliate by abuse for abuse--made
it perfectly clear by saying this: "It is not we who wanted a change
in the method of Government." So, Sir Hugh Bray does not want a change
in the method of Government. The European Association, 6 days after,
declared that they did not want a change in the method of Government in
this country.