Evening star., 1938-06-15
BY JAMES A. MILLS,
Associated Press Staff Writer.

Associated Press stan Writer.
BOMBAY.-From a small room in
the house of friend on the Bom-
leader, Mahatma Gandhi, clad only
in a sheet and resting on cot, as
sured me in a low, solemn voice that
he was still able to fight for freedom.
Declared the irrepressible rebel:
Il am ready to die when my Maker
calls me, but hope He will spare
me until finish my lifework, which
Is to make India free"
Friends predict that the wiry little
belligerent, opponent of the British
Empire for nearly half century, will
live at least five years more. If he
does, they say, he probably will see
his dream come true He dominates
the lives. thoughts and destinies of
$4,000, 900 Indians and his influence
has grown so enormously since India S
new constitution was introduced a
year ago that he is spoken Of as the
1ext Governor General of India.
{. Jokes at Frailty.
. "As you see," Gandhi told me, Il
an still able to spin, to receive visitors,
to grant interviews, to work for the
emancipation of the 'Untouchables'
1social outcasts), to keep up my cor
yespondence, to toll for village i'm
'provement and to carry out my usual
duties, the same as ever.
q" But If I were called upon, at my
50 years, to climb Mount Everest, I
probably would fail"
The little Hindu mystic chuckled
II can still walk 10 miles a day."
he went on Il sleep we'll and eat
well. In spite of all my hard work,
I have gained several pounds in
weight. I now weigh 106, but would
like to weigh about lis. I still cling
to my diet of goats milk, ground nuts,
honey, dates and figs. I find this
suits me better than meat or eggs
or vegetables. 1t is true 1 tire more
easily than before, but then isn't that
usual in a man on the threshold Of
three-score-and-ten?"
Illness Report Premature"
When I explained to the Indian
leader that while reporting the war
IN China I had heard reports that
he was dangerously i'll, and that I
had therefore speeded up my arrival
in India. he pared with laughter and
said, 80 you wanted to get here in
time to be a pallbearer! Ha, ha. ha!
Well, you are slightly premature. 1t
Is too early for us to meet at the
gates of heaven, as I once promised
you. Don't release my obituary just
yet. Hold your presses until I give
the signal!"
CMr. Mills was the last person to
whom Gandhi spoke before entering
Poona Jail January. 1882, and the
f1rst to greet him on his relase II
months later Why, Mr.. Mills" ex-
claimed the Mahatma on that occa-
sion. If I should die and start to
enter heaven Z should expect to see
you waiting to interview me at the
gates!)
British Disciple Weeps.
As Indias toothless, half baked wisp
OF a man lisped the words, II hope to
live to see India independent" Miss
Madeleine Slade, his British disciple,
who has been q devoted servitor to
the Mahatma for 10 years, looked up
at her idol with tear-suffused, rever-
ent eyes, and exclaimed. But you will
live to see that day, Bapjui father).
God will see to that!"
: ventured to interject, When do
you expect India's freedom will come,
Mahatma?"
, Within the next few years." replied
the little brown figure, his eyes dane
ing with optimism. Nothing can
stop it now"
Gandhi can still work IL or IA hours
day. He rises at o'clock, spends
an hour in mediation and prayer, and
then takes bath In an old tin tub,
which Miss Slade prepares He then
other disciples.
Looks Like Prophet.
Gandhi's pure white, flowing robes,
which resemble the old Roman toga,
and his sandal-clad feet, bare headed,
and the staff which he carries, gives
him the appearance of a prophet or
an apostle. Toward the end of the
walk, when he tires, he leans on the
shoulder Of one of his disciples.
After his walk. which usually takes
An hour, the Mahatma rests for
time and then has light repast Of
goats milk, almond paste and dates.
He is then ready for his days work.
His only physical impairment at the
moment, noticed is slight paralysis
Of the right hand, which forces him
to "scribble" with the left.
The Indian sage" also tires more
quickly than before, which his doctor
says is due to a slight weakening Of
the heart.
But his friends predict that he will
live at least flve more years, because
Of the simplicity of his life, his frugal
diet, and the care he takes of himself.