ABSTRACT
THE FIRST CONGRESS T he preparations for the first Congress must have begun very early in 1885. The circular of invitation was issued in March of the same year. It is interest ing to note that the name “ Congress” was suggested only a few days before the meeting had taken place. The circular stated that a Conference of the “ Indian National Union” was to be held at Poona from December 25th to 31st, 1885. It also required that the Conference should be composed of delegates — “ leading politicians well-acquainted with the English language” — from all parts of the country. It is worth while to remember that the founders of the first Congress invited only those leaders of the country who were “ well-acquainted with the English language.”
