mind able not only to unravel intricate financial problems, but also to grasp the larger aspects of general policy. Again his knowledge of the conditions and needs of India, of her real life and spirit, was probably unique. Add to this the influence of a personality of exceptional charm, absolute simplicity and self-surrender, combined with qualities of undaunted courage and determination at any cost to act in accordance with the principles which dominated his whole career.
Mr. Gokhale was the recognised leader of educated India in the great effort, along constitutional lines, to secure for India a further measure of self-government, and to him, first and foremost, I think is due the manifest progress in this direction of the last ten years. He won the confidence and respect of succeeding Viceroys in India and of Secretaries of State at home, and I venture to affirm that few more remarkable instances can be found of the power of one striking personality upon the development of an Imperial issue of first magnitude than that of the great man whose loss we sorrowfully mourn to-day. Assuredly, though dead he will yet speak in the coming new and better day of India.
Mr. G. K. Gokhale's sad death is an irreparable national calamity. In him India has lost one of her greatest sons, and the foremost of her public men. As a political leader he was unsurpassed in the hold he had acquired on the affectionate esteem and confidence of his countrymen. This was the result of a rare combination of noble qualities. The purity of his life and the sincerity of his motives were as transparent as a crystal. His lofty aims and ideals were entirely free from the taint of ill will towards any community
