Bhagat Singh and his two accomplices in the murder of
Mr. Saunders in 1928 were condemned by a special tribunal set up by a Viceregal Ordinance. Their guilt was proved beyond a shadow of doubt. There were no reasonable grounds either for objecting to their execution or for expecting a commutation of their sentence. To show clemency here, even in the practical interests of conciliation, would have been a travesty of justice. In short, only rank emotionalism, backed up by wilful Confusion of thought, could have made a martyr of an assassin. Yet in the Congress camp at Karachi, where the atmosphere now prevailing may affect the whole future of India, black-flagged processions proclaim the name of Bhagat Singh and one of the two entrances to the meeting-place is called the "Martyrs' Gate." It will be a sad comment on the practicability of Round Table ideals if the Nationalist Party should make a breach in the foundations of Federal India, with the due punishment of a felon as their grievance. Let us hope that the frenzy dies quickly.
