Speeches by Babu Surendra Nath Banerjea

Will not our rulers profit by the lessons of the past ? (Hear hear) Those great men who founded the Indian Empire and whose virtues and heroism consolidated this vast fabric of imperial rule were strong enough to brave the climate of the plains throughout the year ! (Cheers) The Wellesleys the Mintos the Bentincks the Dalhousies never thought of leaving the capital of the Empire for the cool [...] And now when Calcutta —I say so in the presence of my friend the Secretary to the Health Society —has become through the efforts of a much maligned Municipality the health-resort of India—(Loud cheers)—we have the successors of the Cannings the Bentincks and the Dalhousies hurrying away at the first approach of the hot weather. [...] The location of the Government of India in the hills makes the Legislative Council of India a purely official body during the greater part of the year contrary to the spirit of the Indian Councils Act. [...] In the words of the greatest of our epic poets the King is the truth of the th-teller the virtue of the virtuous the dignity of the dignifie the lord master protector of the needy the indigent and the helpless." In honouring the Sovereign in adoring his personality we but render homage to those princely qualities which his office represents. [...] The brave in war the generous in peace the sagacious in council the obedient son the devoted husband the affectionate brother the name of this warrior-King strikes the tenderest chord in the heart of every true-born Hindoo.