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representative man on July 31, the date of my failure, though I imagine I was one the day before. Such puerilities are beneath contempt. I never took any notice of personal attacks unless there were misconceptions that needed explanation, or unless public issues were involved.

After the expiration of ten years, I became the sole proprietor of the Bengalee. I continued to be so till January, 1919, when I entered into an agreement with the Maharaja of Cossimbazar, by which he became joint proprietor with me under conditions which were to convert the concern into a limited liability company within a specified period of time. Events happened which compelled me to withdraw from the Bengalee altogether, with which I have now no concern, nor does it represent me or my policy in regard to public affairs.

In 1902 I was again invited to accept the Presidentship of the Congress to be held at Ahmedabad in the Bombay Presidency. I was at Simultolla in October, 1902, when the invitation came. My friend, Sir Dinshaw Wacha, wrote to me unofficially on the subject. I replied begging to be excused and urging the claims of Mr. Kali Churn Banerjee. Sir Dinshaw wrote back to say that there was the great Delhi Durbar of 1902; a counter-attraction, and a counter-influence had to be set up; and Sir Pherozshah Mehta and the Reception Committee were of opinion that I should preside. In declining the honour I had said in my letter, 'If the worst comes to the worst I am your man'. I was pinned fast to this conditional promise. For me there was no escape and I accepted the office, though I should have greatly preferred Mr. Kali Churn Bannerjee to occupy my place.

The session of the Congress at Ahmedabad was a great success. The reception that was accorded to me by the people of Ahmeda- bad was right royal in its proportions and in its enthusiasm. I said in my closing speech that a victorious prince returning to his capital from the field of his triumphs could not have been more enthu- siastically welcomed than I had been as President of the Congress, and I added that it was not a tribute paid to me or to my personal worth, but to the great cause which I had the honour to represent. The presidential speech took me about six weeks to prepare. I began it at Simultolla on October 7, and finished it on November 27. The beautiful scenery, the fine climate, the delightful weather, the all-pervading sense of restfulness prevailing over the place, all had their share in helping my work. The speech took me two hours to