The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-01-13
A Novel Complication In South Africa

The British Colonial ONCE is just now en-
gagged in the consideration of a matter that
involves the question Of the universally OF
British citizenship. While odium has been
heaped upon President KRtGER and the
Government OF the Transvaal Republic for
the severity OF their naturalization laws,
the neighbOring British colony OF Natal has
in practice denied to British Indian subjects
any OF the rights of British citizenship.
On July l, 1897, an immigration ~restrir-
ton act came into force In Natal which was
Intended to keep Asiatics out OF that colony,
and which, without naming them, was
specially directed against natives Of British
India, who were coming into the colony in
large numbers. 1t was alleged that the
ever-increasing immigration OF Indians
caused serious loss to European traders,
who could not compete with them owing to
their more simple and economical habits OF
living. Their alleged low moral tone and
upsanitary ways were also put forward as
reasons for the passing of the act, which
passed into law at a moment Of great popu-
lar excitement caused by a demonstration
committee formed for the purpose Of pre-
venting the landing Of British Indians in
the colony. The bill met with considerable
opposition during its discussion, and was
described as a downright violation of
British tradition and fair play"
The efforts to defeat it were, however,
f~ruitless in face OF the popular prejudice OF
the moment. The act as passed consists of
a series of disabling and penal clauses
against intending immigrants under which,
as its opponents showed, any person can
be kept out OF the colony, but for one
clause which makes the ability to write out
and sign an application for permission to
enter the country In the characters OF any
language Of Europe a qualification for ad-
mission.
The invldious distinction created against
British Indian subjects in a British colony
caused a feeling of strong resentment in
India, as the act was made operative
against natives of that country belong
ing to the more educated and intelligent
classes, while ~indentured laborers, going
into Natal for u term OF years to work
on estates or in factories were admitted
without difficulty, though subjected at the
conclusion OF their contract to all the dis
abilities OF a free" Indian II they elected
to remain in the country. The feeling of
resentment in India became all the stronger
when, contrary to expectation, Mr.. JOSEPH
CHAMBERLAIN advised the Queen to APP
prove the act. 1t was thought that the
attitude taken up by the British Colonial
Secretary TO the Transvaal Alien Restric- |
ton bill would have insured the vetoing OF
the Natal act, which made such a marked
distinction between British subjects Of diff
ferent countries; but, whatever his rea-
sons, he allowed it to go into operation.
Indeed, he had already given evidence OF
the tendency of his policy when he approved
the passing of the Franchise bill, which
totally excluded the coming generation OF
Indians from exercising franchise rights
in the colony.
Commenting on the anomalous position
of his c%ountrymen in Natal, aBrltish Indian
subject there writes:
It'll now II has been plain that Indians are In no
way, under the British nag. better treated than
aliens. and such a state OF things. OF course. cannot
be OF long duration. In = word. the future destiny |
Of Indians lies in . %nutshelli that is. IL Indians were