"Those who breathe a word against it in this crisis of our national
evolution are traitors to their country and their God."
This was Mr. Surendranath Banerjea on November 2nd, 1917. On 3rd
November, 1917, the mood still continues:
"We want responsible government in full measure in connection with
the Provincial Branches of administration, leaving untouched the
Departments under the control of the Government of India in regard to
which the Congress scheme should apply."
Therefore what he wanted is responsible government in full measure in
connection with the provincial branches. On the 11th November, the
"Bengalee" writes:
"In Bengal the feeling is--and we think that Bengal reflects the
feeling of all India in this matter--that a full measure of provincial
autonomy should be at once given with the reform of the Imperial
Legislative Council of the India office as recommended by the Congress
and the Muslim League. Nothing short of this will satisfy educated
India."
This was Mr. Surendranath Banerjea on November 11th. If he is a leader
of yesterday, let him remain true to that leadership (Hear, hear). As
for myself, standing on this platform to-day, I make a solemn promise
to follow this leader if he remains true to what he was yesterday
(cheers). I shall follow what Mr. Surendranath Banerjea said on
November 11th, 1917 _viz._, that nothing short of this will satisfy
educated India (loud cheers). Then on the 21st, November, he repeats
the same ideal:
"Courage is the first and last quality of real statesmanship. It was
the crowning quality of Akbar, the greatest ruler that ever adorned a
throne. Let our rulers take courage in both hands and great will be
their reward."
Courage is the first and last quality of real statesmanship! How have
the mighty fallen!