of India and England alike, that this long-delayed settlement should be made.
During 1915 and 1916, Mr. Tilak worked assiduously to organize his party. A strong party needs (1) a magnetic leadership (2) a rallying point, and, (3) a war-cry. In the personality of Mr. Tilak that first essential was found. The National Congress would have been an ideal rallying point. But it was still in its inglorious and suicidal isolation. The attempted compromise had failed (1914). Mr. Tilak, therefore, decided to hold a Session of the Provincial Conference, the machinery of which was still in the hands of the Nationalist Party. Under the able presidentship of Mr. Joseph Baptista, the Nationalists, more than 1,000 in number met at Poona; and this exceptionally large number of delegates, together with the enthusiasm which marked the proceedings conclusively proved that the party was still powerful and had a bright future before it. This confidence was increased by the Moderate Conference, which was held a couple of months later and which, totally lacking in good attendence and enthusiasm, could seek consolation only in the fact that Lord Willingdon had kindly paid it a visit. The Belgaum Provincial Conference (1916), as successful as the Poona one, strengthened the Nationalist in the belief that the future was in their hands. The success of the Poona and Belgaum Conferences nerved the Nationalists to join the Congress even though the concessions to their sentiments and self-respect were tardy and halting.
It was this Poona Conference which gave the Nationalists, the necessary war-cry — Home Rule. When the Moderates were busy only with the preparations of
