The dominating trait of Gokhale's character was the intense love for his country. Nothing came or could come between him and his love for the motherland. I have never seen in my life, and I am pretty well acquainted with most of the leading and prominent men of India, one who was so devoid of narrow sectarianism of every kind as Mr. Gokhale was. In his eyes Hindoos and Mahomedans, Marathas and Bengalis were absolutely equal. Naturally he was proud of being a Maratha Brahmin but he was prouder still of being an Indian.
Mr. Gokhale was preeminently a man of peace and compromise, not the peace which is secured at all price and the compromise which entails sacrifice of principles. He was never aggressive and would not fight willingly; but when the occasion arose and he had no other course left to him there was no better fighter than Mr. Gokhale. It was a sight for the Gods to see as he dealt blows after blows- straight from the shoulder and discomfitted opponents officials and non-officials alike. His incisive criticisms of those official measures which did not command his assent were of such a severe and crushing nature that the officials could hardly meet his arguments. His life is an object lesson for those of us who think that politics are a game at which anyone who could read and write, can play. Nothing can be farther from truth than this popular and utterly misconceived notion. Mr. Gokhale achieved the enviable height by assiduous and long apprenticeship.
A life like Gokhale's is full of lessons to all, and to every public worker, every citizen. The pains that Mr. Gokhale
