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62 M. K. GANDHI masterpiece. Never before was such a prisoner arraigned before a British Court of Justice. Never before were the laws of an all-powerful Government so deiiantly , yet with such humility, challenged. Men of all shades of political opinion, indeed all who had stood aloof from the movement and had condemned it in no uncertain terms, marvelled at the wisdom and compassion and heroism of the thin spare figure in a loin cloth thundering his anathemas sgairst the Satanic system, And yet none could be gentler nor more sweetly tempered than the prisoner at the bar with a smile and a nod of thanks and recognition for ev·~ry one, including his prosecutors. An eyewitness has given an account of the scene and we can not do better than quote his words :—- Mahatmaji stood up and spoke a few words complimenting the Advocate—General on his fairness and endorsing every state- ment he made regarding the charges. "I wish to endorse all the blame that the Advocate-General has thrown on my shoulders", said Mahatmaji in pathetic earnestness, “and I have come to the conclusion that it is impossible for me to dissociate myself from the diabolical crimes of ChauriChaura or the mad outrages of Bombay." These words of confession seemed to penetrate every heart throbbing in that hall and make those present there feel miserable over the mad deeds of their thoughtless countrymen. The speech finished and Mahat- maji sat down to read his immortal statement. It is impossible to describe the atmosphere of the Court-house at the time he was, and a few minutes after he finished reading his state- ment. Every word of it was eagerly followed by the whole audience. The Judge and the Advocate·General, the military oflicers and the political leaders all alike strained their ears and were all attention to hear the memorable statement of the Great Man. Mahatmaji took nearly 15 minutes to read his statement. As he proceeded with his reading, one could see the atmo phere of the Hall changing every minute, This historic production was the master’s own. The ennobling confessions, the convincing logic, the masterly diction, the elevated thoughts and the in- spiring tone-—all produced instantaneous effect on the audience including the Judge and the prosecutor. For a minute every- body wondered who was on trial—whether Mahatma Gandhi before a British Judge or whether the British Government before God and Humanity. Mahatmaji finished his statement and for a_ few seconds there was complete silence in the Hall. Not a whisper was heard. One could hear a pin falling on the