Life of Ahmad — Page 627
as POLICE HARASS AHMAD as 627 in controversies one is often obliged, notwithstanding good faith and politeness, to use words regarding his opponent which, though harsh in appearance, are as a matter of fact true and suited to the occasion. For instance, if a party to a controversy is intentionally dishonest and guilty of giving false references, good faith would require his express declaration as such so that impartial readers may not be deceived. One is not, therefore, guilty of violating the rules of courtesy and politeness in having recourse to such a measure. This method has also been adopted by eminent European writers, so much so that Sir William Muir in his work The Life of Muhammad has used such harsh words as I think it improper to make any mention of. Read in this light, certain words regarding Muhammad Husain written by one of my followers in the Al- H akam , are not so harsh as has been alleged. Besides, I have no connection with this paper as the Editor has clearly stated in its issues of September 6th and 13th and December 8th, 1898, and January 10th, 1899. When these foul publications of Muhammad Husain’s party became widely circulated, I advised my followers to submit a memorial to the Punjab Government for putting a stop to them; accordingly a memorial was submitted in May 1898, but the Government