diff --git "a/code/text_files/1.txt" "b/code/text_files/1.txt" new file mode 100644--- /dev/null +++ "b/code/text_files/1.txt" @@ -0,0 +1,21319 @@ + + I. A CONFESSION' + + [1884] + + I wrote it on a slip of paper and handed it to him myself. In this + note not only did I confess my guilt, but I asked adequate punishment + for it, and closed with a request to him not to punish himself for my + offence. I also pledged myself never to steal in future.’ + + An Autobiography, Pt. I, Ch. VII + + 2. SPEECH AT ALFRED HIGH SCHOOL, RAJKOT’ + + July 4, 1888 + + I hope that some of you will follow in my footsteps, and after + you return from England you will work wholeheartedly for big + reforms in India. + + [From Gujarati] + Kethiawar Times, 12-7-1888 + + ' When Gandhiji was 15, he had removed a bit of gold from his brother’s + armlet to clear a small debt of the latter. He felt so mortified about his act that he + decided to make a confession to his father. Parental forgiveness was granted to him in + the form of silent tears. The incident left a lasting mark on his mind. In his own + words, it was an object-lesson to him in the power of ahimsa. + The original not being available; his own report of it, as found in An + Autobiography, is reproduced here. + * According to Mahatma Gandhi : The Early Phase, p. 212, one of the senten- + ces in the confession was : “So, father, your son is now, in your eyes, no better than a + common thief.” + * Gandhiji was given a send-off by his fellow-students of the Alfred High + School, Rajkot, when he was leaving for England to study for the Bar. In An + Autobiography, Pt. 1, Ch. XI, he says : “I had written out a few words of thanks. But I + could scarcely stammer them out. I remember how my head reeled and how my whole + frame shook as I stood up to read them.” + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 1 + + 3. LETTER TO LAKSHMIDAS GANDHI + + LONDON, + Friday, November 9, 1888 + + RESPECTED BROTHER, + I am sorry that there has been no letter from you for the last two + or three weeks. Your silence is due perhaps to your not having heard + from me. But it was impossible for me to post any letters before I + reached London. That you should not have written to me on that + account is indeed surprising. As I am far from home we can meet + only through letters. And if I do not get letters I feel very much + worried. Therefore please drop a postcard every week without fail. I + would not have been anxious if you did not have my address. But I + am sorry that you have stopped writing after having written to me + twice. I joined the Inner Temple on Tuesday last. I will write in detail + after I hear from you next week. The cold here is now bitter but such + bad weather generally does not last long. In spite of the cold I have no + need of meat or liquor. This fills my heart with joy and thankfulness. + I am now keeping very good health. Please give my respects to + mother and sister-in-law. + + Mahatma, Vol. I; also from a photostat of the Gujarati + + 4. LONDON DIARY' + + LONDON, + November, 12 1888 + + What led to the intention of proceeding to London? The scene + opens about the end of April. Before the intention of coming to + London for the sake of study was actually formed, I had a secret + design in my mind of coming here to satisfy my curiosity of knowing + what London was. While I was prosecuting my college studies in + + ' When his nephew and co-worker, Chhaganlal Gandhi, was proceeding for the + first time to London in 1909, Gandhiji gave him his “London Diary” The diary filled + about 120 pages. Chhaganlal Gandhi gave it to Mahadev Desai in 1920. But, before + doing so, he copied out in a notebook about 20 pages of the original. The remaining + 100 pages were not continuous writing, but merely a chronicle of incidents during his + stay in London from 1888 to 1891. The original being untraceable, Chhaganlal’s + copy is reproduced here with minimum editing. Gandhiji wrote the diary in English + when he was 19. + + 2 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Bhavnagar', I had a chat with Jayshankar Buch. During the chat he + advised me to apply to the Junagadh’ State to give me a scholarship to + proceed to London, I being an inhabitant of Sorath’. I do not + perfectly remember the answer I made to him that day. I suppose I + felt the impossibility of getting the scholarship. From that [time] I had + in my mind the intention of visiting the land. I was finding the means + to reach that end. + On 13th April, 1888, I left Bhavnagar to enjoy the vacation in + Rajkot. After 15 days of vacation, my elder brother and I went to see + Patwari. On our return my brother said : “We would go to see Mavji + Joshi*“, and so we went. Mavji Joshi asked me as usual how I did. + Then put some questions about my study in Bhavnagar. I plainly told + him that I had hardly any chance of passing my examination first + year. I also added that I found the course very difficult. Hearing this, + he advised my brother to send me as soon as possible to London for + being called to the Bar. He said the expense will be only Rs. 5,000. + “Let him take some urad dal. There he will cook some food for + himself and thereby there will be no objection about religion. Don’t + reveal the matter to anybody. Try to get some scholarship. Apply to + Junagadh and Porbandar States. See my son Kevalram’, and if you fail + in getting the pecuniary help and if you have no money, sell your + furniture. But anyhow send Mohandas to London. I think that is the + only means to keep the reputation of your deceased father.” All of + our family members have great faith in what Mavji Joshi says. And + my brother who is naturally very credulous made a promise to Mavji + Joshi to send me to London. Now was the time for my exertions. + On that very day my brother, notwithstanding his promise to + keep the matter secret, told the thing to Khushalbhai’. He, of course, + approved of it in case I could observe my religion. The very day it + was told to Meghjibhai’. He quite agreed with the proposal and + offered to give me Rs. 5,000. I had some faith in what he said. And + when the matter was disclosed to my dear mother, she reproached me + + ' Former princely States in Gujarat + ° ibid + * A district in Saurashtra + * Priest family friend and adviser of the Gandhi + ° Leading lawyer of Kathiwan. + ° Gandhiji’s cousin and father of Chhaganlal and Maganlal both of whom + worked ‘with him in South Africa. + ’ Gandhiji’s cousin + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 3 + + for being so credulous and she said I would never get any money + from him when the time comes, which she thought never will come. + On that day I was to (go to) Kevalrambhai. I saw him + accordingly. There I had not a satisfactory chat. He no doubt + approved of my object but said: “You will have to spend there at least + Rs. 10, 000.” This was a great blow to me, and again he said: “You + will have to set aside all your religious prejudices, if any. You will + have to eat meat, you must drink. You cannot live without that. The + more you spend, the cleverer you will be. It is a very important thing. + I speak to you frankly. Don’t be offended; but, look here, you are + still very young. There are many temptations in London. You are apt + to be entrapped by them.” I was partially dejected by this talk. But I + am not a man who would, after having formed any intention, leave it + easily. He illustrated his statement by giving example of Mr. Gulam + Mahomed Munshi. I asked him whether he could help me in any way + in getting the scholarship. He answered in the negative. He said he + would very gladly do anything except that. I told everything to my + brother. + Then I was entrusted with the business of receiving the consent + of my dear mother, which I thought was not an arduous task for me. + After a day or two, my brother and I went to see Mr. Kevalram; there + he saw us though he was very busy at that time. We had a talk of the + similar kind that I had with him a day or two earlier. He advised my + brother to send me to Porbandar. The proposal was agreed to. Then + we returned. I began to introduce the subject to my mother in joke. + The joke was turned to reality in no time. Then a day was fixed for + my going to Porbandar. + Twice or thrice I prepared to go, but some difficulty came in my + way. Once I was to go with Zaverchand, but an hour before the time + of my departure a serious accident took place. I was always + quarrelling with my friend Sheikh Mehtab'. On the day of departure I + was quite engrossed in thinking about the quarrel. He had a musical + party at night. I did not enjoy it very well. At about 10.30 p.m. the + party ended and we all went to see Meghjibhai and Rami. On our way + I was buried in the madcap thoughts of London on one side and the + thoughts of Sheikh Mehtab on the other. Amidst thoughts, I came + unconsciously in contact with a carriage. I received some injury. Yet I + did not take the help of anybody in walking. I think I was quite + dizzy. Then we entered the house of Meghjibhai. There I again came + + ' Boyhood friend of Gandhiji whom he tried for several years to reform, but + without success + + 4 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + in contact with a stone unknowingly and received injury. I was quite + senseless. From that [time] I did not know what took place, and after + that, I am told by them, I fell flat on the ground after some steps. I was + not myself for 5 minutes. They considered I was dead. But fortunately + for myself the ground on which I fell was quite smooth. I came to my + senses at last and all of them were quite joyful. The mother was sent + for. She was very sorry for me, and this caused my delay though I + told them that I was quite well. But none would allow me to go, + though I afterwards came to know that my bold and dearest mother + would have allowed me to go. But she feared the calumny of other + people. At last with great difficulty I was allowed to leave Rajkot for + Porbandar after some days. On my way too I had to encounter some + difficulties. + At length I reached Porbandar to the joy of all. Lalbhai' and + Karsondas* had come to the Khadi bridge to fetch me home. Now + what had I to do in Porbandar [was to] exact consent from my uncle, + and, secondly apply to Mr. Lely’® to render me some pecuniary help, + and last, in case of failure to get the State scholarship, to ask + Parmanandbhai’* to give me some money. The first thing I did was that + I saw uncle and asked him whether he liked my going to London or + not. Then, naturally, as I had expected, he asked me to enumerate the + advantages of going to London. This I did according to my power. + Then he said : “Of course, the people of this generation would like it + very much, but, as for myself, I do not like it. Nevertheless we shall + consider afterwards.” I was not disappointed by such an answer. At + least I had the satisfaction to know that at all events he liked it + inwardly and his deed proved what I thought right. + Unfortunately for me, Mr. Lely was not in Porbandar. It is quite + true that misfortunes never come single. After his return from the + district where he had gone, he was to go at once on leave. My uncle + advised me to wait for him till the next Sunday. And if he did not + come up during that time, he said, he would send me where he should + be. But it gives me much pleasure to write here that he returned from + the district on Sunday. Then it was settled that I should see him + on Monday. It was done accordingly. For the first time in my life I + had an interview with an English gentleman. Formerly I never dared + to front them. But thoughts of London made me bold. I had small + + ' Gandhi’s cousin + * Gandhi’s elder brother + * British Agent in Porbandhar State during the minority of the Prince + * Gandhiji’s Cousin + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 5 + + talk with him in Gujarati. He was quite in a hurry. He saw me when he + was ascending the ladder of the upper storey of his bungalow. He said + the Porbandar State was very poor and could not give me any + pecuniary help. However, he said, I should first graduate in India and + then he would see if he could render me any help. Indeed such an + answer from him quite disappointed me. I did not expect such a reply + from him. + + Now what I had to do was to ask Parmanandbhai to give me Rs. + 5,000. He said he would very gladly give them if my uncle approved + of my going to London. I thought this to be rather a difficult task, yet + I was determined upon exacting his consent. I saw him when he was + busy doing something, and addressed him thus : “Uncle, now tell me + what you really think of my going. My chief aim in coming here is to + exact your consent.” Then he replied : “I cannot approve of it. + Don’t you know that I am going on a pilgrimage, and is it not + disgraceful on my part to say that I like that people should go to + London? However, if your mother and brother like it, I do not at all + object to it.” “But then,” I said, “you don’t know that you prevent + Parmanandbhai from rendering me pecuniary help by refusing to + allow my going to London.” Just as I uttered these words, he said in + an angry tone: “Is it so? My dear chap, you don’t know why he says + so. He knows that I will never approve of your going and so he brings + forth this excuse. But the real thing is that he is never to render you + any help of the kind. I do not prevent him from doing so.” Thus + ended our talk. Then I gaily ran off and saw Parmanandbhai and + word by word related what took place between my uncle and myself. + He too was quite angry when he heard this and at the same time made + a promise to give me Rs. 5,000. I was quite overjoyed when he made a + promise, and what pleased me more was that he swore by his son. Now + from that day I began to think that I would surely go to London. + Then I stayed some days in Porbandar and the more I stayed there the + more I was assured of the promise. + Now here is what took place at Rajkot during my absence. My + friend Sheikh Mehtab who, I should say, is very full of tricks, + reminded Meghjibhai of his promise and forged a letter with my + signature in which he wrote that I stood in need of Rs. 5,000 and so + on. The letter was shown to him and it actually passed for a letter + written by me. Then, of course, he was quite puffed up and made a + solemn promise of giving me Rs. 5,000. I was not informed of this + until I reached Rajkot. + + 6 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Now to return again to Porbandar. At length a day was fixed for + my departure and I bade farewell to my family members and was set + off for Rajkot, with my brother Karsondas and Meghji’s father, really + an incarnation of miserliness. Before going to Rajkot, I went to + Bhavnagar to sell off my furniture, and discontinue the rent of the + house. I did it only in one day and was separated from the friends in + the neighbourhood, not without tears from them and my kind + landlady. I should never forget their kindness and that of Anopram + and others. Having done this, I reached Rajkot. + But I was to see Colonel Watson' before my departure for three + years. He was to come to Rajkot on the 19th June, 1888. Indeed it was + a long time for me because I reached Rajkot in the beginning of May. + But I could not help. My brother entertained very high hopes of + Colonel Watson. These days were indeed hard days. I could not sleep + well at night, was always attacked by dreams. Some persons dissuaded + me from going to London and some advised me to do so. Sometimes + my mother too asked me not to go, and what was very strange that not + infrequently my brother also changed his mind. So I was held in + suspense. But, as all of them knew that I should not leave off anything + having first begun it, they were silent. During the time, I was asked by + my brother to sound the mind of Meghjibhai about his promise. The + result was quite disappointing, of course, and from that time he always + acted the part of an enemy. He spoke ill of me before anybody and + everybody. But I was quite able to disregard his taunts. My dearest + mother was quite angry with him for this and sometimes uneasy. But I + could easily console her, and I have the satisfaction to see that I have + very often consoled her with success and have made her laugh heartily + when she, my dear, dear mother, should be shedding tears on my + account. At last Colonel Watson came. I saw him. He said: “I shall + think about it”, but I never got any help from him. I am sorry to say + that it was with difficulty that I could take a trivial note of introduction + which, he said in a peremptory voice, was worth one lac of rupees. + Now really it makes me laugh. + Then a day was fixed for my departure. At first it was the fourth + of August. The matter was now brought to a crisis. The fact I was to + go to England went through the Press. My brother was always asked + by some persons about my going. Now was the time when he told me + to leave off the intention of going, but I would not do that. Then he + + ' Political Agent of Kathiawar, stationed at Rajkot + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 7 + + saw H.H. the Thakoresaheb' of Rajkot and requested him to render + me some pecuniary help. But no help was obtained therefrom. Then + for the last time I saw Thakoresaheb and Colonel Watson. I received a + note of introduction from the latter and a photo from the former. + Here I must write that the fulsome flattery which I had to practise + about this time had quite made me angry. Had it not been for my + credulous and dearest brother, I would never have resorted to such a + piece of gross flattery. After all, the 10th August came and my + brother, Sheikh Mehtab, Mr. Nathubhai, Khushalbhai and I started. + + I left Rajkot for Bombay. It was Friday night. I was given an + address by my school fellows. I was quite uneasy when I rose up to + answer the address.’ When I spoke half of what I had to speak, I began + to shake. I hope I will not do it again when I return to India. Before + proceeding further I must write. Many had come to bid me farewell + on the night. Messrs Kevalram, Chhaganlal (Patwari), Vrajlal, + Harishankar, Amolakh, Manekchand, Latib, Popat, Bhanji, Khimji, + Ramji, Damodar, Meghji, Ramji Kalidas, Naranji, Ranchhoddas, + Manilal were among those who came to did farewell. Jatashankar + Vishvanath and others may be added. The first station was Gondal. + There we saw Dr. Bhau and took Kapurbhai with us. Nathubhai came + as far as Jetpur. At Dhola, Usmanbhai met us and he came as far as + Wadhwan. At Dhola, Messrs Narandas, Pranshankar, Narbheram, + Anandrai and Vrajlal had come to bid farewell. + + Twenty-first was the day on which I was to leave Bombay. But + the difficulties which I had to withstand in Bombay are indescribable. + My caste fellows tried their best to prevent me from proceeding + further. Almost all of them were in opposition. And at length my + brother Khushalbhai and Patwari himself advised me not to go. But I + wouldn’t give heed to their advice. Then the sea weather was the + excuse which delayed my proceeding. My brother and others then left + me. But on a sudden I left Bombay on the 4th September 1888. At + this time I was very much obliged to Messrs Jagmohandas, + Damodardas and Bechardas. To Shamalji, of course, I owe immense + obligation, and what I owe to Ranchhodlal’ I don’t know. It is + something more than obligation. Messrs Jagmohandas, Manshankar, + + ' Ruler of the State + * Vide “Speech at Alfred High School, Rajkot’, 4-7-1888. + * Ranchhodlal Patwari was very close to Gandhiji with whom he was in corres- + pondence. Patwari’s father helped him financially to go to England. + + 8 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Bechardas, Narayandas Patwari, Dwarkadas, Popatlal, Kashidas, + Ranchhodlal, Modi, Thakore, Ravi Shankar, Pherozeshah, Ratanshah, + Shamalji and some others came to see me off on board the steamer, + Clyde. Of these, Patwari gave me Rs. 5, Shamalji as many, Modi two, + Kashidas one, Narandas two, and some others whom I forget. Mr. + Manshankar gave me a silver chain, and then they all of them bade + farewell for three years and departed. Before finishing this, I must + write that had it been some other man in the same position which I was + in, I dare say he would not have been able to see England. The + difficulties which I had to withstand have made England dearer to me + than she would have been. + + SEPTEMBER 4, 1888 + + The sea voyage. It was about 5 p.m. when the ship weighed + anchor. I was very anxious about the voyage but fortunately it agreed + with me. Throughout the voyage I was not at all sea-sick and I had no + vomiting. It was for the first time in my life that I sailed in a + steamship. I enjoyed the voyage very much. At about 6 o’clock the + dinner bell was rung. The steward asked me to go to the table. But I + did not go and ate what I had brought with me. I was very much + surprised at the liberty which Mr. Mazmudar took with me on the first + night. He spoke to me in such a manner as if we were very old + acquaintances. He had no black coat. So I gave him mine for dinner. + He went to the table. From that night I liked him very much. He + entrusted his keys to me, and I began to look upon him as my elder + brother from that very night. There was one Maratha doctor with us as + far as Aden. He, on the whole, looked like a good man. Thus for two + days I lived upon the sweetmeat and fruits which I had on board with + me. Then Mr. Mazmudar made an agreement with some boys on + board to cook us food. I would never have been able to make such an + agreement. There was one Abdul Majid who was a first-class + passenger while we were saloon passengers. We enjoyed our dinner + cooked by the boy. + + Now something about the steamship. I liked the arrangements of + the steamer very much. When we sit in the cabins or saloon, we forget + that the cabins and the saloons are a part of the ship. We sometimes do + not feel the motion at all. The dexterity of the workmen and the + sailors was indeed admirable. There were musical instruments in the + steamer. I every now and then played upon the piano. There were + cards, chessboard and draughts on the board. The European + passengers always played some games at night. The decks are a great + relief to the passengers. You are generally tired of sitting in the + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 9 + + cabins. On the decks you get fresh air. You can mix with and talk with + the fellow-passengers if you are bold and have got that stuff. The + scene of the sea when the sky is clear is lovely. On one moonlight + night I was watching the sea. I could see the moon reflected in the + water. On account of the waves, the moon appeared as if she were + moving here and there. One dark night when the sky was clear the + stars were reflected in the water. The scene around us was very + beautiful at that time. I could not at first imagine what that was. They + appeared like so many diamonds. But I knew that a diamond could + not float. Then I thought that they must be some insects which can + only be seen at night. Amidst these reflections I looked at the sky and + at once found that it was nothing but stars reflected in waters. I + laughed at my folly. This reflection of the stars gives us the idea of + fireworks. Fancy yourself to be standing on the storey of a bungalow + watching the fireworks performed before you. I very often enjoyed + this scene. + For some days I did not speak a word to the fellow-passengers. I + always got up at 8 a.m. in the morning, washed my teeth, then went to + the w.c. and took my bath. The arrangement of the English water + closets astonished a native passenger. We do not get there water and + are obliged to use pieces of paper. + After enjoying the sea voyage for about five days, we reached + Aden. During these days not a single piece of land or a mountain was + seen by us. All of us were tired of the monotony of the voyage and + were eager to see land. At last on the morning of the 6th day we saw + land. All looked gay and cheerful. At about 11 a.m. we anchored at + Aden. Some boys came with small boats. They were great swimmers. + Some Europeans threw some money in the waters. They went deep + into the waters and found out the money. I wish I could do so. This + was a pretty sight. We, after enjoying this sight for about half an hour, + went to see Aden. I must say here that we simply saw the boys finding + out the pieces. Ourselves did not throw a single pie. From this day we + began to experience the idea of expenses of England. We were three + persons and had to pay two rupees for boat hire. The coast was hardly + at a mile’s distance. We reached the coast in 15 minutes. Then we + hired a carriage. We intended to go to see the waterworks which are + the only object of interest in Aden. But, unfortunately, the time being + up we could not go there. We saw the Camp of Aden. It was good; the + buildings were good. They were generally shops. The construction of + the buildings was most probably like that of the bungalows in Rajkot + and especially the new bungalow of the Political Agent. I could not + + 10 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + see any well or any place of fresh water there. I am afraid that perhaps + the tanks are the only place for fresh water. The heat of the sun was + excessive. I was quite wet with perspiration. This was because we were + not far from the Red Sea. What astonished me more was that I saw not + a single tree or a green plant. Men rode on mules or asses. We could + hire mules if we liked. The camp is situated on the hill. I heard from + the boatman, when we returned, that the boys of whom I wrote above + are sometimes injured. The legs of some and arms of others are cut + off by sea animals. But still the boys, being very poor, sat each in their + small boats in which we dare not sit. Each of us had to pay one rupee + for the carriage fare. The anchor was weighed at 12 a.m. and we left + Aden. But from this day we always saw some land. + + In the evening we entered the Red Sea. We began to feel the + heat. But I don’t think it was so scorching, as is described by some in + Bombay. Indeed it was unbearable in the cabins. You cannot expose + yourself to the sun. You will not like to stay even for a few minutes in + your cabin. But if you are on the deck you are sure to receive pleasant + gales of fresh air. At least I did so. Almost all the passengers slept on + the deck and so did I. The heat of the new morning sun, too, you + cannot bear. You are always safe when you are on the deck. This heat + we generally get for three days. Then we entered the Suez on the + fourth night. We could see the lamps in the Suez from a great + distance. The Red Sea was sometimes broad and sometimes quite + narrow. So narrow that we can see the land on both the sides. Before + entering the Suez Canal we passed the Hellsgate. Hellsgate is a strip of + water very narrow, bound on both the sides by hills. It is so called + because many ships are wrecked at that place. We saw the wreck of a + ship in the Red Sea. We stayed at Suez for about half an hour. Now it + was said that we shall receive cold. Some said that you will require + liquor after leaving Aden. But it was false. Now I had begun to talk a + little with the fellow-passengers. They said, after leaving Aden you will + require meat: but it was not so. For the first time in my life I saw the + electric light in the front of our ship. It appeared like moonlight. The + front part of the ship appeared very beautiful. I think it must appear + more beautiful to a man seeing it, placed on some other place, just as + we cannot enjoy the beauty of our person as others, i.e., we cannot see + it to advantage. The construction of the Suez Canal I am not able to + understand. It is indeed marvellous. I cannot think of the genius of a + man who invented it. I don’t know how he would have done it. It is + quite right to say that he has competed with nature. It is not an easy + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 11 + + task to join two seas. Only one ship can pass through the Canal at a + time. It requires skilful pilotship. The ship sails at a very low motion. + We cannot feel its motion. The water of the Canal is quite dirty. I + forget its depth. It is as broad as the Aji' at Ramnath. You can see men + passing by on both the sides. The part near the Canal is barren. The + Canal belongs to the French. Another pilot comes from Ismailia to + direct the ship. The French take a certain sum of money for every + ship that passes through the Canal. The income must be very large. + Besides the electric lamp in the ship, there are seen lights at a distance + of some 20 feet on both sides. These are the lights of different + colours. The ship has to pass these rows of lights. It takes about 24 + hours to pass through the Canal. The beauty of the scene is beyond + my power to describe. You cannot enjoy it unless you see it. Port Said + is the terminus of the Canal. Port Said owes its existence to the Suez + Canal. We anchored at Port Said in the evening. The ship was to stay + there for an hour, but one hour was quite sufficient to see Port Said. + Now the currency was English. Indian money is quite useless here. + The boat-fare is six pence each. A penny is worth one anna. The + construction of the Port Said building is French. Here we get an idea + of the French life. There we saw some coffee restaurants. At the first I + thought it was a theatre. But it was nothing but a coffee house. [On] + one side we drink coffee or soda or tea or any drink, and on the other + we hear music. Some women are playing fiddle bands. A bottle of + lemonade in these cafes, as they are called, will cost you 12 pence, + which we get for less than a penny in Bombay. Customers are said to + hear music gratis. But really it is not so. As soon as the music is + finished, a woman, with a plate covered with a handkerchief in her + hand comes before every customer. That means that you give her + something and we are obliged to give something. We visited the cafe + and gave 6 pence to the woman. Port Said is nothing but a seat of + luxury. There women and men are very cunning. The interpreter will + follow to guide you. But you boldly tell him that you do not want + him. Port Said is hardly as big as the proper para’ of Rajkot. We left + Port Said at 7 p.m. + Among our fellow-passengers one Mr. Jeffreys was very kind + to me. He always told me to go to the table, and take something there, + but I would not go. He said, after leaving Brindisi you will feel cold, + + ' River near Rajkot + > Locality + + 12 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + but it was not so. After 3 days we reached Brindisi at night. The + harbour of Brindisi is beautiful. The steamer just touches the coast + and you descend to the coast by means of a ladder provided there. It + being [dark] I could not see Brindisi much. There everyone speaks + Italian. Roads of Brindisi are paved with stones. The streets are + sloping. They too are paved. Gas is used for lamps. We saw the station + of Brindisi. It was not so beautiful as the stations of the B. B. & C. I. + Rly. But the railway carriages were far bigger than ours. The traffic + was good. When you land at Brindisi, a man would come and ask you, + in case you are a black man: “Sir, there is a beautiful girl of 14, + follow me, Sir, and I will take you there, the charge is not high, Sir.” + You are at once puzzled. But be calm and answer boldly that you + don’t want her and tell the man to go away and thereby you will be + safe. If you are in any difficulty at once refer to a policeman just near + you, or at once enter a large building which you will surely see. But + before you enter it, read the name on the building and make sure that + it is open to all. Thus you will be safe. This you will be able to make + out at once. Tell the porter there that you are in a difficulty, and he + will at once show you what you should do. If you are bold enough, + ask the porter to take you to the Chief Officer and you will refer the + matter to him. By a large building I mean that it must be belonging to + Thomas Cook or Henry King or some such other agents. They will + take care of you. Don’t be miserly at that time. Pay the porter some- + thing. But this means is to be resorted to when you think yourself to + be in any danger. But these buildings you will only see on the coasts. + If you are far away from the coast you are to find out a policeman + and in case of failure, your conscience is the best dictator. We left + Brindisi early in the morning. + After about 3 days we reached Malta. The ship anchored at + about 2 p.m. She was to stay there for nearly four hours. Mr. Abdul + Majid was to come with us. But somehow or other he was very late. I + was quite impatient to go. Mr. Mazmudar said: “Shall we go alone + and not wait for Mr. Majid?” I said: “Just as you please. I have no + objection.” Then, of course, we went alone. On our return Abdul + Majid saw us and said he was very sorry that we went away. Then Mr. + Mazumdar said: “It was Gandhi who was impatient and told me not to + wait for you.” I was really very much offended by such behaviour of + Mr. Mazmudar. I did not try to wash off the charge but silently + accepted it. But I know that the charge would have been washed off, + had I only hinted to Abdul Majid: “Had Mr. Mazmudar really wanted + to wait for you, he had better not act according to what I said.” And I + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 13 + + think this would have been quite sufficient to convince Mr. Abdul + Majid of my having no hand in the doing. But at that time I did not + mean to do anything of the kind. But from that day I began to + entertain very low opinion about Mr. Mazmudar, and from that day I + had no real respect for him. Besides there happened two or three + things which made me like Mazmudar the less day by day. + Malta is an object of interest. There are many things to see. But + the time at our disposal was not sufficient. As I said before, Mr. + Mazmudar and myself went to the coast. Here we had received a great + rogue. We had to suffer a great loss. We took the number of the boat, + and to see the city we hired a carriage. The rogue was with us. After + driving for about half an hour, we reached St. Juan Church. The + church was beautifully built. There we saw some skeletons of eminent + persons. They were very old. We gave a shilling to the friend who + showed us over the church. Just opposite the church was a statue of St. + Juan. Thence drove to the city. The roads were paved. On both sides + of the pavement were paved walks for men. The island is very + beautiful. There are many grand buildings. Went to see the Armoury + Hall. This hall was beautifully decorated. There we saw very old + paintings. They were not really paintings but embroidered in. But a + stranger would not perceive that it was embroidered work unless told + by somebody. In the hall were the arms of old warriors. All of them + [were] worth seeing. Having no record, I do not remember them all. + There was a helmet which was 30 Ib. in weight. The carriage of + Napoleon Bonaparte was very beautiful. Having given a tip of 6d. to + the man who showed us over the hall we returned. We were obliged to + take off our hats when we saw the church and the Armoury Hall, as a + token of respect. Then we went to the shop of the rogue. He tried to + force something upon us. But we wouldn’t buy anything. At length + Mr. Mazmudar bought the views of Malta for 2/6. Here the rogue + gave us an interpreter and himself did not come with us. The + interpreter was a very good man. He drove us to the orange gardens. + We saw the gardens. I did not like the gardens at all. I like our public + park of Rajkot better than the gardens. If there was anything worth + seeing for me, it was the golden and red fishes in a small enclosure of + water. Thence we returned to the town, went to a hotel. Mr. Mazmudar + took some potatoes and tea. On our way we met an Indian. Mr. + Mazmudar being a very bold man spoke to the Indian. On further talk + with him it was understood that he was the brother of a man who had a + shop in Malta. We at once went to the shop. Mr. Mazmudar had a + + 14 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + good chat with the shopkeeper. We made some purchases there and + spent two hours in the shop. So we could not see much of Malta. We + saw another church. That too was very beautiful and worth seeing. We + had to see the opera house but we had no time to do that. We took + leave of the gentleman who gave Mr. Mazmudar his card to his + brother in London. On our return, the rogue again met us and came + with us at 6 p.m. We reached the coast and paid the rogue, the good + interpreter and the carriageman. We had a quarrel about the fare with + the boat-man. The result was, of course, in favour of the boatman. + Here we were cheated a good deal. + + The steamer Clyde left at 7 p.m. After 3 days’ voyage we + reached Gibraltar at 12 p.m. The ship remained there the whole night. + I had a good mind to see Gibraltar, so got up early in the morning + and awakened Mazmudar and asked him whether he would come with + me to the shore or not. He said he would. Then I went to Mr. Majid + and awoke him. We three went to the shore. The time at our disposal + was only 1), hours. It being the dawn of the day all the shops were + + shut. It is said that Gibraltar being a free port smoking is very cheap. + Gibraltar is built upon a rock. On the top is the fortification which to + our great sorrow we could not see. The houses are in rows. In order to + go from the first row to the second, we are obliged to ascend certain + steps. I liked it very much. The construction was beautiful. Roads were + paved. Having no time we were soon obliged to return. The ship + weighed anchor at 8.30 a.m. + + In three days we reached Plymouth at 11 p.m. Now was the + proper time for cold. Each and every passenger said that we would die + without meat and drink but nothing of the kind happened to us. + Indeed it was pretty well cold. We were also told about the storm but + could not see the storm. Really I was very anxious to see it but could + not. It being night we could see nothing of Plymouth. We had dense + fog there. At length the ship left for London. In 24 hours we reached + London; left the steamer and reached Victoria Hotel via Tilbury + Station on the 27th' October, 1888, at 4 p.m. + + 27TH’ OCTOBER, 1888, SATURDAY, TO 23RD NOVEMBER, FRIDAY + + Mr. Mazmudar, Mr. Abdul Majid and I reached the Victoria + Hotel. Mr. Abdul Majid told in a dignified air to the porter of the + + ' The source has “28th” which was a Sunday. Evidently this is a slip. In An + Autobiography, Pt. I, Ch. XIII, Gandhiji says he arrived in London on a Saturday, + which fell on October 27. + * ibid + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 15 + + Victoria Hotel to give our cabman the proper fare. Mr. Abdul Majid + thought very highly of himself, but let me write here that the dress + which he had put on was perhaps worse than that of the porter. He did + not take care of the luggage too, and as if he had been in London for + a long time, stepped into the hotel. I was quite dazzled by the + splendour of the hotel. I had never in my life seen such pomp. My + business was simply to follow the two friends in silence. There were + electric lights all over. We were admitted into a room. There Mr. + Majid at once went. The manager at once asked him whether he would + choose second floor or not. Mr. Majid thinking it below his dignity to + inquire about the daily rent said yes. The manager at once gave us a + bill of 6s. each per day and a boy was sent with us. I was all the while + smiling within myself. Then we were to go to the second floor by a + lift. I did not know what it was. The boy at once touched something + which I thought was lock of the door. But as I afterwards came to + know it was the bell and he rang in order to tell the waiter to bring the + lift. The doors were opened and I thought that was a room in which + we were to sit for some time. But to my great surprise we were brought + to the second floor. + [Incomplete] + + 5. DRAFT OF LETTER TO FREDERICK LELY' + LONDON, + December, 1888 + DEAR SIR, + You will know me by looking at the note which, you said, when + I had the opportunity of seeing you, you would preserve. + + At that time I had requested you to render to me some + pecuniary aid as a means to enable me to proceed to England; but + unfortunately you were in a hurry to leave; so I had not the sufficient + time to say all that I had to say. + + I was at that time very impatient to proceed to England. So I + left India on the 4th of September, 1888, with what little money I had + at that time. What my father left for us three brothers was indeed very + little. However, trusting that nearly £666, which was all my brother + could with great difficulty spare for me, would be sufficient for my + three years’ stay in London. I left India for receiving legal education + in England. I knew while in India that education and living in London + were very expensive. But now from two months’ experience in + + ' Gandhiji sent this to his elder brother, Lakshmidas Gandhi. + + 16 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + London, I find that they are more so than they appeared to be in + India. + In order to live here comfortably and to receive good education, + I shall require an extra help of £400. I am a native of Porbandar and + as such that is the only place I can look up to for such help. + + During the late rule of H. H. the Rana Saheb, very little + encouragement was given to education. But we can naturally expect + that education must be encouraged under the English Administration. + I am one who can take advantage of such encouragement. + I hope, therefore, that you may please render me some + pecuniary help and thereby confer great and much-needed obligation + on me. + I have asked my brother Laxmidas Gandhi to receive [it] and + am sending him a note to see you in person if necessary. + + Trusting you will be induced to grant my request. + With best respects, + + I beg to remain, + yours, + M. K. GANDHI + I prepared this draft of a letter three weeks ago and have been + thinking over it ever since. Believing that a reply to this letter will + come in the meantime I am sending you the draft. I have not asked + for the whole amount, as it would be unreasonable. Again he may + think that if I had been absolutely dependent upon his help, I would + not have proceeded to England without making sure of it. But having + found on arrival here that I shall need more funds, I have asked for + only the additional amount. I have not offered to bind myself in any + way, because I did not think it necessary. Nor did I feel that it was + proper to bind myself for an amount which will cover only part of my + expenses. Besides, if . . .' + [Incomplete] + Mahatma, Vol. I; also from a photostat + + ' This covering note, originally written in Gujarati, was addressed to Lakshmi- + das Gandhi while forwarding the draft to him. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 17 + + 6. LETTER TO COL. J. W. WATSON + + [December, 1888] + COLONEL J. W. WATSON + POLITICAL AGENT + Kathiawa + DEAR SIR, + It is about six or seven weeks since I landed in this country. By + this time, I am comfortably settled and have fairly begun my studies. I + have joined the Inner Temple for my legal course. + You are well aware that English life is very expensive and, from + what little experience I have had of it, I find that it is more so than I + could persuade myself to believe while I was in India. My means as + you know are very limited. I don't think I can go through a course of + three years satisfactorily without some extraneous help. When I + remember that you took a great deal of interest in my father and had + extended your hand of friendship to him, I have very little doubt that + you will take the same interest in what concerns him and I feel + confident that you will try your best to procure me some substantial + help which would facilitate my course of study in this country. You + will thus confer a great and much-needed obligation upon me. + I saw Dr. Butler a few days ago. He is very kind to me and has + promised to give me all assistance he can. + + The weather so far has not been very severe. I am doing very + well. + With best respects, + + I beg to remain, + + Dear Sir, + Yours faithfully, + + M. K. GANDHI + + Mahatma, Vol. I; also from a photostat + + 7. INDIAN VEGETARIANS-I + + India is inhabited by twenty-five million’ of people of various + castes and creeds. The very common belief among the Englishmen + who have not been to India, or who have taken very little interest in + + ' Obviously, a slip for crores + + 18 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Indian matters, is that all the Indians are born vegetarians. Now this is + true only in part. Indian people are divided into three main divisions, + viz., the Hindus, the Mohammedans, and the Parsis. + The Hindus are again divided into four chief castes, viz., the + Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, the Vaisyas, and the Sudras, Of all these, in + theory, only the Brahmins and the Vaisyas are pure vegetarians. But in + practice almost all the Indians are vegetarians. Some are so + voluntarily, and others compulsorily. The latter, though always willing + to take, are yet too poor to buy meat. This statement will be borne out + by the fact that there are thousands in India who have to live on one + pice (1'/d.) a day. These live on bread and salt, a heavily taxed article; + for even in a poverty-stricken country like India, it will be very + difficult,if not utterly impossible,to get eatable flesh-meat for ''/d. + + The question who are vegetarians in India being disposed of, the + natural question will be what is vegetarianism as practised by them? + To begin with, Indian vegetarianism does not mean the V.E.M.' diet. + The Indians, 1.e., the Indian vegetarians, decline to take, besides fish, + flesh and fowl, eggs, for they argue that to eat an egg is equivalent to + killing life; since an egg, if left undisturbed would, prima facie, + become a fowl. But, unlike some of the vegetarian extremists here, + they not only do not abstain from milk and butter, but consider them + sacred enough to be used on what are called “fruit-days”, which + occur every fortnight, and which are generally observed by the high- + caste Hindus; because, as they put it, they do not kill the cow in taking + milk from her. And certainly the milking of a cow, which, by the way, + has been the subject of painting and poetry cannot shock the most + delicate feelings as would the slaughtering of her. It may be worth + mentioning en passant that the cow is an object of worship among the + Hindus, and a movement set on foot to prevent the cows from being + shipped off for the purposes of slaughter is progressing rapidly. + + The Vegetarian, 7-2-1891 + &. INDIAN VEGETARIANS-II + Indian vegetarians food generally varies with the parts they live + + in. Thus in Bengal the staple article of food is rice, while in the + Bombay Presidency it is wheat. + + ' V.E.M. probably means vegetables, eggs, milk. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 19 + + All the Indians generally—and the grown-up persons + particularly, and among them the high-caste Hindus—take two meals + a day with a glass or two of water between the meals whenever they + feel thirsty. The first meal they take at about 10 a.m., which would + correspond to the English dinner, and the second meal at about 8 + p.m., which would correspond to supper so far as the name goes, + though in reality, it is a substantial meal. From the above it will have + been seen that there is no breakfast—which, seeing that the Indians + generally rise at 6 o'clock, and even as early as four or five o'clock in + the morning, they would seem to require—nor the ordinary midday + meal. Some of the readers will no doubt wonder how the Indians go + about without anything to eat for nine hours after their first meal. This + may be explained in two ways, viz., first, the habit is second nature. + Their religion commands some, and employment or custom compels + others, to take not more than two meals in one day. Secondly, the + climate of India, which except in some parts is very hot, will account + for the habit. For even in England, it appears that the same quantity of + food is not required in summer as in winter. Unlike the English, the + Indians do not take each dish separately, but they mix many things + together. Among some of the Hindus it is one of the requirements of + their religion to mix all their food together. Moreover, every dish is + elaborately prepared. In fact they don't believe in plain boiled + vegetables, but must have them flavoured with plenty of condiments, + e.g., pepper, salt, cloves, turmeric, mustard seed, and various other + things for which it would be difficult to find English names unless + they be those used in medicine. + + The first meal consists generally of bread or rather cakes—of + which more hereafter—some pulse, e.g., peas, haricot beans, etc., and + two or three green vegetables cooked together, or separately, followed + by rice and pulse cooked in water, and flavoured with various spices. + After this, some take milk and rice, or simply milk, or curdled milk, or + even whey, especially in summer. + The second meal, i.e., the supper, consists of much the same + things as the first one, but the quantity is less and the vegetables fewer + at this meal. Milk is more liberally used at this meal. The readershould + be reminded that this is not the food that the Indians invariably use + nor should he think that the above will be the typical dishes all over + India and among all classes. Thus, for example, no sweets are + mentioned in the specimen meals while they are sure to be used + among the well-to-do classes at least once a week. Moreover, while, as + + 20 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + said above, wheat preponderates over rice in the Bombay Presidency, + in Bengal rice gets the better of wheat. So also with regard to the third + exception which must prove the rule, the food among the labouring + class is different from what is given above. To mention all the varieties + would be the fill up volumes and to do so would, it is to be feared, + divest the article of all interest. + + Butter, or if you please, clarified butter, is much more used for + culinary purposes than in England or, it may be, even in Europe. And + according to a doctor of some authority, if it would do no good, much + use of better, in a hot climate like that of India would do no harm + such as it might do in a cold climate like that of England. + + It will perhaps strike the reader that the fruit, yes, the all- + important fruit, is sadly conspicuous by its absence in the above- + mentioned specimen dishes. Some, among many of the reasons, are + that the Indians do not know the proper value of fruit, that the poor + people cannot afford to buy good fruit, and that good fruit is not + available all over India, except in large cities. Indeed, there are certain + fruits, not to be found here, which are used by all classes in India; but + alas, these are used as superficial things, not as food, and no one + knows their value chemically, because no one takes the trouble to + analyse them. + + The Vegetarian, 14-2-1891 + + 9. INDIAN VEGETARIANS-III + + In the previous article “more hereafter” was promised about + the cakes. These cakes are generally made of wheat-flour. Wheat is + first ground in a handmill—a simple contrivance to reduce the wheat + to powder-not a mill requiring machinery. This powdered wheat is + passed through a sieve with large holes, so that the coarsest bran is left + out. Indeed, among the poor classes it is not passed through the sieve + at all. Thus the flour, though not the same as that used by the + vegetarians here, is far superior to the ordinary flour that is used here + for the much-abused white bread. Some clarified butter, i.e., butter + boiled and passed through a sieve-sometimes a useless process when + the butter is quite pure-and then allowed to become cool-say a tea- + spoonful to a pound of flour—is mixed with the flour, a sufficient + quantity of water is poured on it, and then it is kneaded with the hands + until it forms itself into one homogeneous mass. This lump is divided + into small equal parts, each as big as a tangerine. These are rolled into + thin circular pieces about six inches in diameter with a wooden stick + made specially for the purpose. Each piece is separately and + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 21 + + thoroughly baked in a flat dish. It takes from five to seven minutes to + bake one cake. This cake is eaten while hot with butter, and has a very + nice flavour. It may be, and is, eaten even quite cold. What meat is to + the ordinary Englishman, the cake is to the Indian, be he a vegetarian + or a meat-eater, for in India a meat-eater does not, in the writer's + opinion, regard his meat as an absolute necessity, but takes it rather as + a side dish to help him, so to speak, in eating the cakes. + Such in outline, and only in outline, is the ordinary food of a + well-to-do Indian vegetarian. Now a question may be asked, “Has not + the British Rule effected any change in the habits of the Indian + people?” So far as the food and drink are concerned “yes”, and + “no”. No, because ordinary men and women have stuck to their + original food and the number of meals. Yes, because those who have + learnt a little bit of English have picked up English ideas here and + there, but this change too—whether it is for the worse or for the better + must be left to the reader to judge—is not very perceptible. + + The last-mentioned class have begun to believe in breakfast, + which usually consists of a cup or two of tea. Now this brings us to the + question of drink. The drinking of tea and coffee by the so-called + educated Indians, chiefly due to the British Rule, may be passed over + with the briefest notice. The most that tea and coffee can do is to + cause a little extra expense, and general debility of health when + indulged in to excess, but one of the most greatly-felt evils of the + British Rule is the importation of alcohol—that enemy of mankind, + that curse of civilization—in some form or another. The measure of + the evil wrought by this borrowed habit will be properly gauged by + the reader when he is told that the enemy has spread throughout the + length and breadth of India, in spite of the religious prohibition; for + even the touch of a bottle containing alcohol pollutes the + Mohammedan, according to his religion, and the religion of the + Hindu strictly prohibits the use of alcohol in any form whatever, and + yet, alas! the Government, it seems, instead of stopping, are aiding and + abetting the spread of alcohol. The poor there, as everywhere, are the + greatest sufferers. It is they who spend what little they earn in buying + alcohol instead of buying food and other necessities. It is that + wretched poor man who has to starve his family, who has to break the + sacred trust of looking after his children, if any, in order to drink + himself into misery and premature death. Here be it said to the credit + of Mr. Cainel, the ex-Member for Barrow, that he, undaunted, is still + carrying on his admirable crusade against the spread of the evil, but + what can the energy of one man, however powerful, do against the + inaction of an apathetic and dormant Government? + + The Vegetarian, 21-2-1891 + + 22 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 10. INDIAN VEGETARIANS-IV + + After having known who are vegetarians in India, and what they + generally eat, the reader will be able to judge from the following facts + how hollow and baseless are the arguments advanced by some people + regarding the weak constitutions of the vegetarian Hindus. + One thing often said about the Indian vegetarians is that they are + physically very feeble, and that, therefore, vegetarianism is not + compatible with bodily strength. + Now, if it can be proved that generally in India the vegetarians + are as strong as, if not stronger than, the Indian meat-eaters, and for + that matter even Englishmen, and moreover, that where weakness + exists it can be ascribed to many other reasons than that of non-flesh + diet, the whole structure on which the above argument is based falls to + the ground. + It must at the outset be admitted that the Hindus as a rule are + notoriously weak; but an unbiased person—a meat-eater—who knows + India and her people even superficially will tell you that there are + many other causes incessantly at work to account for the proverbial’ + weakness. One of the most important reasons, if not the most + important one, is the wretched custom of infant marriages and its + attendant evils. Generally, children when they reach the great age of + nine are burdened with the fetters of married life. In many cases they + are married at a still younger age and in some cases they are betrothed + while yet unborn. Thus one woman would promise to marry her child, + if male, to another's if female, and vice versa. Of course in the two + latter cases consummation does not take place before they are ten or + eleven years old. Cases are recorded in which a wife of twelve had a + child by a husband of sixteen or seventeen. Will not these marriages + tell upon the strongest constitutions? + + Now fancy how weak the progeny of such marriages must be. + Then look at the cares such a couple have to undergo. Suppose a boy + of eleven is married to a girl of about the same age. Thus at a time + when the boy should be, and is, ignorant of what it is to be a husband, + he has a wife forced on him. He is, of course, attending his school. In + + ' William Sproston Caine (1842-1903); four times member of British Parlia- + ment; serve on the Indian Parliamentary sub-committee of the British Committee of + the Congress; Supported self-government for India. Was kneely interested in South + Indian’s cause. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 23 + + addition to the drudgery at school he has his child-wife to look after. + He has not actually to maintain her, for in India a son when married + does not necessarily separate from his parents unless he be at sixes + and sevens' with them; but he has to do everything short of that. Then + about six years after marriage he has a son, probably he has not yet + finished his studies, and he has to think of earning money not only to + maintain himself but his wife and child, for he cannot expect to pass + his whole life with his father, and even granting that he may, he should + certainly be expected to contribute something towards his wife's and + his child's maintenance. Will not the mere knowledge of his duty prey + upon his mind and thus undermine his health? Can anyone dare to + say that this will not shatter the most robust constitution? But one may + well argue that if that boy, in the above example, had eaten flesh-meat + he would have kept stronger than he did. A reply to such an argument + is to be found from those Kshatriya princes who in spite of their meat + diet are very weak owing to debauchery. + + Then the shepherds in India afford a good example of how + strong an Indian vegetarian can be where other opposite agencies are + not at work. An Indian shepherd is a finely built man of Herculean + constitution. He, with his thick, strong cudgel, would be a match for + any ordinary European with his sword. Cases are recorded of + shepherds having killed or driven away tigers and lions with their + cudgels. “But, “said a friend one day, “this is an example of men + living in the rude and natural state. In the present highly artificial state + of society you require something more than mere cabbage and peas. + Your shepherd lacks intelligence, he reads no book, etc. etc’”.The one + and only answer to this was, and is, that the vegetarian shepherd would + be equal to, if not more than a match for, a meat-eating shepherd. + Thus there is a comparison between vegetarian of one class and a + meat-eater of the same class. It is a comparison between strength and + strength, and not between strength and strength plus intelligence, for + my attempt for the moment is simply to disprove that Indian + vegetarians are physically weak on account of their vegetarianism. + Eat what food you will, it is impossible, it seems, to make + physical and mental strength go together except, perhaps, in rare + cases. The law of compensation will require that what is gained in + mental power must be lost in bodily power. A Samson cannot be a + + ' Gandhiji perhaps means ‘at variance’. + + 24 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Gladstone. And granting the argument that a substitute is required for + vegetables in the present state of society, is it conclusively proved that + flesh or meat is that substitute? + + Then take the case of the Kshatriyas, the so-called warlike race + in India. They are, of course, meat-eaters and how few of them there + are who have wielded a sword! Far be it from me to say that they as a + race are very weak. So long as Pruthuraj' and Bhim’ and all of their + type—not to go to the older times—are remembered, he will be a fool + who would have it believed that they are a weak race. But now it is a + sad fact that they have degenerated. The truly warlike people, among + others, are the people of the North-Western provinces, known as + Bhayas’. They subsist on wheat, pulse, and greens. They are the + guardians of peace, they are largely employed in the native armies. + From the above facts it is easy to see that vegetarianism is not + only not injurious, but on the contrary is conducive to bodily strength + and that attributing the Hindu weakness to vegetarianism is simply + based on a fallacy. + + The Vegetarian, 28-2-1891 + + Il. INDIAN VEGETARIANS-V + + We saw in the last article that the bodily weakness of the Hindu + vegetarians was attributable to other causes than their diet, and also + that the shepherds who were vegetarians were as strong as meat-eaters. + This shepherd being a very good specimen of a vegetarian, we may + with profit examine his way of living; but before proceeding further, + the reader may be told that what follows does not apply to all the + Indian shepherds. It applies to the shepherds of a certain part of India. + Just as the habits of the people in Scotland would be different from + those of the people in England, so also would the habits of the people + living in one part of India be different from those of the people living + in another part. + + The Indian shepherd then gets up generally at five o'clock in the + morning. The first thing he does, if he is a pious shepherd, is to offer + + ' Prithviraj Chauhan, 11th-century king claiming descent from the Sun; famed + for his physical prowess + * Second of the Pandava Princes, in the Mahabharata, reputed for his great + stature and strength. + * The reference is to the Bhayyas (literally, brothers), a name originally given + to the peasantry of Uttar Pradesh + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 25 + + some prayers to his God. Then he does his toilet which consists of + washing his mouth and face. I may be allowed here to digress for a + while to acquaint the reader with the brush an Indian uses for his + teeth. The brush is nothing more than a branch of a thorny tree called + babul; one branch is cut up into pieces about a foot long. Of course, + all the thorns are removed. The Indian crushes one end of the stick + between his teeth till it is soft enough to brush his teeth. Thus he + makes for himself every day a new and home-made brush. When he + has well brushed his teeth and made them pearl white he splits the + stick into two, and after bending one part into a curve scrapes his + tongue. This process of brushing probably accounts for the strong + and beautiful teeth of the average Indian. It is perhaps superfluous to + add that he uses no tooth powder. Old persons when their teeth are not + strong enough to crush the stick use a small hammer. The whole + process does not take more than twenty or twenty-five minutes. + + To return to the shepherd, he then takes his breakfast consisting + of a thick cake made of millet—an Anglo-Indian name for bajari, a + kind of corn much used in India instead of, or in addition to, wheat— + clarified butter and molasses. At about eight or nine o'clock in the + morning he goes to pasture the cattle placed under his + superintendence. The place of pasture is generally two or three miles + from his town. It is hilly tract of land studded with a green carpet of + luxuriant foliage. Thus he has the unique advantage of enjoying the + freshestm air with natural scenery thrown in. While the cattle are + roaming about, he whiles away his time in singing or talking to his + companion who may be his wife, brother or some other relation. At + about twelve o' clock he takes his lunch, which he always carries with + him. It consists of the ever-present cakes, clarified butter, one + vegetable, or some pulse, or instead, or in addition, some pickle and + fresh milk directly taken from the cow. Then at about two or three + o'clock he not infrequently takes a nap for about half an hour under + some shady tree. This short sleep gives him relief from the heat of the + scorching sun. At six he returns home, at seven he has supper, for + which he takes some hot cakes, pulse or vegetables, winds up with rice + and milk, or rice and whey. After doing some household business, + which often means a pleasant chat with the family members, he goes + to bed at ten o'clock. He sleeps either in the open air, or in a hut which + is sometimes overcrowded. He resorts to the hut in winter or in the + rainy season. It may be worthy of remark that these huts, even though + miserable in appearance and often without any windows, are not air + + 26 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + tight. Being constructed in a rude state, their doors are made, not as a + protection against draughts of wind, but against burglars. It cannot, + however, be denied that there is much room for improvement in the + huts. + + Such, then, is the living of a well-to-do shepherd. His, in many + respects, is an ideal mode of life. He is perforce regular in his habits, is + out of doors during the greater part of his time, while out he breathes + the purest air, has his due amount of exercise, has good and + nourishing food and last but not least, is free from many cares which + are frequently productive of weak constitutions. + + The Vegetarian, 7-3-1891 + + 12. INDIAN VEGETARIANS-VI + + The only flaw that can be found in his mode of living is the + paucity of baths. In a hot climate baths are very useful. While a + Brahmin would have his bath twice a day, and a Vaisya once a day, a + shepherd would have only one bath a week. I shall here again digress + to explain the manner in which the Indian takes his baths. Generally, + he has his baths in the river flowing near his town, but if he is too idle + to go to the river, or is afraid of being drowned, or if there is no river + near his town, he has his baths at home. There is no bath into which he + can plunge. He takes water from a large vessel, placed near him, with a + goblet and pours it over his body, because he believes that the + moment you plunge into stagnant water you render it impure and, + therefore, unfit for further use. For the same reason he would not even + wash his hands in a basin, but have someone to pour it over his hands + or do it himself by holding the goblet between his arms. + But to return, the paucity of the baths does not, it seems, + materially affect his health; while it is obvious that if the Brahmin were + to go without his baths even for a day, he would feel very + uncomfortable, and if he were to continue not taking them a little + longer, he would very soon become ill. + + This is, I suppose, an instance of many things which, otherwise + inexplicable, can be accounted for by habit. Thus while a scavenger, + in pursuing his employment keeps good health, any ordinary person + trying to do the same will be face to face with death. Death would + soon be knocking at the door of a delicately nurtured lord trying to + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 27 + + imitate an East End labourer. + + I cannot help here giving a fable or anecdote which is exactly to + the point. A king fell in love with a female tooth brush seller, who was + avery Venus in beauty. As might naturally be expected she was + ordered to be placed in the king's palace. She was, in fact, placed in + the lap of luxury. She had the best food, the best clothes, in short, + everything of the best. And lo! in proportion to the luxury, her health + began to fall. Scores of physicians were in attendance, but all the + drugs most regularly administered proved of no avail. Meanwhile a + shrewd physician found out the real cause of all the illness. He said + that she was possessed by evil spirits. Therefore, in order to satisfy + them, he ordered some pieces of old cakes to be set, together with fruit + in each of her many rooms. They were to disappear in as many days + as there were rooms, and with them, he said, the illness would + disappear. And it was so. Of course the cakes were consumed by the + poor queen. + Now this shows the mastery that habit gets over men. So I + think the paucity of baths does not greatly harm the shepherd. + The result of this mode of living was partially noticed in the last + article, viz., the vegetarian shepherd is physically strong. He is also + long-lived. I know a shepherdess who was more than one hundred + yeas old in 1888. When I last saw her, her eyesight was very good. Her + memory was fresh. She could recollect things that she had seen in her + childhood. She could walk with a stick to support her. I hope she is + still living. Besides, the shepherd's figure is symmetrical. It is very rare + to see any deformity in him. Without being fierce like a tiger, he is yet + strong and brave and as docile as a lamb. Without being awe-inspiring, + his stature is commanding. Altogether, the Indian shepherd is a very + fine specimen of a vegetarian, and will compare very favourably with + any meat-eater so far as bodily strength goes. + The Vegetarian, 14-3-1891 + + 13. SOME INDIAN FESTIVALS-I + + At this Easter time I should have liked to write something on the + holidays which correspond to the Easter in point of time; but these + holidays with their painful associations not being the greatest Hindu + festival may very properly give way to the Diwali holidays which are + far superior in importance and grandeur to the former. + + 28 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Diwali, which may be termed the Hindu Christmas, occurs at the + end of the Hindu year, i.e., during the month of November. It is both + a social and religious holiday. It spreads over nearly a month. The + first day of the month of Ashwin (the twelfth month of the Hindu + year) heralds the approach of the grand festival when the children let + off their first fire-works. The first nine days are called Nava Ratri + (nine nights). These days are chiefly marked by garbis. Some twenty + or thirty, and even more people form themselves into a large circle, in + the centre is placed a huge lamp-post tastefully constructed and + illuminated all round, in the centre also sits a man with his tabors + reciting some popular verses. The people forming the circle repeat the + verses, keeping time to them with claps of hands. While repeating the + verses, they move round the lamp-post, at the same time stooping + down in a half-bending posture. It is very often a great treat to hear + these garbis. + It may be remarked that girls—much less women—never take + part in them. Of course they may have their own garbis where men + would be excluded. In some families the custom of half-fasting + prevails. It is sufficient if only one member of the family fasts. The + fasting man has only one meal a day, and that, too, in the evening. + Moreover, he is not allowed any corn or pulse, but is restricted to fruit, + milk and root vegetables such as potatoes, etc. + + The tenth day of the month is called Dashara, when friends + meet and feast one another. It is also customary to make presents of + sweets to one's friends and especially patrons or superiors. Except on + the Dashara holiday all the amusements are carried on at night, while + the ordinary daily pursuits are attended to in the daytime. After + Dashara everything is comparatively quiet for about a fortnight, + except that the ladies are making preparations for the approaching + grand day, by cooking and baking sweets, cakes, etc., for, in India, + women of the highest class would not mind cooking. In fact, it is an + accomplishment which every lady is supposed to possess. + Thus, spending the evenings in feasting and singing, we reach + the thirteenth day of the dark half of the month Ashwin. (In India + every month is divided into two parts, the dark half and the bright + half, the full-moon day and the new-moon day being starting points; + thus, the day following the full-moon day is the first day of the dark + half of a month, and so on). The thirteenth day and the three + following days are wholly devoted to amusements and enjoyment. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 29 + + The thirteenth day is called Dhanteras, i.e., the thirteenth day set apart + for the worship of “Lakshmi”, the goddess of wealth. Rich people + collect different kinds of jewels, precious stones, coins, etc., and put + them carefully into a box. These they never use for any other purpose + than that of worship. Each year an addition is made to this collection. + The worship, i.e., the external worship—for who, save a select few, is + there who does not at heart covet, or in other words, worship + money ?—consists in washing the money with water and milk, and + then decorating it with flowers and kumkum, 1.e., red ochre. + The fourteenth day is called Kali-Chaudash; but this day people + get up before the break of day, and even the laziest person is required + to take a good bath; the mother even compels her little children to + take a bath, though it is the winter season. On the night of Kali- + Chaudash, cemeteries are supposed to be visited by a procession of + ghosts. Persons affecting to believe in ghosts would go to these places + to see their ghost friends. Timid ones would not stir out of their + houses lest they should see a ghost. + + The Vegetarian, 28-3-1891 + + 14. SOME INDIAN FESTIVALS-II + + But lo! now is the morning of the fifteenth day, Divali proper. + The greatest fireworks are let off on the Divali day. No one is willing + to part with his money on this day. He will neither borrow nor lend. + All the purchases are supposed to have been finished the previous + day. + You are standing near the corner of a public road. Mark the + shepherd trotting onward in his milk-white suit, worn for the first time, + with his long beard turned up beside his face and fastened under his + turban, singing some broken verses. A herd of cows, with their horns + painted red and green and mounted with silver, follows him. Soon + after you see a crowd of little maids, with small earthen vessels resting + on cushions placed on their heads. You wonder what those vessels + contain. Your doubt is soon solved by that careless maid spilling some + milk from her vessel. Then observe that big man with white whiskers + and a big white turban, with a long reed pen thrust into his turban. He + has a long scarf wound round his waist with a silver inkstand adjusted + in the scarf. He, you must know, is a great banker. Thus you see + different sorts of persons leisurely going along, full of joy and mirth. + + 30 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + The night comes. The streets are resplendent with dazzling + illumination; dazzling indeed to a person who has never seen Regent + Street or Oxford Street, but by no means to be compared with the + scale on which illuminations are carried out at the Crystal Palace, + except in large towns like Bombay. Men, women and children wear + their best costumes, almost all of various colours, and so form a + wonderfully bizarre effect, which harmonizes into kaleidoscopic + beauty. This is also the night for worshipping Saraswati, the goddess + of learning. Merchants start their new ledgers, by making the first + entry. The officiating priest, the ubiquitous Brahmin, mutters some + prayers and invokes the goddess. At the end of the worship, the + children, who are only too impatient, set the fireworks ablaze; and as + this worship generally takes place at a fixed time, the streets resound + with the popping and fizzing and cracking of fireworks. Pious people + then go to the temples, but here too there is nothing to be seen but + mirth and glee, dazzling light and splendour. + The following day, i.e., the new year's day, is the day of paying + and receiving visits. Kitchen fires are put out on this day, so that + people eat the cold food which has been previously prepared. But the + glutton by no means starves, for there is such profusion that though + he eats and eats again there is yet plenty and to spare. Well-to-do + classes buy and cook every sort of vegetables, corn and pulse, and + taste them all on the new year's day. + The second day of the new year is comparatively a quiet day. + Kitchen fires are now re-lighted. Light food is generally taken after + the heavy meals of the previous days. There is no display of fireworks + except by some mischievous children. Illumination, too, is on a + smaller scale. With the second day the Divali holidays are practically + over. + Let us see how these holidays affect society, and how many + desirable things people do unwittingly. Generally, all the family + members try to meet together for the holidays at their chief place of + residence. The husband always tries to get home to his wife again, + even though his business may have taken him away the whole of the + previous year. The father travels a great distance to meet his children. + The son, if abroad, comes back from his school and so a general + reunion always takes place. Then all who can afford it have new sets + of clothes. Among the richer classes ornaments, too, are ordered + especially for the occasion. Even old family quarrels are patched up. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 31 + + At any rate a serious attempt is made to do so. Houses are repaired + and whitewashed. Old furniture, which was lying packed up in a + wooden case, is taken out, cleaned, and used for decorating the rooms + for the time being. Old debts, if any, are paid up wherever possible. + Everyone is supposed to buy some new thing, which almost always + takes the form of a metallic vessel, or some such thing, for the new + year's day. Alms are freely given. Persons not very careful about + offering prayers or visiting temples are now doing both. + On holidays no one is to quarrel with or swear at any other—a + pernicious habit very much in vogue, particularly among the lower + classes. In a word, everything is quiet and joyful. Life, instead of + being burdensome, is perfectly enjoyable. It will be easily seen that + good and far-reaching consequences cannot fail to flow from such + holidays, which some cry down as a relic of superstition and + tomfoolery, though in reality they are a boon to mankind, and tend to + relieve a great deal the dull monotony of life among the toiling + millions. Though the Divali holidays are common to the whole of + India, the mode of observing them varies in point of details in + different parts. Moreover, this is but an imperfect description of the + greatest festival of the Hindus. And it must not be supposed that there + is no abusing of the holidays. Like every other thing, this festival, too, + may have, and probably has, its black side, but that had better be left + alone. Certainly the good that it does far outweighs the evil. + The Vegetarian, 4-4-1891 + + 15. SOME INDIAN FESTIVALS-IIT + + Next in importance to the Divali holidays are the Holi holidays, + which were alluded to in The Vegetarian of the 28th March. + Holi holidays, as will be remembered, correspond to Easter in + point of time. Holi takes place on the full-moon day of the fifth + month, Falgun, of the Hindu year. This is just the springtime. Trees + are budding forth. Warm clothes are put off. Light clothes are the + fashion. That the spring has come is even more manifest when we + have a peep at one of the temples. The moment you enter a temple + (and you must be a Hindu in order to gain admittance thereinto), you + smell nothing but sweet flowers. Pious persons are sitting on the steps, + making garlands for Thakorji (God). Among the flowers you see + beautiful roses, chameli, moghra, etc. When the doors are flung open + + 32 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + for darshan (literally, seeing), you observe the fountains in full play. + You enjoy soft and fragrant breezes. Thakorji has worn light costumes + of delicate shades. Piles of flowers before him, and garlands round his + neck, almost hide him from your view. He is swung to and fro. The + swing, too, is covered with green leaves sprinkled with fragrant waters. + Outside the temple the sight is not edifying. You here meet with + nothing but obscene language during the fortnight preceding the + Holi. In small villages, it is difficult for ladies to appear without being + bespattered with mud. They are the subject of obscene remarks. The + same treatment is meted out to men without distinction. People form + themselves into small parties. Then one party competes with another + in using obscene language and singing obscene songs. All persons— + men and children, but not women—take part in these revolting + contests. + Indeed, it is not considered bad taste to use obscene words + during this season. In places where people are steeped in ignorance + they even pelt one another. They paint obscene words on your + clothes, and if you wear a white garment and go out, you are sure to + return home with plenty of mud about you. This reaches its climax on + the Holi day. Whether you are in the house or out of it, obscene words + are jarring on your ears. If you happen to visit a friend, you are sure + to be bathed in foul water, or in fragrant water, as the case may be. + In the evening, a big pile of wood or dried cow-dung is made + and set on fire. These piles are often as high as twenty feet or more. + And the pieces of wood used are so thick that the fire is not + extinguished for seven or eight days. On the day following, people + heat water on these fires and bathe with it. + So far I have spoken of the way in which the Holi holidays are + abused. It is a relief to be able to say that with the progress of + education and civilization such scenes are slowly, though surely, dying + out. But the richer and refined classes use these holidays in a very + decent way. Coloured water and fragrant waters take the place of mud. + Throwing pails of water is replaced here by a little sprinkling only. + Orange coloured water is most used during these days. It is made by + boiling dried flowers, called kesuda, which have the colour of an + orange. Rose water, too, is used where people can afford it. Friends + and relations meet and feast one another, and thus enjoy the spring in + merriment. + + In many respects, the Divali holidays present a beautiful contrast + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 33 + + to the, for the most part, unholy Holi holidays. Divali holidays begin + soon after the monsoon season which is also the time of fasting. So + the feasting during the Divali holidays is all the more enjoyable. + While the Holi holiday follow the winter which is the time for taking + concentrated foods of all sorts, such foods are left off during the Holi + holidays. Obscene language of Holi follows the most sacred songs of + the Divali. Then again people begin to wear winter clothes in the + Divali, while they put these off in the Holi. The Divali proper takes + place on the fifteenth day of the dark half of the month Ashwin and + consequently there is much illumination; while on account of the Holi + taking place on the full-moon day, illumination would be out of + place. + The Vegetarian, 25-4-1891 + + 16. THE FOODS OF INDIA' + + Before I proceed to the subject of my address I should like to + tell you what are my qualifications for undertaking the task. When + Mill wrote the History of India, he, in his most interesting preface, + pointed out how he was qualified to write the book, though he had + never been to India, and was ignorant of the Indian languages. So I + think that in following his example, I shall be doing just what I ought + to do. Of course, the very idea of referring to one's qualifications for + any task argues some sort of unfitness on the part of the speaker or + writer, and I confess that I am not the person to speak upon the + “Foods of India”. I have undertaken the task not because I am + thoroughly competent to speak on the subject but because I thought I + would thereby be doing a service to the cause that both you and I + have at heart. My remarks are chiefly derived from my experience of + the Bombay Presidency. Now, as you know, India is a vast peninsula + populated by two hundred and eighty-five million souls. It is as large + as Europe less Russia. In such a country, the customs and manners in + different parts must be necessarily different. So, if in future you hear + anything different from what I am going to say, I request you to bear + in mind the above fact. As a general rule, my remarks will apply to the + whole of India. + I shall divide the subject into three parts. In the first place I shall + say something, by way of preliminary, about the people who live upon + the foods; secondly, I shall describe the foods; and thirdly, their uses, + etc. + + 34 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + It is commonly believed that all the inhabitants of India are + vegetarians, but this is not true; and for that matter even all the Hindus + are not vegetarians. But it is quite true to say that the great majority of + the inhabitants of India are vegetarians'. Some of them are so because + of their religion, while others are compelled to live on vegetable foods + because they cannot afford to pay for meat. This will be quite clear to + you when I tell you that there are millions in India who live upon one + pice-i.e., one-third of a penny-a day, and even in a poverty-stricken + country like India you cannot get eatable meat for that sum. These + poor people have only one meal per day, and that consists of stale + bread and salt, a heavily taxed article. But Indian vegetarians and + meat-eaters are quite different from English vegetarians and meat- + eaters. Indian meat-eaters, unlike English meat-eaters, do not believe + that they will die without meat. So far as my knowledge goes, they + (the Indian meat-eaters) do not consider meat a necessity of life but a + mere luxury. If they can get their roti, as bread is generally called + there, they get on very well without their meat. But look at our English + meat-eater; he thinks that he must have his meat. Bread simply helps + him to eat meat, while the Indian meat-eater thinks that meat will help + him to eat his bread. + + I was talking the other day to an English lady on the ethics of + diet, and she exclaimed, while I was telling her how even she could + easily become a vegetarian, “Say what you will, I must have my meat, + I am so fond of it, and am positively sure I cannot live without it.” + “But, madam,” I said, “suppose that you were compelled to live on a + strictly vegetable diet, how would you manage then?” “Oh,” she said, + “don't talk of that. I know I could not be compelled to do so, and if I + were I should feel very uncomfortable.” Of course, no one can blame + the lady for so saying. Society is in such a position for the present that + it is impossible for any meat-eater to leave off eating meat without + much difficulty. + + In the same manner, an Indian vegetarian is quite different from + an English one. The former simply abstains from anything that + + ' The Vegetarian, 6-5-1891, reported : "Saturday May 2nd, Bloomsbury Hall, + Hart Street, Bloomsbury. .. Mrs. Harrison was followed by Mr. M. K. Gandhi. . . + After congratulating the previous speaker and apologizing for his paper, which was + entitled 'The Foods on India’, he began to read it. He was rather nervous in the + beginning." The text given here is of the paper read at the Portsmouth meeting of the + Vegetarian Society. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 35 + + involves the destroying of a life, or a would-be life, and he goes no + further. Therefore he does not take eggs, because he thinks that in + taking an egg he would kill a would-be life. (I am sorry to say I have + been taking eggs for about a month and half.) But he does not + hesitate to use milk and butter. He even uses these animal products, as + they are called here, on fruit days, which occur every fortnight. On + these days he is forbidden wheat, rice, etc., but he can use as much + butter and milk as he likes; while, as we know, some of the vegetarians + here discard butter and milk, some do away with cooking, and some + even try to live on fruits and nuts. + + I will now pass to the description of our different foods. I must + say that I shall not dwell upon the flesh foods at all, as these, even + where they are used, do not form the staple article of food. India is + preeminently an agricultural country, and a very large one. So + itsproducts are numerous and varied. Though the foundation of the + British rule in India dates from the year 1746 A.D., and though India + was known to the English much earlier than 1746, it is a pity that so + little should be known of the foods of India in England. We have not + to go very far to seek the cause. Almost all Englishmen who go to + India keep up their own way of living. They not only insist on having + the things they had in England, but will also have them cooked in the + same way. It is not for me here to go into the why and wherefore of + all these incidents. One would have thought that they would look into + the habits of the people, if only out of curiosity, but they have done + nothing of the kind, and hence we see the result of their stolid indif- + ference in the loss to many Anglo-Indians of the finest opportunities + of studying the food question. To return to the foods, there are many + kinds of corn produced in India which are absolutely unknown here. + + Wheat, however, is, of course, of the greatest importance there as + here. Then there are bajara (which is called millet by the Anglo- + Indians), joar, rice, etc. These are what I should call bread foods, + because they are chiefly used for bread-making. Wheat, of course, in + greatly used, but it being comparatively dear, bajara and joar take its + place among the poor classes. This is very much so in the southern + and the northern provinces. Speaking of the southern provinces, in his + Indian History, Sir W. W. Hunter' says: “The food of the common + + ' (1840-1900), served in India for 25 years; wrote a number of books including + Indian Empire. Compiled The Imperial Gazetteer of India in 14 volumes. Member of + the Viceroy's Legislative Council (1881-87). On retirement from India became + member of the British Committee of the Congress, and from 1890 contributed to The + Times on Indian affairs. + + 36 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + people consists chiefly of small grains, such as joar, bajara, ragi.” Of + the north, he says: “The two last (i.e., joar and bajara) form the food + of the masses, rice being only grown on irrigated lands and consumed + by the rich.” It is not at all unusual to find persons who have not + tasted joar. Joar being the diet of the poor, it is held in reverence, as it + were. Instead of good-bye as the parting salute, the poor in India say + oar’, which, when extended and translated, would, I think, mean: + “May you never be without ‘joar'.”' The rice, too, is used for bread- + making, especially in Bengal. The Bengalees use rice more than + wheat. In other parts, rice, as an article for bread-making, is rarely, if + ever, used. Chana, or gram as it is called by the Anglo-Indians, is + sometimes used for the same purpose, either in combination with or + without wheat. It closely resembles peas in taste and shape. This brings + me to the various kinds of pulses for soup-making, or dal. Gram, peas, + lentils, haricot beans, tuar, mug, muth, urad are the chief pulses used + for dal. Of these, I think, tuar heads the list in popularity. Both these + kinds of foods are chiefly used when dried. Now I come to the green + vegetables. It would be useless to give you names of all the vegetables. + They are so numerous that I am sure there are many of them that I do + not know. The soil of India is so rich that it can produce any + vegetable you like. So we may safely say that with a proper + knowledge of agriculture, the Indian soil may be made to produce + any vegetable to be found on earth. + There now remains fruit and nuts. I am sorry to say that the + proper value of fruits is not known in India. Though it is used in + abundance, it is used rather as a luxury than anything else. It is used + more for the sake of its palatable taste than of health. Therefore, we + do not get such valuable fruits as oranges, apples, etc., in plenty; hence + they are available only to the rich. But we get plenty of seasonal fruits + and dried fruits. Summer in India, as everywhere, is the best season for + the former. Of these, the mango is the most important. It is the most + delicious fruit I have yet tasted. Some have placed the pineapple at the + top of the list; but a great majority of those who have tasted the + mango vote in its favour. It remains in season for three months, when + it is very cheap, and consequently both the rich and the poor can + enjoy it. I have heard that some even live on mangoes—of course, + only while they are in season. But, unfortunately, the mango is a fruit + that will not keep long in a good condition. It resembles the peach in + + ' Gandhiji appears to have confused between ‘jowar' (the foodgrain) and ‘juhar, + a word of salutation in some Indian languages. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 37 + + taste, and is a stone-fruit. It is often as big as a small melon. That + brings us to the melons, which are also plentiful in summer. They are + far superior to what we get here. However, I must not inflict any more + names of fruits on you; suffice it to say that India produces + innumerable varieties of seasonal fruits, which do not keep long. All + these fruits are available to the poor; the pity is that they never make a + meal of these fruits. Generally, we believe that fruit causes fever, + diarrhoea, etc. In summer, when we always dread cholera, authorities + prohibit—rightly, too, in many cases—the sale of melons and other + such fruits. As for dried fruits, we get almost all the varieties that are to + be had here. Of nuts we get some varieties which you do not get here; + on the other hand, some that are to be had here are not seen in India. + Nuts are never used as food in India; and so, properly speaking, they + should not be included in the “Foods of India”. Now, before I come + to the last division of my subject, I should request you to bear in mind + the following divisions that I have made: first, corn for bread-making, + e.g., wheat, millet, etc.; second, pulse, for dal or soup-making; third, + green vegetables; fourth, fruits; and, fifth and last, nuts. + Of course, I am not going to give you recipes for cooking these + different kinds of foods. That is beyond my power. I shall tell you the + general way in which they are cooked for their proper uses. Diet cure + or hygiene is a comparatively recent discovery in England. In India + we have been practising this from time out of mind. Native physicians + no doubt, use drugs, too, but they depend more upon change of diet + than upon the efficacy of the drugs they prescribe. They would ask + you to take salt in certain cases; in many, they would ask you to + abstain from acid foods, and so on, every food having its medical + value. As for the corn for bread-making, it is the most important + article of diet. For convenience, I have called the preparation made of + flour bread, but cake would be a better name for it. I shall not relate + the whole process of making it, but I may just say that we do not + throw away the bran. These cakes are always fresh made, and + generally eaten hot with clarified butter. They are to the Indians what + meat is to the English. The quantity of food a person eats is measured + according to the number of cakes he eats. Pulse and vegetables are left + out of account. You may make a meal without pulse, without + vegetables, but never without cakes. Different preparations, too are + made of the various kinds of corns, but they are merely cakes in + disguise. + + 38 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Pulse for soup-making, e.g., peas, lentils, etc., is prepared by + simply boiling it in water. But an addition of innumerable + condiments makes it a most delicious dish. The art of cooking has + full play in these foods. I have known peas spiced with salt, pepper, + turmeric, cloves, cinnamon, and such like. The proper use of pulse is + to help you to eat the cakes. Medically, it is not supposed good to + take too much of the pulses. A remark on rice here would not be out + of place. As I have already said, rice is used for bread-making, + especially in Bengal. Some of the doctors trace the diabetes from + which the Bengalees very often suffer to this source. No one in India + would call rice a nourishing food. It is the food of the rich, i.e., of + people who do not want to work. Labouring men very rarely use rice. + Physicians put their feverish patients on rice. I have suffered from + fever (no doubt by breaking hygienic rules, as Dr. Allinson would + say), and was put upon a diet of rice and mug-water. Recovery was + marvellous. + + Next come green vegetables. These are prepared in much the + same way as pulses. Oil and butter play an important part in the + preparation of vegetables. Often gram flour is mixed with them. + Simply boiled vegetables are never eaten. I never saw a boiled potato + in India. Not infrequently they make a combination of many + vegetables. It is needless to say that India would far outbid France in + cooking vegetables nicely. Their proper use is much the same as that + of pulse. In importance they stand next to it. They are more or less a + luxury, and are generally supposed to be a source of disease. Poor + people have hardly one vegetable once or twice a week. They would + have cakes and dal. Some of the vegetables have an excellent + medicinal value. There is one vegetable called tandalja. It very closely + resembles spinach in taste. Physicians prescribe it to persons who have + indulged in too much cayenne pepper and spoiled their eyesight + thereby. + Then come fruits. They are used chiefly on “fruit days”, but + are rarely, if ever, used at the end of ordinary meals. People generally + take them now and then. Mango-juice is very greatly used in the + mango-season. It is eaten with cakes or rice. We never cook or stew + ripe fruits. We preserve unripe fruits, chiefly mangoes, while acid. + Medicinally, fresh fruits, being generally acid, are supposed to have a + tendency to give fever. Dried fruits are much used by children, and + dried dates deserve some notice. We suppose them to be strength- + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 39 + + giving, and therefore in winter, when we take concentrated foods, we + prepare them with milk and various other things too numerous to be + mentioned, and eat an ounce every day. + + Lastly, nuts take the place of English sweets. Children eat a great + quantity of sugared nuts. They are also largely used on “fruit days”. + We fry them in butter, and even stew them in milk. Almonds are + supposed to be very good for the brain. I will just point out one of the + various ways in which we use the cocoanut. It is first ground and then + mixed with clarified butter and sugar. It tastes very nice. I hope some + of you will try at home those coconut sweet balls as they are called. + This, ladies and gentlemen, is a sketch—a most imperfect sketch—of + foods of India. I hope you will be induced to learn more about them, + and I am sure you will profit by doing so. In conclusion, I further + hope the time will come when the great difference now existing + between the food habits of meat-eating in England and grain-eating in + India will disappear, and with it some other differences which, in some + quarters, mar the unity of sympathy that ought to exist between the + two countries. In the future, I hope we shall tend towards unity of + custom, and also unity of hearts. + The Vegetarian Messenger, 1-6-1891 + + 17. SPEECH TO THE BAND OF MERCY, LONDON + + UPPER NORWOOD, + [Before June 6, 1891] + By previous arrangement... Mrs. McDouall . . . was to deliver a lecture to a + meeting of the members of the Band of Mercy’, by the courtesy of Miss Seecombe, + but she being ill, Mr. Gandhi (a Hindu from India) was requested and kindly consented + to take the meeting. Mr. Gandhi spoke for about a quarter of an hour on vegetarianism + from a humanitarian standpoint, and insisted that the members of the Band of Mercy, + in order to be logical, ought to be vegetarian. He wound up with a quotation from + Shakespeare. + The Vegetarian, 6-6-1891 + + ' For the prevention of cruelty to animals + + 40 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 18. SPEECH AT FAREWELL DINNER1 + June 11, 1891 + + Although is was a sort of a farewell dinner, there was no sign of sorrow, + because all felt that though Mr. Gandhi was going back to India, yet he was going to a + still greater work for vegetarianism, and that upon the completion of his law career + and his final success, congratulations to him should take the place of personal + wailings. .. + At the close of the function, Mr. Gandhi, in a very graceful though + somewhat nervous speech, welcomed all present, spoke of the pleasure it gave him to + see the habit of abstinence from flesh progressing in England, related the manner in + which his connection with the London Vegetarian Society arose, and in so doing + took occasion to speak in a touching way of what he owed to Mr. Oldfield’... . + + He also pointed to the hope that a future congress of the Federal Union would + be held in India. + + The Vegetarian, 11-6-1891 + + 19. INTERVIEW TO “THE VEGETARIAN’”?-I + + Mr. Gandhi was first asked what was the reason which first induced him to + think of coming over to England and adopting the legal profession. + In a word, ambition. I matriculated at the Bombay University in + the year 1887. Then I joined the Bhavnagar College, for unless you + graduate at the Bombay University you get no status in society. If you + want any employment before that, you cannot secure unless, of + course, you have a very good influence to back you up, a respectable + post, giving a handsome salary. But I found that I would have to + spend three years at the least before I could graduate. Moreover, I + suffered from constant headaches and nose-bleeding, and this was + supposed to be due to the hot climate. And, after all, I could not, even + after graduating, expect any very great income. While I was + incessantly brooding over these things, an old friend of my father saw + + ' Held at Holborn + * Dr. Josiah Oldfield, editor of The Vegetarian + * To enable Englishmen to appreciate the difficulties confronting Hindus + intending to proceed to England for studies and to point out to such Hindus how the + difficulties might be overcome, a representative of The Vegetarian put Gandhiji a + number of questions. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 41 + + and advised me to go to England and take the robe; he, as it were, + fanned the fire that was burning within me. I thought to myself, “If I + go to England not only shall I become a barrister (of whom I used to + think a great deal), but I shall be able to see England, the land of + philosophers and poets, the very centre of civilization.” This + gentleman had great influence with my elders, and so he succeeded in + persuading them to send me to England. + + This is a very brief statement of my reasons for coming to + England, but they by no means represent my present views. + Of course, your friends were all delighted at your ambitious purpose? + Well, not all. There are friends and friends. Those who were my + real friends, and of about my age, were very glad to hear that I was to + go to England. Some were friends, or rather, well-wishers, old in years. + These sincerely believed that I was going to ruin myself, and that I + would be a disgrace to my family by going to England. Others, + however, set up their opposition simply from malice. They had seen + some of the barristers who derived fabulous incomes, and they were + afraid that I might do the same. Some, again, there were, who thought + that I was too young (I am now about twenty-two), or that I should not + be able to bear the climate. To cut the matter short, no two persons + supported or opposed my coming on the same grounds. + + How did you set about carrying out your intention? Just tell me, if you please, + what were your difficulties, and how you overcame them. + Even to try to tell you the story of my difficulties would fill up + the whole of your valuable paper. It is a tale of misery and woe. The + difficulties may well be likened to the heads of Ravana-the giant of + the second' great Hindu epic Ramayana, whom Rama, the Hero, + fought, and ultimately defeated—which were many, and which were + no sooner chopped off than replaced. They may be divided chiefly + under four heads, viz., money, consent of my elders, separation from + relations, and caste restrictions. + First, then, as to money. Though my father was the prime + minister of more than one native State, he never hoarded money. He + spent all that he earned in charity and the education and marriages of + his children, so we were practically left without much cash. He left + some property, and that was all. When asked why he did not collect + money and set it aside for his children, he used to say that his children + + ' The other great epic is the Mahabharata + + 42 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + represented his wealth, and if he hoarded much money he would spoil + them. So, then, money was no small difficulty in my way. I tried for + some State scholarship but failed. At one place, I was asked to prove + my worth by graduating and then expect it. Experience teaches me + that the gentleman who said so was right. Not daunted, I requested my + eldest brother to devote all the money that was left to my education in + England. + Here I cannot help digressing to explain the family system that + prevails in India. There, unlike as in England, the children always, if + male, and until marriage, if female, live with their parents. What they + earn goes to the father, and so also what they lose is a loss to the + father. Of course, even the male children do separate under + exceptional circumstances, e.g., in the case of a great quarrel. But + these are the exceptions. In the legal languages of Mayne: + “Individual property is the rule in the West. Corporate property is the + rule in the East.” So then Everything was under the control of my + brother, and we were all living together. + + To return to the question of money. What little my father could + leave for me was in the hands of my brother. It could only be set free + subject to his consent. Moreover, that was not enough, so I proposed + that the whole capital should be devoted to my education I ask you if + any brother would do so here. There are very few such brothers in + India. He was told that I might prove an unworthy brother after + imbibing the Western ideas, and that the only chance of regaining the + money would be in my returning alive to India, which was very + doubtful. But he turned a deaf ear to all these reasonable and well- + meant warnings. There was one, and only one condition attached to + the consent to my proposal, viz., that I should get the permission of + my mother and my uncle. May many persons have such brothers as + mine! I then set about the allotted task, which I can assure you was + uphill enough. Fortunately, I was the pet of my mother. She had + much faith in me, and so I succeeded in getting over her superstition, + but how was I to make her nod consent to a three years' separation? + However, by showing the exaggerated advantages of coming to + England, I got her to accede, with much reluctance, to my request. + Now for the uncle. He was on the point of going to Benares and such + other holy places. After three days' incessant persuasion and + arguments I could get the following answer from him : + + “Iam going on a pilgrimage. What you say may be right, but + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 43 + + how could I willingly say ‘yes’ to your unholy proposal? The only + thing I can say is that, if your mother does not mind your going, I + have no right to interfere.” + This was easily interpreted into ‘yes’. Nor were these the only + two whom I had to please. In India everyone, no matter how remotely + connected, thinks that he has a right to poke his nose into another's + affairs. But when I had exacted (for it was nothing else) acquiescence + from the two, the pecuniary difficulties almost disappeared. + + The difficulties under the second head are partially discussed + above. You will, perhaps, be astonished to hear that I am married. + (The marriage took place at the age of twelve.) Small blame then to + my wife's parents if they thought that they had a right to interfere if + only for the sake of their daughter. Who was to look after her? How + was she to manage to spend the three years? Of course she was to be + looked after by my brother. Poor brother! According to my ideas at + that time, I should have taken little notice of their legitimate fears and + growlings, had it not been that their displeasure would have been + reflected on my mother and brother. It was no easy task to sit night + after night with my father- in-law and to hear and successfully answer + his objections. But then I was taught the old proverb, “Patience and + perseverance overcome mountains’, too well to give way. + When I had the money and the requisite permission, I said to + myself, “How am I to persuade myself to separate from all that is dear + and near to me?” In India we fight shy of separation. Even when I + had to go for a few days my mother would weep. How, then, was I to + witness, without being affected, the heart-rending scene? It is + impossible for me to describe the tortures that my mind had to suffer. + As the day of leave-taking drew near I nearly broke down. But I was + wise enough not to say this, even to my closest friends. I knew that my + health was failing. Sleeping, waking, drinking, eating, walking, + running, reading, I was dreaming and thinking of England and what I + would do on that momentous day. At last the day came. On the one + hand, my mother was hiding her eyes, full of tears, in her hands, but + the sobbing was clearly heard. On the other, I was placed among a + circle of some fifty friends. “If I wept they would think me too weak; + perhaps they would not allow me to go to England,” soliloquized J; + therefore I did not weep, even though my heart was breaking. Last, + but not least, came the leave-taking with my wife. It would be contrary + to custom for me to see or talk to her in the presence of friends. So I + + 44 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + had to see her in a separate room. She, of course, had begun sobbing + long before. I went to her and stood like a dumb statue for a moment. + I kissed her, and she said, “Don't go”. What followed I need not + describe. This done, my anxieties were not over. It was but the + beginning of the end. The leave-taking was only half done, for I + parted with the mother and the wife in Rajkot—where I was + educated—but my brother and friends came to see me off as far as + Bombay. The scene that took place there was no less affecting. + + The collisions with my caste fellows in Bombay defy + description, for Bombay is the place where they chiefly live. In Rajkot + I did not meet with any such opposition worthy of the name. It was + my misfortune to live in the heart of the city of Bombay, where they + most abound, so I was hemmed in on all sides. I could not go out + without being pointed and stared at by someone or other. At one time, + while I was walking near the Town Hall, I was surrounded and hooted + by them, and my poor brother had to look at the scene in silence. The + culminating point was reached when a huge meeting of the caste + fellows was summoned by the chief representatives. Every member of + the caste was called upon to attend the meeting, under pain of + forfeiting a fine of five annas. I may here mention that, before this + step was determined upon, I was pestered with many deputations from + them without avail. At this great meeting, I was seated in the centre of + the audience. The Patels, as the representatives are called, remonstrated + with me very strongly and reminded me of their connection with my + father. It may be mentioned that all this was quite a unique experience + to me. They literally dragged me out of seclusion, for I was not + accustomed to such things. Moreover, my position became more + precarious on account of an extreme shyness. Seeing that + remonstrance fell flat on me, the head Patel addressed me (in effect) + in the following words: “We were your father's friends, and therefore + we feel for you; as heads of the caste you know our power. We are + positively informed that you will have to eat flesh and drink wine in + England; moreover, you have to cross the waters; all this you must + know is against our caste rules. Therefore we command you to + reconsider your decision, or else the heaviest punishment will be + meted out to you. What have you to say to this?” + I replied in the following words: “I thank you for your + warnings. I am sorry that I cannot alter my decision. What I have + heard about England is quite different from what you say; one need + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 45 + + not take meat and wine there. As for crossing the waters, if our + brethren can go as far as Aden, why could not I go to England? I am + deeply convinced that malice is at the root of all these objections.” + “Very well, then,” replied the worthy Patel in anger, “You are + not the son of your father.” Then, turning to the audience, he went + on: “This boy has lost his sense, and we command everyone not to + have anything to do with him. He who will support him in any way or + go to see him off will be treated as an outcaste, and if the boy ever + returns, let him know that he shall never be taken into the caste.” + + These words fell like a bombshell upon all. Even the chosen few + who had supported me through thick and thin left me alone. I had a + great mind to answer the childish taunt, but was prevented from so + doing by my brother. Thus even though I got out of the ordeal safely, + my position became worse than ever. Even my brother began to + vacillate, though only for a moment. He was reminded of the threat + that the pecuniary support from him would cost him not only the + money, but his membership of the caste. So although he did not say + anything to me in person, he asked some of his friends to persuade + me either to reconsider my decision or to defer its execution till the + fury had subsided. There could be but one answer from me, and ever + since that he never flinched, and, in fact, he has not been + excommunicated; but the end had not come yet. The intrigues of the + caste fellows were always at work. They almost seemed to have scored + this time, for they could put off my going for a fortnight. They + carried it out thuswise. We went to see a captain of a steamship + company, who was requested to say that it would be unwise for me to + leave during that time—August—because of the rough weather in the + sea. My brother would consent to anything but this. Unfortunately, + this was the first voyage that I had undertaken, so no one knew + whether I was a good sailor or not, so I was helpless, Much against my + will I had to put off the departure. I thought the whole structure would + fall to the ground. My brother, having left a note to a friend, + requesting him to give me the passage money when the time came, + took leave. The parting scene was similar to the one described above. + Now I was left alone in Bombay without money to buy the passage. + Every hour that I had to wait seemed a year. In the meanwhile I heard + that another Indian gentleman! was about to leave for England; this + + ' Mazmudar; vide “London Diary”, 12-11-1888. + + 46 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + news was godsend to me. I thought I would be allowed to go now. I + made use of the note, and was refused the money. I had to make + preparations within twenty-four hours; I was in a dreadful flutter. + Without money I felt as if I was a bird without wings. A friend whom I + shall always thank came to the rescue and advanced the passage + money. I bought the ticket, telegraphed to my brother, and sailed for + England on the 4th September, 1888. Such were my chief difficulties, + which spread over nearly five months. It was a time of terrible anxiety + and torture. Now hopeful, and now desponded, I dragged along + always trying my best, and then depending upon God to show me the + cherished goal. + The Vegetarian, 13-6-1891 + + 20. INTERVIEW TO “THE VEGETARIAN ”-II + + On your arrival in England, of course, you were face to face with the flesh- + eating problem; how did you solve it? + Iwas overwhelmed with gratuitous advice. Well-meaning yet + ignorant friends thrust their opinions into unwilling ears. The majority + of them said I could not do without meat in the cold climate. I would + catch consumption. Mr. Z went to England and caught it on account + of his foolhardiness. Others said I might do without flesh but without + wine I could not move. I would be numbed with cold. One went so far + as to advise me to take eight bottles of whisky, for I should want them + after leaving Aden. Another wanted me to smoke, for his friend was + obliged to smoke in England. Even medical men, those who had been + to England, told the same tale. But as I wanted to come at any price, I + replied that I would try my best to avoid all these things, but if they + were found to be absolutely necessary I did not know what I should + do. I may here mention that my aversion to meat was not so strong + then as it is now. I was even betrayed into taking meat about six or + seven times at the period when I allowed my friends to think for me. + But in the steamer my ideas began to change. I thought I should not + take meat on any account. My mother before consenting to my + departure exacted a promise from me not to take meat. So I was + bound not to take it, if only for the sake of the promise. The fellow- + passengers in the steamer began to advise us (the friend who was with + me and myself) to try it. + + They said I would require it after leaving Aden. When this + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 47 + + turned out untrue, I was to require it after crossing the Red Sea. And + on this proving false, a fellow-passenger said, “The weather has not + been severe, but in the Bay of Biscay you will have to choose between + death, and meat and wine “ That crisis too passed away safely. In + London, too, I had to hear such remonstrances. For months I did not + come across any vegetarian. I passed many anxious days arguing with + a friend about the sufficiency of the vegetable diet; but at that time + having but little knowledge of arguments other than humanitarian in + favour of vegetarianism, I got the worst of it as the friend scouted the + idea of humanity in such discussions. At last I sealed his tongue by + telling him I would sooner die than break the promise to my mother. + “Humph,” said he, “childishness, rank superstition; but since, even + after coming here, you are superstitious enough to believe in such + nonsense, I cannot help you any more, I only wish you had not come + to England.” + He never afterwards pressed the point seriously, except perhaps + once, though ever since that he took me for little more than a fool. In + the meanwhile I remembered once to have passed by a vegetarian + restaurant (it was the “Porridge Bowl’). I asked a gentleman to direct + me there, but instead of reaching there I saw the “Central” restaurant, + and went there and had some porridge for the first time. I did not at + first enjoy it, but I liked the pie which I had for the second course. It + was there that I first bought some vegetarian literature among which + was a copy of A Plea for Vegetarianism by H. S. Salt, after reading + which I adopted vegetarianism from principle. + Till then I considered flesh to be a superior diet from a scientific + point of view. Moreover, it was there that I came to know the existence + of the Vegetarian Society of Manchester. But I did not take any active + interest in it. I did, now and then, read The Vegetarian Messenger and + that was all. My knowledge of The Vegetarian dates from a year and a + half. It was at the International Vegetarian Congress that I may be said + to have known the L.V.S1. That the Congress was sitting I knew by the + kind courtesy of Mr. Josiah Oldfield, who heard of me from a friend, + and was good enough to ask me to attend it. In conclusion, I am + bound to say that, during my nearly three years’ stay in England, I + have left many things undone, and have done many things which + perhaps I might better have left undone, yet I carry one great + + ' London Vegetarian Society + + 48 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + consolation with me that I shall go back without having taken meat or + wine, and that I know from personal experience that there are so many + vegetarians in England. + The Vegetarian, 20-6-1891 + + 21. APPLICATION FOR ENROLMENT AS ADVOCATE + + BOMBAY, + November /6, 1891] + TO + THE PROTHONOTARY AND REGISTRAR + OF THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE + BOMBAY + SIR, + I am desirous of being admitted as an Advocate of the High + Court. I was called to the Bar in England on the 10th June last. I have + kept twelve terms in the Inner Temple and I intend to practise in the + Bombay Presidency. + I produce the certificate of my being called to the Bar. As to the + certificate of my character and abilities, I have not been able to obtain + any certificate from a judge in England, for I was not aware of the + rules in force in the Bombay High Court. I, however, produce a + certificate from Mr. W. D. Edwards, a practising Barrister in the + Supreme Court of Judicature in England. He is the author of the + Compendium of the Law of Property in Land, one of the books + prescribed for the Bar Final Examination + I beg to remain, + Sir; + Your most obedient servant + + M. K. GANDHI + + Mahatma, Vol. I; also from a photostat: + + 22. ON WAY HOME TO INDIA-I + + It was on the 12th June, 1891, that I left for Bombay after three + years' stay in England. A beautiful day it was: the sun shone + brilliantly; no overcoat was needed to keep off the cold breezes. + It was at 11.45 that an express train carrying the passengers left + the Liverpool Street Station for the docks. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 49 + + I could not make myself believe that I was going to India until I + stepped into the steamship Oceana, of the P. & O. Company. So much + attached was I to London and its environments for who would not be? + London with its teaching institutions, public galleries, museums, + theatres, vast commerce, public parks and vegetarian restaurants, is a + fit place for a student and a traveller, a trader and a “addist”—as a + vegetarian would be called by his opponents. Thus, it was not without + deep regret that I left dear London. At the same time I was glad + because I was to see my friends and relations in India after such a + long time. + Oceana is an Australian steamer, one of the largest boats of the + Company. She weighs 6,188 tons and her horse-power is 1,200. When + we stepped into this vast floating island, we were treated to a good + refreshing tea, to which all (passengers and friends alike) did justice. I + must not omit to say that the tea was served gratis. At this time, a + stranger would have taken them all for passengers (and they were a + goodly number), from the ease with which they were taking their tea; + but, when the bell rang to inform the friends of the passengers that the + ship was going to weigh anchor, the number appreciably melted away. + There was much cheering and waving of handkerchiefs when the ship + steamed off the harbour. + + It may be well here to contrast the Oceana with the Assam into + which the Bombay-bound passengers had to transship at Aden. There + were English waiters on the Oceana, always neat, clean and obliging. + On the other hand, there were Portuguese waiters on board the Assam, + who murdered the Queen's English, and who were always the reverse + of clean, and also sulky and slow. + There was, moreover, a difference of quality in the food + supplied in the two steamers. This was evident from the way in which + the passengers were grumbling in the Assam. Nor was this all. The + accommodation in the Oceana far outdid that in the Assam; this, + however, the company could not help; they could not throw away the + latter because the former was better. + How did the vegetarians manage in the ship? This would be an + apt question. + Well, there were only two vegetarians, including myself. Both of + us were prepared, in case we did not get anything better, to manage + with boiled potatoes, cabbage and butter. But we had no reason to go + to that extreme. The obliging steward gave us some vegetable curry, + + 50 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + rice, stewed and fresh fruit from the first saloon, and last, but not least, + brown bread; so we had all we wanted. Undoubtedly, they are very + liberal in giving good and sufficient food to the passengers. Only, + they go too far; so at least it seems to me. + It would not be amiss to describe what the second-saloon menus + contained, and how many meals the passengers had. + To begin with, the first thing in the morning, an average + passenger would have a cup or two of tea and a few biscuits. At 8.30 + a.m. the breakfast bell would bring down the passengers to the dining- + room. They were punctual to the minute, at their meals, at any rate. + The breakfast menu generally contained oatmeal porridge, some fish, + chop, curry, jam, bread and butter, tea or coffee, etc., everything ad + libitum. + I have often seen passengers take porridge, fish and curry, bread + and butter, and wash down with two or three cups of tea. + + Hardly had we time to digest the breakfast, when, bang,-it was + the dinner bell at 1.30 p.m. The dinner was as good as breakfast: + plenty of mutton and vegetables, rice and curry, pastry, and what not. + Two days of the week, all the second-saloon passengers were served + with fruit and nuts in addition to the ordinary dinner. But this, too, was + not sufficient. The dinner fare was so easily digestible that we wanted + a “refreshing” cup of tea and biscuits at 4 p.m. Well, but the evening + breezes seemed so soon to take away all the effect of “that little” cup + of tea that we were served a “high tea” at 6.30 p.m.: bread and butter, + jam or marmalade, or both, salad, chops, tea, coffee, etc. The sea-air + seemed to be so very salubrious that the passengers could not retire to + bed before taking a few, a very few—only eight or ten, fifteen at the + most—biscuits, a little cheese and some wine or beer. In the light of + the above, are not the following lines too true: + Your belly is your God, your stomach is your temple, your paunch is + your altar, your cook is your priest... . It is in the cooking-pots that your + love is inflamed, it is in the kitchen that your faith grows fervid, it is in the + flesh-dishes that all hope lies hid. . . . Who is held in so much esteem with you + as the frequent giver of dinners, as the sumptuous entertainer, as the practised + toaster of health? + The second saloon was pretty full of passengers of all sorts. + There were soldiers, clergymen, barbers, sailors, students, officials and, + maybe, adventurers. There were three or four ladies. We beguiled our + time chiefly in eating and drinking. The rest of the time was either + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 51 + + dozed away or passed in chatting, at times in discussing, in playing + games, etc. But after two or three days, the time between the meals + seemed to hang heavy in spite of discussions and cards and scandals. + + Some of us really warmed to the work and got up concerts, tugs- + of-war, and running races for prizes. One evening was devoted to + concerts and speeches. + + Now, I thought it was time for me to poke my nose in. I + requested the secretary of the committee, who managed those things, + to give me a quarter of an hour for a short speech on vegetarianism. + The secretary obligingly nodded consent to my request. + + Well, I made grand preparations. I thought out and then wrote + out and re-wrote the speech that was to be delivered. I well knew that I + had to meet a hostile audience, and that I should take care that my + speech did not send my audience to sleep. The secretary had asked + me to be humorous. I told him that I might be nervous, but humorous + I could not be. + + Now, what do you think became of the speech? The second + concert never came off, and so the speech was never delivered, to my + great mortification. I fancy it was because no one seemed to enjoy the + first evening, for we had no Pitts and Gladstones in the second saloon. + + However, I succeeded in discussing vegetarianism with two or + three passengers, who heard me calmly, and answered in effect, “We + grant you the argument; but so long as we feel happy on our present + diet (never mind about our being dyspeptic at times), we cannot give it + a trial!” + One of them, seeing that my vegetarian friend and I got nice + fruits every day, did give the V.E.M. diet a trial, but the chop was too + great a temptation for him. + Poor man! + + The Vegetarian, 9-4-1892 + + 23. ON WAY HOME TO INDIA-II + + Moreover, as an instance of affability between passengers and of + politeness on the part of the first-saloon passengers, the second-saloon + passengers were often invited to witness the theatricals and dances that + they got up from time to time. + + They had some very nice ladies and gentlemen in the first + + 52 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + saloon. But it would not do to have all play and no quarrel, so some of + the passengers thought fit to get drunk (beg your pardon, Mr. Editor, + they got drunk almost every evening, but this particular evening they + got drunk and disorderly). They, it seems, were discussing with one + another over a glass of whisky, when some of them used improper + language. Then followed a fight of words culminating in a fight of + blows. The matter was reported to the captain. He reproved these + pugilistic gentlemen, and ever since then we had no more rows. + Thus, dividing our time between eating and amusements, we + moved onward. + After two days' voyage, the steamer passed by, but did not touch, + Gibraltar. This caused much disappointment, mostly among smokers, + who wanted to get tobacco, duty-free in Gibraltar, as some of us had + entertained a hope the steamer would cast anchor. + + The next place reached was Malta. It being a coaling station, the + steamer stops there for about nine hours. Almost all the passengers + went ashore. + + Malta is a beautiful island without the London smoke. The + construction of houses is different. We had a look round the + Governor's palace. The armoury is well worth a visit. Napoleon's + carriage is on view there. You see there some beautiful paintings too. + The market is not bad. The fruit is cheap. The cathedral is + magnificent. + We had a nice drive of about six miles to the orange garden. + There you see some thousands of orange trees and some ponds with + gold fish. The drive was very cheap, only 2s. 6d. + + What a wretched place Malta is for beggars! You cannot go + along the road quietly without being pestered by a crowd of dirty- + looking beggars. Some would offer to be your guides, others would + offer to take you to shops where you could buy cigars or the famous + Maltese sweet nougat. + + From Malta we reached Brindisi. It is a good harbour and that is + all. You cannot pass a single day in amusement. We had about nine + hours or more at our disposal, but we could not utilize even four. + After Brindisi we reached Port Said. There we took final leave of + Europe and the Mediterranean. Of course, there is nothing to be seen + in Port Said, unless you want to see the dregs of society. It is full of + rogues and rascals. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 53 + + From Port Said the steamer moves along very slowly, for we + enter the Suez Canal of M. de Lesseps. It is a distance of eighty-seven + miles. The steamer took nearly twenty-four hours to travel that + distance. We were close to the land on both sides. The strip of water is + so narrow that two steamers cannot go abreast except at certain places. + At night the sight is charming. All the ships are required to light + electric lights in front and these are very powerful. The scene when + two ships pass one another is very pleasant. The electric light you get + from the opposite ship is simply dazzling. + + We passed the Ganges. We raised three cheers for her, which + were heartily returned by the passengers on board the Ganges. The + town Suez is at the other end of the canal. The steamer hardly stops + there for half an hour. + + Now we entered the Red Sea. It was a three days' voyage but it + was most trying. It was unbearably hot. Not only was it impossible to + remain inside the steamer, but it was too hot even on the deck. Here, + for the first time, we felt that we were going to India to face the hot + climate. + + We had some breeze when we reached Aden. Here, we (the + passengers for Bombay) had to transship into the Assam.. It was like + leaving London for a miserable village. The Assam is hardly half as + big as the Oceana. + + Misfortunes never come single; with the Assam we had a stormy + ocean, because it was the monsoon season. The Indian Ocean is + generally calm, so during monsoon it is stormy with a vengeance. We + had to pass five days more on the waters before we reached Bombay. + The second night brought the real storm. Many were sick. If I + ventured out on the deck I was splashed with water. There goes a + crash; something is broken. In the cabin you cannot sleep quietly. + The door is banging. Your bags begin to dance. You roll in your bed. + You sometimes feel as if the ship is sinking. At the dinner table you + are no more comfortable. The steamer rolls on your side. Your forks + and spoons are in your lap, even the cruet stand and the soup plate; + your napkin is dyed yellow and so on. + One morning I asked the steward if that was what he would call a + real storm, and he said: “No, sir, this is nothing.” and, waving his arm, + showed me how the steamer would roll in a real storm. + Thus tossed up and down, we reached Bombay on July Sth. It + was raining very hard and so it was difficult going ashore. However, + we reached the shore safely, and bade good-bye to the Assam. + + 54 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + What a human cargo was on the Oceana, and the Assam! Some + were going to make fortunes in Australia in high hopes; some, having + finished their studies in England, were going to India in order to earn + a decent living. Some were called away by a sense of duty, some were + going to meet their husbands in Australia or India, as the case may be, + and some were adventurers who, being disappointed at home, were + going to pursue their adventures, God knows where. + + Were the hopes of all realized? That is the question. How + hopeful, yet how often disappointed, is the human mind! We live in + hopes. + The Vegetarian, 16-4-1892 + + 24. LETTER TO RANCHHODLAL PATWARI + + BOMBAY, + September 5, 1892 + + MY DEAR PATWARI, + + I thank you for your kind letter and the advice you have given + me. + As I told you in my last p.c., I have to postpone going abroad + for practice. My brother is very much against it. He thinks that I need + not despair of getting a decent livelihood in Kathiawar1 and _ that + without directly taking part in the khutput’. However this may be, + since he is so hopeful and is entitled to every consideration from me, I + shall follow his advice. Here, too, I have been promised some work. So + I intend to be here for about two months at least. I do not think my + accepting a literary post will materially interfere with my legal studies. + On the other hand, such a work will add to my knowledge that cannot + but be indirectly useful in practice. Moreover, thereby I can work with + a more concentrated mind free from worry, but where is the post? Not + an easy thing to get one. + Of course, I asked for a loan on the strength of the promise you + made me while at Rajkot. I entirely agree with you that your father + should not know of it. Never mind about it now. I shall try somewhere + else. I can easily understand that you cannot have a large surplus from + one year's practice. + My brother has been retained in Sachin as Secretary to the + Nawab of Sachin. He has gone to Rajkot and will return in a few days. + + ' Kathiawar, also known as Saurashtra, a collection of former princely States, + or principalities in Gujarat + * Machinations, in Gujarati + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 55 + + I am glad to hear from Kashidas that he will settle in Dhan- + dhuka. + + The caste opposition is as great as ever. Everything depends + upon one man who will try his best never to allow me to enter the + caste. I am not so very sorry for myself as I am for the caste fellows + who follow the authority of one man like sheep. They have been + passing some meaningless resolutions and betraying their malice + clerly in overdoing their part. Religion, of course, finds no place in + their arguments. Is it not almost better not to have anything to do with + such fellows than to fawn upon them and wheedle their fame so that I + might be considered one of them? However, I have to move with the + times. + I was very glad to hear of Vrajlalbhai becoming Karbhari' + somewhere in Gujarat. + You write such a nice hand that I have been induced to imitate + you though but imperfectly. + + Yours sincerely, + M. K. GANDHI + + From the original + + 25. LETTER TO “THE NATAL ADVERTISER” + + DURBAN, + May 26, 1893 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Advertiser + SIR, + + I was startled to read a paragraph in your today's issue referring + to myself, under the heading, “An Unwelcome Visitor”.’ I am very + + ' Administrator. + * The reference was as follows: "An Indian entered the Court House yesterday + afternoon and took a seat at the horseshoe. He was well-dressed and it was understood + that he was an English barrister, on his way to Pretoria, where he is reported to be + engaged in an Indian case. He entered the Court without removing his head-covering + or salaaming, and the Magistrate looked at him with disapproval. The new arrival was + courteously asked his business, and he replied that he was an English barrister. He did + not attempt to present his credentials, and, on returning to the horseshoe was quietly + told that the proper course for him to pursue, before taking up his position at the Bar, + was to gain admission to the Supreme Court." The incident was reported in The Natal + Mercury, 26-5-1893. + + 56 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + sorry if His Worship the Magistrate looked at me with disapproval. It + is true that on entering the Court I neither removed my head-dress nor + salaamed, but in so doing I had not the slightest idea that I was + offending His Worship, or meaning any disrespect to the Court. Just + as it is a mark of respect amongst the Europeans to take off their hats, + in like manner it is in Indians to retain one's head-dress. To appear + uncovered before a gentleman is not to respect him. In England, on + attending drawing-room meetings and evening parties, Indians always + keep the head-dress, and the English ladies and gentlemen generally + seem to appreciate the regard which we show thereby. In High Courts + in India those Indian advocates who have not discarded their native + head-dress invariably keep it on. + As to bowing, or salaaming as you would call it, I again followed + the rule observed in the Bombay High Court. If an advocate enters the + Court after the judge has taken his seat on the bench he does not bow, + but all the advocates rise up when the judge enters the Court, and keep + standing until the judge has taken his seat. Accordingly, yesterday + when His Worship entered the Court I rose up, and took my seat only + after His Worship had done so. + + The paragraph seems to convey also that though I was told + privately not to keep my seat at the horseshoe, I nevertheless + “returned to the horseshoe”. The truth is that I was taken by the chief + clerk to the interpreters' room, and was asked not to take my seat at + the horseshoe the next time I came unless I produced my credentials. + To make assurance doubly sure I asked the chief clerk if I could + retain my seat for the day, and he very kindly said “yes”. I was + therefore really surprised to be told again in open court that in order + to be entitled to the seat I had to produce credentials, etc. + + Lastly, I beg His Worship's pardon if he was offended at what he + considered to be my rudeness, which was the result of ignorance and + quite unintentional. + I hope, in fairness, you will extend me the favour of finding the + above explanation a space in your paper, as the paragraph, if + unexplained, would be likely to do me harm. + Iam, etc., + + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Advertiser, 29-5-1893 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 57 + + 26. LETTER TO “THE NATAL ADVERTISER” + + PRETORIA, + September 16, 1893 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Advertiser + SIR, + My attention has been drawn to the reproduction of Mr. Pillay's + letter' to The Transvaal Advertiser in your paper with comments + thereon. I am that unfortunate Indian barrister-at law who had arrived + in Durban, and who is now in Pretoria’; but Iam not Mr. Pillay, nor + am I a Bachelor of Arts. + Iam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Advertiser, 18-9-1893 + + 27. LETTER TO “THE NATAL ADVERTISER” + + PRETORIA, + September 19, 1893 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Advertiser + + SIR, + I shall be very thankful to you if you would be good enough to + find place for the following in your paper: + Mr. Pillay, who recently wrote to The Transvaal Advertiser, has + been taken to pieces for being “nasty” by some gentlemen here and + by the papers there. I wonder if your leader about “the wily wretched + Asiatic traders”, “the real canker that is eating into the very vitals of + the community”, “these parasites who live a semi-barbaric life” + would not bear Mr. Pillay's letter out of the field in a hard-word + competition. However, tastes differ as to style, and I have no right to + sit in judgment upon anyone's style of writing. + But why all this outpouring of wrath on the poor Asiatic traders? + It is difficult to see how the Colony is in danger of literal ruination. + + ' Pillay's complaint was that he was violently pushed off the footpath. + * Administrative capital of the Union; 511 miles from Durban + + 58 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + The reasons, so far as I can gather from your leading article of the + 15th instant, can be summed up in the following words: “One Asiatic + has gone into insolvency, and paid 5d. in the £. This is a fair sample + of an Asiatic trader. He has driven out the small European trader.” + Now, granting that a majority of Asiatic traders do become + insolvent, and pay very little to their creditors (which is not at all the + case), is that a good reason for driving them out of the Colony or + South Africa? Does it not rather show that there must be a defect in + the Insolvency Law that they can thus ruin their creditors? If the law + would give any latitude for such practices, people would take + advantage of it. Do not the Europeans seek the protection of the + Insolvency Court? I do not, of course, mean to defend the Indian + traders by this tu quoque argument. I sincerely regret that the Indians + should resort to such practices at all. It is a disgrace to their + country,which one time had too great an idea of its honour to be + associated with any dishonest dealing in trade. But it certainly seems + to me that a case is not made out for expelling the Indian traders on + the strength of the fact of their availing themselves of the law of + bankruptcy. Not only can the law put a stop to the frequent + occurrence of such cases, but the wholesale merchants, too, by being a + little more careful, can do so. And, by the way, does not the very fact + that these traders do get credit from the European merchants show + that they are not, after all, so bad as they are portrayed by you? + If the small European trader has been driven out, is it to be laid + at their door? This shows, it would appear, a grater competency on the + part of the Indian trader in commerce, and this very superior + competency is to be a reason for his expulsion! I ask you, sir, is this + fair? If one editor edited his paper more ably than his rival, and + consequently, drives the latter out of the field, how would the former + like to be told that he should give place to his crestfallen rival because + he (the successful one) was able? Should not the superior ability be a + special reason for encouragement so that the rest may try to rise as + high? Is it a sound policy to stifle healthy competition? Should not + the European trader take a leaf out of the book of the Indian trader, if + that be not below his dignity, and learn how to trade cheaply, how to + live simply? “Do unto others as you would be done by.” + + But you say these wretched Asiatics live a semi-barbaric life. It + would be highly interesting to learn your views of a semi-barbaric life. + I have some notion of the life they live. If a room without a nice, rich + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 59 + + carpet and ornamental hangings, a dinner table (perhaps unvarnished), + without an expensive table-cloth, with no flowers to decorate it, with + no wines spread, no pork or beef ad lib, be a semi-barbaric life; if a + white comfortable dress, specially adapted to a warm climate, which, I + am told, many Europeans envy them in the trying heat of summer, be + a semi barbaric life: if no beer, no tobacco, no ornamental walking- + stick, no golden watch chain, no luxuriously-fitted sitting-room, be a + semi-barbaric life; if, in short, what one commonly understands by a + simple frugal life be a semi-barbaric life, then, indeed, the Indian + traders must plead guilty to the charge, and the sooner the semi-bar- + barity is wiped out from the highest Colonial civilization, the better. + The elements that generally constitute a reason for expulsion of + a people from civilized States are entirely absent in the case of these + people. You will agree when I say that they are not a political danger + to the Government, since they meddle very little, if at all, in politics. + They are not notorious robbers. I believe there is not a single case of + an Indian trader having suffered imprisonment, or even been charged + with theft, robbery, or any of the heinous crimes. (I speak under + correction.) Their teetotal habits make them exceptionally peaceful + citizens. + But they spend nothing, says the leading article under + discussion. Don’t they? I suppose they live on air or sentiments. We + know that Becky lived on nothing for a year in Vanity Fair. And here + a whole class seems to have been found out doing the same. It is to be + presumed they have to pay nothing for shop-rents, taxes, butchers’ + bills, grocers’ bills, clerks’ salaries, etc. etc. One would, indeed, like to + belong to such a blessed class of traders, especially in the present + critical condition of the trade all the world over. + It seems, on the whole, that their simplicity, their total abstinence + from intoxicants, their peaceful and, above all, their businesslike and + frugal habits, which should serve as a recommendation, are really at + the bottom of all this contempt and hatred of the poor Indian traders. + And they are British subjects. Is this Christian-like, is this fair play, is + this justice, is this civilization? I pause for a reply. + Thanking you in anticipation for inserting this. + + lam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Advertiser, 23-9-1893 + + 60 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 28. WELCOME ADDRESS TO NEW GOVERNOR + + TOWN HALL, + DURBAN, + September 28, 1893 + TO + HIs EXCELLENCY, + + SIR WALTER HELY-HUTCHINSON, K.C.M.G., ETC. + MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, + We the undersigned members of the Mahomedan and Indian + community of the Colony of the Natal, beg most respectfully to + welcome your Excellency on the occasion of Your Excellency’s + arrival here as the representative of Her Majesty the Queen, Empress + of India. + + We trust that your Excellency will find the Colony and _ its + associations congenial, and that the task of introducing a new form of + government into Natal will be as free from difficulty as it will be + pregnant with interest. + The special affairs of the Indian community in Natal will, owing + to the extending Indian influence here, constantly occupy your + Excellency’s attention; and we bespeak, with your Excellency’s + permission, that consideration towards our community, which, we are + confident, Your Excellency, representing Her Most Gracious Majesty, + will be pleased to grant to us. + We take leave to wish for your Excellency and Lady Hely- + Hutchinson all prosperity during your stay in this country. And we + are, + + Your Excellency’s most obedient servants, + + DADA ABDULLA ' DAWOD MAHOMED + M. C. CAMROODEEN’ AMOD JEEWA + AMOD TILLY PARSEE RUSTOMII + A. C. PILLAY + + The Natal Mercury, 30-9-1893 + + ' Proprietor of Dada Abdulla & Co., Durban, leading Indian firm, in connection + with whose law-suit Gandhiji first went to South Africa + * Indian merchant of Johannesburg and active member of the Natal Indian + Congress + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 61 + + 29. LETTER TO “THE NATAL ADVERTISER” + + PRETORIA, + September 29, 1893 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Advertiser + SIR, + + I have to request your indulgence for inserting the following in + your paper: + To make an exhaustive reply to the programme set forth by you + for the would-be anti-Asiatic league in your issue of the 19th inst. is a + Herculean task, and it cannot be undertaken in the compass of a letter + to a newspaper. I would, however, with your permission, take up only + two items. viz., the fears about “the coolie vote swamping the + European vote”, and the supposed unfitness of the Indians to vote. + + At the outset, I would appeal to your good sense, and the love of + fair play which is supposed to be a characteristic of the British nation. + No amount of facts or arguments would convince you or your readers + of the justness of my remarks if you or they are resolved upon + looking at one side only of the question. Cool judgment and a + dispassionate and impartial enquiry are essential to a right view of the + whole matter. + Does it not appear a far-fetched view that the Indian vote can + ever swamp the European vote? A mere superficial observer can see + that such a thing can never happen. A sufficient number can never + command the property qualifications to be able to outdo the + European vote. + + They are divided into two classes—the traders and the labourers. + The latter are by far in the majority, and have no votes as a rule. + Poverty-stricken, they come to Natal on starvation wages. Can they + ever dream of having enough property to qualify themselves for + voting? And these are they who live here with any degree of + permanence. Some only of the former class have the property + qualifications; but then they do not live permanently in Natal, and + many of those who can legally vote would never care to do so. The + Indians as a class never, even in their own country, avail themselves of + all their political rights. They are too much taken up with their + + 62 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + spiritual well-being to think of taking an active part in politics. They + have no great political aspirations. They come not to be politicians, + but to earn an honest bread, and it is a matter for regret if some do + not earn it strictly honestly. So, then, it seems that all the fears about + the Indian vote assuming portentous proportions are ill-grounded. + + And even the few votes that the Indians command cannot in any + way affect Natal politics. All talk about an Indian party clamouring + for Indian representation seems to be chimerical, for the selection + would always be between two White men. Would it, then, matter much + that there are some Indian votes? The most the few votes can do will + be to secure them a perfectly White gentleman, who would, if he is + faithful to his promise, do them good service in the Assembly. And + fancy one or two such members making up an Indian party! Why, + they, or rather he, would be a veritable John' crying in the wilderness + without his electric, and perhaps I should say divine, power of + converting. Even strong little parties representing diverse minor + interests can effect very little in the Imperial Parliament. They can + only heckle the First Lord with a few questions, and have the + satisfaction of seeing their names appear in the next morning’s + papers. + Then, you think that they (the Indians) are not civilized enough + to be fit for voting; that they may not be any better than the Natives; + and that they are certainly not equal to the Europeans in the scale of + civilization. Perhaps not. And all would depend upon the meaning of + the word “civilization”. It is impossible to enter into a full discussion + of all the questions suggested by an enquiry into the matter. I may, + however, be allowed to point out that they enjoy these privileges in + India. The Queen’s Proclamation of 1858—which is justly and rightly + called the Magna Charta of the Indians—runs : + We hold ourselves bound to the natives of our Indian territories by the + same obligations of duty which bind us to all our other subjects, and these + obligations by the blessing of Almighty God, we shall faithfully and + conscientiously fulfil. It is our further will that, so far as may be, our subjects, + of whatever race or creed, be freely and impartially admitted to offices in our + service, the duties of which they may be qualified by their education, ability, + and integrity, duly to discharge. + I can produce other similar extracts relating to the Indians. But I + + ' The reference is to John the Baptist. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 63 + + am afraid I have already trespassed too much upon your courtesy. I + may add, however, that an Indian has been the acting Chief Justice of + the High Court of Calcutta; an Indian is a judge of the High Courtat + Allahabad, whose co-religionists the Indian traders as a rule are; and + an Indian is a member of the British Parliament. Moreover, the British + Government in many respects follow in the footsteps of Akbar the + Great, who ruled and lived in the 16th century. He was an Indian. The + present land system is a copy of the policy of Todurmull, the great + financier and an Indian, with but few modifications. If all this is the + outcome, not of civilization, but of semi-barbarity, I have yet to learn + what civilization means. + If, in the face of all the above facts, you can foment dissensions, + and set the European section of the community to work against the + Indian section, you are great. + Tam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Advertiser, 3-10-1893 + + 30. WORK FOR VEGETARIANISM + + Mr. M. K. Gandhi, in a private letter from Pretoria, writes: + There is a very fine opportunity in South Africa for a vegetarian + gardener. Cultivation is very much neglected though the soil is very + fruitful. + I am glad to say I have been able to induce my landlady, who is + an English woman, to become a vegetarian, and bring up her children + on a vegetarian diet, but I am afraid she will slide down. Proper + vegetables cannot be had here. Such as can be had are very dear. + Fruit, too, is very dear; so is also milk. It therefore becomes very + difficult to give her a sufficient variety. She would certainly leave it + off if she finds it more expensive. + I was very much interested in Mr. Hills’s article on vital food.' I + intend giving it another trial very soon. You will recollect that I did + + ' The theory of vital food was originally propagated by Mr. A. F. Hills, + Chairman of the Vegetarian Society, at its first quarterly meeting on February 4, + 1889. In The First Diet of Paradise, he expounded, at some length, a somewhat + remarkable theory of vitality, energy, rays of the sun, etc., which were to be found in + the following foods: fruit, grain, nuts and pulse, all raw. Vide also “An Experiment in + Vital Food”, 24-3-1894. + + 64 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + give it a trial when in Bombay, but not for a time long enough to + warrant any opinion about it. + + Kindly remember me to all our friends. + The Vegetarian, 30-9-1893 + + 31. GUIDE TO LONDON + + [1893-94]' + INTRODUCTION + + In these days of cheap publication authors are constantly + multiplying and have naturally lost a great deal of the respect they + used to command before. Let me then at once inform the reader that, + in issuing this little guide I am not aspiring to authorship, but simply + supplying, as I believe, a long-felt want. Issuing guides does not make + authors. They are made of ‘sterner stuff’. + + It will be readily admitted that, though Indians have been going + to and returning from England for the last twenty years and more, no + attempt has yet been made at writing a guide like this. Some of them + have published books describing with much effect what is to be seen + + ' The exact date of writing is not available. Pyarelal says: “comparative leisure + at Pretoria enabled Gandhiji to resume two little unfinished ventures which he had + launched while he was in India. One was a little handbook or Guide to London that he + had set about to prepare in answer to numerous inquiries on his return from + London. .. . It bears the evidence of having been written, at least in part, between the + second half of 1893 and the first half 1894. .. He never published it.” (The Early + Phase, p. 316). + In the introduction, Gandhiji writes: “And here the only topic of conversation + with my visitors has been England till I have been sometimes literally bored (Vol 1: + “Guide to London”; Introduction).” “Here” in this sentence appears to refer to Indian. + It is not known whether the introduction was written before or after the text, but it + may be presumed that the work was commenced before Gandhiji left for South Africa + in 1893. Gandhiji mentions the “morning coat... now five years old”, which he + must have bought on reaching London in September 1888; vide Vol 1: “Guide to + London”, chapter II. + About the circumstances in which the MS was located, Pyarelal writes: “The + existing copy was retrieved by me from a heap of papers littering the floor of the + weaving shed in the Satyagraha Ashram at Sabarmati, shortly after my arrival there in + 1920. It being shown to Gandhiji, he said that it had been made at his instance by one + of his clerks in South Africa, who wrote a very bad hand, to improve his handwriting. + Unfortunately some pages in the appendix are missing. The original could never be + traced” (E.P.). + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 65 + + in England and elsewhere. But they have not gone further. They leave + you in suspense, for they do create in you a desire for going to + England, but how to do it they seem to have failed to tell. Scores of + Indians have become barristers, yet no one has been bold to inform + his countrymen how he managed to live in England. While there I + received many from friends asking me to throw some light on one + thing or another. And here the only topic of conversation with my + visitors has been England till I have been sometimes literally bored. + The avidity with which they have devoured the information must by + itself justify the publication of this unpretentious guide. + No doubt there are many reasons why a book like this has not + been before the public long ago. Any such book in order to be + exhaustive must necessarily contain important revelations which I + know painfully would perhaps stir up a useless controversy and + wrangle and which some would always like not to be made at all. The + movements alike of students and laymen in England are shrouded in + mystery. No one for instance knows definitely what an Indian eats in + England, where he lives; whether he cooks his food or not, etc., etc. + now these are the very points which are of vital importance to those + who intend to go to England. The writer, Therefore, of the following + pages proposes to discover the mystery and lay bare the movements + of Indians in England. + Such a course, I hope, would facilitate to some extent the way to + England in addition to helping the people to understand the England- + returned Indians, but I am afraid it will bring on me showers of + reproaches and remonstrances from many persons. It may even cost + me friendships. Some would call me rash, others would be content + with saying that I lack tact', while yet others would fling youth into + my face, but I have resolved upon bearing the storm for the sake of + truth. + + The next question is whether I am the person who should write + such a book. I am inclined to leave it to the reader to a great extent to + answer the question. I know there are persons who would tell the same + story in a nobler language, who would tell it with a greater accuracy, + who would tell with a greater fulness and I know also that probably no + one can combine in himself all the qualities. The only reason why I + write the book is that no one has as yet written it though badly wanted. + + ' The source has ‘tactics’. + + 66 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + As a tule the book will contain facts only and at times personal + observations when absolutely necessary. If, at any time, anyone finds + anything that he cannot understand or any error in the book, I shall + thank him to correspond with me so that I may offer an explanation + or correct the error. + Before concluding the introduction, I beg [all to] extend me + their co-operation, i. e., help me by buying and, what is more + necessary, reading the book so that they may help themselves. + Facts which can be determined easily from other sources will not + generally find place in this guide, but the sources will be referred to. + The province of the book is not to collect information from the + existing books, but to attempt that which has not yet been attempted. + + CHAPTER 1 + + WHO SHOULD GO TO ENGLAND? + + It may be laid down broadly that all who can afford should go + to England. Of course, here the meaning of the word ‘afford’ should + be understood in its widest sense. Thus some cannot go to England + because they cannot afford the money, some cannot afford through + ill-health, others cannot owing to young age and various other + objections. All these will be briefly discussed in the following + paragraphs. + The first and the foremost question is the question of health. No + one with a weak chest or a tendency to consumption should ever think + of going to England. It will simply mean going to England in order to + court death away from friends and relations. It is true that you can go + to the south of Europe not only without injury to the constitution but + with benefit to it; thus you can go to the Riviera and be cured of + consumption. Thousands of consumptive persons annually flock there + to be cured of the fell disease. It is supposed to be one of the finest + places for persons with weak chests; but all this means a great outlay + of money. And then again the book is not written for invalids so that + they may get cured by following the instructions therein contained. It + is written for those with a good health who want to learn and be + useful. Moreover it is for those who would go to England. It is true + also that a person with a generally weak health might take a trip to + England during the summer season without coming to much or any + harm. Still, if I can venture to give an opinion, I should say that those + with any chest disease whatever should never think of going to + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 67 + + England except under special circumstances and conditions. On the + other hand, persons suffering from any disease due to a warm climate + can do worse than going to England. I used to suffer from headaches + and nose-bleeding in India. I could not read for three or four hours at + a stretch during the summer months without getting a headache. Now + I am happy to say Iam entirely free from both and this I ascribe + mainly to the cold and invigorating climate of England. On there + question of health if there be any doubt about it, it would be best + always to consult some medical authority. + The next question is as to age. It is very difficult to lay down + any hard and fast rules for that. All parents must generally know when + they can part with their children. The solution of the question depends + moreover on the character of the boy who wants to go. Then again it + depends on what he wants to do there. If he wants to pass the Civil + Service examination, the limit of age in now 23. For a person desiring + to be a barrister, he must be twenty-one years before he is called. He + who wants to matriculate must be at least sixteen years old. If you + want to give your child a beginner’s education, you can send it + without a guardian to one of the many homes, where children only are + educated and taken care of. + Having so far dealt with the negative side, I come to the positive. + To lay down broadly that all those who have money, a good + constitution and [are] of proper age should go to England seems very + tempting, but it is not sufficient. All such persons may inquire “Why + should we go to England?” And I venture to answer: for the purposes + of trade, travel or education. Nowadays many go there for education, + some go there for travelling, but very few for trade, though the last is + the most important for the material well-being of the country. + Everyone knows that India wants trade more than anything else and + that England is the best place for getting an insight into different + trades. I do not for a moment hold that a person can learn trading + only in England. What he does learn is the trading habits of the + people. If he wants to extend his commerce with England, the more he + knows the land and their people the better for him, From this it + follows that he should go to England specially for that. Those who go + there for the sake of education or travel do not and cannot make it + their object to study everything relating to trade. There one sees + different branches of commerce in a most efficient state. He sees also + how the large establishments are carried on. A fellow with a trading + + 68 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + knowledge can know what would be the best things to trade in. Then + again, if we had a direct communication with English gentlemen, we + can dispense with agency. I know there are some Indians who have + established themselves in England and are trading there. This is very + good so far as it goes, but it does not go far enough. I am sorry to say + that the management of these houses is far from satisfactory and + consequently they are not doing a swinging business. I should like + educated traders who have a good knowledge of English to go there, + mix with the people, see the secret of their success and then return to + India, open up branches in England and India in an improved style. I + have been told that we stand a fair chance of doing a good business in + selling carved wood and stones and feathers in England. Everyone + knows how many feathers are daily wasted away in almost every part + of India. Since they are a saleable commodity in Europe, we are + wasting away real wealth simply through sheer ignorance or + indifference. These are mere instances. There must be various other + things which would sell in England. It is exactly because we do not + know these things that we should go to England to learn what they + are. Will a time come when every trading firm will send their man to + England? + Then as to travelling. + + Both the traders and students can combine a little travelling with + their profession. These are travellers of a low type. Those who want to + become professional travellers, who want to write books on travels + must go there for the special purpose of travelling. But I believe such + persons had better see their own country first. I cannot do better than + quote Mr. Malabari on the point: + + In study as in travel it is best to begin at the very beginning and to + proceed by slow stages, gaining something at every stage and that something + such as to be of immediate practical use at the next stage. When you travel or + study by degrees, every fresh step or item of knowledge is a keen enjoyment. + You are prepared to receive it, and, thus received, your knowledge will fructify. + But when knowledge is thrust upon you without previous discipline, i.e., + without your being fit for it, it will be inert and unleavened. What is the use of + visiting foreign countries when you know nothing of your own? When you go + to Europe ignorant of your own national life, you will miss those thousand + points of comparison and contrast, those thousand shades of difference, those + thousand beauties and blemishes that modern European civilization presents. + At the best you will look at things, not see or see through them. + + These are wise words worthy of serious consideration. The + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 69 + + outcome of it is that you should begin not at the wrong end. + + Last of all comes education. It is with very much regret that I + have to record here that almost all who go to England for the purpose + of education go there in order to become barristers. Education does + not mean becoming barristers. I shall have a good deal to say about + barristers in a separate chapter, so here I shall just say what other + things you can do there. Of course the most coveted examination is + the Civil Service examination. But those only who are British-born + subjects can go in for that examination. Engineering is another + branch of education which you can learn at the Cooper’s Hill College. + You can get the highest medical degree at the London University. It + has turned out most eminent doctors, but it is a long course and, + though theoretically requiring only five years, requires practically + seven years. Oxford and Cambridge Universities impart a very good + education. They are meant for the richer classes, not the poor. The + education received in these universities is quite different from that + received in the Indian universities. They are not so exacting as our + universities here. Again, in India generally it is all work which, as is + said, “with no play makes Jack a dull boy”. The Oxford and + Cambridge education combines both work and play. That university + life is not a drudgery as I suppose, unfortunately, it is here. + It would be impossible to give exhaustive information about the + various centres of education. They can only be pointed out. The + secretaries of all these institutions can be written to and will send + prospectuses wherefrom every detailed information can be gathered. + Edinburgh too is a place which has become a favourite place with the + Indians, mostly medical students. The medical course there is far + easier than the London course which, of course, is the hardest. The + Durham University, too, gives a medical diploma. + It might be urged that all these things can be had here and at a + less cost. I would admit the former though not the latter. However, the + mere fact that the same thing can be had in India is not sufficient. The + question is which is of superior quality. Is not education in any + branch far superior in England to that in India? Cannot a man learn + more during the same time in England than in India? The last + proposition is self-evident. A student here is half student and half + man. He may be married too. In that case, he has to think of his wife, + perhaps children, in addition to house-hold cares which an Indian + student is generally saddled with. While, in England, he is alone, no + + 70 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + wife to tease or flatter him, no parents to indulge, no children to look + after, no company to disturb. He is the master of his time. So, if he has + the will, he can do more. Moreover, the invigorating climate in + England is by itself a stimulant to work, the enervating climate of + India is a stimulant to idleness. Who has not passed idle hours in a + summer noon? Who has not wished he had nothing to do in summer + but to sleep? Of course, persons are there who never cease to work in + India. In fact, hardest working students are found in India. But that + work is against the will. In England, it does not do to be idle. You like + the work for the sake of it. You cannot help working. I have heard it + said of a very learned professor that he read as much in three years in + England as he would have in nine years in India. That amount of + work which tells upon one's health in India can be gone through with + ease in England. An instance is at our very doors. Do we not work + more in winter than in summer? So, then, it will not be doubted that a + person willing to work will do more in England than in India. It is + needless to mention the advantage that we have in England of talking + in the English language the whole of our time. It is fervently to be + hoped that examples of persons having cut a sorry figure will not be + cited in refutation of the above proposition. For such fall under the + category of those who are not willing to work, while we are here + talking of persons who seek more opportunities for work in England + than in India. It will be very uncharitable to expect drones to return + types of learning from England. There are the better opportunities, it + is for you to avail of them. If you do not, you are to blame, not + England. And if superior education can be obtained in England, it + follows that it is not more expensive than that to be obtained in India, + if the ratio of superiority be the same as that of increased expenses. + + CHAPTER II + + PRELIMINARIES + + Having in the previous chapter shown who should go to + England, I now proceed to describe what preliminaries one has to + make before starting. In so doing if I may at times enter into the most + trifling details, I hope the reader will not take it as an insult. The + standard by which I go is my intelligence and lower still if possible + and I shall describe things which required an explanation in my case + when I left for England. + + The first consideration is that of money. The amount of money + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 71 + + the candidate has to take with him will be given later on, but whatever + the amount, let him make absolutely sure of getting the full amount in + England. In certain cases it may be advisable to take the whole + amount with him. I know by personal experience how even persons + who have promised on oath to give some pecuniary assistance, a loan + mind you, not an absolute gift and whom you think [you] can safely + depend upon prove false to their promises.' In London you do not + often find persons who would give you a loan even. The loan too is + generally big, for when you do not get the promised money, it is not a + small sum, but a tolerably large one which you would not expect any + friend to lend. I know by personal experience and that of friends what + it is for an Indian to be without money even for a moment in + England. It involves an extra expense of wiring home, not to speak of + the anxieties one has to suffer under such circumstances, and wiring to + India is very expensive. It is four shillings per word. Therefore be sure + you will get a sufficient amount of money and that, too, at the proper + time. + Then, if possible, it is always advisable to get some introduction + notes to gentlemen in England. They are not absolutely necessary, but + when you can get them, they are not useless. You know that you will + have some friends when you reach there. They are a consolation and, + at times, friendships built upon such introduction notes become + lasting and genuine.’ + Now you have to consider what things to take with you, where to + buy the passage and where to put up on reaching London. + I shall first give a list of necessary things and then offer a few + remarks thereon, when deemed necessary. + + Rs. As. + 1 Overcoat 30. «OO + 1 Morning coat 20 O + 1 Waistcoat 10 O + 1 Jacket suit (vest jacket) 30 0 + 3 Pairs of trousers 27 ~O + + ' Vide An Autobiography, Pt. 1, ch. XIII; also “Draft of Letter to Frederick + Lely: December 1888. + * Vide An Autobiography, Pt. I, Ch. XII. + + 72 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +15 + + ” drawers (woollen) + ” ” (cotton or merino) + Woollen vests + Cotton or merino vests + Woollen shirts without collars + Woollen shirts with collars + White shirt + +12 + +16 +18 + + Pair of braces + + rPOoOorrF WN + +OQ =e RB DW WW WW W WwW + + Standup collars + Mother-of-pearl studs + ” links + 12Handkerchiefs + Sleeping suits (woollen) + Pair of gloves + Rug + Cotton or merino socks + + cocoococmUmdnRRr BRC OC OCUlcrnrmClcCOoOmcUCrCmcmcCOCcCUCOcCUCUCUC Cm + + Woollen socks + +WO A RSF RF N + +N +NO +oo + +oo + +Rs. As. + +228 + + B.F. + + Rugstrap + Pair of slippers + Pair of shoes + “boots + Turkish cap + Cloth brush + Hair brush + Tooth brush + Shaving brush + Razor + Razor strap + Comb + Shaving stick + + Fomaooc$§ecesdtootkroot wow + +— = = = SS. SS Se Se Se Se Se SS + +Or ON NRF OF RF DN BRR + + Tongue scraper + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 + +73 + + nNnreioweoreodaqonccedodoec + co KR £ 0 CO KR C + + Note paper + Envelopes to match + Travelling inkstand + Penholder and pocket pencil + Blotting + Pins and needles and thread + Penknife + Pens 0 + Money purse + Stick + Deck chair + Two trunks + +— +ON +ooo ew + + Some books + Umbrella 4 0 + + Total Rs. 282 4 + + To buy the above things care must be taken that the best things + are bought at the cheapest prices and that the things bought are + suitable. .. There are many shops in Bombay. Some of the native + shops are very good. The English shops would be found to be very + expensive. Whenever practicable, it is always best to get some + experienced person to buy the things for you. + It may not be useless here to make a few remarks on the above + list. Two trunks have been mentioned in the list and the price for both + has been put down at Rs. 16/-. Each trunk may be 26x12'. Generally + they buy one steel trunk and a leather bag. And one of th0e best steel + trunks would cost Rs. 25 and a leather bag—a gladstone bag—would + cost much the same. This expense is not necessary. A good trunk can + be bought for Rs. 12. In putting down the price at Rs. 16 I have in my + mind native iron trunks which are as strong as, if not stronger than, the + steel trunks. That would be an encouragement to native industry and a + saving of a few rupees to the purchaser. If the native trunks do not suit + or if they cannot be had, wooden boxes can be bought or imitation + steel trunks which do not cost more than Rs. 5 each. The P. & O. rules + say with regard to the size of the trunks: + + ' Obviously inches + + 74 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + The portmanteau for cabin use should not exceed 3 ft in length, 1 ft 9 + inches in width and | ft and 3 inches in depth. No packages exceeding this + limit are allowed in the saloons or cabins. + The prices for other articles are not by any means the lowest + prices. For example, while I have put down ‘L, rupee for a pair of + socks, a good pair can be had for 5 or 6 annas. If good woollen socks + cannot be had in Bombay, they may be bought in London. For six + socks would answer the purpose in the boat. With the clothing + mentioned in the above list one need not spend anything on dress for + a year in England. A further list of clothing will be given later on. It + may be bought in England if it is found necessary. And that would + give one more than enough clothing for a 3 years’ stay in England. + Certain things that are generally included in such lists have been + purposely left out, e.g., towels, soap, etc. These things can be had + gratis on board. Foreign stamps can be bought on board. + + As to what dress to wear on board, it is best to begin with the + jacket suit. Itis not at all necessary to wear the undervest or the + drawers. They should be made use of only when the cold weather has + begun. It is always advisable not to overload oneself with dress. I have + come across many persons who have suffered from over-clothing. Of + course, it is equally necessary not to underclothe. The undervest and + drawers would not be required till the steamer reaches Port Said, for, + the weather to be met with from Bombay to Port Said is not less warm + than that we experience in India. If cold is felt after leaving Port Said, + the cotton underclothing may be worn or, if necessary, the woollen + underclothing. Till Brindisi is reached the overcoat may not be + touched at all. It must be understood that this is not the condition in + which all can live. No hard and fast rules can be laid down for + clothing. The above remarks have been made simply to remove the + generally prevalent idea that the under-clothing and the over coat are + absolutely necessary as soon as the steamer leaves the harbour. The + safest thing to do is to begin to wear more and warmer clothes + according to necessity. + + The white shirts have almost been left out. This may be + considered a hardship not because they are a climatic necessity but + because they are a fashion. Well, this is a book meant for those who + want to live cheaply and yet respectably. One can safely break + through fashion especially when it is expensive and injurious, but the + process should not be gone through violently. The white shirts have + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 5 + + been left out because they swell up the weekly washing bill to a very + great extent. A white shirt would cost 4d to wash while a flannel shirt + would cost only 2d. Again, while one flannel shirt per week is + sufficient, at least two white shirts would hardly answer the purpose. + They spoil sooner than the flannel shirts. Indeed, some + unconventional gentlemen in England who have ceased adoring the + fashion as a goddess have discarded stiff clothing altogether. They + have bidden goodbye to the stiff collars, cuffs and the shirts. Even + medical opinion has begun to revolt against too much use of starch + which is absolutely necessary for washing white shirts. The starch has + been pronounced to be injurious to the body. Whatever it is, there is + no denying the fact that flannel shirts are more comfortable and, in + the end, less expensive than linen shirts. + + However, if the fashion is to be adored as it ought to be more or + less, if you are not to break through it violently, wear the flannel shirts + without collars; use the white collars and cuffs and you would lead + others to believe that you have white shirts on. This trick is resorted to + by thousands in London and sometimes it is very convenient. And, if + at times, you like to look a London swell, that too has been provided + for. A white shirt would be found mentioned in the list and may be + used occasionally. + + As a token of respect to the fashion goddess, the neckties too + have not been forgotten. They will find a place in the further list. + They might be used or not according to one's fancies. They do not + cost much if bought cheaply. + + The morning coat is worn on visits. On board, too, if you are a + first-saloon passenger, it is a necessity. As far as possible, you should + wear the jacket suit so that the morning coat may not be spoiled. The + writer of these pages had only one morning coat. It is now five years + old and yet looks as new as if it were made yesterday. As soon as it is + done with, brush it well, fold it and put it in your chest of drawers and + it would never spoil. + Shaving materials are mentioned in the list. Do not be surprised. + You shall not be a professional barber. But you will have to shave + yourself if you have a beard. Even kings are not ashamed of so doing + in Europe. If you have thick hair, you have to shave every day. It is a + trouble to be at the mercy of a barber every day and incur an expense + of at least 2d. To save that it is necessary to learn how to shave + oneself. It does not take long. Only a few minutes spent for three or + four days would be found sufficient. + + 76 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + For head-dress the turkish cap is mentioned. This is very handy. + But, for one who feels uncomfortable in the cap and does not like to + be noticed by people, a felt-hat is mentioned in the second list that is + to follow. + For tooth powder the best (medically) and yet the cheapest + powder is precipitated chalk. You can get 4 oz. for 6d. This will last + for months. + Slippers are to be worn at home and on board only. + + There is another item of dress that has been left out from the + list. It is the dress suit. Now this is not at all necessary. Although many + Indians buy it, it is not advisable to incur that expense. I bought it + myself and am very sorry for it. I wore it but three or four times. I + consider that to be the most foolish expense I incurred in England. + They wear it for evening parties. We Indians can wear the morning + coat or the Parsee coat or our own native dress whatever that may be. I + have seen many Indians wearing the morning coat. There is nothing + wrong in it. You have to look clean and tidy, nothing more. + A watch has not been mentioned in the list. For, it has become + an article of everyday wear among the educated Indians. + + The second list will be found in the 4th chapter. The articles + contained in it are to be bought in England. No one should go + beyond the list unless he uses his clothes very carelessly and, if one + goes to England to become or remain careless, might it not be said, he + had better not go at all. The two lists include more than ordinarily + required clothing for an ordinarily careful man for three years. + The next thing that one has to do is to buy the passage. Three + things are to be considered before buying it, viz. : + 1. What month to start in. + 2. Whether to go all the way by sea or via Brindisi. + 3. Whether to go by the P. & O. boats or any other Company's. + As to the first question, while one can start in any month, all + things considered the middle of March is the best season. Thereby + one avoids immediate experience of English winter and, before he + meets with the bitter cold, he will have six beautiful months, viz., from + April to September. April is the depth of spring and September the + beginning of autumn. Before he has the first experience of an English + winter, he will have been acclimatized and accustomed to the English + ways of living. He would thus be able to bear the winter with a greater + equanimity. Moreover by starting in March, one gets the mildest + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 77 + + weather in the Red Sea. And even the mildest weather of the Red Sea + is most trying. In summer, although only 3 days have to be spent on + the Red Sea, it is unbearable. The heat is suffocating. No use of + punkhas and ice is sufficient to allay the burning sensation. It is a time + of perpetual perspiration. Moreover, in March the sea all the way is + the calmest in the year. + The next best time is September or October. By leaving at that + time, of course, you have to brave the winter as soon as you reach + England, but if you want to become a Barrister, you have this + consolation that you would be able to return home three months + earlier than by starting in any other month. This will be treated more + fully in the chapter for would-be Barristers. + Having selected the season, one has to consider what would be + the best thing to do—whether to go all the way by sea or via Brindisi. + It takes nearly 22 days by the P & O boats to reach London and 13 + days to reach Brindisi, whence London is reached in 2 days by rail. It + seems that it is much better to take the sea route throughout. Thereby + all the inconveniences of removing luggage and having it examined, + etc., are avoided and all the comforts to be found in P & O boats are + enjoyed for a longer time. Moreover, a long voyage is very good for + health. Some remain on the seas for months for the sake of health + only. It is, therefore, advisable that one should take the sea voyage + when especially it causes a saving of expense. The second-saloon fare + to London by sea is Rs. 370, while via Brindisi it is more than Rs. 400. + Those who get sea-sick very often need not be afraid of a sea voyage + on that score. For during the 13 days for Brindisi one gets used to the + sea and overcomes the sickness. It is to be hoped that no one would + avoid the voyage from Brindisi for the reason that thereby he would + be less open to the dangers of a wreck. This is an idea unworthy of + one intending to go to England. It must be remembered that he would + be one out of many in his steamer. There are dangers even on the + railway. In fact, nowhere is life without dangers. It is a question + merely of degree. + The next question to be decided is what Company’s boat to go + by. There is a very wide field for selection. There the City, Hall, Clan, + etc., steamers. But by far the best and most popular are the Peninsular + and Oriental Company’s boats, which carry Her Majesty’s mails to + London. The other lines are a trifle cheaper than the last mentioned + and, if anyone chooses to book his passage on any of the above lines, + + 78 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + he can see the manager and make arrangements. For there are no + fixed rates for these lines. However, whenever practicable, P & O boats + should be preferred. The passage can be booked through Messrs + King and Co., or Messrs Thomas Cook & Sons at Bombay who are + always obliging and ready to supply every information. They do not + charge any commission. + Whether to take the Ist-saloon or the 2nd-saloon ticket, very + much depends upon one's purse. As to comforts, there is not much + difference. Of course, a Ist-saloon passenger gets better company and + better food. The food, however, given in the 2nd-saloon is good + enough. And, especially, a vegetarian should not incur the expenses of + a Ist-saloon passage. The main difference is in food and, since a + vegetarian would not take flesh meat, for him the 1st-saloon expense + would be entirely unnecessary. The second saloon by sea costs Rs. + 370, while the Ist saloon costs Rs. 680. A second-saloon passage via + Brindisi including 2nd-class railway ticket costs Rs. 445 and a first- + class railway ticket costs Rs. 500, while a first saloon with Ist-class + railway ticket costs Rs. 810. First-saloon passengers are allowed on + board 336 lb. of personal luggage free of freight and the second- + saloon passengers 168 Ib. + + A few remarks about food, etc., on board would not be out of + place here. For those who do not object to meat, nothing specially + need be mentioned here except everything one can wish for can + ordinarily be had on the steamer. The only complaint that can be + urged against the Company in respect of food is that the passengers + are over-fed. From morning till evening or, even as late as eleven + o'clock, one can get something to eat at short intervals. As early as six + or seven o'clock, you get biscuits and tea or coffee. At 8.30 a.m. you + get breakfast consisting of oatmeal porridge, jam, marmalade, bread, + butter, salad, meat and potatoes ad libitum. At 1 p.m. you get a good + dinner consisting of meat, potatoes and cabbage, some sweet, bread, + butter, etc., and twice in a week fruits and nuts. At 4 p.m. you can + have a cup of tea and biscuits. Again at 6 p.m. a nice supper + consisting of salad, cheese, bread, butter, jam, marmalade, tea, cocoa, + etc., is provided and, as a finishing stroke, just at the time of going to + bed, you can replenish the hungry stomach with biscuits and cheese. + All this to an Indian would sound very strange and look like gluttony. + A vegetarian must have found from the above that plenty of things + can be had in the steamer that he can take. An Indian who has not + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 79 + + been used to English dishes would, it is very likely, not relish the + above dishes for some time. Though, after some time, he would find + that all the dishes are very nice and nutritious. As a precaution, it + would be better to keep a stock of some fresh fruits and sweets, e.g., + jalebi, halva, etc., and some salty things, e.g., ganthia', etc. These + with English dishes now and then would quite suffice. Care should be + taken that English dishes are increased and the quantity of native + things taken decreased. Such a gradual change would be effected + imperceptibly and without affecting the constitution. The things to be + found on board for a vegetarian are bread, butter, milk, fruit, nuts, + jam, marmalade, rice, cheese, potatoes, cabbage, salad, cakes, tea, + coffee, biscuits and porridge. This is really a large variety out of + which many meals containing quite distinct articles can be made. + Nothing can be more nutritious than porridge, bread and butter and a + cup of cocoa or if you like tea. For dinner you can have one course + of bread, butter and vegetables, another course of rice, milk and jam + (a sweet preparation) and a third course of some fruit or bread and + cheese. You can make a very good supper of bread, butter and cocoa + and jam and salad or cheese or both. If these be not sufficient, special + arrangements are made for vegetarians. The chief steward should be + informed and requested to prepare some vegetable dishes and he very + obligingly gets for you vegetable curry, fresh fruit and stewed fruit + and brown bread. And you cannot want anything more. Some + interesting facts would be found from the appendix as to how the + writer of these pages managed on board.’ If a pious Indian does not + want to eat food cooked by Europeans, he can cook his own food in + the Indian quarters, where they would give a space for cooking. + Whether this is advisable or not is quite another matter. This is + mentioned just to remove the prevailing prejudice to the effect that on + board one has no other course open but to take food cooked by the + Europeans. + The much-vexed and important question whether it is possible + to remain a vegetarian on board and in England will be discussed in + another chapter. It is sufficient to mention for the present purposes + that it is not at all necessary to take meat or wine and it is positively + injurious to take the latter. + + ' The source has this in Devnagari script; reference to a preparation made of + grame flour. + * Vide also An Autobiography, Pt. 1, Ch. XIII + + 80 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Having landed in London, where to go seems to present some + difficulty. The editor of The Vegetarian, a newspaper published in + London Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, has kindly consented to + give the necessary directions and find them the proper lodgings where + they can have everything cheap and nice. Here I may be allowed to + say a word about The Vegetarian. It is a paper which I believe should + be subscribed to by every Indian who would see Englishmen as + vegetarians and who would sympathize with the movement now going + on in London. It should be bought not especially as mental food, not + for the sake of the information given by it, not for the high-class + intellectual matter contained in it, though these are by no means of an + inferior quality, but for encouraging a movement every Indian should + have at heart. To return, however, to the main subject, the people of + the London Vegetarian Society are always kind and_ hospitable + towards Indians and a more genial man than the editor of The + Vegetarian it would be difficult to find. It would, therefore, be a great + gain for every Indian going to England to let the editor know of his + so doing. I may perhaps suggest, though the suggestion has nothing + whatever to do with the editor, that in common fairness every such + person would subscribe himself as a member of the Society or + subscribe to the paper. + + But, if the above arrangement be not deemed feasible or + advisable, the next best thing to do would be put up at the Vegetarian + Hotel, Charing Cross, be he a vegetarian or meat-eater. A list’ of + houses would be found at the end of the book wherefrom to make a + selection. The terms in the appendix places are very reasonable. Other + hotels would be found very dear. On landing, a cab can always be had + which would take you, on your giving the name, to the place named. + These lodgings, it must be understood, are only temporary until a + permanent one is found. So the next thing to do would be to search + for a good and suitable room. This can be done in the company of + some friend whom you may be knowing or to whom you have got an + introduction note. + + CHAPTER III + + THE COST OF LIVING + This is the stumbling block. This is the question which is the + + ' This is not available in Appendix A as some pages are missing. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 81 + + most inviting and yet most repulsive. To enter into that question + seriously is to differ from everybody. Every man would furnish his + own estimates, thinking at the same time that no other estimates could + be true and, if true, possible for everyone. That again is the question + which is the most important, especially, to a man of ordinary + circumstances. And it is strange that, although the question is + admittedly of such a vast importance, greater ignorance does not + prevail with regard to any question ordinarily presenting itself to an + Indian wishing to go to England than with regard to this. It is + moreover true that the ordinary estimates quoted are from 10 to 20 + pounds per month. Living on £10 per month was pronounced to be + very economical. With such estimates to say that one can live + comfortably on £4 a month or £1 a week could be a heresay: + Nevertheless, it is a fact beyond doubt, as shall be proved just now, that + it is possible to live on one pound a week and that many have lived on + less. I may say that I have tried the experiment successfully and was + never happier than under the £4 living. While I was living on £4 per + month, I had to work the hardest. The reader will find from (App. A) + how, from £12 per month, I gradually came down to £4 per month. + + First of all, I shall consider the cost of lodgings. It is commonly + supposed that a student should have two rooms, one bed-room and + one sitting-room. Now this is quite useless except to show, that you are + very rich and can afford to spend any amount of money. This guide + is not written for those who would make a show very often false, of + their riches. It is written for those who would live a regular student's + life, as economical as possible. There are many professional + gentlemen-bachelors living in one room only. Of course, there are + many Indian students and thousands of English students living in one + room only. Two rooms are more for families than for students. Then + if you have one room only with the necessary furniture in a good + quarter, it can be had for 7s per week and less. Of course, one room + can be had for 2s per week. I give low estimates. Such rooms can be + had in North London, West, Central, West Kensington, Westbourne + Park, and many other respectable parts of London commonly + favoured by Indian students. In such a room you would find a table, + three or four chairs, an easy chair, a wash-stand with all the requisites, + a hearth, a chest of drawers, probably a book-case, cupboard, a carpet, + a bedstead with bed-sheets and blankets, a looking-glass, etc. Are + Indian students used to better-furnished rooms? Indeed, a raw Indian + not used to the two rooms would be quite enchanted with such a room + + 82 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + and would not wish for a better one. When I first saw my room in the + Victoria Hotel, I thought I could pass a lifetime in that room. It is + always best to find out a room in the neighbourhood of a place to be + frequented most by you. Thereby a great deal of money required in + travelling by bus or tram is saved. + Secondly, as to other expenses, e.g., washing, bathing, etc. Your + washerman’'s bill need not amount to more than 11 pence per week, + which is as follows: + + d + 1 Flannel shirt 2 + 1 Drawers 2 + 1 Vest 2 + 2 Handkerchiefs 1 + 1 Sleeping suit 4 + Total ll d + + A saving can be effected in the above if you do not use the + drawers which you need not, in summer especially. The sleeping suits + may be changed fortnightly. Moreover, with a little care, a good + washerman can be found who would wash the drawers and suits for + 1'/d each and sleeping suits for 3 d. If and when you wear the white + shirts regularly for a week, instead of the flannel shirt, the washerman's + bill would be heavier by 6 or 8d. But under no circumstances should + it amount to more than 11d per week on an average. + + As to bathing, it is only in the newly-built houses that bathrooms + are attached to them. In ordinary houses no bath-rooms can be found. + In such cases very many visit the public baths weekly which cost 6d or + 4d. But it is possible to have a daily bath without any expense + wherever you go. You can take a sponge bath with two or three + tumblers of hot water always to be supplied at your request by the + landlady in the morning. You can pour water into your basin, dip a + sponge in it and rub hard with the sponge twice or thrice and then rub + the body with a dry towel, and you have taken a very nice bath which + gives a glow to the body and keeps it clean. Even the sponge may be + left out and the hands only used. To these daily baths may be added a + fortnightly or monthly visit to the public baths. Your landlady + supplies you with two towels every week. All these arrangements must + be made with the landlady before engaging a room so that no + misunderstanding may arise in future. Whenever you go to engage a + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 83 + + room, explain to the landlady what you want to have included in the + weekly rent. Boot black, sheets, towels, service, hot-water in the + morning, etc., are generally included. + It is not true to say, as is commonly supposed, that owing to the + severe cold one cannot take baths daily. On the other hand, it is + necessary that one should bathe daily in order to keep good health. A + landlady, I know, drove away her boarder simply because he would + not take his daily bath. She often used to quote: “Cleanliness is next + to godliness”, and, no matter how cold it was, she used to see every + morning that everyone in her house had a bath. + Next to bathing come travelling expenses, which should not + amount to more than 6d per week. By having your room in the + neighbourhood of the place to be most frequented by you, you avoid + the daily expense of travelling to the place, but on Sundays you may + visit friends and spend a few pence in travelling. Of course, one week + you may spend a shilling if need be and not spend anything the next + week. It is always best, whenever possible, to walk so that you may + have exercise at the same time that you save the money. Nothing can + be better. Many do this purposely in England, not so much for the + sake of saving a few pence, as for the sake of exercise. Walking three + or four miles is a pleasure in the cold climate of England. Indeed, + whenever it is possible in the cold weather, a brisk walk should be + preferred to a ride in a train or a bus. Very often the latter proves + injurious. I was once literally stiff in a bus. Even the bus conductors + recognize the danger. At intervals they run with the bus and get into it + when they are warm. + Six pence per week on an average may be set apart for stamps, + etc., though such sum is hardly necessary. + If you have your hair cut twice every month, it would cost you + 8d, so that 2d per week may be put down for hair-cutting. Of course, + you shave yourself. + One cake of Pear's soap would last a month. It costs 3'/ d. So + then 1 d per week may be allowed for soap. + + One penny per week may be set aside for tooth powder. This is + rather extravagant. You can have a very fine and harmless tooth + powder in precipitated chalk, four ounces of which can be had for 6 + d. And an ounce would last you quite a month instead of a week. + + There is one big item of expenditure that should not be lost + sight of. In winter, fire is required in the room during the day time if + + 84 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + you use the room. For those who use the library in the case of stude + nts, the expense does not amount to much. But for others, it amounts + to nearly 2 shillings per week. For 2 shillings you can get 4 scuttles + coal. But, as fire is not required generally from April to September, we + may put down on an average one shilling per week for coals. + + This ends the extra expenditure per week which may be thus + summed up : + + d + Washerman's bill 1 + Bathing + Travelling expenses + Stamps, etc. + Hair-cutting + Soap + +RP RF ND DW We + + Tooth powder + Coal 12 + Margin 3 + + Total 4s-Od + + With 7s for the room rent and 4s for extras we have 9s + remaining for food. It may here be remarked that a saving can be + effected even in the 11s, whenever required, so that it may be spent on + food or buying books and many other useful things. Thus, for + instance, out of 6d for stamps, etc., only a penny or two may be spent. + One penny, I suppose, would be absolutely necessary for writing + home a postcard. Fortnightly baths (in winter especially) may take the + place of weekly baths when a sponge bath is taken daily. Similarly, at + times, nothing may be spent in travelling. It is an expense to be + counted, not necessary to be incurred. The aim ought to be not to + spend more than one pound per week on’ an average and live + comfortably. + Passing now from this comparatively incontestable part of the + question of the cost of living, we reach the most important and + contestable part of the question, viz., the cost of food. + + There is so much to be said on this part of the subject, so much + prejudice and misunderstanding to be removed that to treat the subject + fully would require a separate and larger book. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 85 + + How to get good, nutritious, healthy and palatable food for 9s + per week is the question before us. + + At the outset I may say that those only can live on that sum who + “eat to live’, not “live to eat”. If you must have the luxuries, if you + cannot sit at the table without company, if you must entertain friends + pretty frequently to sumptuous dinners, if you must live like a + gourmand, then for you ten times the sum may not be sufficient. But + if you would live frugally and happily and not luxuriously, 9s per + week would be more than sufficient. + + I earnestly beseech the reader to dismiss from his mind all + premeditated ideas, all prejudice, and he will, I am sure, see for himself + that without entailing any loss of health, but rather keeping it up, he + would find 9s sufficient for his food per week. + + As nothing tells like illustrations, I would first cite illustrations in + support of the contention that one pound a week is sufficient for a + person of frugal habits and not born in the lap of luxury or rather not + addicted to a luxurious mode of living. There are thousands of + commercial gentlemen living on one pound a week in England. I had + a chat with an Anglo-Indian here who said that he was living on one + pound a week. There is a gentleman who is an M.A., B.E.L., Barrister- + at-Law, who lived on 10s a week and has yet been living on less than + one pound a week. He is the editor of a newspaper and I have seen + him work at the rate of 16 hours or more per diem. He was, when I + saw him last, living on bread, figs and water. + + There are Irish M.P.’”s living on one pound per week. And + some of them are the best debaters. The late Mr. Biggor, M.P., I + believe, lived on one pound a week. + + And what did Charles Bradlaugh do? Says Mrs. Annie Besant of + him: + He sold everything he possessed except his books. His home that he + had got together by hard work, his furniture, even a diamond ring given to him + by a grateful person whom he had helped. He sent his children to school. His + wife, not physically able to bear the life he faced, went to live with her parents + in the country and he took two small rooms in Turner Street, White Chapel, for + which he paid 3s 6d a week and where he remained until he had cleared off most + of his liabilities. He then moved to lodgings over a music shop in Circus + Road, St. John's Wood, where he lived for the remainder of his life, his + daughters joining him on the death of their mother in 1877... . He died poor + indeed with no personal property save his library, his Indian gifts and his very + modest wardrobe, but he left his name free, his honour unstained. + + 86 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + He began life on 10s a week. And we all know how clever + intellectually and how strong in body he was. So far as food is + concerned, his food did not cost Cardinal Manning more than nine + shillings per week if what is written about him be true. + There are, to take a noted and living example, few harder working men + in England than Archbishop Manning, a man full of cares and labours, yet I am + assured by those who have had the most intimate personal relations with him + that Mr. Disraeli in 'Lothair' has not in the least exaggerated his habitual + abstinence and that his ordinary meal, in public or private, is a biscuit or a bit + of bread and a glass of water. + His strict abstinence from wines is notorious. + + Dr. Nichols from whose work the above has been taken did not, + and probably does not, spend more than 6d a day on food. (3s 6d per + week). He has written a book How to Live on Six Pence a Day, a book + everybody who would live frugally ought to read. In it he relates his + experiment with the most gratifying results. + There are many other books written on the subject. There is a + book entitled How to Live on One Pound a Week. This includes + everything, lodging, food, clothes, etc. + Indeed, a gentleman has even tried to limit his food expenses to + one shilling a week and written a book on the subject. We however + allow nine times the sum for food. + + All these instances must suffice to show that, not only is it + possible to live on £1 a week, but many have done it. + Has any Indian done it, some may ask? Yes, a gentleman, a + judge from the Punjab, while I was in England came there, for a + Barrister's education on furlough. He was over 40 years of age and + was with his son in England. He said his pay was Rs. 150. He gave, he + said, Rs. 50 to his wife at home and spent Rs. 50 for himself and his + boy in London. That amounted to £3-'/ per month, i.e., less than £1 + per week for two souls. This small sum was made to include many + things besides those that we allow for one pound. + Another Indian gentleman from Gujarat was living on less than + 10s per week and seemed to be quite happy. He shared a room for 4s + with a friend and thus got his accommodation for 2s only. This + gentleman has been receiving medical education in England. Sadhu + Narayan Hemchandra has been living on one pound a week.' He has a + + 'Vide An Autobiography, Pt. I, Ch. XXII. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 87 + + room for 6s a week. He spends 3 or 4d for washing and 7s for food + per week. He works very hard. He says in his letter that he knows now + German, English and French. In one pound per week he manages to + buy his clothes and books of which I brought to India a boxful. He + must have bought quite as many, if not more, by this time. A + gentleman who has recently gone to England writes thus to me: + From my last letter you might have thought very badly of me because I + myself look upon my conduct at the time with little satisfaction. But, as you + wanted to know how I was living, I had to give you my sincere views. Since + that time a great change has been brought about by degrees. What I thought an + impossibility at that time is now a practical possibility. Six pounds a month + are a thing of the past, and you will wonder to hear that, even in London, I am + able to limit my board and lodging expenses to three pounds per month. + With this array of facts before the reader, I hope he will have no + difficulty in following and agreeing with me that, if one has the will, + one can live on one pound a week and even less in England. + + Now we come to the solution of the question how to live on 9s a + week. + + In the first place it may be mentioned that, to live so cheaply, all + the luxuries ought to be avoided, viz., tea, coffee, tobacco and wines + and, last but not least, flesh foods. + + There are people to tell you that it is impossible to do without + tea in England. Some say you cannot do without coffee, others say + you would die without tobacco, wines or meat. All these gentlemen + must be questioned as to the source of their information and the + difficulty will be solved. It is all humbug and hearsay. There is + difference of opinion as to flesh foods. As to the rest, every Indian + who has gone to England would tell you that not one of them is + necessary except for the sake of pleasure of luxury. However what do + they think of tea and coffee in London? Says Dr. Nichols about tea + and coffee: + Even the milder stimulants such as tea and coffee have no appreciable + nutritive value. If the leaves of tea or the berries of coffee had as much + nutrition as the same weight of spinach, but an infinitesimal portion can be in + the decoctions we drink. In the matter of food and as the materials of bone, + muscle or nerve, an ounce of bread is worth gallons of tea or coffee. The sugar + and milk drunk in them are food, all the rest is almost worthless. They soothe + hunger as narcotics and sedatives, Some physiologists are of opinion that + they prevent waste and so make less food necessary. If this were true, it would + be injurious, for waste and the removal of waste matterare necessary to the + + 88 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + health of the system. Tea and coffee are stimulants only and their influence + upon the body is either inappreciable or hurtful. Strong decoctions of either + stimulate the brain and nerves, produce over-action and, by combating fatigue + for a time, allows us to over-task our powers until we bring on dyspepsia, + neuralgia, softening of the brain, paralysis, apoplexy. + A distinguished Indian doctor of considerable experience, while + talking about tea, said that he refused to treat patients who would not + leave off tea under his treatment. However, if tea and coffee are to be + taken, they would not mean so much more expense as so much less + nutritive food. For they will be substituted for milk which is far better + than tea or coffee. From a pecuniary point of view, a cup of tea or + coffee made at home would cost less than a glass of milk. If tea is to + be taken, it would be better to use condensed milk as it would be + difficult to buy milk sufficient only for one or two cups of tea, unless + only milk is used for making tea. + + As to tobacco, it is positively injurious to the system and an + expensive luxury which does no good and a great deal of harm. + Tobacco, it must be known, is very dear in England. If it is indulged + in, six pence would be ordinarily required daily. It cost an Indian + gentleman £30 during his three years' stay. A good cigar costs 4 to 6d + and a cigarette 1d each. One can get 5 cigarettes for a penny, but this + is the dirtiest stuff possible. It contains either ashes of tobacco or + cabbage leaves. So in order to be able to live well on £1 a week, it is + absolutely necessary to [abstain from]' tobacco which “whether + chewed or smoked or snuffed has no nutritive property but is an acrid + poison, absorbed into the blood and resting upon the brain and + nerves, first exciting and then dulling their sensibility and finally + stupefying and paralysing.” + Thus hatefully does Count Tolstoy, than whom “few men have + been more given to wine and cigarettes”, speak of both: + People drink and smoke not merely for want of something better to do + to while away the time or to raise their spirits, not because of the pleasure they + receive, but simply and solely in order to drown the warning voice of + conscience. + To illustrate the proposition he says : + No one would take the liberty to flood with water a room in which + people were sitting to scream and yell in it or to perform any other acts + tending to disturb or injure others and yet out of a thousand smokers scarcely + + ' Source is damaged here. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 89 + + one will hesitate to fill with noxious fumes a room the atmosphere of which is + being breathed by women and children who do not smoke. + Indeed, this nuisance is so much felt that, in railway carriages, + special compartments for smoking are reserved. In orderly houses + smoking rooms are set apart for young men who are never allowed to + smoking in dining-rooms. A friend was taken to task for smoking in a + shelter on the staircase of the house he was living in. + Says the Court further: + For the more a man stupefies himself with these stimulants, narcotics, + the more stolid, quiescent and stagnant he become intellectually and morally. + We all know what deeds are committed by men in a drunken state. + + As to the wines, the above quotations are sufficient to show what + a man who used to drink fearfully thinks of them. It is not necessary + to quote extracts to prove that wines are injurious and that we are not + required to drink wines in England. There are hundred of societies to + convince you of the fact that wines are not necessary. There are many + members of Parliament who do not drink at all. In fact, there in a + teetotalers party in the Commons, with which are prominently + associated the names W.S. Caine and Sir Wilfred Lawson. We have + temperance societies in Bombay and many parts of India. There are + even Anglo-Indians who are teetotalers. In spite of all this, persons + there are, enlightened by then, who believe and refuse to disbelieve, + even though convinced, that wines are absolutely necessary in + England. A gentleman said: “After reaching England, you may not + require them, but somewhere in the Mediterranean sea, I am told you + die without them.” He was told, I may be allowed to tell him that if + the wines were so very necessary, the P. & O. Company would provide + wines together with the food for the fees they charge and not make + the passengers pay separately for the wines they consume. If the wines + were to be taken in England, and that regularly, 9s would be used up + simply in drinking and it would be impossible to make the two ends + meet for the estimate given by me. + So, then, it is absolutely necessary to exclude wines and tobacco + from the estimate and advisable to exclude tea and coffee, as the latter + can be used at a sacrifice of far more substantial drink: milk. + Now we come to the question of flesh foods which, I think, must + be abandoned if 9s are to be sufficient so as not to injure health. How + would the Mahommedans and Parsis do, it may be asked in that case. + For them this guide is useless. Tarry a little. I would ask: Are there not + + 90 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + many Mahommedans and Parsis who, on account of their poverty, get + flesh foods only on rare occasions and some on none? These surely + can manage without flesh foods which they get but rarely in India, not + for the sake of religion or principles, but for the sake of economy. + They are free to take meat whenever they can get it, e.g., in their Inn if + they have gone for a Barrister's education. If it be true that one can + live on vegetable foods without injuring one's health, why should not + all live on a vegetable diet because it is more economical than a meat + diet? That vegetarianism exists in England there are living examples to + prove. + There are vegetarian societies and any quantity of vegetarian + literature to testify to the existence of vegetarianism in England. There + are living notable Englishmen who are vegetarians. + Lord Hannen of the H.M.'s Privy Council, better known as Sir + James Hannen, the President of the late Parnell Commission, is a + vegetarian. + Mr. Gotling of Bombay is a vegetarian. + John Wesley was a vegetarian. So was Howard the philanthropist + and a host of others all men of light and learning. The poet Shelley + was a vegetarian. It is impossible in the compass of a small book to so + much as do justice to such a vast subject. I must content myself with + referring the inquisitive reader to Perfect Way in Diet by Dr. Anna + Kingsford’ who says of herself : + + I cured myself of tubercular consumption by living on vegetable food. + A doctor told me I had not six months to live. What was I to do? I was to eat + raw meat and drink port wine. Well, I went into the country and ate porridge + and fruit and appear today on this platform. + There is another advisable book to which the reader might be + referred. It is entitled A Plea for Vegetarianism by H. S. Salt.’ + Dr. Benjamin Ward Richardson, M.B., L.R.C.S., etc., himself not + a vegetarian, has come to the following conclusions in his Food for + Man. + 1. Man, although possessing the capacity of existing on an animal + diet in whole or in part, is by original cast adapted to a diet of grain and fruit + and, on a scientific adaptation of his natural supplies, might easily be + provided with all he can require from that source of subsistence. + + 'Vide also An Autobiography, Pt. I, Ch. XV. + * Vide An Autobiography, Pt. 1, Ch. XIV + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 9] + + 2. The vegetable world is incomparable in its efficiency for supply of + food for man when its resources are thoroughly understood and correctly + applied. + 3. The supplies of food for man are most economically and safely + drawn direct from the vegetable world. + 4. Diseases may be conveyed by both sources of supply, but need not + be conveyed by either. Diseases may be generated by misuse of either source, + of supply, but need not be, and under judicious management, would not be, + generated by either. + Under a properly constituted fruit and vegetable diet, strength of mind + and body may be as fully secured as under an animal or a mixed animal and + vegetable system. He says also, “I admit that some of the best work has been + done and is being done on a vegetarian regimen.” + If so much is conceded by a thoughtful and cautious doctor not + a vegetarian, the reader will easily guess how much must be claimed + by vegetarians for their system. They claim that anatomically, + physiologically, economically and morally vegetarianism is far + superior to meat-eating. + + From this it must be abundantly clear that vegetarianism is not + only possible, but is really practised by hundreds of people in + England. + + If, then, vegetarianism be as shown above as good as flesh-eating + in other respects, I hope no man, not determined upon setting his face + against vegetarianism at any cost, would hesitate to adopt it if it is + cheaper than flesh-eating. + + While a vegetable soup costs 3 d per plate, a meat soup costs + from 9 d to 1/3s and more. A mutton chop would cost at least three + times as much as a vegetable chop, unless you go in for meat of the + worst kind, and it must be borne in mind that there are more diseases + lurking in cheap meat than in vegetables. + + It would be futile for me to demonstrate an admitted fact, viz., + that vegetarianism costs far less than meat-eating. If there be anyone + who can contradict this, let him try to live on 9s per week and get flesh + foods. I concede that, by a judicious management, it would be + possible to have in that sum, if anyone thinks that he must have, not as + a luxury but as a sheer medical necessity, meat once or twice a week. + + Another fact is worth mentioning here. An ordinary vegetarian + in England does not exclude eggs from his dietary, while an Indian + vegetarian would. As a counterpart, there are vegetarians in England + + 92 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + who do not take even milk and butter, they being animal products. + + Before describing the food that can be had for 9s per week, + there are one or two points still remaining to be cleared. + + Whether you would cook the food yourself or whether you + would have it cooked by your landlady, from a religious point of + view, if you are a strict Hindu, you would of course cook your own + food. In this case, your expenses would be much cheaper. + Here let me remark, in spite of all that is said to the contrary, + that given all the resources at your command, there is nothing to + prevent you from leading a purely Hindu life. To say that there are no + cooking arrangements to be had in London is humbug and a mere + bagatelle. It would be true to say that there are very few who have the + mind to do it. Again, to perform the everyday ceremonies, to dine + bare-bodied, to sit in contemplation bare-bodied for hours together + would be impossible for a poor man, but a rich man who is prepared + to spend any amount of money can perform each and every religious + ceremony that can be performed in India. If he does not want to cook + his own food, he can even take a cook with him. But, then, an ordinary + student would not be able to command money and time for such + things. I should like to know how many students are there who find + time or have the mind to perform all the ceremonies even in India. If + they are not performed here, some of them may well be left out in + London without shocking the pious and elderly persons, as even our + scriptures make certain exemptions in favour of travellers and + students. A distinguished yogi told me that he forwent most of the + usual ceremonies while travelling. + + For an ordinary Indian who is not overscrupulous in_ his + religious views and who is not much of a believer in caste restrictions, + it would be advisable to cook partly himself and get a part of his food + ready made. + + Of course, he can have all his things cooked by his landlady + which, by a previous arrangement, she engages to do for 7s that are + paid for the rent. But, this would be found to be inconvenient in + certain cases. The landlady may not know the vegetarian cookery. She + may not be honest; she may be very unclean. She may cook + vegetables in utensils used for cooking meat without first cleaning + them. The first two difficulties can be surmounted: she may be given a + cookery book and she would cook the required food by the help of + the book. By a strict watch, she may not be given an opportunity for + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 93 + + being dishonest, but if she is not clean, there is no help for the poor + lodger if he has to be at her mercy. The last difficulty can be + overcome or overlooked. So, then, on the whole, it would be better to + cook one's food if the landlady is not clean. Cooking, as perhaps + would be feared, is not at all a difficult or troublesome process. No + smoke, no wood, no cowdung cakes and no blowing or fanning are + associated with the idea of cooking as here advocated. A portable oil + stove serves the purpose of the Indian chulas. On that stove one can + cook almost everything that may be cooked on the Indian chulas for + 5 or 6 persons. Moreover, the cooking does not take much time. + Twenty minutes would be found quite sufficient. Ten minutes are + required for boiling milk. During the interval, while milk in boiling, + many find it convenient to read something, e.g., a newspaper. An + enamelled pan, one or two plates, two spoons would be your cooking + utensils. The whole would cost not more than 10s. Water-white + kerosene oil is very good for cooking. It does not give any nasty + smell and burns well. The utensils would be supplied by your + landlady too. It is, however, advisable to buy your own pan. + Some meals may be prepared by the landlady and some taken + outside, e.g., breakfast and supper may be prepared by the landlady + and the midday meal taken outside. + Some meals may be cooked by yourself and others taken + outside. It is not troublesome to prepare one's breakfast and supper + which consist of simple things. + Under every one of these modes it is possible to live on 9s per + week. And every one of the modes has been tried by me as well as + many others. + The first mode is the cheapest, viz., to cook all your meals; but it + would cost more time and may prove inconvenient for a student who + may pass his day in his library. + However, let us see how under the first mode, 9s would give us + sufficient food. As has been said above, the same food that we usually + take in India is sufficient in England. + Then we may see what would be the cost of the Indian meals. + For example, if you stick to the two meals per day, you have for + dinner at 10 p.m. chapati, dal, vegetable, bhat and milk. + Such a dinner would cost as follows: + + 94 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Wheat meal flour 8 ‘4 + Rice 4 "y + Potatoes 8 7 + Lentils 4 "5 + Butter 1 1 + Salt & pepper "4 + Oil for cooking "4 + Milk Ih pint == + 5d + For the evening meal, khichadi and chapati may be had. + Rice and lentils 16 2 + Butter lb 1 + Milk ly pint 1 + Salt, pepper & oil lb lb + Ta + + Thus, two good meals can be had for 9 d And if it be found + desirable that a third meal should be had, 3 d can be laid out in milk + and bread or tea and bread. This for a week would amount to 7 s with + a balance of 2s in our favour. + + However, it would be found convenient and perhaps better for + health to have English vegetable dishes. You have before you a wide + range of selection. + + In cereals you have wheat, oatmeal, maize, etc. + + In pulses you have peas, haricots, lentils, rice [sic], etc. In + vegetables you have potatoes, cabbage, spinach, celery, artichokes, + haricot beans, green peas, tomatoes, cauliflower, parsnips, onions and + leeks. In fruits there are fresh fruits and dry. Among the first class can + be counted apples, oranges, grapes, bananas, apricots, pears, peaches, + plums, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc. Among the second class + are found figs, dates, currants, raisins, muscatel raisins and sultanas, + etc. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 95 + + In nuts we have hazel, brazil nuts, almonds, chestnuts, etc. + + The above presents a variety sufficient to satisfy the most + delicate tastes and all of these are within the reach of the 9-s man. + + Fruits are supposed in England to be absolutely necessary. At + any rate, the vegetarians think so. They are a sure safeguard against + medicine. They purify the blood and keep the bowels regular; since + constipation is the father of many diseases, one cannot do better than + take the utmost precautions to prevent that fell disease. This can be + best done by a liberal use of whole wheat meal and fruits. The fine + wheat flour ordinarily to be had in England is to be discarded + altogether. It is very innutritious and very often injurious when it is + adulterated as it very often is. Moreover, it is insipid. On the other + hand wheat meal flour is very sweet to the taste. So one should always + make it a point to use brown bread made of whole wheat meal flour + and discard the white bread altogether. It may be said that the above + observations are unauthenticated and useless coming from a person + who cannot pretend to any knowledge of chemistry or medicine. Well, + they are not unauthentic. Only the authorities have not been quoted. + That what has been written above is the general opinion of doctors can + be seen by reading the many vegetarian pamphlets published by the + Vegetarian Society. It must be repeated here that the aim of this guide + is not to supersede other useful books and to give all the information, + its aim is to supplement, to give information not hitherto given and to + direct where the proper information can be had. + We assume then that food is to be selected for three meals from + the vegetable kingdom. The meals consist of breakfast at 8.30 a.m., + dinner at 1 p.m., and supper at 6.30 p.m. + A good breakfast may be made of oatmeal porridge—a + splendid dish especially in winter. In almost every household, they + have this porridge for breakfast in winter. Thousands of Scotch + people live on oatmeal. It tastes like wheat and is sweeter. The + preparation is very simple. You can stir one ounce of oatmeal into a + sufficient quantity of water and put it on the oil stove. If it is fine + oatmeal, the porridge would be ready in 20 minutes. If it is coarse, it + would take 30 minutes. It can be eaten with sugar and milk or stewed + fruit. Stewed fruit is fruit cooked in water with a little sugar. The + porridge may be made entirely in milk or milk and water. Made in + milk it tastes better. This breakfast would cost as follows : + + 96 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +OZ + + Oatmeal 1 ‘I + Milk '/, pint 1 + Fruit (currants or raisins) 2 ‘L, + Bread ‘L, + Butter “L, + 3d. + + Breakfast may consist of bread (1d), butter (1d) and cheese Ce + + d). It may consist of toast and milk (3d), toast, jam and tea (3d), bread + and butter and fruit (3d), maize, musc and fruit (2d) bread and apples + ‘L1b (4d per 1b) (3d), bread, butter and cocoa (3d), bread, butter and + marmalade (2'/,d), et ad lib. + + Soup and bread and fresh fruit or rice and milk and sugar + would make a good dinner. Soup made of potatoes, onion and + haricots costs 1'/d. Rice, milk and sugar would cost 2d or less and + bread 1d. This dinner, then, can be had for 4'/ d. And if you are very + fond of butter, you can have a penny worth of butter in which case + your dinner would be 5'/d. + + The following variety of dinners can be had for and under 5d: + + Pea soup and bread and stewed fruit or fresh fruit, rice, milk and + bread and radishes and cheese. Potato soup, bread and semolina with + stewed fruit or milk. + + Tapioca pudding bread with almonds and raisins, etc., etc. + + Supper may consist of bread, butter and cocoa (3d), bread and + butter and cheese (2'/d), toast and milk and radishes (3d), porridge + + and fruit and bread (3d), bread, butter, celery and cheese, etc. + + Thus, three meals can be had for 11d or say 1s. These meals are + quite sufficient and nourishing and give as much nutrition as a + sumptuous meat meal with no dyspepsia or other disease which is + generally the consequence of the latter. Thousands subsist well on + such meals. + + The three meals or two of them may be cooked by you or by + your landlady. When the cooking is entrusted to the landlady, all the + things must be bought by you so that you may be sure that you get + the right thing at the right price. It may be remarked here that only + those fruits and vegetables must be bought which are in season, + otherwise they are very expensive. Moreover, they must be bought at + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 97 + + the proper place. If you go to Regent Street and think of buying the + hot-house grapes, they would cost 3s per pound. These, of course, you + cannot buy; but you can easily buy the grapes at 4d per pound when + they are in season. + Sometimes, I was going to say very often, it is found convenient + to take the dinner outside. Whether you be a traveller or a student, you + would go out after breakfast and return in the evening. In such a case, + you would not care to return home for dinner. That entails a great loss + of time and trouble and you would not care to go home from your + library, especially if it be some distance from your house. There are + vegetarian restaurants in all the busy quarters of London for such + people. They have generally two divisions. One division provides six- + penny dinners of 3 courses. You buy a ticket and, on presenting the + ticket, you get a selection of 3 out of about 20 courses. The + popularity of these dinners is immense. From | p.m. to 2 p.m., very + often it becomes very difficult to find a place owing to the large + number of customers. + + In the other division, you can have any number of courses and + you pay for what you eat. A list of items called the menu is shown to + you in which the prices are marked against each item and you select + your dinner according to your appetite and purse. Our 9-s man can + patronize either division. Two courses would be found to be quite + sufficient in the first division. And three courses of the first division + are more than sufficient even for a gourmand. It may be remarked + that there is no difference in the quality of food in both the divisions. + In fact, there are the same dishes in both. In the first division, you + have the satisfaction to know that you pay more and, if you are + ashamed to sit side by side with a labourer, to know that there is no + such person to shame you in the first division. There is again more + room in the first division called the dining-saloon and the hall is better + ornamented. I give a specimen menu showing the courses generally + provided in the vegetarian restaurants of which Dr. Richardson says: + + I confess with perfect candour that, if I could on all occasions get for + my meals the same foods as are to be obtained in the best vegetarian dining- + rooms, I should not take willingly any other kind of food. In time, I doubt + not that the present centres for good vegetarian diets will become schools + for the nation and that every hotel in the kingdom and every private + + dwelling will have its cook or housewife. + + 98 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Monday Oct. 22/88 + + SOUPS + + PORRIDGES + + Oatmeal + Wheaten + +3d +3d +3d +1d + + Green pea + Scotch broth + Florador and milk + Bread + +3d + + in sugar or syrup + + Maize musc + + Anglo-S + + cotch + + SAVOURIES + + Parsley se + + Lentil Cutlets + + & sprouts + Turnips + Tomatoes + +“cc + +6c + +A + +“cc + +6c + + VEGETARIAN PIES + + Tomato & macaroni pudding + + Yorkshire pudding se & haricot + + Curried egg and rice + Sprout se & baked potatoes + +HB Hh - + + EXTRA VEGETABLES + + Macaroni + Rice + Tomatoes + Haricots + + Turnips + Sprouts + Baked potatoes + Mashed “ + +NNN WN + +w YN wp + + SWEET PUDDINGS + + PASTRY + Damsonpie + Apple tart + Plum + SUNDRIES + 2 + 2 + 1 + 2 + 2 + + College pudding + + Tapioca and custard + Blanc mango & jam + Maize and peaches + + Wheat and jelly + +Ww WWW Ww + + STEWED FRUITS + + Wheat cake + Coffee chocolate + + Apples + Raisins + Plums + Damson + Peaches + + Cheddar + + Gorgonzola + +Ww WW W + + Celery + +3 + + No greater variety can be required for a good selection. + + The vegetarian restaurants are closed on Sundays and bank + holidays. On these days dinners must be taken at home. + + In dealing with this subject of food, I have simply put down the + result of my own experience and that of others. It may interest the + reader to know that the meals above enumerated give all the elements + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 + +99 + + necessary to sustain life. It is outside the province of this work to show + what they are and in what proportion they are required. That is a + separate study. The enquiring reader can test the truth of my + statement from The Perfect Way in Diet, Fruits and Farinacea, and + such other works. + + This closes the remarks on the most important subject. There + should be no difficulty in carrying out the above plan and, if carried + out, it will be found that it is far better even from the point of view of + health. For, luxury and over-eating never lead to health. Wise frugality + in diet is the surest mode of preserving or attaining health. Says Dr. A. + Von During: “Wouldst thou enjoy life, renounce life's + enjoyment.” There is an Italian proverb which says: “He who eats + more eats less (because he shortens his days by gluttony).” Again + Seneca says: “Multos morbos multa fercula fuerunt” —’Many dishes + many diseases.” + + Says Professor Meyor, that first Latin professor from whose Why + I Ama Vegetarian the above quotations are taken, with regard to + students' extravagance : + Many we know who, for their own persons put up with plain fare, blush + to set before guests what costs them little. They deem it penurious, shabby, + churlish. This prejudice certainly affects students, at least in England, to no + small extent. Even thrifty men may save three shillings a day, i.e., a guinea a + week, by adopting Spartan self-control. In other words, they may win without + contest a scholarship of £50 a year. tenable for life, purchasing into the + bargain independence of character and health. + Sir Henry Thomson goes so far as to say that “our eating is + more injurious than our drinking”, and who does not know that we + are more apt to over-eat than under-eat? + + To carry out what has been mapped out above, nothing but a + stern will is required. Given that one thing, the way is smooth. A little + experience will accustom you to that mode of life. “Adopt that course + of life which is best and custom will render it delightful.” + + I cannot do better than close this chapter with the following lines + from Dr. Nichol's How to Live on Six Pence a Day: + + The case of Louis Cornaro so often quoted is a very remarkable instance + of the effects of a very temperate and simple diet in producing health, + cheerfulness and longevity. At the age of 40, his constitution seemed ruined + by what is called free living. He changed all his habits and lived on 12 ounces + of food a day and his health became so perfect that for half a century he was + never ill. When past ninety, in deference to his friends, he increased his food + + 100 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + to 14 ounces a day instead of 12 and this trifling addition nearly cost him his + life. He became sad and dispirited, everything vexed him and he was attacked + with a pain in the stomach which compelled him to return to his former diet + and even to diminish it. Writing at the age of ninety-five, he describes his life + as one of great serenity and enjoyment. He wrote plays, he assisted in + fortifying and embellishing Venice. He enjoyed what he called his beautiful + life. He writes: “I have attained my ninety-fifth year and find myself as + healthy, merry and happy as if I were but twenty-five.” At this age, and even + on to a hundred years, his senses, memory, heart, judgment and voice were + perfect. He wrote seven or eight hours a day, walked, enjoyed society and + music and sang and played delightfully. His grand-niece writes of him : “He + continued healthy and even vigorous until he was a hundred years old. His + mind did not at all decline. He never required spectacles. He did not become + deaf. His voice remained so strong and harmonious that, at the close of his + life, he sang with as much power and delight as he did at twenty.” + The reader will find in the appendix how I lived on £4 per + month during the last year of my stay in England. + + In the above estimates no mention is made of expenses on + account of newspapers which are found to be an absolute necessity, a + daily food as it were. There are now in almost all the parts of London + free public libraries, where are to be found all the leading daily and + weekly papers. These institutions are visited by hundreds of people + every day. So it is always preferable to visit the public libraries to + buying a paper. However, if necessary, there is a sufficient margin + left for spending 6d per week on newspapers. The London + newspapers are very cheap. An evening newspaper can be had for one + half penny. + + CHAPTER IV + + A CHAPTER FOR WOULD-BE BARRISTERS + + Whether you will be a Barrister or receive some other education + in England is a question that can be best determined by you or those + who know you best. Each man's case must be peculiar. I can offer + only general remarks. + + For the present Barristers are at a discount. They are not so well + thought of as they were before. This I suppose is an undisputed fact. + It is, however, true that they have got a status from which it is not easy + to oust them and it is true also that they have got the widest field for + action. And it may be said also that, with a large amount of patience + and close application, no Barrister need despair of earning a decent + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 101 + + livelihood from his own profession or by accepting some + appointment. + But why are the Barristers at a disadvantage? The fault is partly + their own and partly the people's. Again, there are natural causes. + The fault is their own because they do not come up to the + expectations of the people. Of the people because they expect too + much from them. The natural causes consist in the increase of their + number. When there was only one newspaper, it was prized by all; now + when there are many only few are held in estimation. A first + matriculate was a sort of demi-god. Now when you stumble upon + matriculates, they are sold at a nominal price. Again, when there was + only one Barrister, he was incomparable, now there are many among + whom to set up a comparison. + So, then, there is no need to be fear-stricken by a little + dislodging of the position; only we must not lower our standard of + work and a time may come when we may be yet too few. That time is + distant though. And, during that time, we ought to be cautious so that + it may not be extended any further. + In being over-hasty we may spoil matters; in not working as we + ought to, we may do the same. We must, therefore, guard against both. + There is nowadays a tendency to do it easily, i.e., to work little + and expect much. This ought to be avoided if we would not be thrown + further downward. If our parents send us to England, or if we hold + ascholarship, we have a sacred trust to perform. We have to account to + our parents or patrons for the work we have done and for the + moneywhich [we] have spent. We ought to do unto them as we would + be done by. If we were to send some one to England at our expense to + become a Barrister, I suppose we would expect him to utilize every + moment of his stay there and give us an account of how he passed his + time. Exactly the same would be expected of us. Consciousness of this + and work according to it are all that is required of us. If we do that, we + shall have done our duty and will have no occasion to be sorry for + having gone to England. When we go there to be Barristers, we ought + to do there everything that would make of us good Barristers and not + indulge in luxuries or pleasures. + Let those who send their boys to England make sure that they + would discharge their trust faithfully and they will have no occasion to + regret having sent them. The best way to ensure this is to give your + boy just enough money to make of him a Barrister and then tell him + + 102 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + plainly that he should expect no more. Make a certain provision for + him on his return from England for a year or two and then let him + know that he shall be left to himself to earn his living. This may seem + a little hard, but once done it would be a source of the highest + happiness, or else it will be a source of woe and misery both to the + parents and the boy. + Are there already too many Barristers? Yes and no. Yes, if we + take any one province into account, but, if India as a whole were taken + into account, there are far too few. That Barristers have a field in any + of Her Majesty's dominions seems to have either been forgotten or not + cared for, because every Barrister goes to his native land to practise. + Now, while in one's fatherland there is some chance of success owing + to acquaintances and knowledge of the native country, there is much + disadvantage if the profession is overcrowded. Why not then invade + the regions not yet invaded? + Then, again, a field, I am told, is sure to be opened as well for + Barristers as for all educated persons in the protected States. They are + yet in a very backward state. They are expected to make reforms. + When that time comes, the aid of the educated of the land is likely to + be called in. Again, it is a notorious fact that so far education has been + too much neglected by the agencies and back-door influence has + prevailed. This too will be set right some day. + + I must not, however, be misunderstood to advocate the Indians + flocking to England to become Barristers. Whether it is good to be a + Barrister or not is not the province of this guide to discuss. There are + many other guides to throw light on that matter. Indeed, I must + confess freely my incompetence to aid the discussion of that question. + I am simply to guide those who have made up their minds to be + Barristers as to what they would be required to spend, what + examinations they have to pass, how they would gain admission, etc. It + was not without many misgivings and hesitation that I was induced to + insert even the above paragraphs. + Supposing, then, that you have made up your mind to become a + Barrister, the first thing for you to do is to get a certificate of your + having passed the matriculation examination. If you have not passed + the matriculation examination, you will be required to pass an + entrance examination before admission. They examine in History and + Latin, but Indian students are by an application exempted from the + Latin examination. The examination is rather easy. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 103 + + This done you get the form of admission for one guinea; you + pay the fees which amount to nearly £141. + Those who have joined some university are exempted from the + payment of £100 in the beginning, though they have to pay the sum + in the end. In Lincoln's Inn, those who have passed public + examination only in the British Dominions are exempted from that + payment. I am not sure whether this applies to Indian Universities. + Such information can be had directly by writing to the treasurers of + the respective Inns of which there are four, viz., Inner Temple, Middle + Temple, Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn. Perhaps, from an economic + point of view, Lincoln's Inn is the best Inn, which boasts also the best + library. Middle Temple is the most patronized by the Indians. From + the education point of view, all the Inns are equal because they have a + common examination. Middle Temple pays the scholarships in cash, + the Inner Temple makes you join chambers and pays for them. + + One has to keep twelve terms before being called to the bar. + There are four terms every year, the 1st in January, the 2nd in April, + the 3rd in June and 4th in November. The shortest term lasts 20 days + and the longest about 31 days. + + Keeping terms means taking dinners in the respective Inns to + which you belong; you have not necessarily to take your dinner but + you must go to the dining-hall punctually at the appointed time and + sit there for one hour. You are said to have kept one term when you + have attended six dinners in the term. Those who belong to a + university have to attend only three dinners. These dinners, whether + partaken of or not, have to be paid for Inner Temple charges 3'/s per + dinner, Middle Temple 2s. Thus you make a saving of I'/s every + dinner by joining the Middle Temple. And such dinners have to be + taken 12 times in all. Lincoln's Inn and Gray's Inn, too, charge most + probably 2s. + If you pay for the dinners and if you have no religious + objection, why should you not take your dinner, one may pertinently + ask? The answer is you ought to dine, but, then, a further question + arises as to what a vegetarian should do. Well, you can have ordinarily + bread and vegetables and cheese, but you can have a better vegetarian + dinner specially prepared for you by applying to the chief steward of + the Inn or, if need be, the sub-treasurer of your Inn. A Parsi friend + who had turned a vegetarian and I used to get our vegetarian dinners + specially prepared. + + 104 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + And it is better that every Indian should insist [on this] so that, + in future, every Inn may make it a rule to prepare vegetarian dinners + regularly. + To be fit for being called to the Bar at the end of 12 terms, two + examinations must be passed, one in Roman Law and the other in the + English Laws. + A student can appear in the Roman Law examination after—but + not before—keeping four terms. Thus, after reaching England, the + student has one year at least to prepare for the examination which is + much more than what is required for the purposes of passing the + examination; hence, the brilliant results of the examination. For + Roman Law, Saunder's Justinian is the text-book. Many students, + however, read Hunter's Introduction to Roman Law. + The other examination called the Bar Final a student can appear + in it after—but not before—keeping nine terms, i.e., at the end of two + years after admission. This time, too, is more than enough for the + examination. The examination takes place in the Law of Property, + Common Law including Criminal Law and Equity, and lasts for four + days. It used to last only three days, but now there are two Equity + papers instead of one. + + For the Law of Property the prescribed books are: + William's Real Property + +ce + + Personal Property + Goodeve's Real Property + +ce + + Personal Property + Edward’s Compendium of the Law of Property in Land. + Students, however, generally find it sufficient to read William's + and Goodeve's Real Property and Goodeve's Personal Property. Very + few read William's on personal property. They read besides, various + guides to the examination. In Law the prescribed Common book is + Broom's Common Law. Indermauer's Common Law is, however, read + in addition to or instead of Broom by the students. For Equity the + prescribed book is Snell's Equity. + The matter of the examination changes almost every year. Thus, + while generally a competent knowledge of the English laws is + required, special subjects are prescribed every year. For instance, for + Equity they sometimes prescribe certain portions only (e.g., trusts, + mortgages, etc.) from White and Tudor's Leading Cases in Equity. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 105 + + Those, however, who are well grounded in the general principles of + law do not find it difficult to pass. + The latest prospectus' of the Council of Legal Education is + appended hereto. + A notion seems to prevail in many quarters that students are + called to the bar without any examinations or that the examinations + are a farce. Both these statements are entirely without foundation and + inventions of fertile brains. + No doubt the examinations are easy or, rather, found to be + easy. The results are generally good. There are two or three reasons + for the examinations being found easy. + In the first place, they take place four times every year. So, then, + if a student fails, the failure does not shock him so much as it does in + India. In England he can re-appear in three months. + Secondly, the time at the student's disposal for preparation is + ample. While both the examinations are a year's work at the rate of 6 + hours per day, to ensure success there are clear two years at the + student's disposal. So, then, the preparation can be made with a light + heart and without having to work hard. Whether it is good that more + than sufficient time should be given for preparation is another + question altogether, but let there be only three months for preparing + for the examinations and we shall have cutting [sic] results and a + different verdict. + Thirdly, there are many facilities for study in the shape of tutors, + etc. It is only in rare cases that tutors should be resorted to. It is a + useless waste of money. And a tutored student never goes beyond + what is required and forgets what he has learnt soon after the + examination. Such is the experience of many. Nothing like self- + preparation. + It is worthy of notice that the tendency nowadays is happily to + raise the standard of the examinations. They have begun to prescribe + more useful matter now. The latest prospectus is a_ substantial + improvement on the prospectus of two years ago. For merely a + knowledge of Evidence was not [then] necessary; now, however, it is. + Students generally study for themselves through lectures + common to the four Inns. Special lectures, too, are organized by each + + ' This is not available. + + 106 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Inn. These lectures are generally attended by those students only who + want to compete for scholarship examinations. But attending the + lectures has now been made _ indirectly compulsory as_ the + examinations are held on the subject of lectures. + + Call to the bar is a mere formal ceremony. + + After you are called, a certificate is given to you and you have + to apply for a special certificate if you want to practise in India or the + Colonies. + Before leaving England, students, now Barristers, generally get + their names enrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Justice on a + payment of 5 shillings. + It may be important here to discuss whether it is desirable that + the student should try for scholarship examinations. It has been said + above that, for the purposes of passing the examinations, the time at + the student's disposal is more than enough. The question, therefore, is + what shall he do with the rest of his time? It may be answered—he will + devote it to private study. Now this is all very well to say. There are + persons who do study as well for the sake of study as for an + examination. But these are exceptions to prove the rule that, unless a + person has a task imposed on him, he will not generally do it only + because it is good. Private study very often gives place to other + pursuits, not so study for an examination. It, therefore, seems better to + impose some examination task upon oneself than to rely upon one's + own will-power to take care of private study. + And, in that case, it is difficult to say whether it is better to + compete for some scholarship or to join some University. In going in + for some scholarships there is one drawback. The competition is + unequal. There may be M.A.’s, B.A.'s and other University men + against mere matriculates who would stand a very poor chance of + winning scholarships. For those who have graduated in India nothing + can be better than trying for the scholarship examinations. Indeed, + there are students who do both—join a University and work for a + scholarship. Matriculates and others, if they try for a scholarship, + while they may not be successful in getting one, will have the + satisfaction of knowing that they have added to the stock of their + knowledge and done some useful work. It may, however, be thought + more advisable for them to graduate in one of the Universities. Then + comes the question of selection of a University. There are Cambridge + and Oxford Universities on one side and London University on the + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 107 + + other. So far as substantial knowledge is concerned, London + University is by far the best. And if a University is to be joined for + enjoyment and pleasures, of course London University would lag far + behind. Oxford and Cambridge would win the palm. There is no, what + is called, University life in London of which there is plenty in Oxford + and Cambridge. London University is an examining body merely and + does not require candidates to have kept any terms. There is no doubt + an opportunity of mixing with Professors in Oxford and Cambridge + which is not to be found in London. + It is said that education in Oxford and Cambridge is very costly. + To graduate and become a Barrister would cost at least Rs. 15,000. + Though I have no personal experience of either, I can say that + education in either should not cost anything more than Barrister's + education except the actual expenses of fees and books. Of course, to + live with such economy one will have to remain a non-collegiate + student. No such charge, however, can be brought against the London + University. And, on that account, it would be better to graduate from + the London University. The great advantage of the London University + is that it holds its examinations even in India. London University + would be found better by vegetarians as there are more facilities for + them in London than anywhere else. + Now, this University is so exacting that even an M.A. or B.A. of + any other University has to matriculate in the London University + before he can appear for any of its degree examinations. But, after + passing the matriculation examination, one can appear in its Law + examinations without having to pass the B.A. examination, as is the + case in the Bombay University. The London LL.B. course nearly + extends to three years after matriculation. So, in three years one can + pass the matriculation and the intermediate LL.B. examination + together with being called to the bar. Such a course of training would + keep the student's hands pretty full and he will find no time to devote + to idle amusements and this would not mean an extra outlay over and + above the cost of a Barrister’s education of more than £20 to 25. + The cost of Barrister’s education: + In order to be called to the bar, it is necessary to leave for + England so as to reach there in time for keeping the November term. + If you start in October or September, you can return in the July of + your third year's stay in England. By starting in any other month you + can return in that month of your third year's stay in England, which is + + 108 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + previous to the month you started in for England. Except for the + saving of two months by starting in October, it has been shown in a + pervious chapter that March is the best month to start in for England. + For three years’ stay in England we have, in the previous chapter, + calculated the expenses of board and lodging in London, which + amount to £4 per month. So £150 may be allowed for board and + lodging in England during the three years’ stay in England. A list of + clothes, too has been given in previous chapter. The clothes contained + [in the list] in that chapter would be quite sufficient at least for the + first year, though by a judicious use no more may be required for two + years. However, a further list of clothes is appended below. These may + be bought as required. But more should in no case be required. + According to one's fancy changes may be made. The sum to be + expended in clothing should not be exceeded. + + jQooocooonrtth + SoCoCoCoCoCoCoC Ca + + pairs of trousers + jacket suit (vest & jacket) + white shirts + woollen shirts + woollen undervests or merino + cotton undervests + woollen drawers + pairs of woollen socks + +—_ —N + +NN BNN WRK W += + + = + YN WWOrRAA OA + +th + + 12 pairs of merino or cotton socks + 12 cotton handkerchiefs + 2 felt hats + 6 neckties + 1 slippers + 4 + 1 + + oroocncooco + +NN WN NY O + + pairs of boots and shoes + pair of gloves + + — + Soo OoONnonk COococococCceoced + +th +mR +So +— On Ow + +— +So + + brought forward + tooth brushes + umbrellas + razor + evening suit on hire for one evening + +Rea eB NH W +ooo OG +— +Nn WD + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 109 + + 1 gown 0 10 0 + 4 cotton or merino drawers 0 11 0 + 1 oil stove 0 5 6 + 1 enamelled pan 0 16 + 2 spoons 0 20 + plates 0 10 + £13 116 + + It must be understood that there is room for economy in the + above list as well as the list given in the previous chapter, economy + both as regards quantity and prices. When the lists were shown to a + friend who is rather exacting than otherwise, he pronounced it to be + extravagant. The evening dress mentioned at the bottom in the list is + meant for the call night. It is compulsory to wear the dress on the call + night, so they say. No one seems to have tried to appear in the + ordinary dress. The experiment is worth trying. However, if one has to + wear the evening dress, he can have it on hire for one evening for 5s at + many shops in the Strand or Fleet Street. It may be borrowed from + friends. It may not be superfluous to mention that expenses of + mending shoes or clothes at times are included in the £1 per week. + Shoes are the article requiring repair rather often. They can be + mended for 1/6 per pair or less. In the list will be found mentioned the + oil stove and pan, etc. They are meant for cooking. They will prove + very useful at times if not always. When travelling, cheap food may + not be procurable, the landlady being not a good cook or from + various other causes. In such cases it will be best to cook one's food. + + There remain now to be considered the expenses on account of + fees and dues to be given to the Inns. + + They are as follows in the Inner Temple: + + £s d + Admission form 1 1 0 + Stamp dues and fees 35 6 5 + Lecture fee 5 5 0 + Commons & dues & dinners for 12 terms 15 13 0 + Call certificate for the Colonies 0 12 0 + Call fees 94 10 O + £152 711 + Enrolment in the High Court 0 5 0 + £15212 11 + + 110 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + These were the fees paid by me. Now, if the Middle Temple is + joined and if there are no fees besides those charged in the Inner + Temple, as there are probably not, 72 times 1'/s, i.e., £5-8-0 can be + saved as the Middle Temple dinner costs only 2s [as compared] to the + 31/8 of the Inner Temple. I know that in no case do the fees exceed £ + 152-7-11. Hence £ 153 may be put down as the highest expense for + fees. + + Then we come to books. Before enumerating the books, it may + be remarked that the libraries of the several Inns are meant for the use + of their members and it will be their own fault if they do not make a + liberal use of them. Thus, all of the big works on law which have to be + read for the scholarship examination will be found in the library. All + the works just to be mentioned will also be found in the library. + However, they being books of daily reference may be bought. There + are law lending libraries in London which entitle their members to + issue books to be kept for a month, three months, etc., according to + the subscription they pay. So then he who wants to practise further + economy may make use of these libraries, too. + And, in passing, I may mention that such economy sometimes + becomes very necessary. You may think of travelling and yet may not + afford to spend more than a given sum which did not include + travelling expenses. In that case you must save somewhere. An + instance will be found of a saving thus effected in Appendix A. A few + odd shillings or pence saved now and then and collected swell up the + savings to a decent sum which may be spent in various other useful + pursuits. A mention has nowhere been made of theatres which are a + national institution in England and, as some suppose, a seat of + education and amusement combined. They moreover portray the + modern habits and customs of England. No one would return to India + without visiting the theatres. Then, where is provision for that in the + estimates provided in this guide, it may be asked. They are provided + for generally in the one pound a week and also in the estimates + provided for clothing where a margin has been left for cutting down. + Theatres do not cost much. Gallery seats are one shilling each and pit + 2 or 3'hd each. The last seats are used by respectable middle-class + persons and frequently patronized by the Indians. Once a month on + an average is more than sufficient and the reader will have remarked + that an ample margin has been left for saving even 4 times 2s. The + arrangements given in the guide will have to be disturbed only when + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 111 + + some big expense has to be incurred. Thus, if a travel has to be + undertaken and if the average limit of £4 is not to be overstepped, a + saving may be effected, e.g., by removing to a cheaper room. To + return, however, to the libraries. It has been alluded to in the previous + chapter that it will be convenient to pass most of your time in the + library of your Inn. For even a luxuriously fitted room would not be + so comfortable and suitable as the library hall which is always well- + warmed and ventilated. + The books to be required are as follows. All the booksellers give + a 25 per cent discount on books of general literature and 20% on law + books. The prices in the second column are prices minus discount. + + £ s d £ s d + Saunders’ Justinian 018 O 015 0 + Hunter's Introduction to Roman Law O 7 6 0 6 0 + William's Real Property 1 1 O 017 O + Goodeve’s Real Property 1 1 O 017 0 + Goodeve’s Personal Property 1 1 O 017 O + Broom's Common Law 1 5 O 1 0 0 + Indermauer's Common Law 1 0 O 0 16 0 + Snell’s Equity 1 0 O 1 0 0 + Extra 3 12 O + Total £ 10 0 0 + + There is now only one item of expenditure to be considered, + viz., the fare on returning, which is £35. + Thus the total expenses of a Barrister’s education are: + + £ + Dress in Bombay 18 + Fare from Bombay to London 24 + Dress in London 14 + Fees, etc. 153 + Board and lodging during three years in London 150 + Books 10 + Fare from London to Bombay 35 + Emergencies, etc. 16 + £ 420 + + This brings down the expenses on a Barrister's education to + + 112 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + £420 which, as the reader must have seen is capable of being reduced + to £400 quite easily. There are three items, viz., dress in Bombay, that + in London and books, which evidently admit of a reduction of £4 and + the emergency sum ought really to find no place in the estimate as + that has been taken into account in the £150 for board and lodging. + Attention ought to be drawn to the first two items which have + been estimated in rupees and then reduced to pounds sterling at the + present rate of exchange which is nearly Rs. 16 for one pound. In + rupees, as will have been noticed, it amounts to nearly Rs. 653; + represented in pounds, it would fluctuate with the exchange. + The passage Rs. 370, too, is subject to variation. Already owing + to the sinking down of the rupee, the passage has been raised some 20 + p.c. If the rate goes higher, as it is expected to, [it] is likely that the + fare would be brought down to its original value. + Now it has to be discussed how many pounds you will take with + you. Of course, Rs. 653 or thereabouts will be spent in Bombay. On + reaching London you will have to pay your fees amounting to nearly + £141. Out of this £41 are taken as fee and £100 as deposit as security + for further dues to your Inn. It has been said above that this deposit is + excused in certain cases. If you are sure that you come under the + excuse rules, you may take £100 less. But, in all other cases, take with + you or be sure that you will get on your landing in England at least + 175 pounds sterling. If you take money with you, of course, you + would not take it in cash, but take a bill of exchange to some bank. + Messrs Hutchinson & Co., are good bankers and cater for Indian + customers. Mr. Wm. Digby is concerned with the business. They + undertake to supply gratis the requisite information to Indians about + lodging, etc. I do not suppose they would be able, however, to show + them cheap lodgings. They have got a list of families who take + Indians, as boarders, but these families charge nearly 30s per week for + board and lodging. Some charge even 25s. But they may be told that + you want to live cheaply and perhaps they would secure you good + lodgings. On this point, however, the editor of The Vegetarian would + be the best guide. He has promised to find suitable lodging for + Indians asking for his advice. That is by the way. As bankers, Messrs + Hutchinson & Co. would be quite good. Their address in London is :' + + Messrs Thomas Cook & Sons, Hornby Road, Bombay, also are + + ' The source carries no address. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 113 + + good and well-known bankers. Many Indians have their accounts with + them. All these firms get their customer's letters free of charge. It is + better, however, to get your letters at your Inn or at your lodging + when you have fixed upon one. + It would be advisable to keep two or three pounds with you in + cash in order to pay for your railway-ticket on landing in London and + to pay a few shillings to the steward of your cabin or to pay for boat + hires if you land at various stations touched by your boat. + + Although the estimates supplied are not the lowest possible it is + supposed that no one would venture to go to England who could not + afford £420, i.e., at the present rate of exchange Rs. 6,720. I have, + however, a word to say further. If you have got Rs. 10,000, do not + spend all in London, thinking that you would be able to lead a + happier life there. + I shall just diverge from my main subject. I am _ going + immediately to point out that, from every point of view, the life you + would have to lead on £420 would be happier than the life led by + many a student in India. And mind, Rs. 10,000 would not supply you + with luxuries. They would simply make you pine for more to vie with + your luxurious brothers and thus, in fact, make you more miserable. + Did you say one room in England would not be sufficient for you? I + ask you, then, what have you been having here? Do you not sleep, + even though you may be the son of a rich man, two or three in one + room, a room without a carpet, without any furniture, surrounded by + dirty ditches having hardly a window or two? Have you not in + Bombay used the same room for kitchen, bed-room and sitting room? + Why, I have seen very rich students spending money like water living + in a dirty house not even swept daily. Did you say you could not live + on the food provided in the book? Well, if so, you can only be pitied. + I am sure that you are having no better food here. Do you always + taste, much less eat', fruit in India? Do you not subsist on two meals + only, in India, with milk only once in the day? Did you say you could + not cook your food? Well, if so, it is not absolutely necessary that you + should cook in London except for your religion. But, does not many + a student, if not you, cook his food in India and in what? In the + miserable fire-places, blowing the fire, now and then spoiling the + clothes and having the eyes quite red with smoke after the dinner is + + ' The source has ‘cut’, obviously a slip. + + 114 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + cooked. In the place of all this, what do you have in England on one + pound per week? A nice comfortable room all to yourself, a room + with a nice carpet specklessly clean, a nice bedstead with a feather bed, + two pillows, looking-glass, washing-stand, chairs, etc. (see the + description ante). The maid of the house always makes the bedding + for you, washes your basin and dances attendance on you whenever + you want her and does all the household work for you. You have not + to cry out aloud for her, but just touch the bell and she knocks at your + door and enters only when you say, yes. That surely is not a miserable + life and, if it be miserable, the Rs. 10,000 would not make it less so. + To return, then, to our subject from the digression: if you have + Rs. 10,000, keep them. Only spend out of them Rs. 6,000 or the + equivalent of £420. And the rest you will be able to command on + your return to India. What a relief! Just ask a junior how he felt to be + told that he would be able to command some Rs. 2,000 to go on with + in India and you will gauge the measure of relief. But, if you spend + the whole Rs. 10,000, why to find yourself without money on your + return would cause far greater pain than the additional happiness, + which you may expect but are sure not to get by spending more than + £420 worth of rupees. It is absolutely necessary that you should have + some money, [Rs.] 1,000, 2,000 or any such sum at your disposal. + Then you would not regret having gone to England. On that you + would be able to build your position, but, if you have not got the + foundation money, any edifice you may hope to build without that + foundation would crumble down to pieces and you would find + yourself in the open air without an edifice. For there is no work + awaiting you on your return. There may be empty honours and + congratulations just to sting you. Even if there be work, perhaps, + without a knowledge of practice you will not be able to accept it. + Therefore, if you would take the advice of one who has undergone the + bitter experience and would profit by it, if you have Rs. 10,000, only + spend £420 worth and keep the rest to be spent in India and you + would be happy and contented. No one would point his finger at you; + your position you would not feel unstable. And, in two years or so, + according to abilities and opportunities, you would be able to establish + yourself as a respectable Barrister. Nay, more, the economical habits + cultivated in England would stand you in good stead in India. You + would then be able to “pull on” better and not feel the want of the + luxurious way of living. Indeed, if you do not expect to command + about Rs. 2,000 on your return, it were advisable not to go to England + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 115 + + at all for a Barrister’s education unless, of course, you expect to get + some suitable appointment. For, the Rs. 2,000 or some such sum are + as indispensable for India as the £420 for England. + + Too much stress cannot be laid, if you want to practise in India + on your return, on the importance of studying the Indian Codes in + England. These books will be available in your library. Whitley + Stoke's Anglo-Indian Codes are very popular with Indian students in + England. + There are books published for the information and guidance of + those wishing to go to England for study. They invariably give much + higher estimates than those given here. It will occupy a very large + space to answer them here. I can only say that they may be read side + by side with this and compared. There is, however, an association + doing good work for Indians that deserves notice. It is the national + Indian Association. So long as it can count upon the active services of + that good and philanthropic lady, Miss E. A. Manning, 35 Bloomfield + Road, Maiden Hill, the Association cannot fail to do good. She may, + indeed, be consulted by every Indian whom she is always willing to + help and give kind advice to. But the information given by the + Association is, I am afraid, not trustworthy. The estimates furnished by + it are too extravagant. I have talked to some of those who were put + under the care of the Association, and they told me that the estimates + given were extravagant. They are as follows in the India Magazine + and Review, the organ of the Association: + With regard to expenses it is estimated that the amount required will be: + + For an ordinary school education, from £150 to 200 a year according to + the age of the pupil and the standing of the school. + + For a student at the University 300 a year + For an Indian Civil Service student 300 ”” + For a student of engineering 300 ”” + For a law student at the Inns of Court 250 ”” + For a medical student 250 ”” + For an agricultural student 250 ”” + + These sums include tuition, board and residence, dress, vacation + expenses and cost of superintendence. Fees for entrance at one of the Inns of + Court amounting to nearly £150 are not included in the above estimate. The + sum of £30 is also required to meet the expenses of outfit on arrival. + So, according to the above, the expenses amount to £250 per + year, i.e., £750 in three years. Add to that £150 for fees, not included + in the above, as also £30 for dress, and I suppose about £18 in + + 116 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Bombay and also the fares to and from London, about £60, and we + get £1,008. These estimates include tuition and superintendence not + calculated in the estimates given in the guide. And he must be ina + sorry plight, indeed, who would require tuition for passing the Bar + Final examination and superintendence so that he may not go astray. + Will it not be better to keep your boy with you if he required a strict + watch than trust him to the superintendence of a committee not one of + whom you know personally? It must be by this time clear to those + who know or must know that no amount of superintendence, + especially of the above type, would set a student right if he is bent + upon going astray. He must be trusted to take care of himself or not + sent at all. Only, he must not be given a full command of the purse so + that he may play fast and loose with it. Itis the purse more than + anything else that is the most powerful instrument in spoiling a + student in England. Why, it would be quite safe to undertake to spoil + two students on £250 a year. It is not, however, for a moment argued + that a single penny more than £50 a year spent would be credited to + extravagance. Far from it. Even £500 a year can be spent usefully in + England. The aim of this guide is not, however, to show how £500 can + be spent usefully per year in England, but to show that one can live + happily on £50 per year and do all the things generally done by + Indian students in England spending much more. + In Appendix A, it will be found how from £15 per month I + came down to £4 per month and, in so doing, how I was not obliged to + sacrifice any of the comforts I used to enjoy before. + + APPENDIX A + + It was on the 4th September 1888 that I left for England to + receive a Barrister's education per s.s. The Clyde. I had two Indian + companions with me whom I did not know before.' The mere fact that + we were three Indians was a sufficient introduction to us. + + How I managed on the steamer:’ As I was not sure that I would + be able to partake of the vegetable foods provided on the steamer, I + was well provided with Indian sweets, ganthias, and plenty of Indian + fruits. This was my first experience of a voyage on a steamer. I was, + therefore, very modest and shy and would not go to the table to + + ' Vide “London Dairy”, 12-11-1888. + * Vide An Autobiography, Pt. 1, Ch. XIII. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 117 + + partake even of tea. + + I, therefore, began with the sweets. I lived upon them exclusively + for about two or three days and could have done so for a long time, + but one of the Indian friends mentioned above was very fond of his + roti and rice and dal; so he arranged with one of the native sailors to + cook us some Indian dishes. The flour and other articles were + provided free of charge by the steamer authorities. So we lived on + these Indian dishes. The sailors were very dirty and I generally + preferred the English loaf to the roti. In spite of the persuasions of the + brother passengers, I could not persuade myself to sit at the table with + them to eat. I was so modest. During the return voyage, however, I + naturally managed better. I was not ashamed to sit at the same table + with other passengers. And it is very desirable that, if one has no + religious objections, to do so even on going to England. There is + sufficient vegetable food provided on the steamer. I, however, + requested the chief steward to supply some vegetable foods and I had + usually for breakfast oatmeal porridge, milk and stewed fruit and + bread, butter and jam and marmalade and cocoa. For dinner I had + rice, vegetable curry, milk and jam pastry, stewed fruit, bread and + butter. For supper bread, butter, jam, cocoa, some lettuce with pepper + and salt and cheese. I had only three meals per day. Two days in the + week they provide fresh fruit and nuts on the steamer. + How I began on 12 pounds per month: + After staying with a friend for a month who treated me very + kindly and taught me how to behave and how to use the fork and the + spoon.' I moved to a family where I had to pay 30s per week for + board and lodging. Thus, my board and lodging cost me only £6. I + was told, however, that living on £12 per month would be considered + very economical. I therefore managed somehow or other to spend £12 + per month. I did not discard tea from the very beginning. Did I + believe at first in taking only three meals per day? A suggestion was + thrown out by somebody that I would be considered to be stingy if I + took all meals every day in the family and tea very often. Following + up this suggestion, I used to lunch outside at least once a week and + take tea only thrice a week. Thus, I paid for all this in the family; I + spent about 10s in the lunching and taking tea outside. I used to + spend unnecessarily a great deal also in travelling. It need hardly be + + ' Vide An Autobiography, Pt. 1, Ch. XIV. + + 118 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + said here that taking your meals or tea outside purposely to show that + you are not stingy or that you are rolling in wealth is anything but + gentlemanly and entirely unnecessary. Of course, it is another thing + altogether when you have to dine or take tea outside because you have + to go far for some business and it would be a waste of time to return + home for tea. Again, while living in the family, you are supposed to + be punctual. They have fixed times for all the meals and they do not + or are not expected to wait for you. So, if you are outside and if you + think that you would not reach in time for your meal, that would be a + case of dining outside. These occasions are rare and do not at all + prove costly, though one who would live on £4 per month cannot + afford to do these things. He cannot even get into a good family for + £1 per week. + + The food they used to provide for dinner was third-rate; (no + fault of the family. I was the first vegetarian boarder with them) : + vegetable soups and a vegetable, mostly potatoes, and some fresh fruit. + For breakfast they gave me bread and butter and jam and tea and I + had porridge occasionally. For lunch they gave me bread and butter + and cheese invariably. For tea, bread and butter and tea and cake + sometimes. All this did not cost them more than 7s per week. Thus, it + will be seen that I paid 30s not because the cost of giving board and + lodging was so much or even half so much, but because of the + privilege of being allowed to enjoy their company. + It is generally thought desirable to live in families in order to + learn the English manners and customs. This may be good for a few + months, but to pass three years in a family is not only unnecessary but + often tiresome. And it would be impossible to lead a regular student's + life in the family. This is the experience of many Indians. If you live + in a family, you must—it is only fair—sacrifice some time for them if + only. ..'.... was to cook the morning and the evening meals and to + have the midday meal outside. I was to spend at the most 8s for one + room per week, 6d breakfast, supper and one shilling at the most, for + dinner. I was told that there was a vegetarian restaurant in Brighton.’ + + On reaching Brighton, it was after some difficulty that I could + get a good room. The landladies could not be persuaded to believe + that the room would not be spoiled by my cooking in room. One of + + ' Pages 5, 6, 7 & 8 are missing. + * Vide An Autobiography, Pt. 1, Ch. XIX. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 119 + + them said: “No, I cannot give the room even for 20s. The whole + carpet would be spoiled by stain of grease and no one else after you + leave would take my room.” I however assured her that she so spoke + because her ideas were associated with mutton and that by allowing + me to cook her room would not be spoiled as I simply wanted to + prepare porridge or boil the milk and I told her also that, if her carpet + was spoiled, I would pay for the spoiling. She after some hesitation + accepted my proposal and I took her room for 8s per week. After + leaving my luggage in the room, I went out in search of the vegetarian + restaurant. I could not find it. And I thought my experiment would + fail. This gloomy outlook was rendered gloomier still when I found + that no restaurant-keeper would arrange to provide me a dinner + consisting of vegetable soup, and bread and butter for one shilling. + All thought they could not undergo the bother for one man. I + thought the task was hopeless and that I would be obliged to pay 2s or + 3s merely for a dinner. I was quite tired by this time and very hungry, + but I did not give up. I knew that I was to take rest and was not to read + much during my stay in Brighton. So I said to myself that if I should + cook two meals, why not cook three? As soon as the idea flashed in + my mind, I caught hold of it, went to a grocer and bought the + necessary things and went to my place. + On reaching the house, I told the landlady that, although the + arrangement was to allow me to cook only two meals, I would have to + cook three. She was angry and would have driven me out of the + house, had I not offered to raise the rent from 8 to 10s. I then set + about to work. The first evening I prepared porridge and stewed fruit + and I liked it very much. The next morning I had the same. + + For dinner I had haricot soup which proved to be very + nourishing and nice. I thus arranged my meals for the [four] weeks. + For breakfast I had bread and milk and stewed fruit and bread and + butter (3d), for dinner I had soup (14), strawberries (2d) and bread + (1d). For supper I had porridge (1'4), bread and butter and fruit (2). + Thus I spent only 11d or 1 shilling per day at the most for food in + Brighton. With the 10s rent, 3 shillings for washing, the whole + expenses for board and lodging for four weeks amounted to £3-10-0. + And it cost me £4-8-5 for fares to and from Brighton. Thus I was able + for four pounds to go to live for four weeks in and return from + Brighton. + + I found out during the last week of my stay in Brighton that + + 120 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + there was a vegetarian home where I could have got board and + lodging for 14s per week. The house is situated near the Preston Park. + The weekly rent was 5s, breakfast 4d, dinner 9d, and supper 4d. Had I + found the house a little earlier, I could have lived in Brighton yet + more cheaply and more comfortably; but I would not have learnt how + to cook with facility. There is also another vegetarian house in + Brighton where they charge 18s per week for board and lodging. + It may be said that the cooking did not take much time. The + breakfast took only 10 minutes to be ready. For there was only milk + to be made hot. The supper took nearly 20 minutes and the dinner 1 + hour. Thus encouraged by success on reaching London, the first thing + for me to do was to go on in search of a suitable bed-sitting room. I + selected a room in Tavistock Street for 8s a week. Here I cooked my + breakfast and supper and dined outside. The landlady supplied me + with plates, spoons and knife, etc. The breakfast almost always + consisted of porridge, stewed fruit and bread and butter (3d). I dined + for 6d at one of the many vegetarian restaurants and for supper I had + bread and milk and some stewed fruit or radishes or fresh fruit (3d); + so then the expenses for board and lodging in England were, during + the last 9 months of my stay, only 15s and even 14s latterly when, in + the same house, I took up a 7-s room. During this time I enjoyed the + best of health and had to work very hard, if not the hardest, as there + were only 5 months left for the final examination. + I used to walk about 8 miles every day and in all I had three + walks daily, one in the evening at 5.30 p.m. for an hour and the other + always for 30 or 45 minutes before going to bed. I never suffered + from ill health except once when I suffered from bronchitis owing to + over-work and neglect of exercise. I got rid of it without having to + take any medicine. The good health I enjoyed is attributable only to + vegetable diet and exercise in the open air. Even the coldest weather + or the densest fog did not prevent me from having my usual walks. + And under the advice of Dr. Allinson, the champion of open air, I + used to keep my bedroom windows open about 4 inches in all + weathers. This is not generally done by people in winter, but it seems + to be very desirable. At any rate it agreed with me very well. + + From the typescript. Courtesy : Pyarelal Nayyar + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 121 + + 32. FRAGMENT OF A PETITION + + [1894]! + An Indian member of the British House of Commons, should he + come here, would not be fit for becoming a voter. We thank your + Honour for receiving this deputation, and the patience and courtesy + shown us, and implore you to use your Honour’s powerful influence + to see full justice is done to Indians. + + It is justice we want, and that only. + From a photostat: S.N. 881 + + 33. DIARY, 1894 + + JUNE 22, FRIDAY + + Wrote to Jayshanker and Brother’. Read [Kavya] Dohan. + Translated the judgment, etc. + + JUNE 23, SATURDAY + Telegram from Tayob* saying he would leave Monday. + JUNE 24, SUNDAY + + Went out for a picnic with Abdoolla’. There [was] some + rowdyism there. Received a long letter from Brother discussing Gita. + Paul came in the evening. Discussed the condition of the [Indians] + with him. He said he would talk to Burn about partnership. + + JUNE 25, MONDAY + + Drafted a petition’ regarding the Franchise Law Amendment + + '1894 a Franchise Law Amendment Bill, which deprived British Indians of any + voting rights, had been introduced in the Natal Assembly (vide Vol. I). The petition + of which this fragment formed part was presumably submitted in that year to someone + in authority, who cannot be identified. + * The text, in Gandhiji’s hand, is damaged in many places. Wherever possible + words have been supplied in square brackets. In this diary Gandhiji has frequently used + abbreviations, such as, ‘fr’ for ‘from’, ‘w’ for ‘with’, ‘wd’ for ‘would’, ‘rd’ for + ‘received’, and so on. These have been spelt out. + * Lakshmidas Gandhi + * Mahomed Tayob + * Abdoolla Hajee Adam, President of the Natal Indian Congress + ° Vide “Petition to Natal Assembly”, 28-6-1894. + + 122 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Bill. Read the Gita. + JUNE 26, TUESDAY + + Received a letter from Tayob. Telegraphed to him “Your letter. + Have. .. God fully. Start today. We shall talk over matter re. + settlement document passed between Friggens & Dada... . Showed + petition to Laughton’. + + JUNE 27, WEDNESDAY + + Telegraphed to the Speaker asking whether the [petition was] + received although the Bill [had] passed the committee [stage. He] + replied it was too late as the [Bill] was to be read at third time. + [Requested] the Legislative Assembly to [postpone] the third reading. + Sent also telegrams to Escombe’, Tatham & Hitchins* in Abdoolla’s + name. Sent copies [of] the petition to the editors of Mercury’ & + Advertiser. + + JUNE 28, THURSDAY + + Abdoolla, Rustomji®, two coolies and myself went to Maritzburg. + Saw there Labistour who congratulated me on the petition but could + not help in any way although the [prayer] was very just. Saw Escombe + & Hitchins who also admitted the justice but could not help. Attended + the 3rd reading which was postponed. There were many Indians in the + gallery. A man named Neal saw me. Saw Tatham who said he could + not do [anyth]ing & that he was .. . Indians come voting. + + JUNE 29, FRIDAY + + Left for Durban. Escombe & Hitchins were in the same + [compartment.] Escombe said the debate in the second reading [was] + the real reason for passing the Bill. The object was to prevent Indians + from coming any more. Saw Robinson’ before leaving. [He admitted] + the justice but said he did not make any definite promise. Saw. .. & + + ' F, A. Laughton + * Sir Harry Escombe; Attorney-General; Premier of Natal in 1897. He had + pleaded for Gandhiji’s admission to the Bar of the Natal Supreme Court. + *Charles T. Hitchins + “The Natal Mercury + ° The Natal Advertiser + ° Parsi Rustomji + Sir John Robinson, Premier and Colonial Secretary, Natal (1893-7) + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 123 + + Archibald. They too fully admitted the justice but could do [nothing], + the measure being a Government measure. + + JUNE 30, SATURDAY + + Paul came to see me being sent for. Told him to go to [England + if] possible and in the meantime to work for the Indians & induce + them [to give up the] habit of drinking. He seemed to like the + proposal being printed in the papers & favourably [commented] + upon. Saw Campbell’. He too admitted the justice of the [prayer. Saw] + Escombe. He admitted his former promises but said he had. . . The + utmost he would do would be to see that the firms that had [property] + should have votes. Telegraphed to T. & received a reply. + + JULY 1, SUNDAY + + Wrote a long letter to Dr. Stroud; also to Barn De Matalha, + [Jennings] & to Tayob. About 100 Indians met. Spoke to them for 45 + [minutes]. Exhorted them to talk less & work more, to have + [unanimity] & to subscribe. The speech seemed to have made a + favourable impression. Paul came and said he was going to work + seriously. + + JULY 2, MONDAY + + Bill was read a 3rd time... . Drafted .. . and sent a letter to + [Tatham that] the Indians protested against his attitude towards the + Indians. Saw Maydon Who .. . said he was quite willing that a + commission should be moved for and that Indians should not be + indiscriminately disqualified and also that some of his. . . Indian + electors were six times better than his white electors. Letter from + Brother. + + JULY 3, TUESDAY + + Drafted a petition to the Legislative Council.’ Telegraphed to + Governor [asking him to] appoint time to see. He was in Durban & + therefore received the deputation here in Town Hall.’ Drafted a letter + [to] the members of both the houses.* It was printed. Sent the petition + + "Henry Campbell, advocate and chief agent for the Transvaal British Indian + merchants + °Vide “petition to Natal Legislative Council”, 4-7-1894 + * Vide “Deputation to Natal Governor”, 3-7-1894 + “Vide “A Circular Letter to Legislators”, 1-7-1894. It is, however, dated July 1. + + 124 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + to Campbell. Received a letter from Bird’. Wrote to [him.] + JULY 4, WEDNESDAY + + Received a letter from Bird also [regarding] deputation that + waited upon Premier.’ Received a letter from Tayob. Wrote to Bird, + [also] to Tayob. Telegraphed to Campbell who [replied that the] + petition was presented [but ruled] out of order. Telegraphed again... + ered post all the lette[rs to the] members. Translated for Abdoolla. + + JULY 5, THURSDAY + + Received a letter from Campbell as to how petition was ruled out + of order. Also a letter from Tatham. Drafted another long petition to + Council.’ Sent it with a letter to Campbell. Drafted a letter in reply to + Tatham, and sent it. + + JULY 6, FRIDAY + + Received a letter from Bird saying petition to Home + Government’ may be printed and their original signatures need not be + applied to the other two copies. [Wrote to Miabhai] a long letter and + also to Brother. Received a letter from Ramsay & the book.... + + JULY 7, SATURDAY + + Wrote to The Mercury about the constitution of the Mysore + Assembly.’ Sent £ 10 to Dadabhai’. + + JULY 8, SUNDAY + + A letter from Jayshanker and one from Ruffe. The educated + youths (Indian) about. . . assembled. I spoke to them for _ hours on + political activity, drunkenness and self-respect. They seemed to have + been favourably impressed. + + JULY 9, MONDAY + + Began to draft the petition to the Home Government. Paul saw + + ' C. Bird, Principal Under-Secretary, Colonial Office, Pietermaritzburg + ° Vide “Deputation to Natal Premier”, 29-6-1894 + *Vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”, 6-7-1894 + “Vide “Petition to Lord Ripon”, 14-7-1894 + Vide “The Natal Mercury”, 7-7-1894 + ° Dadabhai Naoroji + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 125 + + it. Received The Vegetarian containing Mrs. Besant’s' speech on + vegetarianism. Wrote to Tayob in reply to his. . . + + JULY 10, TUESDAY + + Finished and sent the petition to the Press. Sent Mrs. Besant’s + speech to the editor, Mercury with a request to publish it. Sent a + petition to the Governor’ requesting him not to send his dispatch + before the Indian petition was received. + + JULY 11, WEDNESDAY + My letter appears in today’s Mercury. + JULY 12, THURSDAY + Worked at the petition. + JULY 13, FRIDAY + + Wrote to Dadabhai enclosing a copy of the petition to Home + Government. + + JULY 14, SATURDAY + + Wrote to Jayshanker. Ramsay’s son saw me on Thursday and + said he would send 2,000 signatures from Verulam. An article signed + Ramnath appeared in The Advertiser against the Indians. + + JULY 15, SUNDAY + + [Paul] sent about 11 Indians to make copies. He works very well + and is very attached to me. + + JULY 16, MONDAY + + [Contrary] to my expectations Joosub’ brought 1,500 signatures + from Verulam. Letter from Brother and Oldfield’. + Sent the petition to the P.O. but [it] was not accepted being + above [weight]. Requested A. to let me go or give a definite reply. He + said he would see that all the expenses were paid and also the + furniture, expenses, etc. Paul was very anxious that I should stop. + + JULY 17, TUESDAY + + Sent the petition through the railway agency. Went with A. to + see rooms. A spl. . . room was found for 2-15-0 and a house in Beach + + ' Annie Besant + ° Vide “Petition to Natal Governor”, 10-7-1894 + > Joosub Abdul Karim + * Dr. Joshua Oldfield, editor of The Vegetarian + + 126 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Grove for £ 8. A said it was decided to make me a written request to + stop here and that he would make me a present of the furniture, fees + for admission and books. + + JULY 18, WEDNESDAY + + Have not been doing anything in particular for the past few + days. + + JULY 19, THURSDAY + + Looked for house A. says I should take his room in Grey Street + for £ 4 per month. + + JULY 20, FRIDAY + + Wrote to Ramsay enclosing Mrs. Besant’s lecture and letters for + Baker & Dr. Stroud & also to Mrs. Hutchinson. + + JULY 21, SATURDAY + + Dr. B. refused to let the house in West St. Gave the account to + Abdoolla yesterday. Made translation for Arthur. Went to Umgeni + with A. Saw Escombe who said I should take out the licence as + advocate. He said also that the Franchise petition having been signed + by 8,000 Indians would serve the purpose of the Government. He said + the argument about the unfitness of Indians was all twaddle. The only + argument was that of policy. He admitted that the Bill was unjust in so + [far] as it did not provide for the children of those who were already + on the [list] and also for those who had property and whose + representatives may come hereafter. + + JULY 22, SUNDAY + + Had been to see Paul. Talked again about England. Advised him + to get rid of all useless expenditure. Had been for a walk with A. + Received yesterday a letter for Mrs. Lewis'. + + JULY 23, MONDAY + + Abdoolla received a letter from Baker who says he should be + given 5 p.c. of the purchase price instead of 2_ p.c. I drafted a reply + to this. Read Nala Damayaniti. + + JULY 24, TUESDAY + Read Okha Haran. Had a long walk with Dada Sheth’. + + ' Mrs. A. M. Lewis + *Dada Abdulla of Dada Abdulla & Co., for whose law-suit Gandhiji had initially + gone to South Africa + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 127 + + JULY 25, WEDNESDAY + + Translated the Franchise petitions to Council and Home + Government. Wrote a letter to Baker for Abdoolla. Paul came and + asked if Iwould join Coakes and pay a premium. I said I would join + but not pay a premium. I told him also that I was preparing to depart + and told him that he should not show overanxiety to Coakes. + + JULY 26, THURSDAY + + Told A. that unless everything was settled by next [week] I + would understand that I must go. Paul saw me and said Coakes would + give a share and not require a premium. Wrote letters to Dadabhai, Sir + William Wedderburn, Pincott', Caine’, Echo, [The] Star, Chronicle, + [The] Times of India, Bombay Gazette, Amrita Bazar Patrika, Gujarati + Kaisari Hind, Digby, Chhaganlal* and /ndia enclosing petitions. Wrote + to Portuguese consul for A. Wrote two letters for Moosa Haji Adam. + A. said the house in Beach Grove will be let for £ 6_. Wrote to the + Registrar of the Supreme Court inquiring about time for licence. + + JULY 27, FRIDAY + + Read Samal Bhatt’s poems. Paul came and said Coakes has + appointed 10 to 1 to see me tomorrow. Paul wrote to me on behalf of + the magistrate asking me to translate a document. I sent him the + translation. + + JULY 28, SATURDAY + + Saw Coakes. He seemed to be anxious to enter into partnership. + He said he would give 25p. c. for the first six months and 30% for the + last six. He seemed to be quite sincere. A postcard from Brother + asking me to return soon. Drafted a letter to Baker for A. and also to + Sir Donald. + + JULY 29, SUNDAY + + Had a long walk to Umgeni. Read Kavya Dohan. Did not like to + read Ras, etc., connected with Krishna. Received a letter from + Registrar, Supreme Court, enclosing Supreme Court rules for + admission of advocates and attorneys. + + 'F. Pincott + > William Sproston Caine + *Chhaganlal Gandhi + + 128 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + JULY 30, MONDAY + Saw Coakes. He was agreeable to paying a 1/3 rd share. + JULY 31, TUESDAY + Received the draft agreement from Coakes. The House in Beach + Grove accepted at 6/10. + AUGUST 1, WEDNESDAY + + Sent the draft agreement with alterations and additions. + + Discussed with him the alterations. He said he was willing to give + me credit for the cases entrusted to me but conducted by him but that + it was not usual to put that in a deed of partnership. Wrote to Tayob. + + AUGUST 2, THURSDAY + Saw Coakes, gave him a cheque for £ 30 for fees for advocate’s + licence and interpreter’s. + AUGUST 3, FRIDAY + Wrote to Oldfield, Annie Besant, President, L.V.S.'; also to + + Kegan Paul, Brother, Mehta, Chhaganlal & Mrs. Lewis. Drafted a letter + to Lord Reay for Abdoolla, etc., regarding petition. + + AUGUST 4, SATURDAY + Signed the agreement of partnership. Signed the petition. + Received a letter from P. Davis saying they would charge 10-10-0 for + + the Natal laws. Consequently sent them £ 10-10-0 cheque from A. by + registered post. + + AUGUST 5, SUNDAY + Received a letter from Baker enclosing 5 introduction letters. + + Wrote to Baker and to Purshottam Desai. Drafted for A. a letter to + Baker. Began Urdu. Finished the alphabet. + + AUGUST 6, MONDAY + Could not do much. + AUGUST 7, TUESDAY + + Removed to the house in Beach Grove. The letter of request was + presented this evening. Saw Laughton. Talked to him about + Theosophy. He said he would give me all the help he could. + + ‘London Vegetarian Society + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 129 + + AUGUST 8, WEDNESDAY + Many came with the notice of application that Hillier sent out. + AUGUST 9, THURSDAY + Wrote to Dr. Shroud yesterday asking him to send the books. + Saw Askew, Voysey Dalton and John Cowey. All were nice, + particularly Askew. Coakes has won the application case. + AUGUST 10, FRIDAY + + Saw Mrs. Baker in the evening. She was cold. A waiter came to + see me not by the front door. Wrote a letter for Narayanswami to the + Post Master General. He gave 10/- today for making enquiries for him + regarding a £5 money order. Heard yesterday from A. that Ruffe is + going to oppose my application for interpretership in Hindustani. + Drafted a letter from Rustomji to Marshall Campbell. Wrote to + Brother, Vora and Juta in Capetown. Enclosed 2 £5 Bank of England + notes to Vora for law books. Wrote to Livingston a note enclosing + anti-vivisection pamphlet by Mehta. + + AUGUST 11, SATURDAY + + Rustomji & P. Dowjee' gave each £ 12. Ruffe dined with me. + Attended the Blue Ribbon Meeting. It was a failure. There were + recitations not. . . meeting where Jesus would preside. Ruffe talked + about the Hindustani. Wrote to Byrne and Whitaker. + + AUGUST 12, SUNDAY + + Had a long sleep. Read law. The meeting that was to be held has + been postponed. + + AUGUST 13, MONDAY + + Wrote to Trotter & Chire regarding vegetarianism. Voysey + called with a Salvation Army captain. Had a short chat with him. Have + invited him to dinner for Friday. Had tea with Askew. His wife seems + to be well up in Christian teaching. Both were kind. + + AUGUST 14, TUESDAY + + Voysey saw me with a Salvation Army captain. Wrote to + Brunton Thomas & Brown about vegetarianism. Had tea with Askew. + Both he and his wife were very kind. Dissuaded a Bengalee man from + following up another. + + 'P. Dowjee Mahomed + + 130 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + AUGUST 15, WEDNESDAY + + Met D’hotman. He said he would give all the help he could. + Ruffe came and asked for £ 5. I said that was left to Mr. Coakes & that + I was not myself in a position to render any such aid. Received a reply + from Trotter. + AUGUST 16, THURSDAY + + A letter from Jayshankar from Zanzibar and one from Dr. + Stroud. Wrote to Jayshanker. Settled with Yasinkhan. He paid 10/-. + The man Ibrahim paid 7/6. Several [licensed] eating-house men came. + I told them they will have to pay £ 50. Wrote a stiff letter to Dawd for + not coming. Settled with Khajamiyan. + + AUGUST 17, FRIDAY + + Signed the deed of lease. Received a letter from Baker & from + P. Davis & also from Jayshanker. Wrote to Jayshanker Pretoria, to + Jayshanker Zanzibar, to Vora asking him to subscribe to the Weekly + Times, to Trotter about vegetarianism, to Brother about Harakhchand. + Sent tracts to Trotter and a copy of today’s Mercury to Dadabhai. The + Salvation Army captain dined with me. He had a long chat with me. + He however could not persuade me that Christianity was the only true + religion. I lent him The New Gospel of Interpretation. He gave me + book called All the World. + + AUGUST 18, SATURDAY + + Received a letter [from] Miss Brunton regarding vegetarianism. + Wrote to Mrs. Mary Alling Aber subscribing to a copy of Spirit and + making a few remarks on ‘Souls’. Saw J. A. Polkinghorne. It was a + trouble for him to see me. He could not bear my company and wished + every moment that I was gone. The situation was extremely + embarrassing. I could not possibly leave the moment I met him. It was + decided at Abdoolla’s that a meeting should be held on Monday and + Wednesday. + + AUGUST 19, SUNDAY + + Was unwell. Advised Abdoolla as to evidence in Ujamshi’s case. + Translated Abdoolla’s affidavit statement and evidence. + + AUGUST 20, MONDAY + + Letter from Jayshanker. Wrote to him and to Miss Brunton as + also to Mr. Spiprian. Sent a copy of The Vegetarian to Miss Brunton. + Labistour wanted to see me with regard to my petition. Saw him andhe + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 131 + + said I should produce a certificate as to the character of my family. + He also suggested that Baker should telegraph as to my fitness. I + telegraphed to Baker. Got a certificate from Abdoolla, Haji Dada & + Moosa Hajee Adam. Wrote to Labistour sending him certificate and + wishing it to be understood that the certificate should not be treated as + a precedent for other similar cases. + + AUGUST 21, TUESDAY + + A big meeting yesterday where about 100 attended. They + accepted my proposals. Wrote to Ruffe and Baker enclosing a cutting + from The Vegetarian. + + AUGUST 22, WEDNESDAY + + Coakes dined with me. Talked about the Congress’. He + sympathized but said he would have to consider whether he would + identify himself with the movement. There was a big meeting. The + hall was well decorated. About 100 men attended. There was much + enthusiasm. The meeting was closed at 11.45 p.m. + + AUGUST 23, THURSDAY + + People came in and paid subscriptions. Askew sent me an + invitation to pass Sunday with him. + + AUGUST 24, FRIDAY + + Wrote some letters for Abdoolla. There was a question in the + House of Commons with regard to the Franchise. A letter from Ruffe. + + AUGUST 25, SATURDAY + + Saw Askew yesterday. Paul dined with me last evening. Talked + to him very seriously about life and its uses. Bought a suit at Harvey + & Greenacre’s. Wrote to Dr. Stroud on vegetarianism. + + AUGUST 26, SUNDAY + + Dada Sheth had breakfast with me. Passed the whole day with + Askew. I was introduced to his father-in-law Mr. Watson who is a very + kind gentleman. Attended the Wesleyan Church with him. Mrs. Askew + is an extremely kind lady. Had a long chat on vegetarianism. In the + evening Askew preached in one of the Wesleyan chapels in West St. + Received a letter from Ramsay. + + 'The Natal Indian Congress, which was established on August 22, 1894, with + Abdoolla Haji Adam as President and Gandhiji as Hon. Secretary + + 132 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + AUGUST 27, MONDAY + + Drew up a deed of partnership for Pragji Bhimbhai. Read the + rules of the Supreme Court. Also Dadasahib’s essays. Coakes has + invited me to dine with him tomorrow. + AUGUST 28, TUESDAY + + Askew saw me. Had invited him to dine with me on Thursday. + Wrote to Escombe asking him what day would suit him for taking up + my application. Wrote to Hoosen Ibrahim. + AUGUST 29, WEDNESDAY + + Drafted deed of partnership for K. S. Pillay. Finished the + minutes of the last meeting. Dined last evening with Coakes. Was + introduced to some of his friends. + AUGUST 30, THURSDAY + + Received a letter from Hoosen Ibrahim enclosing a cheque for £ + 10 for Dada Abdoolla & Co. A letter to Coakes from Pitcher saying + he could not see Escombe and that the Natal Law Society was going to + object. Wrote to Hoosen Ibrahim asking him to send £10 more and + fees. Wrote to Ruffe. D’hotman saw me. There was a meeting of the + Congress. Askew dined with me. + AUGUST 31, FRIDAY + Telegram from Escombe saying my application he will move on + Monday. Telegraphed to manager Imperial Hotel to keep one room + for me. + SEPTEMBER 1, SATURDAY + Left for and reached Maritzburg. M. H. Adam came with me. + Later on came Peeran & Doroosamy and in the evening came + Rustomjee & Dowd. Telegram from Dada & Coakes in reply to mine. + SEPTEMBER 2, SUNDAY + There was a large meeting. About 41 signed. + SEPTEMBER 3, MONDAY + Was admitted'. Had to put off the hat’. The application for + admission as translator withdrawn. Received about 7 telegrams of + congratulation. + + ' As advocate to practice in Natal courts + *To conform to the Court practice; vide Vol. !’Chronology”, 1894 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 133 + + SEPTEMBER 4, TUESDAY + + Letters from Dadabhai returning £ 10, Tayob, Jayshanker and + Whitaker, a vegetarian. Wrote to Whitaker sending foods and The + Vegetarian. A telegram from Baker. + + SEPTEMBER 5, WEDNESDAY + Telegraphed to Baker. + + SEPTEMBER 6, THURSDAY + + Abdoolla came. A sympathetic notice of my admission appears + in The Witness and Mercury. + + SEPTEMBER 7, FRIDAY + + There was a meeting yesterday. A European attended the + meeting. There was some opposition to Paul being elected as President + from Steven. It was afterwards withdrawn. Gopee Maharaj’s case came + up today. Coakes had charge of it. A letter of congratulation from + Steven. + + SEPTEMBER 8, SATURDAY + + Called on Benningfield. He was not in the office. It rained + heavily. It was settled that A. should telegraph from P. if I was + required. + + SEPTEMBER 9, SUNDAY + + The committee meeting of the Congress was held. Dr. Prince + came. Letter from Jayshanker. + + SEPTEMBER 10, MONDAY + + A letter from Mehta. Accepted Deloosea’s case For £ 8-5-0 after + telling her that she would lose whether she had an attorney or not. + Colondo [sic] Veloo Pillay paid £ 12. + + SEPTEMBER 11, TUESDAY + + Coakes took Deloosea’s case and won. She paid £ 2 more. + Gopee Maharaj case was adjourned to Friday. Received a letter from + Edward Baxter of Maritzburg asking if I would employ him as clerk + for £ 200. Wrote declining the offer. Ward wrote for a loan of £ 2. + Declined. + + SEPTEMBER 12, WEDNESDAY + + Saw Benningfield. Offered £ 11 for the law books. Received a + + 134 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + letter from Desai inviting me. Wrote declining. Letters from Amod + Bhayat, Suleiman & Dawd Mahomed. Wrote to them acknowledging + subscriptions sent. Drew up a deed. Received a note from Arthur + begging for money. Gabriel came to ask for money too. Read + yesterday Digby’s India for the Indians and for England. + + SEPTEMBER 13, THURSDAY + Drew out a power of attorney for Moosaji Amod. + SEPTEMBER 14, FRIDAY + + Conducted Dada Abdoolla’s case. Had a meeting of the + educational association. Gave an address on plain living. + + SEPTEMBER 15, SATURDAY + + Coakes said the Manager of the A. B. Corporation would give + 1_ p.c. on a fixed deposit for [a] year at least. That he would charge + no ledger fees and would make no charge for opening account. + Received a letter from Mahomed Essackji with a book for translation. + Wrote to [him] saying he should send £ 1-1-0 for charges. Naran’s + services have been retained by me. Jeeva at £ 3 per month. + + SEPTEMBER 16, SUNDAY + + Saw Askews at their house. Mrs. A did not like me to chat on + vegetarianism or Buddhism [for] fear that her children may become + contaminated. She questioned my sincerity. said I should not go to + their house if I was insincere and not seeking the truth. I said it was + not within my power to make her believe that I was sincere and that I + had [no] wish to trust myself on her as a companion. I told her also + that I did not go to [her] place as a spy to convert her children. Dined + with Rustomji in the evening. Mehta [told] the whole story of his + wonderful vision. Wrote to Abdulla. + + SEPTEMBER 17, MONDAY + + Received a letter from Brother, one from Mehta, one from + Dadabhai and one from Chhaganlal. + + Wrote to Brother and Mehta. Wrote to Abdulla. + SEPTEMBER 18, TUESDAY + + Had a very boisterous meeting of the Congress Committee, Ward + came in... . to speak, was not allowed and so went away threatening + to write in the papers. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 135 + + SEPTEMBER 19, WEDNESDAY + + Gopee Maharaj case came up today. Got judgment with costs. + Sent Baker a clip[ping] from The Advertiser containing an account of + McNeill’s services. Wrote to Abdul Rahman at.... + + From the original: S.N. 32320 + + 34. AN EXPERIMENT IN VITAL FOOD + + Before describing the experiment, if it may be called one, I + would mention that I gave the vital food a trial in Bombay for a week; + that I left it off only because at the time I had to entertain many + friends, and because there were some other social considerations; that + the vital food agreed with me very well than; and that, had I been able + to continue it, very likely it would have suited me. + I give the notes as I took them while I was conducting the + experiment. + August 22nd, 1893. Began the vital food experiment. I have + been having a cold for the last two days, with a slight cold in the ears + too. Had two tablespoonfuls of wheat, one of peas, one of rice, two of + sultanas, about twenty small nuts, two oranges, and a cup of cocoa for + breakfast. The pulses and cereals were soaked overnight. I finished the + meal in 45 minutes. Was very bright in the morning, depression came + on in the evening, with a slight headache. For dinner had the usual + things —bread, vegetables, etc. + August 23rd. Feeling hungry, had some peas last evening. + Owing to that I did not sleep well, and woke up with a bad taste in the + mouth in the morning. Had the same breakfast and dinner as + yesterday. Though the day was very dull and it rained a little, I had no + headache or cold. Had tea with Baker’. This did not agree at all. Felt + pains in the stomach. + August 24th. In the morning woke up uneasy, with a heavy + stomach. Had the same breakfast, except that the one spoonful of peas + was reduced to half. The usual dinner. Did not feel well. Had feeling + of indigestion the whole day. + August 25th. Felt a heaviness in the stomach when I got up. + + ' A. W. Baker, attorney and preacher, who discussed Christianity with Gan- + dhiji and introduced him to Christian friends in Pretoria + + 136 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + During the day, too, did not feel well. Had no appetite for dinner. Still + I had it. There were undercooked peas for dinner yesterday. That may + have to do with the heaviness. Got headache in the latter part of the + day. Took some quinine after dinner. The same breakfast as + yesterday. + August 26th. Rose up with a heavy stomach. For breakfast I had + half a tablespoonful of peas, half of rice, half of wheat, two and a half + of sultanas, ten walnuts, and one orange. The mouth did not taste well + throughout the day. Did not feel well either. Had the usual dinner. At + 7 p.m. had an orange and a cup of cocoa. I feel hungry (8 p.m.), and + yet no desire to eat. The vital food does not seem to agree well. + August 27th. In the morning got up very hungry, but did not + feel well. For breakfast had one-and-a-half tablespoonfuls of wheat, + two of raisins, ten walnuts and an orange (mark, no peas and rice). + Towards the latter part of the day felt better. The cause of yesterday's + heaviness was perhaps peas and rice. At | p.m. had one teaspoonful of + unsoaked wheat, one tablespoonful of raisins, and fourteen nuts (thus, + the usual dinner was replaced by vital food). At Miss Harris's had tea + (bread, butter, jam and cocoa). I enjoyed the tea very much and felt as + if I was having bread and butter after a long fast. After tea felt very + hungry and weak. Had, therefore, a cup of cocoa and an orange on + returning home. + + August 28th. In the morning the mouth did not taste well. Had + one and a half tablespoonfuls of wheat, two of raisins, twenty nuts, one + orange and a cup of cocoa; except that I felt weak and hungry I felt + all right. The mouth, too, was all right. + + August 29th. Woke up well in the morning. For breakfast had + one-and-half tablespoonfuls of wheat, two of sultanas, one orange and + twenty nuts. For dinner had three tablespoonfuls of wheat, two of + currants and twenty nuts and two oranges. In the evening had rice, + vermicelli and potatoes at Tyab's. Felt weak towards evening. + + August 30th. For breakfast had two tablespoonfuls of wheat, two + of raisins, twenty walnuts, and one orange. For dinner had the same + things with an addition of one more orange. Felt very weak. Could not + take the usual walks without fatigue. + August 31st. When I got up in the morning the mouth was very + sweet. Felt very weak. Had the same quantity of food both for + breakfast and dinner. Had a cup of cocoa and an orange in the + evening. Felt extremely weak throughout the day. I can take the walks + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 137 + + with much difficulty. The teeth, too, are getting weaker, the mouth too + sweet. + September Ist. Got up in the morning quite tired. Had the same + breakfast as yesterday, the same dinner. Feel very weak; teeth are + aching. The experiment must be left off. Had tea with Baker as it was + his birthday. Felt better after the tea. + + September 2nd. Woke up fresh in the morning (the effect of last + evening's tea). Had the old food (porridge, bread, butter, jam and + cocoa). Felt ever so much better. + Thus ended the vital food experiment. + + Under more favourable circumstances it might not have failed. + A boarding-house, where one cannot control everything, where it is + not possible to make frequent changes in the diet, is hardly a place + where food experiments can be conducted successfully. Again, it will + have been noticed that the only fresh fruit that I could get was + oranges. No other fruits were to be had in the Transvaal then. + It is a matter of great regret that, although the Transvaal soil is + very fruitful, the fruit cultivation is very much neglected. Again, I + could not get any milk, which is a very dear commodity here. People + generally use condensed milk in South Africa. It must, therefore, be + admitted that the experiment is entirely useless to prove the value of + vital food. It were sheer audacity to venture any opinion on the vital + food after an eleven days' trial under adverse circumstances. To + expect the stomach, used for twenty years and upwards to cooked + food, to assimilate, at a stroke, uncooked food, is too much, and yet I + think the experiment has its value. It should serve as a guide to others, + who would embark upon such experiments, attracted to them by some + of their charms, but have not the ability, or the means, or the + circumstances, or the patience, or the knowledge to carry them to a + successful issue. I confess Ihad none of the above qualifications. + Having no patience to watch the results slowly, I violently changed my + diet. From the very start, the breakfast consisted of the vital food, + while four or five days had hardly passed when the dinner, too, + consisted of vital food. My acquaintance with the vital food theory + was very superficial indeed. A little pamphlet by Mr. Hills, and one or + two articles that recently appeared from his pen in The Vegetarian + were all I knew about it. Anyone, therefore, not possessing the + necessary qualifications, is, I believe, doomed to failure, and will hurt + both himself and the cause he is trying to investigate into and + + 138 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + advance. + And after all, is it worth while for an ordinary vegetarian to + devote his attention to such pursuits—a vegetarian who enjoys good + health and is satisfied with his diet? Would it not be better to leave it to + the adepts who devote their lives to such researches? These remarks + apply especially to those vegetarians who base their creed on the + grand basis of humanitarianism—who are vegetarians because they + consider it wrong, nay, even sinful, to kill animals for their food. That + the ordinary vegetarianism is possible, is conducive to health, he who + runs may see. What more, then, do we want? Vital food may have its + grand possibilities in store; but it will surely not make our perishable + bodies immortal. That any considerable majority of human beings + would ever do away with cooking does not seem feasible. The vital + food will not, cannot, as such, minister to the wants of the soul. And if + the highest aim, indeed, the only aim of this life, be to know the soul, + then, it is humbly submitted, anything that takes away from our + opportunities of knowing the soul, and therefore, also playing with the + vital food and other such experiments, is playing away, to that extent, + the only desirable aim in life. + If we are to eat that we may live to the glory of Him, of whom + we are, then, is it not sufficient that we eat nothing that, to Nature, is + repulsive, that requires the unnecessary spilling of blood? No more, + however, of this while I am yet on the threshold of my studies in that + direction. I simply throw out these thoughts, which were passing + through the mind while I was conducting the experiment, so that some + dear brother or sister may find, perchance, an echo of their own in + this. + The reasons which led me to try the vital food were its extreme + simplicity. That I could dispense with cooking, that I could carry + about my own food wherever I went, that I should not have to put up + with any uncleanness of the landlady or those who supplied me with + food, that, in travelling in such countries as South Africa, the vital + food would be an ideal food, were charms too irresistible for me. But + what a sacrifice of time and trouble to achieve what is after all a selfish + end, which falls short of the highest! Life seems too short for these + things. + The Vegetarian, 24-3-1894 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 139 + + 35. LETTER TO “THE VEGETARIAN” + + [PRETORIA ] + TO + THE EDITOR + The Vegetarian + MY DEAR BROTHER, + If you are a vegetarian, I think it is your duty to join the + London Vegetarian Society, and to subscribe to The Vegetarian if you + have not done so already. + It is your duty because — + (1) You will thereby encourage and aid the creed you profess. + (2) That will be an expression of the bond of sympathy that + should exist between a vegetarian and a vegetarian in a land where + there are so few of them. + (3) The vegetarian movement will indirectly aid India + politically also, inasmuch as the English vegetarians will more readily + sympathize with the Indian aspirations (that is my _ personal + experience). + (4) Looking at the question even from a purely selfish point of + view, you will thereby be able to have a large circle of vegetarian + friends who ought to be more acceptable than others. + + (5) Your knowledge of the vegetarian literature will enable you + to remain firm in your principles in a land where you are exposed to + sO many temptations, which have in very many cases proved + irresistible, and you will, in case of illness, be able to get the aid of + vegetarian doctors and drugs, whom and which you will know very + easily, having joined the Society and subscribed to its paper. + + (6) That will help your fellow-brothers in India a great deal, and + be also a means of dispelling the doubt that still lingers in the minds + of our parents as to the possibility of existence under a vegetarian diet, + + ' This was published along with the note reading: “Mr. M. K. Gandhi has sent + round the following letter to the Indians in England and we reproduce it here to show + what active work is still being done in our midst by Mr. Gandhi, in spite of the + distance which separates him from us. And yet our opponents say that vegetarian + Indians have no persistence of purpose like the sons of “Honest John Bull"! Ed., + Veg.” + + 140 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + and thus facilitate the way of other Indians to visit England a great + deal. + + (7) If there were a sufficient number of Indian subscribers, the + Editor of The Vegetarian may be induced to devote a page or a + column to India, which, you will admit, cannot but result in benefit to + India. + Many more reasons can be given to show why you should join + the Society and subscribe to The Vegetarian, but I hope these will be + sufficient to induce you to view my proposal with favour. + Even if you are not a vegetarian, you will find that many of the + above reasons will apply to you also, and you can subscribe to The + Vegetarian, and who knows but you may, in the end, consider it a + privilege to join the rank of those who never depend for their + existence on the blood of their fellow-creatures. + Of course, there is also the Manchester Vegetarian Society and + its organ The Vegetarian Messenger. | have pleaded for the L.V.S. + and its organ simply because it is so very handy, being in London, + and because its organ is weekly. + I do trust that you will not excuse yourself from joining and + subscribing on the score of economy, for the subscription is so small, + and it is sure to more than repay your money. + Hoping you will not consider this an impertinence on my part. + + Yours in brotherly love, + M. K. GANDHI + The Vegetarian, 28-4-1894 + + 36. VEGETARIANISM AND CHILDREN + + Mr. M. K. Gandhi, in a private letter, writes: + Recently a grand convention of Keswick Christians was held in + Wellington, under the presidency of Rev. Andrew Murray. I attended + it in the company of some dear Christians; they have a boy six or + seven years old. He came out with me for a walk one day during the + time. I was simply talking to him about kindness to animals. During + the talk we discussed vegetarianism. Ever since that time, I am told, the + boy has not taken meat. He did watch me, before the above + conversation, taking only vegetables at the dinner table, and + questioned me why I would not take meat. His parents, though not + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 141 + + themselves vegetarians, are believers in the virtue of vegetarianism, and + did not mind my talking to their boy about it. + I write this to show how easily you can convince children of the + grand truth, and induce them to avoid meat if their parents are not + against the change. The boy and IJ are thick friends now. He seems to + like me very much. + Another boy, about 15, I was talking to, said he could not + himself kill or see a fowl killed, but did not object to eating it. + The Vegetarian, 5-5-1894 + + 37. QUESTION ON RELIGION" + + [PRETORIA, + Before June, 1894] + What is the Soul? Does it perform actions? Do past actions + impede its progress or not? + What is God? Is He the Creator of the universe? + What is moksha’*? + Is it possible for a person to know for certain, while he is still + living, whether or not he will attain moksha? + It is said that after his death, a man may, according to his + actions, be reborn as an animal, a tree, or even a stone. Is that so? + What is Arya Dharma? Do all Indian religions originate from + the Vedas? + Who composed the Vedas? Are they anadi’? If so, what does + anadi mean? + Who is the author of the Gita? Is God its author? Is there any + evidence that He is? + Does any merit accrue from the sacrifice of animals and other + things? + + ' Gandhiji put Raychandbhai some questions in a letter written sometime + before June 1894. The original being untraceable the questions have been extracted + from Raychandbhai's reply. The source indicates that a few more questions asked were + omitted and hence their text is not available. For Raychandbhai's answers, vide Vol. + XXXII, Appendix I; also An Autobiography, Pt. I, Ch. I. + > The supreme goal of spiritual life, liberation from phenomenal existence + * Without origin or beginning + + 142 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + If a claim is put forward that a particular religion is the best, + may we not ask the claimant for proof? + Do you know anything about Christianity? If so, what do you + think of it? + The Christians hold that the Bible is divinely inspired and that + Christ was an incarnation of God, being His son. Was He? + + Were all the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Christ? Can + anyone remember his past lives or have an idea of his future lives? + + If yes, who can? + You have given the names of some who have attained moksha. + What is the authority for this statement? + What makes you say that even Buddha did not attain moksha? + What will finally happen to this world? + Will the world be morally better off in the future? + Is there anything like total destruction of the world? + Can an illiterate person attain moksha by bhakti alone? + Rama and Krishna are described as incarnations of God. What + does that mean? Were they God Himself or only a part of Him? Can + we attain salvation through faith in them? + Who were Brahma, Vishnu and Siva? + If a snake is about to bite me, should I allow myself to be bitten + or should I kill it, supposing that that is the only way in which I can + save myself? + [From Gujarati] + Shrimad Rajachandra, pp. 292 et seq. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 143 + + 38. PETITION TO NATAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY' + DURBAN, + June 28, 1894 + + TO + THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF + THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE COLONY OF NATAL + THE PETITION OF THE INDIANS RESIDENT IN + THE COLONY OF NATAL + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT : + + 1. Your Petitioners are British subjects, who have come from + India and settled in the Colony. + 2. Your Petitioners are many of them registered as electors duly + qualified to vote at the election of members to your Honourable + Council and Assembly. + 3. Your Petitioners have read with feelings of unfeigned regret + and alarm the debate as reported in the newspapers on the second + reading of the Franchise Law Amendment Bill. + + 4. Your Petitioners, with the greatest deference to your + Honourable House, beg to dissent entirely from the views of the + various speakers, and feel constrained to say that the real facts fail to + support the reasons adduced in justification of the passing of the + unfortunate measure. + 5. The reasons, as reported in the newspapers, brought forward + in support of the measure, your Petitioners understand, are: + (a) that the Indians have never exercised the franchise in the + land they come from; + (b) that they are not fit for the exercise of the franchise. + 6. Your Petitioners respectfully beg to press on the notice of the + Honourable Members that all the facts and history point the other + way. + 7. The Indian nation has known, and has exercised, the power of + election from times far prior to the time when the Anglo-Saxon races + first became acquainted with the principles of representation. + + ' First it was addressed to both the Council and the Assembly, Then it was + amended and addressed only to the Assembly, and a separate petition was addressed to + the Council; vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”, 4-7-1894. + + 144 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 8. In support of the above, your Petitioners beg to draw the + attention of your Honourable Assembly to Sir Henry Sumner Maine's' + Village Communities, where he has most clearly pointed out that the + Indian races have been familiar with representative institutions almost + from time immemorial. That eminent lawyer and writer has shown that + the Teutonic Mark was hardly so well organized or so_ essentially + representative as an Indian village community until the precise + technical Roman form was engrafted upon it. + + 9. Mr. Chisolm Anstey’, in a speech delivered before the East + India Association in London, said: + We are apt to forget in this country, when we talk of preparing people + in the East by education and all that sort of thing for Municipal Government + and Parliamentary Government, that the East is the parent of Municipalities. + Local Self-government, in the widest acceptation of the term, is as old as_ the + East itself. No matter what may be the religion of the people who inhabit what + we call the East, there is not a portion of the country from East to West, from + North to South, which is not swarming with municipalities; and not only so, + but, like to our municipalities of old, they are all bound together as ina + species of network, so that you have, ready-made to your hand, the framework + of the great system of representation. + Every caste in every village or town has its own rules or + regulations, and elects representatives, and furnishes an_ exact + prototype of the Saxon Witans, from which have sprung the present + Parliamentary institutions. + + 10. The word Panchayat is a household word throughout the + length and breadth of India, and it means, as the Honourable + Members may be well aware, a Council of Five elected by the class of + the people to whom the five belong, for the purpose of managing and + controlling the social affairs of the particular caste. + + 11. The State of Mysore has at the present moment a + representative parliament, called the Mysore Assembly, on the exact + model of the British Parliament. + + 12. The trading Indian community now residing in Durban have + their Panchayat, or Council of Five, and in case of matters of pressing + importance their deliberations are controlled by the community at + large, who can, according to the constitution of the body, overrule + + ' 1822-88; eminent jurist whose works include Ancient Law and Early History + of Institutions. He was a member of the Indian Council, 1862-69 and 1871. + > 1816-73; lawyer and politician; Member of Parliament, 1847-52 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 145 + + their decisions by a sufficient majority. Here is, your Memorialists + submit, a proof of their capabilities as regards representation. + 13. Indeed, so much has the Indians' ability to understand + representative institutions been recognized by Her Majesty's + Government that India enjoys municipal local self-government in the + truest sense of the term. + 14. There were, in 1891, 755 municipalities and 892 local + boards in India, with 20,000 Indian members. This would give some + idea of the magnitude of the municipalities and the electorate. + + 15. If further proof be needed on this head, your Petitioners + draw the Honourable Members' attention to the recently passed India + Councils Bill, whereby the system of representation has been + introduced even into the Legislative Councils of the various + Presidencies of India. + + 16. Your Honourable Assembly will, your Petitioners trust, see, + therefore, that the exercise of the franchise by them is no extension of + a new privilege they have never before known or enjoyed, but on the + contrary, the disqualification to exercise it would be an unjust restric + tion which, under similar circumstances, would never be put on them + in the land of their birth. + 17. Hence, also, your Petitioners submit that the fear that they + may, if they were allowed to exercise the privilege of franchise, + “become propagandists of agitation and instruments of sedition in + that great country they come from”, is, to say the least of it, without + ground. + 18. Your Petitioners deem it unnecessary to dwell upon the + minor points and the needlessly harsh remarks made in the course of + the debate on the second reading. They would, however, crave leave to + give some extracts which bear on the subject under consideration. + Your Petitioners would rather have been judged by their works than + have sought to justify themselves by quoting what others have thought + of their race; but, under the present circumstances, they have no other + course left open to them, since, owing to want of free intercourse, + there seems to prevail much misunderstanding about their capabilities. + 19. Speaking at a meeting at the Assembly Rooms, Kennington, + Mr. F. Pincott said: + We have heard a great deal in this country about the ignorance of the + Indian people and their unfitness for appreciating the great advantages of + representative government. All that is really very foolish, because + + 146 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + representative government has nothing to do with education. It has a great + deal to do with common sense, and the people of India are gifted with as much + common sense, as we have; we exercised the right of election and we had + representative institutions many hundreds of years before we possessed any + education whatever. Therefore, the educational test goes simply for naught. + Those who know the history of our country know very well that two hundred + years ago the grossest superstition and ignorance prevailed, and yet we had our + representative institutions. + 20. Sir George Birdwood', writing on the general character of + the people of India, thus sums up: + The people of India are in no intrinsic sense our inferiors, while in things + + measured by some of the false standards, false to ourselves, we pretend to + believe in, they are our superiors. + + 21. Says Sir Thomas Munro, one of the Governors of Madras: + I do not know what is meant by civilizing the people of India. In the + theory and practice of good government they may be deficient; but if a good + system of agriculture, if unrivalled manufacture .. . if the establishment of + schools for reading and writing, if the general practice of kindness and + hospitality .. . are amongst the points that denote a civilized people, then + they are not inferior in civilization to the people of Europe. + 22. Professor Max Muller thus speaks of the much abused and + more misunderstood Indian : + + If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some + of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problem of life, + and has found solutions of some of them which well deserve the attention even + of those who have studied Plato and Kant, I should point to India. + + 23. To appeal to the finer feelings, your Petitioners respectfully + venture to point out that the Franchise Law Amendment Bill, if passed, + would have a tendency to retard, instead of hastening, the process of + unification the flower of the British and the Indian nations are + earnestly striving for. + 24. Your petitioners have purposely let the English authorities + speak on their behalf, without any comments to amplify the above + extracts. It is yet possible to multiply such extracts, but your + Petitioners confidently trust that the above will prove sufficient to + convince your Honourable Assembly of the justice of their prayer, + and they earnestly beseech your Honourable Assembly to reconsider + + ' 1832-1917; served in the Bombay Medical Service in 1854, and later for + thirty years in the India Office, London, Author of Report on the Miscellaneous Old + Records of the India Office and The Industrial Arts of India. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 147 + + your decision; or to appoint a Commission to enquire into the + question as to whether the Indians resident in the Colony are fit to + exercise the privilege of franchise, before proceeding further with the + Bill. + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Petitioners, as in duty + bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc. + + Colonial Office Records, No. 179, Vol. 189: Votes and Proceedings of + Parliament, Natal, 1894 + + 39. DEPUTATION TO NATAL PREMIER" + + DURBAN, + June 29, 1894 + TO + SIR JOHN ROBINSON, K.C.M.G. + PREMIER AND COLONIAL SECRETARY + COLONY OF NATAL + MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR, + We have to thank Your Honour very much for sparing some of + Your Honour's valuable time to receive this deputation. + + We beg to present this petition of the Indians residing in the + Colony to Your Honour and beg you to give it Your Honour's earnest + attention. + + We would not trespass longer on Your Honour’s courtesy than + is absolutely necessary. We, however, regret that we have not at our + disposal time enough to lay our case as thoroughly as possible before + Your Honour. + Sir, we have been taunted with having woken up almost too late. + It is only necessary to put before you the peculiar circumstances to + convince Your Honour that we could not possibly have approached + the honourable Houses earlier. The two chief leading members of the + community were away from the Colony on urgent business and were + shut out from all communication with people in the Colony. Our very + imperfect knowledge of the English language materially prevents us + from keeping ourselves in touch with important matters as we should + like to be. + + ' Enclosure No. | in Schedule of Correspondence published by order of the + Legislative Assembly of Natal on April 21, 1896 + + 148 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + With greatest respect to Your Honour, we beg to point out that + both the Anglo-Saxon and the Indian races belong to the same stock. + We read Your Honour's eloquent speech at the time of the second + reading of the Bill with rapt attention and took great pains to ascertain + if any writer of authority gave countenance to the view expressed by + Your Honour about the difference of the stocks from which both the + races have sprung up. Max Muller, Morris, Greene and a host of other + writers with one voice seem to show very clearly that both the races + have sprung from the same Aryan stock, or rather the Indo-European + as many call it. We have no wish whatever to thrust ourselves as + members of a brother nation on a nation that would be unwilling to + receive us as such, but we may be pardoned if we state the real facts, + the alleged absence of which has been put forward as an argument to + pronounce us as unfit for the exercise of the franchise. + + Your Honour has, moreover, been reported to have said that it + would be cruel to expect Indians to exercise the privilege of franchise. + We humbly submit that our petition is a sufficient answer to this. + + It has given us no small satisfaction to know that, however unjust + Your Honour's speech may have appeared to us from our point of + view, it breathed truest sentiments of justice, morality and, what is + more, Christianity. So long as such a spirit is noticeable among the + chosen of the land, we would never despair of right being done in + every case. + It is therefore that we have ventured to approach Your Honour, + fully believing that, in the light of the new facts disclosed by our + humble petition, a display of the same sentiments will result in + substantial justice being done to the Indians in the Colony. + We believe that the prayer of the petitioners is very modest. If + the newspaper reports are trustworthy, Your Honour was pleased to + acknowledge that there were some respectable Indians who were + intelligent enough to exercise the precious privilege. That alone, in + our humble opinion, is a sufficient reason for granting a Commission + of enquiry into the momentous question. We are willing to face, nay, + we court such a Commission, and, will it be asking too much if we ask + that the Indians should be allowed to exercise the privilege, if the + impartial judgment of an impartial Commission pronounced the + Indians fit for such an exercise? If we have understood the Bill rightly, + the Indians would, in the event of its becoming law, rank lower than + the lowest native. For, while the latter can educate himself into fitness + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 149 + + for the power of election, the former never can. The Bill seems to be + sO sweeping that even the Indian Member of the British House of + Commons, did he come here, would not be fit for becoming a voter. + + Did we not know that other matters of equal importance + seriously engage Your Honour's attention, we could go on showing + the injurious consequences that would flow from the interpretation of + the Bill, consequences perhaps never contemplated by its illustrious + authors. If we were given a week's time we could put our case more + exhaustively before the House of Assembly. We would then leave our + cause in Your Honour's hands, imploring Your Honour with all the + earnestness at our command to use Your Honour's powerful influence + and to see that full justice is done to the Indians. For it is justice we + want and that only. + + We thank your Honour for receiving this deputation and the + patience and courtesy shown to us. + + We beg to subscribe ourselves on behalf of the Indian + community, + + Your Honour’s obedient servants, + M. K. GANDHI + AND THREE OTHERS + Colonial Office Records No. 181, Vol. 41 + + 40. A CIRCULAR LETTER TO LEGISLATOR" + + DURBAN, + July 1, 1894 + TO + + SIR, + We, the undersigned, have sent copies of this letter under + registered cover to the Honourable Members of both the Honourable + the Legislative Council and the Honourable the Legislative Assembly, + with a request to answer the questions asked in the enclosed. You will + lay us under deep obligation, if you would be good enough to fill in + the reply column of the enclosed memorandum, with any remarks that + you may choose to make in the remarks column, and sign and send + + ' The letter and the questionnaire are referred to in paragraph 8 of “Petition to + Lord Ripon”, before 14-7-1894. + + 150 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + the same back to the first undersigned at the above address. + + We beg to remain, + Sir, + + M. K. GANDHI + AND FOUR OTHERS + QUESTIONS REPLY REMARKS + + Yes or No + 1. | Do you conscientiously say that the + Franchise Law Amendment Bill is + a strictly just measure without need- + ing any modification or change? + 2. Do you think it just that those India- + ns, who have not been able, from some + cause or other, to have their names on + the Voters' List, should ever be debarr- + ed from voting in the Parliamentary + Elections, no matter how capable they + may be or what interests they may have + in the Colony? + 3. Do you really believe that no Indian Briti- + sh subject can ever acquire sufficient attai- + nments for the purpose of becoming a full + citizen of the Colony or of voting? + 4. Do you think it just that a man should not + become a voter simply because he is of Asiatic + extraction? + 5. | Do you wish the indentured Indian who comes + and settles in the Colony to remain in the state + of semi-slavery and ignorance for ever, unless + he chooses to go back to India for ever? + Colonial Office Records No. 179, Vol. 189 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 151 + + 41. DEPUTATION TO NATAL GOVERNOR" + + DURBAN, + July 3, 1894 + TO + HIS | EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE SIR WALTER _ FRANCIS + HELY-HUTCHINSON, K.C.M.G., GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER-IN- + + CHIEF IN AND OVER THE COLONY OF NATAL, ~ VICE-ADMIRAL + OF THE SAME, AN SUPREME CHIEF OVER THE NATIVE POPULATION + + MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, + + At a meeting held on the Ist July, 1894, of leading Indians in + Durban, we were requested to await Your Excellency’s pleasure with + regard to the Franchise Law Amendment Bill, which was read a third + time last evening in the Honourable the Legislative Assembly of the + Colony of Natal. + The Bill as it stands, disqualifies every Indian, whether a British + subject or not, not already on the Voters’ List, from becoming a voter. + We venture to say that, without any further qualification, the Bill + is manifestly unjust, and would work very harshly at any rate upon + some Indians. + Even in England, any British subject having the proper + qualifications is entitled to vote, irrespective of caste, colour, or creed. + We would not deal at length with the question here lest we + should trespass too much upon Your Excellency's courtesy, but would + beg leave to present Your Excellency with a printed copy of the + petition addressed to the Honourable Assembly and request Your + Excellency to persue it carefully. + To us our cause seems to be so just that it should not need any + arguments to support it. + We trust that Your Excellency, representing Her Most Gracious + Majesty the Queen Empress, will not sanction a measure that would + seem to lay down that an Indian British subject of Her Majesty can + never become fit to exercise the franchise. + + ' Enclosure No. 2 in Despatch No. 62 of July 16, 1894 from the Governor of + Natal, Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson, to Lord Ripon, Secretary of State for the Colonies + + 152 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + We hope to send a proper petition’ to Your Excellency through + the regular channels about the matter. + We thank Your Excellency very much for granting the + deputation an interview in Durban and for Your Excellency's courtesy + and patience. + We have, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + AND SIX OTHERS + + Colonial Office Records No. 179, Vol. 189 + + 42. PETITION TO NATAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’ + + DURBAN, + July 4, 1894 + THE PETITION OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIANS + RESIDENT IN THE COLONY OF NATAL + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT : + Your Petitioners have been appointed by the Indian community + resident in this Colony to address this humble petition to your + Honourable Council with regard to the Franchise Law Amendment + Bill which was read a third time on the 2nd July in the Hon. the + Legislative Assembly. Your Petitioners, instead of setting forth herein + their grievances at length, respectfully beg to refer your Hon. Council + to the petition made by the Indians to the Hon. the Legislative + Assembly regarding the Bill, a printed copy of which is annexed + hereto for ready reference by the Hon. Members. The petition has + been signed by nearly 500 Indians. This was done in the short space + of one day. Had the Petitioners been given more time, from all the + reports received from the various districts, they fully believe that at + least 10,000 Indians would have signed it. Your Petitioners were in + + No further petition to the Governor of Natal was, in fact, sent. Evidently + Gandhiji and his associates intended to do this, but events over took them. Even this + petition was rejected and the Bill was rushed through the House in all its stages, for + submission to Lord Ripon, for the Queen's approval. A second petition had, + therefore, to be submitted through Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson; vide "Petition to Lord + Ripon", before 14-7-1894. + * This was presented to the President and members of the Legislative Council + by Hon. Henry Campbell, advocate and chief agent for British Indian merchants in + the Transvaal who drafted and presented petitions for them. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 153 + + hopes that the Hon. the Legislative Assembly would see the justice of + their prayer and grant it, but their hopes have been frustrated. Your + Petitioners, therefore, have ventured to approach your Hon. Council + with a view to inducing the Hon. Members to give close attention to + the petition hereinbefore referred to, and to use your correctional + power in consonance with justice and equity. Some of your Petitioners + undersigned had the honour to see some of the Hon. Members of the + Lower House in connection with the petition aforesaid, and they all + seemed to admit the justice of the prayer contained in the said + petition, but the general feeling seemed to be that it was addressed too + late. Your Petitioners, without going into the question, would + respectfully submit that, assuming that it was so, the consequences of + the Bill becoming law would be so grave, and the prayer is so just and + modest, that being too late should not have weighed with the Hon. + Members at all in considering the petition. Instances of Bills being + thrown out or modified, under less imperative circumstances, by the + Parliaments of civilized countries, after they have passed through the + committee stage, would not be difficult to find. Your Petitioners need + hardly mention the instance of the House of Lords having thrown out + the Irish Home Rule Bill', and the circumstances under which it was so + treated. The Franchise Law Amendment Bill as it stands is, your + Petitioners submit, so sweeping a measure, that no Indian who is not + already on the Voters’ List, no matter how capable he may be, can be + come a voter if the Bill becomes law. Your Petitioners trust that your + Hon. Council will not endorse such a view, and will, therefore, send the + Bill back again to the Legislative Assembly for its reconsideration. + + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Petitioners, as in duty + bound, will ever pray. + + The Natal Advertiser, 5-7-1894 + + ' This was introduced by Gladstone in 1886 in the British Parliament. It + sought to transfer Irish administration to an executive appointed by an Irish + Parliament but left the power of taxation largely to the British Government. It met + with furious opposition in the House of Commons. In 1893, Gladstone, again in + office, introduced a Home Rule Bill which was passed in the Commons, but was + rejected in the Lords by an overwhelming majority. + + 154 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 43. EXTRACT FORM LETTER TO DADABHAI NAOROJI' + + DURBAN, + July 5, 1894 + + The first Parliament of Natal under Responsible Government has + been pre-eminently an Indian Parliament. It has for the most part + occupied itself with legislation affecting Indians, by no means + favourably. The Governor, in opening the Legislative Council and + Assembly, remarked that his Ministers would deal with the Franchise + which was exercised by Indians in Natal, although they never + exercised it in India. The reasons given for the sweeping measure to + disfranchise Indians were that they had never exercised the Franchise + before, and that they were not fit for it. + The petition of the Indians seemed to prove a sufficient answer + to this. Hence they have now turned round and given out the real + object of the Bill, which is simply this: “We do not want the Indians + any more here. We want the coolies, but they shall remain slaves here + and go back to India as soon as they are free.” I earnestly request + your undivided attention to the cause and appeal to you to use your + influence that always has been and is being used on behalf of the + Indians, no matter where situated. The Indians look up to you as + children to the father. Such is really the feeling here. + + A word for myself and what I have done. I am_ yet + inexperienced and young and, therefore, quite liable to make + mistakes. The responsibility undertaken is quite out of proportion to + my ability. I may mention that I am doing this without any + remuneration. So you will see that I have not taken the matter up, + which is beyond my ability, in order to enrich myself at the expense + of the Indians. I am the only available person who can handle the + question. You will, therefore, oblige me very greatly if you will kindly + direct and guide me and make necessary suggestions which shall be + received as from a father to his child. + + Dadabhai Naoroji : The Grand Old Man of India, pp. 468-9 + + ' Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917); statesman, often called. “the Grand Old Man + of India”. Thrice presided over the Congress session, in 1886, 1893 and 1906. + Enuniciated, for the first time, Congress goal as one of swaraj or independence. + Member of the British Committee of the Congress in London. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 155 + + 44. PETITION TO NATAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’ + + DURBAN, + July 6, 1894 + TO + THE HONOURABLE THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF HONOURABLE + THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE COLONY OF NATAL + THE PETITION OF THE UNDERSIGNED _ INDIANS + RESIDENT IN THE COLONY OF NATAL + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT : + (1) Your Petitioners have been appointed by the Indian + community resident in this Colony to approach your Honourable + Council with regard to the “Franchise Law Amendment Bill”. + (2) Your Petitioners regret sincerely that their petition presented + on 4th July, 1894, through the Honourable Mr. Campbell, being notin + order, they have again to trespass on your Honourable Council's + valuable time. + (3) Your Petitioners, as trusted and responsible members of the + Indian community, beg to draw your Honourable Council's attention + to the fact that the Bill under discussion has created a widespread + feeling of dissatisfaction and disappointment among the Indian + community. The more the provisions of the Bill become known + among the Indians, the more your Petitioners hear the following + expressions of opinion : “ Sarkar Mabap’ is going to kill us, what + shall we do?” + (4) With the greatest respect to your Honourable Council, your + Petitioners submit that this is no mere idle expression of opinion, but a + sincere one, which is worthy of the most serious consideration by the + Honourable Council. + (5) It is not, your Petitioners venture respectfully to submit, a + fact that the Indians do not know what voting means, as was attempted + to be shown during the debate on the second reading of the Bill in + your Honourable Council. They know very well what privilege a right + + ' This was presented by the Hon. Mr. Campbell to the Legislative Council of + the Natal Parliament on July 6, 1894, on behalf of Hajee Mahomed Hajee Dada and + seven other Indians. + * Government considered as “mother-father” + + 156 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + of voting confers, and feel also the responsibility such a privilege + carries with it. Your Petitioners only wish that your Honourable + Council could personally witness the excitement and the anxiety with + which every stage in the progress of the Bill is watched by the Indian + Community. + (6) Your Petitioners would not, for one moment, say that every + member of the community has such a knowledge and, therefore such + a feeling, but they may be permitted to say that it is general. Nor + would your Petitioners hold that there are not Indians who should + have no right to vote, but your Petitioners submit that that is no reason + why the Indians should be excluded wholesale from the privilege. + + (7) Your Petitioners venture to submit for your Honourable + Council's consideration some of the anomalous results that would + follow the operation of the Bill : + (a) The Bills arbitrarily keeps on the Voters' List those who are + already there, while it forever shuts the door against any new addition + of a person who has not chosen to exercise the privilege hitherto. + (b) While some Indian fathers will be able to vote, their children + never can, although the latter may surpass the former in every respect. + (c) It practically puts the free and indentured Indians in the + same scale. + (d) Taking out for a moment the question of policy as the + principle of the Bill, which seems to have developed but lately, the Bill + seems to lay down that India has not at the present moment any + Indian who is fit to exercise the privilege of franchise and that there is + such a wide difference between a European and an Indian that contact + with the former, even for any length of time, does not fit him for the + exercise of the precious privilege. + (8) Is it fair, your Petitioners humbly ask, that, while the father is + a voter, he has to see his son, on whom he has lavished enormous sums + of money to educate him so that he may become a public man, unable + to possess a right that is now recognized as the birthright of all really + educated persons born in civilized countries where representative + institutions prevail? + (9) Your Petitioners would very much like to have dwelt upon + the fear that the permission to allow the Asiatic to vote would + ultimately result in a Government of Natives by coloured people, the + Indians. But your Petitioners are afraid that this is not the occasion on + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 157 + + which your Petitioners may lay their humble views before your + Honourable Council on the question. They would rest content with + saying that, in their opinion, such a contingency can never happen, + and certainly the time is not ripe to provide against it, were it even + possible in the remote future. + + (10) Your Petitioners beg respectfully to submit that the Bill + makes an invidious distinction between one class of British subjects + and another. But it has been said that, if Indian British subjects are to + be treated equally with the Europeans, the same treatment should be + accorded to other British subjects, e.g., the Natives of the Colony. + Without entering into odious comparisons, your Petitioners would + venture to quote from the Royal Proclamation of 1858, which would + show on what principles the British Indian subjects have been and + should be treated : + We hold ourselves bound to the Natives of our Indian territories by the + same obligations of duty which bind us to all our other subjects, and those + obligations, by the blessing of Almighty God, we shall faithfully and + conscientiously fulfil. And it is our further will that, so far as may be, our + subjects, of whatever race or creed, be freely and impartially admitted to + offices in our services, the duties of which they may be qualified by their + education, ability and integrity, duly to discharge. In their prosperity will be + our strength, in their contentment our security and in their gratitude our best + reward. + (11) On the lines laid down in the above extract, and also the + Charter of 1833', the Indians have been admitted to the most + responsible posts in India, e.g., that of Chief Justice. And yet here, in a + British Colony, an attempt is being made to deprive your Petitioners + or their brethren or their children of the commonest right of an + ordinary citizen. + + (12) It has now been said that the Indians know the Municipal + Self-government but not the Political. Your Petitioners submit that + this, too, is not now strictly true. But granting that it is strictly so, + should that be any reason for barring the door to Political Franchise + to Indians in a country where a Parliamentary Government prevails? + + ' Based on the findings of a Parliamentary Commission of Enquiry, the Act + abolished the East India Company's trading rights in India and confined its function + to ruling its possessions. Reaffirmed in 1853, the Charter Act provided that no Indian + shall be disabled from holding any place, office or employment under the East India + Company by reason of his religion, place of birth, descent or colour. + + 158 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Your Petitioners submit that the real and only test should be whether + your Petitioners, and those on whose behalf they plead, are capable or + not. A person coming from under Monarchical Government, e.g., + Russian, may not have been able to show his capabilities to understand + or appreciate Representative Government, and yet your Petitioners + venture to believe your Honourable Council will not condemn such a + one as unfit, if he is otherwise capable and fit. + (13) Before concluding, your Petitioners beg to draw your + Honourable Council's attention to the following memorable words of + Lord Macaulay : “Free and civilized as we are, it is to little purpose, if + we grudge to any portion of the human race an equal portion of + freedom and civilization.” + (14) Your Petitioners fervently trust that the above facts and + arguments, if they prove nothing else, will prove to the satisfaction of + your Honourable Council that a real necessity exists for a Commission + of enquiry as to the fitness or the unfitness of the Indians to exercise + the Franchise, as also to ascertain whether there is any ground for the + fear that, in case of the Indian being allowed to exercise the privilege + of Franchise as heretofore, their vote will swamp the European vote, + and that they will have the reins of Government in their hands, and + also to report upon such other important questions. Your Petitioners + pray, therefore, that your Honourable Council will send the Bill back + for reconsideration by the Honourable the Legislative Assembly, with + such just andequitable recommendations as your Honourable Council + may think fit. + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Petitioners, as in duty + bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc. + + Colonial Office Records No. 181, Vol. 38 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 159 + + 45. LETTER TO “THE NATAL MERCURY' + + DURBAN, + July 7, 1894 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Mercury + SIR, + + It was a treat to read your learned and able leader in today's + issue. It was not expected that there would be nothing to be said + against the franchise petition. That would be a wondrous—I was + almost going to say, superhuman—thing that would not have its two + sides, in these modern times. On the same principle, Sir George + Chesney is not the only writer who would serve your purpose. Sir + Henry Sumner Maine was also, after all, a mortal. It is, therefore, only + natural that his theories and conclusions should be contested. There + seems to be no escape for a mortal from ���the pairs of opposites”. I + would, however, without for the present presenting the other aspect of + the case, beg leave to revert to the matter on some future occasion. + + The object of writing this letter is to “surprise” you. The State + of Mysore, I am glad to say, has given the political franchise rights to + its subjects. I take the following from a newspaper report : + + Under the system now expounded by the Dewan, all landholders paying a + + ' This was in reply to an article entitled "Indian Village Communities" in The + Natal Mercury, 7-7-1894, commenting on the petition presented to the Natal Legis- + lative Council by the Indian community in connection with the Franchise Law Ame- + ndment Bill. It was argued that Parliamentary Government was very different from any + form of representation known to the village communities of India. The Bill excluded + Indians from the franchise on the ground that they had not exercised the franchise in + their own country. The Indians pleaded that they had done so from ancient times in + their village communities. But The Natal Mercury contested this view, and that of Sir + Henry Sumner Maine, in his Village-Communities in the East and West, that Indian + had been familiar with representative institutions almost from time immemorial. It + maintained that Indian village-communities had nothing to do with political repre- + sentation but only with the legal question of land tenure. It argued that village- + community life was common to all primitive peoples and, if anything, proved the + backwardness of a people, and quoted General Sir George Chesney's views in The + Nineteenth Century to the effect that Indians were still in their political infancy. + + 160 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + revenue of Rs. 100 or more, or mohatarfa' of Rs. 13 and upwards, are entitled + to vote for members of the Representative Assembly, and are eligible to + become members themselves. Besides, all non-official graduates of any Indian + University, ordinarily residing in the taluk, have been given the privilege of + electing, as well as of being elected. Thus property as well as intelligence will + be represented in the Assembly. Further, it has also been specified that public + associations, municipalities and the local boards may also elect members. The + total number of members fixed is 347, and these members are elected by nearly + 4,000 electors. + Sir, I appeal to your good sense, and ask you, will you not better + serve humanity by collecting and pointing our points of resemblances + between the two peoples than by holding out to the public gaze points + of contrasts, often far-fetched or merely imaginary, that can but + arouse the worst feeling of a man, while they can do nobody any real + good? I hardly think it can be to your interest to sow the seeds of + jealousy and animosity between the two nations. That, I doubt not, is + in your power, as it is in anybody's, more or less. But a thing far + higher and far nobler, too, les within your reach—a thing that would + bring you not only greatness, but goodness, and what is more, the + gratitude of a nation that has not been crushed under 1,200 years' + tyranny and oppression, a fact by itself a miracle,—and that thing is to + educate rightly the Colony about India and its people. + + Iam, etc., + + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Mercury, 11-7-1894 + + ' Trade-tax, a word of Persian origin + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 161 + + 46. PETITION TO NATAL GOVERNOR' + + DURBAN, + July 10, 1894 + TO + HIS EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE SIR WALTER FRANCIS HELY-HUTCHINSON, + K.C.M.G., GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN AND OVER THE COLONY + OF NATAL, VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE SAME, AND SUPREME CHIEF OVER THE + NATIVE POPULATION + THE PETITION OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIANS + RESPECTFULLY SHEWETH THAT : + 1. Your Excellency's Petitioners, representing the Indian + community residing in the Colony of Natal, beg hereby to approach + Your Excellency with regard to the Franchise Law Amendment Bill. + 2. Your Excellency's Petitioners understand that Your + Excellency will send the Bill, above referred to, to the Home + Government for Royal assent. + 3. Such being the case, a petition’ is being prepared for the + Home Government regarding the Bill. + 4. Your petitioners will send the said petition to Your Excellency + as soon as possible. + 5. Your Petitioners respectfully request Your Excellency to + postpone sending Your Excellency's Despatch to the Home + Government with regard to the matter, till the petition hereinbefore + mentioned is sent to Your Excellency to be forwarded to the Home + Government. + And for this act of justice and mercy, Your Excellency's + Petitioners shall for ever pray, etc., etc. + M. K. GANDHI + + AND SEVEN OTHERS + Colonial Office Records, No. 179, Vol. 189 + + ' Enclosure No. 6 in Despatch No. 62 of July 16, 1894 from the Governor of + Natal, Sir Walter Hely-Hutchinson, to Lord Ripon, Secretary of State for the Colonies + * Vide the succeeding item. + + 162 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 47. PETITION TO LORD RIPON' + + [DURBAN, + Before July 14, 1894] + TO + His EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE MARQUIS OF RIPON, + HER MAJESTY’S PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE + COLONIES + THE PETITION OF THE UNDER SIGNED INDIANS + Now RESIDING IN. THE COLONY OF NATAL + MOST HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT : + 1. Your Lordship's Petitioners are Indian British subjects, + residing in the various districts of the Colony of Natal. + + 2. Some of Your Lordship's Petitioners are traders, who have + come to the Colony and settled therein. Some again are those who, in + the first instance, came from India under indenture, and have now, for + some time (even thirty years), become free. Some are Indians under + indenture, and some are born and educated in the Colony, and + engaged in various pursuits of life as attorneys’ clerks, compounders, + compositors, photographers, schoolmasters, etc. Again, some of Your + Lordship's Petitioners have considerable landed property in the + Colony, and are duly qualified to vote at the election of Members for + the Honourable the Legislative Assembly. And a few have got + sufficient property qualifications, but have not been able to get their + names on the Voters’ Roll for some cause or other. + + 3. Your Lordship’s Petitioners hereby approach Your Lordship + with regard to the Franchise Law Amendment Bill, which was + introduced last session by the Honourable Sir John Robinson, the + Prime Minister of the Colony, and which has passed the third reading + in the Honourable Legislative Council, and received the assent of His + Excellency the Governor, subject to its being disallowed by Her + Majesty. + + "Enclosure No. 1 in Despatch No. 66 dated July 31, 1894, from Sir Walter + Hely-Hutchinson, Governor of Natal, to Lord Ripon, Secretary of State for the + Colonies. + In An Autobiography, Pt. U, Ch. XVU, Gandhiji says he took great pains over + this petition and obtained over 10, 000 signatures for it in the course of a fortnight. + The Prime Minister of Natal in his forwarding letter to the Governor set out reasons + for recommending rejection of the petition. + * Vide the succeeding item. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 163 + + 4. The Bill above referred to has for its object the + disqualification of all the persons of Asiatic extraction, who have + settled in the Colony, to vote at the Parliamentary elections. It, + however, excepts those who are already rightly placed on the Voters' + Lists. + 5. Your Lordship's Petitioners crave leave to give a short history + of the movement carried on to obtain redress through the constituted + authorities in the Colony. + 6. It was when the Franchise Law Amendment Bill had passed + the second reading that Your Lordship's Petitioners first approached + the Honourable the Legislative Assembly. When Your Lordship's + Petitioners became aware that two days after the second reading, the + Bill had passed the committee stage, and a day after, it would pass the + third reading it was impossible to present a petition to the Hon. the + Legislative Aeeembly unless the third reading was postponed. Your + Lordship's Petitioners, therefore, sent a telegraphic petition' to the + Honourable the Legislative Assembly, requesting that a postponement + should be granted. The postponement was very graciously granted for + one day. In that one day, about 500 Indians signed a petition which + was next day presented to the Honourable the Legislative Assembly. + In Maritzburg, a deputation waited upon some Honourable Members + of the Honourable House, including the Premier and the Attorney- + General. The deputation was very courteously received and given a + patient hearing. Most of the Honourable Members waited upon more + or less admitted the justice of the prayer contained in the said petition, + though all said that it was presented too late. The Honourable Prime + Minister, in order that it might be studied, asked leave to postpone the + third reading for four days. It might be mentioned also that + telegraphic petitions were sent to the Honourable the Legislative + Council from Verulam, Richmond Road and other places, endorsing + the said petition. But they were ruled out of order on the ground they + were not presented through a Member of the House. Your Lordship's + Petitioners have not annexed hereto the various petitions referred to, + as these will no doubt be sent to Your Lordship by the Government. + 7. Four days, after the presentation of the petition, i.e., on the + 2nd July, 1894, Monday, the Bill was, contrary to your Petitioners' + expectations and much to their regret, read a third time. + + ' This is not available. + + 164 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 8. On the Tuesday following, Your Lordship's Petitioners there- + upon sent a petition to the Honourable the Legislative Council, which + was presented through the Honourable Mr. Campbell, but the petition + was ruled not in order, because it contained references to the + Honourable the Legislative Assembly, and the Bill was read a second + time. Your Lordship's Petitioners, as soon as they knew this, lost no + time in addressing another petition to the Honourable Council, which + was sent on the Thursday following, and was presented on Friday + through the same Honourable Member. In the meanwhile, i.e., within + one day after the second reading, the Bill had passed the committee + stage. The Honourable Mr. Campbell moved the postponement of the + third reading of the Bill, in order that the petition last mentioned + might be considered. The motion, however, was not carried on the + ground that the petition was presented too late. The Bill had been + hardly four days before the Honourable Council, as Your Lordship + will notice. Your Lordship's Petitioners may also mention that a + deputation was appointed by the leading members of the Indian + community to wait upon His Excellency the Honourable Sir Walter F. + Hely-Hutchinson, who very kindly and courteously received the + deputation. In order to know the individual opinions of the + Honourable Members of the two Houses, a Committee of Indians sent + a printed circular 'to the Honourable Members requesting them to + answer certain questions. Your Petitioners append hereto the Circular + and the Memorandum containing the questions. So far, only one + Honourable Member has been good enough to send a reply, but he, + too, has not answered the questions. + + 9. Before proceeding to criticize the Franchise Bill, Your + Lordship's Petitioners would beg to dispose of one point that has been + used against Your Lordship's Petitioners, namely, that they + approached the Honourable Assembly too late. As to this, your + Petitioners would simply state that they were not technically too late, + and that the issues involved were, and are, so important, and the Bill so + vitally affected and affects Her Majesty’s Indian subjects that the + Government, or the Honourable the Legislative Council and the + Legislative Assembly might well have reconsidered their decision and + thoroughly investigated Your Lordship’s Petitioners’ case before + allowing the Bill to pass the third reading. + + 'Vide “A Circular Letter to Legislators”, 1-7-1894. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 165 + + 10. During the debate it was stated, as also it is stated in the + preamble of the Bill, that the Asiatic communities have never + exercised the privilege of Franchise, and it was stated further, during + the debate, that the Asiatics were not fit to exercise the Franchise. + These were, then, the two chief reasons alleged for the exclusion of the + Indians from the privilege of the Franchise. Your Petitioners venture + to believe that the petition to the Honourable Assembly sufficiently + disposes of the two contentions above-mentioned. + + 11. Although it was not openly acknowledged that the two + objections to the Asiatics exercising the Franchise privilege had fallen + through, it seemed to be tacitly recognized that such was the case, for + it was more openly declared in the third reading of the Bill in the + Honourable Assembly, that the exclusion was to be justified, not on + moral and equitable grounds, as was contended at the time of the + second reading, but on purely political grounds. It was said that, if the + Indians were allowed to vote, their vote would swamp the European + vote, and that there would be a Government by the Asiatics instead of + by the Europeans. + 12. Your Lordship's Petitioners venture [to submit], with the + greatest deference to both the Honourable Houses, that the above fears + are entirely groundless. Even at the present moment there are very few + Indian electors as compared with European electors. The Indians who + come under indenture cannot possibly have the sufficient property + qualifications to be qualified for voting during their term of + indenture, and for many more years afterwards. It is, moreover, a + notorious fact that those who come on their own means do not remain + for good in the Colony, but after a certain number of years, return + home and are replaced by other Indians. Thus, so far as the trading + community is concerned, the number of votes would, as a rule, always + remain unchanged. Another fact, too, cannot be lost sight of, viz., that + the Indians do not take such an active interest in the political affairs of + the Colony as the European section of the community. It seems that + there are 45,000 Europeans, and the same number of Indians; that fact + alone shows how material is the difference between the European and + the Indian vote. And Your Lordship’s Petitioners submit that it is well + nigh impossible that any Indian can hope to enter into the Natal + Parliament for generations to come. This, Your Lordship's Petitioners + humbly submit, hardly needs any proof to support it. + + 13. And if Your Lordship's Petitioners are not unfit to exercise + + 166 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + the privilege, should it matter that they have some voice in the + government of the Colony, and more especially the government of + themselves? + 14. Your Lordship’s Petitioners venture to submit that the Bill is + admittedly retrograde in character and that it is manifestly unjust. + 15. The very fact that those who are rightly on the Voters' List + are to be allowed to remain there, at once, in your Petitioners’ humble + opinion, recognizes the ability of your Petitioners to understand the + privilege and the responsibility attached to the exercise of the + Franchise. Your Lordship's Petitioners cannot believe that they are + allowed to remain on the List even though they are not fit to vote, as + was attempted to be shown in the course of the debate. + + 16. It has also been said that Clause II of the Bill fully meets the + ends of justice. Your Petitioners submit that it does not. On _ the + contrary, it injures the feelings of both those who are on the List and + those who are not. + 17. It is little comfort to those who are already on the List to + know that they may vote, while their children never can, no matter + how well educated and well qualified they may be. Indian parents who + settle in the Colony will have, if the Bill becomes law, the best stimulus + to give higher education to their children taken away from them. + They would hardly like to see their sons pariahs of society, without a + status or without any ambition in life. Even wealth becomes useless if + it gives a man no place in society. The very aim with which men + collect wealth is thus nipped in the bud. + 18. And the Second Clause vexes those who have been in the + Colony already to know that, while their brethren, who are in no way + superior to them, by a chance retain the right to vote, they themselves + cannot vote simply because, perhaps, owing to circumstances entirely + beyond their control, they have not been able to get their names on + the Voters' List. The Bill thus makes between Indian British subjects of + the same class an invidious distinction based on _ accidental + circumstances. + + 19. It has also been hinted that the justice done by the Second + Clause is not gratefully acknowledged by your Petitioners. But, with + the greatest respect to the just intentions of the Government in + introducing the Second Clause, Your Lordship's Petitioners have failed + to see the justice thereof. This was even admitted by some Honourable + Members themselves, who did not care whether the Second Clause was + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 167 + + “in” or “out”, as those votes were bound to drop off before long. + This seems to be self-evident. + 20. Your Lordship's Petitioners have noticed with shame and + sorrow the zealous attempt made to compare your Petitioners with the + Natives of South Africa. Very often it was said the Natives had a better + claim to vote, if the Indians had any, simply because they were British + subjects. Your Lordship's Petitioners would not enter into a discussion + of the comparison, but would draw Your Lordship's attention to the + Royal Proclamation of 1858, as also to Your Lordship's own personal + experience of the Indian nation. Your Petitioners need hardly point + out the marked difference that exists between the Governments of + Indian British subjects and Native British subjects. + + 21. There are, at the present moment, hundreds of educated + Indians, signatures of some of whom appear in the petition, who + would not be able to vote at the Parliamentary elections if the Bill + became law. Your Petitioners fully trust that Your Lordship will never + advise Her Most Gracious Majesty to sanction a Bill that would cause + such a grave injustice to any section of British subjects. + 22. In the Natal Government Gazette of March 27, 1894, Your + Lordship's Petitioners find, from the Indian Immigrants School Board + Report for 1893, that there were 26 schools and 2,589 scholars + studying in the schools that year. Your Petitioners respectfully submit + that these boys, who are many of them born in the Colony, are + entirely brought up after the European style. They, in later life, come + in contact chiefly with the European community, and therefore, in + every respect, become as fit for the Franchise privilege as any + European, unless there is something radically wanting in them to + compete with the Europeans in educational ability. That they are not + incompetent, Your Lordship's Petitioners submit, has been proved + beyond doubt by the best authorities on such subjects. The results, + alike in India as in England, of the competition between English and + Indian students, furnish ample proof of the Indian's ability to + successfully compete with the European. Your Lordship's Petitioners + purposely refrain from quoting extracts from the evidence given + before the Parliamentary committees, or from great writers on the + above head, because that would almost look like carrying coals to + Newcastle. If, then, your Petitioners humbly venture to claim a vote + for these boys when they come of age, is it not merely asking what + any person in a civilized country would consider as his birthright and + + 168 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + would very properly resent any interference with? Your Petitioners + confidently trust that Your Lordship will not let these boys be + subjected to the indignity of being deprived of the commonest right + of a citizen in acountry governed by Parliamentary institutions. + 23. Your Lordship's Petitioners here have to note with gratitude + that the Hon. Mr. Campbell and the Hon. Mr. Don saw and remarked + about the injustice that would be done to those Indians who come to + the Colony on their own means, but they, too, seem to think, with the + other Honourable Members, that those who come under indenture + should never get the vote. Your Lordship's Petitioners, while they + admit (although they cannot help remarking that poverty should be + no crime if a man is otherwise fit) that the indentured Indians, while + under indenture, may not have the right to vote, they respectfully + submit that even these men should not for ever be deprived from + voting if they acquire the sufficient qualifications in later life. Such + men who come here are, as a rule, ablebodied and young; they come + under European influences, and while they are under indenture, and + especially after they become free, rapidly begin to assimilate + themselves to the European civilization, and develop into full + Colonists. They are admitted to be very useful, in fact, invaluable + people, who live quietly and peacefully. It may be remarked that most + of the educated Indian youths, who are now in the Civil Service as + clerks and interpreters, or outside it as schoolmasters, teachers or + attorneys’ clerks, have come to the Colony under indenture. It is + submitted that it would be cruel not to allow them, or their children, to + vote and to have a voice in their own government at any rate. Your + Petitioners submit that the fact alone that a person is of Asiatic + extraction or has once been under indenture, should not be a bar to + political freedom and political privileges, if he is or becomes otherwise + duly fit and qualified. + 24. Your Lordship's Petitioners beg to draw Your Lordship's + attention to the anomaly that the Bill would rank the Indian lower than + the rawest Native. For while the rawest Native can become + emancipated if he acquires the proper qualifications, the Indian British + subject who is now entitled to vote would be so disenfranchised that he + can never again become emancipated, no matter how capable he + becomes in after life, or how capable he is at the time of + disenfranchisement. + + 25. The measure is so sweeping and so drastic that, Your + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 169 + + Lordship's Petitioners humbly submit, it is an insult to the whole + Indian nation, inasmuch as, if the most distinguished son of India + came to Natal and settled, he would not be able to have the right to + vote because, presumably, according to the Colonial view, he is unfit + for the privilege. This hardship was recognized by the Honourable + Members in both the Houses, and the Honourable the Treasurer went + so far as to say that special cases of hardship may in future be dealt + with by the Parliament. + 26. To illustrate the above argument more fully, your Petitioners + would draw Your Lordship's attention to the papers and Government + Gazettes in connection with the Indian vote question that was raised + and discussed in the late Honourable the Legislative Council of Natal. + From a Blue-book containing the correspondence relating to the + affairs of Natal (C-3796, 1883), your Petitioners take the following + from Mr. Saunders's letter to the Colonial Office (page 3) : + The mere definition that these signatures must be in full, and in the + elector's own handwriting, and written in European characters, would go a long + way to check the extreme risk of the Asiatic mind swamping the English. + Thus Mr. Saunders, zealous advocate as he was of anti-Asiatic + policy, could not go further than this. In the same letter, the + honourable gentleman says further: + The better-class Indians feel and see there is a difference between the + raw coolie and themselves. + Therefore, it seems that the Government of the day was quite + willing to distinguish between Indians and _ Indians. Now, + unfortunately, under free institutions, all Indians, indentured, and + freed, and free, are attempted to be put in the same scale. Your + Petitioners cannot help respectfully expressing that Mr. Saunder's + measure was comparatively very mild compared to the Bill under + discussion. But that measure, too, did not receive support from Her + Majesty's benign Government; much less, therefore, your Petitioners + submit, should the Franchise Law Amendment Bill. In the same book + above referred to, the then Protector of Immigrants, Mr. Graves, says, + at page 7: + I am of the opinion that only those Indians who have abandoned all + claim for themselves and their families for a free return passage to India are + justly entitled to the Franchise. + He very justly pointed out also, that the signature test suggested + by Mr. Saunders was not applied in practice to the European electors. + + 170 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + At the same page, the then Attorney-General says in his report : + It will be noticed that the measure drafted by me contains certain + clauses which have been adopted from the recommendations of the Select + Committee, providing for the carrying out of the alternative plan mentioned + in Mr. Saunders's letter, while the proposal for the specific disqualification of + aliens has not been considered advisable of adoption. + Your Lordship's Memorialists would beg to draw Your + Lordship's attention to the same learned gentleman's report at page 91 + of the same Blue-book. The temptation to quote again from another + report by the same learned Attorney-General is irresistible. At page 14 + (ibid.) he says: + As regards the proposal to exclude from the exercise of the Franchise + all persons of every nationality or race which is not in every respect under the + common law of the Colony, this is a provision evidently aimed at the + electoral rights at present enjoyed by the Indian and Creole population of this + Colony. As I have already stated in my report on Bill No. 12, I cannot + recognize the justice or expediency of such a measure. + 27. Thus is happens that, under a freer constitution in the + Colony, that should include Your Lordship's Petitioners also, the First + Responsible Ministry, your Petitioners regret to say, have attempted to + make your Petitioners less free, to disenfranchise them wholesale. In + the face of the fact that, under the old regime, a far less bold attempt + to restrict the rights of your Petitioners did not receive countenance + from the Home Government, your Petitioners have every hope that the + present attempt will meet with the same fate, and justice done to Your + Lordship's Petitioners. + 28. The other pernicious consequences indirectly connected + with the Franchise Bill are too numerous to mention; your Petitioners + would, however, crave leave to discuss a few. + 29. It is a known fact that there is, in the Colony, a wide gulf + between the European section of the community and the Indian. The + Indian is hated and shunned by the European. He is often needlessly + vexed and harassed. The Franchise Bill, your Petitioners submit, will + only accentuate such a feeling. The signs have already begun to + appear. To verify this, your Petitioners commend the newspapers of + the current dates to Your Lordship's attention, and also the debates in + both the Honourable Houses. + + 30. It was said, in the course of the debate on the second + reading, that the disqualification put upon the Indians would put a + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 171 + + greater responsibility upon the legislators of the Colony and that the + Indian interests would be better protected than if they were + represented. This, Your Lordship's Petitioners beg to submit, is + contrary to all experience up to the present time. + 31. Some Honourable Members thought that the Indians should + not be allowed to vote at the Municipal elections also. It was + whispered, during the debate, among the responsible quarters, that that + question would receive attention on a future, but early, date. The + Franchise Bill is only the proverbial thin end of the wedge. Once + driven a little, it would not be difficult to drive it through. That + seemed to be the feeling. + + 32. Your Lordship is aware that it is intended to levy a + residential tax on the Indians coming under indenture, should they + choose to settle in the Colony. The tax, it was said, should be + sufficiently heavy not to make it worth their while to stop in the + Colony or to make it possible for them to compete with the Colonists. + That is another indication of how your Petitioners' interests would be + better protected if they were disenfranchised! + + 33. During the debate on the Civil Service Bill, it was contended + by some Honourable Members that, since the Franchise was to be + taken away from the Indians, it was as well that the Indians should be + debarred from entering the Civil Service also. An amendment was + moved to this effect, and was rejected only by the casting vote of the + Honourable the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, thanks to the + forethought and tact of the Government who requested that the House + should be divided. Your Petitioners fully recognize that, in this case, + the Government took up a very sympathetic attitude towards the + Indians; but still, the tendency and portents of these events are + unmistakable. The Franchise Bill gave the opportunity for the + amendment. + 34. Your Lordship's Petitioners understand that in the Cape + Colony no such colour or race distinctions are made. + 35. Your Lordship's Petitioners respectfully venture to point out + that the effect of the Bill, if it became law, will be simply disastrous to + the interests of the British Indian subjects in the other parts of South + Africa. Down-trodden and hated as they already are in the Transvaal, + things will be simply unbearable for them. If Indian British subjects in + a British Colony are allowed to be treated at all on an unequal footing, + your Petitioners humbly submit that a time will soon come when it will + + 172 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + be impossible for Indians, having any idea whatever of self-respect, to + remain in the Colony and that such a thing would materially interfere + with their business, and throw hundreds of Her Majesty's Indian + subjects out of work. + 36. In conclusion, your Petitioners hope that above facts and + arguments will convince Your Lordship of the injustice of the + Franchise Law Amendment Bill, and that Your Lordship will not allow + an unwarranted interference with the rights of one section of Her + Majesty's subjects by another. + And for this act of justice and mercy, Your Lordship's + Petitioners, as in duty bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc. + + HAJEE MOHAMED HAJEE DADA! + AND SIXTEEN OTHERS + Colonial Office Records No. 179, Vol. 189 + + 48. LETTER TO DADABHAI NAOROJI + + C/O MEssRS DADA ABDOOLA & CO., + DURBAN, + July 14, 1894 + TO + THE HON. MR. DADABHAI NAOROJI M.P. + SIR, + In continuation of my letter* dated the 7th instant, I have to + inform you of the progress of the movement against the Franchise + Law Amendment Bill as follows : + The Bill passed the 3rd reading in the Legislative Council on the + 7th instant. The other petition to the Council was accepted. One Hon. + Member moved the postponement of the 3rd reading till the petition + was considered by the House. The motion was rejected. + The Governor has given his assent to the Bill subject to its being + disallowed by Her Majesty. The Bill has a proviso in it that it shall not + become law until, by a proclamation or otherwise, the Governor + signifies that it is not Her Majesty's wish to disallow the Bill. + + ' Vice-President of the Natal Indian Congress, 1894-99 + ° This letter is not available. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 173 + + I send you herewith a copy of the petition’ to the Home + Government that will be sent to the Governor here probably on the + 17th instant. It will be signed by nearly 10,000 Indians. Nearly 5,000 + signatures have already been received. + + I regret to say that Iam unable to send you a copy of the + petition’ to the Council. I however beg to send a newspaper cutting + which gives a fairly good report. + I do not think there remains anything more to be added. The + situation is so critical that if the Franchise Bill becomes law, the + position of the Indians 10 years hence will be simply intolerable in the + Colony. + I remain, + + Your obedient servant, + + M. K. GANDHI + From a photostat of the original : S. N. 2251 + + 49. LETTER TO DADABHAI NAOROJI + + P. O. B. 253, + Confidential DURBAN, + July 27, 1894 + TO + THE HON. MR. DADABHAI NAOROII, M.P. + SIR, + + In continuation of my letter of the 14th instant I have to inform + you as follows : + + The petition to the Home Government, a copy of which has + already been sent to you, was sent, I hear, last week. + Mr. Escombe’, the Attorney-General, has made a report to the + effect—f the informant is right—that the only reason for passing the + Bill is to prevent the Asiatics from controlling the government of the + Natives. The real reason, however, is simply this. They want to put the + Indians under such disabilities and subject them to such insults that it + may not be worth their while to stop in the Colony. Yet, they do not + + ' Vide the preceding item. + + * Vide "Petition to Natal Legislative Council", 6-7-1894. + * Sir Harry Escombe (1838-99); Premier of Natal in 1897. He pleaded for + Gandhiji's admission to the Bar of the Natal Supreme Court. + + 174 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + want to dispense with the Indians altogether. They certainly do not + want those Indians who come on their own means and they want the + indentured Indians very badly; but they would require, if they could, + the indentured Indian to return to India after his term of indenture. A + perfect leonine partnership! They know very well that they cannot do + this at once—so they have begun with the Franchise Bill. They want to + feel the pulse of the Home Government on the question. One member + of the Assembly writes to me that he does not believe that the + HomeGovernment would sanction the Bill. I need hardly say how + important it is for the Indian community that the Bill should not + receive the sanction. + Natal is not a bad place for the Indians. Good many Indian + traders earn a respectable living here. The Bill, if it became law, would + be a very great blow to further Indian enterprise. + + Of course, I may state again, as I have done once, that there is + not the slightest probability of the government of the Natives passing + from the Europeans to the Indians. This is simply meant to frighten + the Home Government. Those who live here—including the + Government—know very well that such a thing will never happen. + They do not want the Indians to elect white members—2 or 3—who + may look after their interests in the Parliament, so that the + Government may work their way towards the destruction of the + Indians without any opposition whatever. + I have sent copies of the petition to Sir W. Wedderburn’ and + others there and also some copies to Indian newspapers. + Please excuse the length of my letters. You will very much + oblige me by giving hints as to the way of working. + I beg to remain, + Sir + Your faithful servant + M. K. GANDHI + + From a photostat of the original : S.N. 2252 + + ' Spent 25 years in India as member of the Bombay Civil Service; on his + retirement, member of Parliament till 1900. Chairman of the British Committee of + the Congress in 1893; president of the Congress in 1910. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 175 + + 50. LETTER TO MRS. A. M. LEWIS + + P. O. B. 253, + DURBAN, + + August 4, 1894 + + DEAR MRS. LEWIS’, + I thank you for your kind letter of the 27th June. + + After I wrote to you last,’ I had occasion to come in contact with + a doctor in Pretoria. He seemed to be the only gentleman in addition + to another who took interest in theosophical subjects. I gave him The + Perfect Way to read. He liked it so much that he wished me to get + another copy for him. I made him a present of my copy. I would + therefore thank you if you will kindly send me a copy of The Perfect + Way. I would send you the money next time. I have no time to do so + this time. + + I have settled in Durban for practice as an advocate. More of + this you will know from Mr. Oldfield. + + During my stay here I intend to spread as much as possible + information about theosophy. (To me there is little difference between + Theosophy and Esoteric Christianity). I have therefore sent out letters’ + to the President of the Vegetarian Society and Mrs. Besant’. + + I propose that the E.C.U.° should send me a selection of books + to be sold here. I would sell the books at cost price plus the postage + and 5% commission to be kept by me. As to the price, however, I + should be left free to use my discretion. I would send up the* sale + proceeds of the books every three months. The advertisement charges + will be borne by me. If at the end of one year nothing is sold, I would + + ' An admirer of Anna Kingsford, author of The Perfect Way, etc., and friend of + Edward Maitland, President of the Esoteric Christian Union; she was a founder of the + Union. Gandhiji appears to have come into close contact with her while studying for + the Bar in England. + > The letter is not available. + > These are not available. + * Dr. Annie Besant, the theosophist leader + ° Esoteric Christian Union. + ° For an advertisement in Gandhiji's name, vide "Books for Sale", before 26- + + 11-1894. + + 176 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + return the books at my cost. I give my personal guarantee for the safe + keeping of the books and the sale proceeds. 5 copies of The Perfect + Way, 5 of Clothed with the Sun and 10 of The New Gospel of + Interpretation and other books may be sent to me. If sufficient + interest is evoked, I would add on the advertising charges also to the + cost price. The cost price of the books should be stated in each case in + the letter of instruction. + + If it is necessary to read this letter or a portion thereof to the + Union, you can do so. I hope you will be able to persuade the Union + or those in authority to accede to the above proposal. + + If you do not think much of the Souls, what position is the book + to occupy in respectable literature? If the author has written what is + absolutely true from personal observation, the book cannot be lightly + treated. If it is an attempt to delude the people into a belief in real + truths by fascinating falsehoods, the book deserves the highest + condemnation possible. For we will not learn truth by means of + falsehoods. Of course I write this without meaning the slightest + disrespect for the author of whom I know nothing. She may be a lady + of the highest probity and truth. I only repeat that to appreciate the + Souls, acquaintance with the author's character is absolutely necessary. + + I could get many signatures to the petition you enclosed. But I + am afraid the Natal signatures would be quite useless. Is it not a sad + commentary on the morality of the age that a most important, and yet + most harmless and elevating, movement should not receive good + support? At times when I think of these things, I thoroughly despair + of fruits of works. A verse from the Bhagavad Gita saves me from + utter despair and consequent inaction—a verse which enjoins freedom + from attachment to fruits of works. + With respects, + + lam, + Yours sincerely, + M. K. GANDHI + [PS.] + + Please note change of address + + From a photostat of the original : Courtesy: E. S. Hart + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 177 + + 51. CONSTITUTION OF THE NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS + (ESTABLISHED 22ND AUGUST, 1894) + + PRESIDENT + Mr. Abdoola Hajee Adam + VICE-PRESIDENTS + + Messrs Hajee Mahomed Hajee Dada, Abdool Kadir, Hajee Dada + Hajee Habib, Moosa Hajee Adam, P. Dawjee Mahomed, Peeran + Mahomed, Murugesa Pillay, Ramaswami Naidoo, Hoosen Miran, + Adamjee Miankhan, K. R. Nayanah, Amod Bayat (P. M. Burg), + Moosa Hajee Cassim, Mahomed Cassim Jeeva, Parsee Rustomjee, + Dawad Mahomed, Hoosen Cassim Amod Tili, Doraiswamy Pillay, + Omar Hajee Aba, Osmankhan Rahamatkhan, Rangaswami Padayachi, + Hajee Mahomed (P. M. Burg), Camroodeen (P. M. Burg). + + HON. SECRETARY + Mr. M. K. Gandhi + CONGRESS COMMITTEE + + Chairman : Mr. Abdoola Hajee Adam; Hon. Secretary : Mr. M. + K. Gandhi; Members of the Committee : The Vice-Presidents and + Messrs M. D. Joshi, Narsiram, Manekji, Dowjee Mammuji Mutalah, + Muthu Krishna, Bissessar, Goolam Hoosen Randeri, Shamshoodeen, + G. A. Bassa, Sarabjit, L. Gabriel, James Christopher, Sooboo Naidu, + John Gabriel, Suleiman Voraji, Cassimjee Amoojee, R. Kundaswamy + Naidu, M. E. Kathrada, Ibrahim M. Khatri, Shaik Farid, Varind Ismail, + Ranjit, Perumal Naidoo, Parsee Dhanjisha, Royappan, Joosub Abdool + Carim, Arjun Singh, Ismail Kadir, Easop Kadua, Mahomed Esak, + Mahomed Hafejee, A. M. Paruck, Suleiman Dawjee, V. Narayana + Pather, Lutchman Panday, Osman Ahmed & Mahomed Tayub. + + CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP + + Any person approving of the work of the Congress can become + its member by paying the subscription and signing the membership + form. The monthly subscription is 5/- minimum and yearly £3. + + 178 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + THE OBJECTS OF THE NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS! + + 1. To promote concord and harmony among the Indians and + the Europeans residing in the Colony. + 2. To inform the people in India by writing to the newspapers, + publishing pamphlets, and delivering lectures. + 3. To induce Hindustanis—particularly Colonial-born Indians— + to study Indian history and literature relating to India. + 4. To inquire into the conditions of the Indians and to take + proper steps to remove their hardships. + 5. To inquire into the conditions of the indentured Indians and + to take proper steps to alleviate their sufferings. + 6. To help the poor and helpless in every reasonable way. + 7. To do such work as would tend to improve the moral, social + and political conditions of the Indians. + + RULES AMENDED OR CANCELLED BY THE COMMITTEE AND + RATIFIED BY THE CONGRESS + 1. Authority is given to rent a hall for meetings for a sum not + exceeding £10 monthly. + 2. The Committee shall meet at least once every month. + 3. The General Meeting of the Congress shall be held at least + once every year—not necessarily in Durban. + 4. The Hon. Secretary shall invite members from other parts of + the Colony. + 5. The Committee shall have the power to frame and pass rules + and shall have all other powers of ordinary transaction. + 6. The Committee shall have the power to appoint a paid + Secretary at a reasonable salary. + 7. The Hon. Secretary shall, if he chooses, invite a European + who takes interest in the welfare of the Congress to be a Vice- + President. + 8. The Hon. Secretary shall, if he chooses, subscribe for the + newspapers and books for the Congress Library out of the Congress + Fund. + + 'Vide also "Letter to The Natal Advertiser", 23-9-1895 and "Memorial to J. + Chamberlain", 22-5-1896. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 179 + + 9. The Hon. Secretary shall record in the Account Book whether + a cheque is signed by himself or jointly with the signature of another. + + RULES PASSED BY THE COMMITTEE + + 1. The Chairman shall preside at every meeting; in his absence, + the first member of the Committee; if he too be absent, then the + second member and so on. + + 2. The Hon. Secretary shall, at the commencement of a meeting, + read out the minutes of the last meeting after which the President shall + sign it. + 3. The Committee may not recognize a proposal or a resolution + for which no notice had been given in advance to the Secretary for its + introduction. + 4. The Hon. Secretary shall read out a detailed account of + moneys received or spent by the Committee or the Congress. + + 5. The Committee may not attend to a proposal unless such is + proposed by a Committee member and seconded by another. + + 6. The Chairman and the Secretary shall be counted by virtue of + their offices as Committee members. In case of equal voting, the + Chairman shall have a casting vote. + 7. Every member shall face the Chairman when addressing a + meeting. + 8. Every member shall use the word Mr. in addressing another + member at a Committee meeting. + 9. The proceedings of a Committee meeting shall be carried on + in one or all of the following languages: Gujarati, Tamil, Hindustani + and English. + 10. If it be deemed necessary, the Chairman shall order a + member to translate the speech of another member. + 11. Every proposal or resolution shall pass by a majority of + votes. + 12. When the Congress has £50 minimum in hand, the Hon. + Secretary shall deposit such amount in any bank he chooses in the + name of the Natal Indian Congress. + 13. The Hon. Secretary shall be held responsible for any + moneys he has not deposited in the Bank. + 14. An authority shall be first obtained from the Committee for + any irregular expenditure exceeding the sum of £5. If any expenses + + 180 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + are incurred exceeding the above sum by the Chairman or the + Secretary without the sanction and approval of the Committee, it shall + be held that he did it at his own responsibility. The Hon. Secretary + shall sign cheques up to the sum of £5, and for any amount exceeding + the said sum [they] shall be signed jointly with any of the following + members : Messrs Abdoola Hajee Adam, Moosa Hajee Cassim, Abdo- + ol Kadar, Colundaveloo Pillay, P. Dawjee Mahomed, Hoosen Cassim. + + 15. A quorum shall be formed of ten members, in addition to + the Chairman and the Secretary, to carry on the work of the meeting. + + 16. The Hon. Secretary shall issue notice of a proposed meeting + not less than two days in advance. + + 17. It shall be held that the 16th rule was observed provided a + written notification was given through the post or a messenger. + + 18. Any Committee member who is absent from six consecutive + meetings shall be liable to have his name struck off the list (after + having been notified by the Committee of such intention). A member + who is absent from a meeting shall show the cause of his absence at + the next meeting. + + 19. Any member who fails to pay his subscription for three + consecutive months without showing any reasonable ground shall + cease to be a member. + + 20. No smoking shall be allowed at any Committee meeting. + + 21. If two members get up simultaneously to speak, the + chairman shall decide who is to speak first. + + 22. If a sufficient number of members is present the Committee + meeting shall proceed at its appointed hour. However, if the sufficient + number is deficient at the appointed time or half an hour after it, the + meeting shall terminate without any transaction. + 23. The Natal Indian Association may use the Hall and the + Library free of charge, and they, in return, shall give their reasonable + services such as doing writing work, etc. + 24. All the members of the Congress shall be entitled to use the + Congress Library. + 25. The Committee members shall sit in an enclosure and the + onlookers outside. The onlookers must not take any part in the + proceedings. Should they create any disturbance by shouting, etc., + they shall be liable to be expelled from the Hall. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 181 + + 26. The Committee shall have the power to amend these rules in + future.' + + From a photostat : S.N. 141 + + 52. LETTER TO “THE TIMES OF NATAL’? + + DURBAN, + October 25, 1894 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Times of Natal + SIR, + + I would, with your permission, venture to make a few remarks + on your leader, entitled “Rammysammy’”, in your issue of the 22nd + instant. + + Ihave no wish to defend the article in The Times of India + noticed by you; but is not your very leader its sufficient defence? + Does not the very heading “Rammysammy” betray a_ studied + contempt towards the poor Indian? Is not the whole article a needless + insult to him? You are pleased to acknowledge that “India possesses + men of high culture, etc.” and yet you would not, if you could, give + them equal political power with the white man. Do you not thus make + the insult doubly insulting? If you had thought that the Indians were + not cultured, but were barbarous brutes, and on that ground denied + them political equality, there would be some excuse for your + opinions. You, however, in order to enjoy the fullest pleasures derived + from offering an insult to an inoffensive people, must needs show that + you acknowledge them to be intelligent people and yet would keep + them under foot. + + Then you have said that the Indians in the Colony are not the + same as those in India; but, Sir, you conveniently forget that they are + the brothers or descendants of the same race whom you credit with + intelligence, and have, therefore, given the opportunity, the + potentiality of becoming as capable as their more fortunate brethren + in India, just as a man sunk in the depth of ignorance and vice of the + + ' A copy of the Constitution in English in Gandhiji's hand and a Gujarati + manuscript copy are also available. + ° This was published under the title "Rammysammy”". + + 182 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + East End of London has the potentiality of becoming Prime Minister + in free England. + + You put upon the franchise petition to Lord Ripon an + interpretation it was never meant to convey. The Indians do not regret + that capable Natives can exercise the franchise. They would regret if it + were otherwise. They, however, assert that they too, if capable, should + have the right. You, in your wisdom, would not allow the Indian or the + Native the precious privilege under any circumstances, because they + have a dark skin. You would look to the exterior only. So long as the + skin is white it would not matter to you whether it conceals beneath it + poison or nectar. To you the lip-prayer of the Pharisee, because he is + one, is more acceptable than the sincere repentance of the publican, + and this, I presume, you would call Christianity. You may; it is not + Christ's. + + And in spite of such opinions held by you, a respectable + newspaper in the Colony, you impute falsehood to The Times of India. + It is one thing to formulate a charge, it is another to prove it. + + You end with saying that “Rammysammy” may have every + right a citizen can desire, with one exception, viz., “political power”. + Are the heading of your leader and its tenor consistent with the above + opinion? Or is it un-Christian, un-English to be consistent? “Suffer + little children to come unto me,” said the Master. His disciples (?) in + the Colony would improve upon the saying by inserting “white” + after “little”. During the children's fete, organized by the Mayor of + Durban, I am told there was not a single coloured child to be seen in + the procession. Was this a punishment for the sin of being born of + coloured parents? Is this an incident of the qualified citizenship you + would accord to the hated “Rammysammy + If He came among us, will he not say to many of us, “I know + you not”? Sir, may I venture to offer a suggestion? Will you reread + your New Testament? Will you ponder over your attitude towards the + coloured population of the Colony? Will you then say you can + reconcile it with the Bible teaching or the best British traditions? If + you have washed your hands clean of both Christ and British + traditions, I can have nothing to say; I gladly withdraw what I have + written. Only it will then be a sad day for Britain and for India if you + have many followers. + + Yours, etc., + + M. K. GANDHI + The Times of Natal, 26-10-1894 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 183 + + 53. BOOKS FOR SALE' + + DURBAN, + [Before November 26, 1894] + The following books by the late Mrs. Anna Kingsford and Mr. + Edward Maitland’ are offered for sale at their published prices. They + are introduced in South Africa for the first time : + The Perfect Way, 7/6 + Clothed with the Sun, 7/6 + The Story of the New Gospel of Interpretation, 2/6° + The New Gospel of Interpretation, 1/- + The Bible's Own Account of Itself, 1/- + The following are some of the opinions concerning the books: + A fountain of light (The Perfect Way) interpretative and + reconciliatory. ... No student of divine things can dispense with it. + —Light, London + Unequalled as a means of grace amongst all the English books + of the century. + —Occult World + Some pamphlets bearing on the subject can be had free of + charge at my office. + M. K. GANDHI + AGENT FOR THE ESOTERIC CHRISTIAN UNION AND + THE LONDON VEGETARIAN SOCIETY + The Natal Mercury, 28-11-1894 + + ' This appeared as an advertisement; vide "Letter to Mrs. A. M. Lewis", + 4-8-1894 + * Edward Maitland (1824-97): Writer on mystical subjects and devoted to + vegetarianism; established the Esoteric Christian Union in 1891. Gandhiji correspo- + nded with him and was considerably influenced by his books. + * The price given in a subsequent advertisement is 3/6; vide "Books for Sale", + 2-2-1895. + + 184 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 54. LETTER TO “THE NATAL MERCURY” + + DURBAN, + November 26, 1894 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Mercury + SIR, + + You will greatly oblige me by allowing me to draw the attention + of your readers to an advertisement that appears in your advertisement + columns with regard to the Esoteric Christian Union. The system of + thought expounded by the books advertised is not, by any means, a + new system but a recovery of the old, presented in a form acceptable + to the modern mind. It is, moreover, a system of religion which + teaches universality, and is based on eternal verities and not on + phenomena or historical facts merely. In that system, there is no + reviling Mahomed or Buddha in order to prove the superiority of + Jesus. On the other hand, it reconciles the other religions with + Christianity which, in the opinion of the authors, is nothing but one + mode (among many) of presentation of the same eternal truth. The + many puzzles of the Old Testament find herein a solution at once + complete and satisfactory. + + If there is anyone of your readers who has found the presentday + materialism and all its splendour to be insufficient for the needs of his + soul, if he has a craving for a better life, and if, under the dazzling and + bright surface of modern civilization, he finds that there is much that + is contrary to what one would expect under such a surface, and above + all, if the modern luxuries and the ceaseless feverish activity afford no + relief, to such a one I beg to recommend the books referred to. And I + promise that, after a perusal, he will find himself a better man, even + though he may not thoroughly identify himself with the teaching. + If there is anyone who would like to have a chat on the subject, + it would afford me the greatest pleasure to have a quiet interchange of + views. In such a case, I would thank any such gentleman to + correspond with me personally. I need hardly mention that the sale of + the books is not a pecuniary concern. Could Mr. Maitland, the + President of the Union, or its agent here, afford to give them away, + they would gladly do so. In many cases, the books have been sold at + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 185 + + less than cost price. In a few, t hey have even been given away. A + systematic distribution for nothing has been found impossible. The + books will be gladly lent in some cases. + + I would try to conclude with a quotation from a letter of the late + Abbe Constant to the authors : “Humanity has always and everywhere + asked itself these three supreme questions: Whence come we? What are + we? Whither go we? Now these questions at length find an answer + complete, satisfactory, and consolatory in The Perfect Way.” + + Iam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Mercury, 3-12-1894 + 55. OPEN LETTER + DURBAN, + + [Before December 19, 1894]' + TO + THE HON. MEMBERS OF + + THE HON. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND + THE HON. THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY + SIRS, + Were it possible to write to you anonymously, nothing would + have been more pleasing to me. But the statements I shall have to + make in this letter will be so grave and important that it would be + considered a sheer act of cowardice not to disclose my name. I beg, + however, to assure you that I write not from selfish motives, nor yet + from those of self-aggrandisement or of seeking notoriety. The one + and only object is to serve India, which is by accident of birth called + my native country, and to bring about better understanding between + the European section of the community and the Indian in this Colony. + The only way this can be done is to appeal to those who + represent and, at the same time, mould public opinion. + Hence, if the Europeans and the Indians live in a perpetual state + of quarrel, the blame would lie on your shoulders. If both can walk + together and live together quietly and without friction, you will receive + + ' This was circulated among Europeans in Natal on December 19, 1894; vide + the following item. + + 186 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + all the credit. + + It needs no proof that masses throughout the world follow, to a + very great extent, the opinions of the leaders. Gladstone's opinions are + the opinions of half England, and Salisbury's are those of the other + half. Burns' thought for the strikers during the dock labourers' strike. + Parnell thought for almost the whole of Ireland. The scriptures—I + mean all the scriptures of the world—say so. Says The Song Celestial’ + by Edwin Arnold: “What the wise choose the unwise people take; + what the best men do the multitude will follow.” + + This letter, therefore, needs no apology. It would hardly be + called impertinent. + For, to whom else could such an appeal be more aptly made, or + by whom else should it be considered more seriously than you? + To carry on an agitation in England is but a poor relief when it + can only create a greater friction between the two peoples in the + Colony. The relief, at best, could only be temporary. Unless the + Europeans in the Colony can be induced to accord the Indians a + better treatment, the Indians have a very bad time before them under + the aegis of the Responsible Government, in spite of vigilance of the + Home Government. + Without entering into details, I would deal with the Indian + question as a whole. + + I suppose there can be no doubt that the Indian is a despised + being in the Colony, and that every opposition to him proceeds + directly from that hatred. + If that hatred is simply based upon his colour, then, of course, + he has no hope. The sooner he leaves the Colony the better. No matter + what he does, he will never have the white skin. If, however, it is based + upon something else, if it is based upon an ignorance of his general + character and attainments, he may hope to receive his due at the hands + of the Europeans in the Colony. + The question what use the Colony will make of the 40,000 + Indians is, I submit, worthy of the most serious consideration by the + Colonists, and especially those who have the reins of Government in + + ' John Burns (1858-1943) : Prominent labour representative in the British + Parliament (1897-1918). Came into prominence as a friend of working men during + the days of the London Dock Strike of 1889.. + + > An English rendering, in verse, of the Bhagavad Gita + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 187 + + their hands, who have been entrusted by the people with legislative + powers. To root out the 40,000 Indians from the Colony seems, + without doubt, an impossible task. Most of them have settled here with + their families. No legislation that could be permissible in a British + Colony would enable the legislators to drive these men out. It may be + possible to devise a scheme to effectively check any further Indian + immigration. But apart from that, the question suggested by me is, I + submit, sufficiently serious to warrant my encroaching upon your + attention and requesting you to persue this letter without any bias. + It is for you to say whether you will lower them or raise them in + the scale of civilization, whether you will bring them down to a level + lower than what they should occupy on account of heredity, whether + you will alienate their hearts from you, or whether you will draw them + closer to you—whether, in short, you would govern them despotically + or sympathetically. + You can educate public opinion in such a way that the hatred + will be increased day by day; and you can, if you chose so to do, + educate it in such a way that the hatred would begin to subside. + I now propose to discuss the question under the following + heads: + + 1. Are the Indians desirable as citizens in the Colony? + 2. What are they? + 3. Is their present treatment in accordance with the best British + traditions, or with the principles of justice and morality, or with the + principles of Christianity? + 4. From a purely material and selfish point of view, will an + abrupt or gradual withdrawal of them from the Colony result in + substantial, lasting benefit to the Colony? + I + + In discussing the first question, I will deal, first of all, with the + Indians employed as labourers, most of whom have come to the + Colony under indenture. + + It seems to have been acknowledged by those who are supposed + to know, that the indentured Indians are indispensable for the welfare + of the Colony; whether as menials or waiters, whether as railway + servants or gardeners, they are a useful addition to the Colony. The + work that a Native cannot or would not do is cheerfully and well done + by the indentured Indian. It would seem that the Indian has helped to + + 188 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + make this the Garden Colony of South Africa. Withdraw the Indian + from the sugar estate, and where would the main industry of the + Colony be? Nor can it be said that the work can be done by the Native + in the near future. The South African Republic is an instance in point. + In spite of its so-called vigorous Native policy, it remains practically a + desert of dust, although the soil is very fruitful. The problem how to + secure cheap labour for the mines there has been daily growing + serious. The only garden worthy of the name is that on the Nelmapius + Estate, and does it not owe its success entirely to the Indian labour? + One of the election addresses says: + + . . and at the last, as the only thing to be done, the immigration of + Indians was entered upon, and the Legislature very wisely rendered their + support and help in furthering this all-important scheme. At the time it was + entered upon the progress and almost the existence of the Colony hung in the + balance. And now what is the result of this scheme of immigration? + Financially, £10,000 has been advanced yearly out of the Treasury of the + Colony. With what result? Just this, that no vote ever made of money to + develop the industries of the Colony, or to promote its interest in any way in + this Colony, has yielded such a financially profitable return as that shown by + the introduction of coolies as labourers into this Colony. . . . I believe the + Durban population of Europeans, had no such labour been supplied as required + for Colonial industries, would be less by at least half what it is today, and five + workmen only would be required where twenty now have employment. + Property in Durban generally would have remained at a value some 300 or 400 + per cent below that which now obtains, and the lands in the Colony and other + towns, in proportion according to the value of property in Durban and coast + land, would never have realized what it now sells at. + + This gentleman is no other than Mr. Garland. In spite of such + invaluable help derived from “the coolie”’, as the poor Indian is + contemptuously termed even by those who ought to know better, the + honourable gentleman goes on, ungratefully, to regret the tendency of + the Indian to settle in the Colony. + + I take the following extract from Mr. Johnston's article in the + New Review, quoted in The Natal Mercury of the 11th August, 1894: + + One seeks the solution in the introduction of a yellow race, able to + stand a tropical climate and intelligent enough to undertake those special + avocations which in temperate climates would be filled by Europeans. The + yellow race, most successful hitherto in Eastern Africa, is the native of + Hindostan—that race in diverse types and diverse religions which, under + British or Portuguese aegis, has created and developed the commerce of the + East African littoral. The immigration of the docile, kindly, thrifty, + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 189 + + industrious, clever-fingered, sharp-witted Indian into Central Africa will + furnish us with the solid core of our armed forces in that continent, and will + supply us with thetelegraph clerks, the petty shopkeepers, the skilled + artisans, the cooks, the minor employees, the clerks, and the railway officials + needed in the civilized administration of tropical Africa. The Indian, liked by + both black and white, will serve as a link between these two divergent races. + As to the Indian traders, who are miscalled Arabs, it would + appear best to consider the objections raised to their coming to the + Colony. + From the papers, especially The Natal Mercury of 6-7-'94, and + The Natal Advertiser of 15-9-'93, the objections appear to be that they + are successful traders, and that, their mode of living being very simple, + they compete with the European trader in petty trades. I dismiss as + unworthy of consideration the generalizations from rare particular + instances that the Indians resort to sharp practices. As to the particular + instances of insolvency, I would only say, without meaning in the least + to defend them, “Let those that are without sin first cast a stone”. + Please examine the records of the Insolvency Court. + + Coming to the serious objection as to successful competition, I + believe it is true. But is that a reason for driving them out of the + Colony? Will such a method commend itself to a body of civilized + men? What is it that makes them so successful competitors? He who + runs may see that it is nothing but their habits, which are extremely + simple, though not barbarous, as The Natal Advertiser would have it. + The chiefest element of their success, in my humble opinion, is their + total abstinence from drink and its attendant evils. That habit at once + causes an enormous saving of money. Moreover, their tastes are + simple, and they are satisfied with comparatively small profits, because + they do not keep uselessly large establishments. In short, they earn + their bread by the sweat of their brow. It is difficult to see how these + facts can be urged as an objection to their stopping in the Colony. Of + course, they do not gamble, as a rule do not smoke, and can put up + with little inconveniences; work more than eight hours a day. Should + they be expected to, is it desirable that they should, abandon these + virtues, and contract the terrible vices under which the Western nations + are groaning, so that they may be permitted to live in the Colony + without molestation? + It will be best, also, to consider the common objection to the + Indian traders and labourers. It is their insanitary habits. I am afraid I + must, to my great mortification, admit this charge partially. While + + 190 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + much that is said against their insanitary habits proceeds merely out of + spite and hatred, there is no denying that in this respect they are not + everything that could be desired. That, however, never can be a reason + for their expulsion from the Colony. They are not hopelessly beyond + reform in this branch. A strict, yet just and merciful, operation of the + sanitary law can, I submit, effectually cope with the evil, and even + eradicate it. Nor is the evil so great as to require any drastic measures. + Their personal habits, it would appear, are not dirty, except in the case + of the indentured Indians, who are too poor to attend to personal + cleanliness. I may be allowed to say, from personal experience, that + the trading community are compelled by their religion to bathe once + a week at least, and have to perform ablutions, i.e., wash their faces + and hands up to the elbows, and their feet, every time they offer + prayers. They are supposed to offer prayers four times a day, and + there are very few who fail to do so at least twice a day. + It will, I hope, be readily admitted that they are exceptionally + free from those vices which render a community a danger to society. + They yield to no one in their obedience to constitutional authority. + They are never a political danger. And except the ruffians who are + sometimes picked out, of course unknowingly, by the immigration + agents at Calcutta and Madras, they seem to be free from the highly + grievous offences. I regret that my inability to compare the Criminal + Court statistics prevents me from making any further observations on + this point. I will, however, beg leave to quote from the Natal Almanac: + “It must be said for the Indian population that it is on the whole + orderly and law-abiding.” + I submit that the above facts show that the Indian labourers are + not only desirable but useful citizens of the Colony, and also + absolutely essential to its well-being, and that the traders have nothing + in them that should render them undesirable in the Colony. + + As to these latter, before quitting the subject, I would further add + that they are a veritable blessing to the poor portion of the European + community, in so far as by their keen competition they keep down the + prices of necessities of life; and knowing their language and under- + standing their customs, are indispensable to the Indian labourers, + whose wants they study and supply, and whom they can deal with on + better terms than the Europeans. + +I + + The second head of the enquiry is the most important, viz., what + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 191 + + are they, and I request you to peruse it carefully. My purpose in + writing on this subject will have been served if only it stimulates a + study of India and its people; for, I thoroughly believe that one half, + or even three-fourths, of the hardships entailed upon the Indians in + South Africa result from want of information about India. + + No one can be more conscious than myself of whom I am + addressing this letter to. Some Honourable Members may resent this + portion of my letter as an insult. To such I say with the greatest + deference: “I am aware that you know a great deal about India. But is + it not a cruel fact that the Colony is not the better for your + knowledge? Certainly the Indians are not, unless the knowledge + acquired by you is entirely different from and opposed to that + acquired by others who have worked in the same field. Again, + although this humble effort is directly addressed to you, it is supposed + to reach many others, in fact all who have an interest in the future of + the Colony with its present inhabitants.” + + In spite of the Premier's opinion to the contrary, as expressed in + his speech at the second reading of the Franchise Bill, with the utmost + deference to His Honour, I venture to point out that both the English + and the Indians spring from a common stock, called the Indo-Aryan. + I would not be able, in support of the above, to give extracts from + many authors, as the books of reference at my disposal are + unfortunately very few. I, however, quote as follows from Sir W. W. + Hunter's Indian Empire: + + This nobler race (meaning the early Aryans) belonged to the Aryan or + Indo-Germanic stock, from which the Brahman, the Rajput, and the + Englishman alike descend. Its earliest home visible to history was in Central + Asia. From that common camping ground certain branches of the race started + for the East, others for the West. One of the Western offshoots founded the + Persian Kingdom; another built Athens and Lacedaemon, and became the + Hellenic nation; a third went on to Italy and reared the city on the seven hills, + which grew into Imperial Rome. A distant colony of the same race excavated + the silver ores of prehistoric Spain; and when we first catch a sight of ancient + England, we see an Aryan settlement, fishing in wattle canoes and working the + tin mines of Cornwall. + + The forefathers of the Greek and the Roman, of the Englishman and the + Hindoo, dwelt together in Asia, spoke the same tongue and worshipped the + same gods. + + The ancient religions of Europe and India had a similar origin. + + 192 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Thus, it will be seen that the learned historian, who must be + supposed to have consulted all the authorities, without a shadow of + doubt makes the above unqualified assertion. If then I err, I err in + good company. And the belief, whether mistaken or well-founded, + serves as the basis of operations of those who are trying to unify the + hearts of the two races, which are, legally and outwardly, bound + together under a common flag. + + A general belief seems to prevail in the Colony that the Indians + are little better, if at all, than savages or the Natives of Africa. Even the + children are taught to believe in that manner, with the result that the + Indian is being dragged down to the position of a raw Kaffir'. + + Such a state of things, which the Christian legislators of the + Colony would not, I firmly believe, wittingly allow to exist and remain, + must be my excuse for the following copious extracts, which will show + at once that the Indians were, and are, in no way inferior to their + Anglo-Saxon brethren, if I may venture to use the word, in the various + departments of life—industrial, intellectual, political, etc. + As to Indian philosophy and religion, the learned author of the + Indian Empire thus sums up : + + The Brahmin solutions to the problems of practical religion were self- + discipline, alms, sacrifice to and contemplation of the Deity. But, besides the + practical questions of the spiritual life, religion has also intellectual + problems, such as the compatibility of evil with the goodness of God, and the + unequal distribution of happiness and misery in this life. Brahmin philosophy + has exhausted the possible solutions of these difficulties, and of most of the + other great problems which have since perplexed the Greek and Roman sage, + mediaeval schoolman and modern man of science (the italics are mine). The + various hypotheses of creation, arrangement and development were each + elaborated and the views of physiologists at the present day are a return with + new lights to the evolution theory of Kapila’ (the italics are mine). The works + on religion published in the native language in India in 1877 numbered 1192, + besides 56 on mental and moral philosophy. In 1882 the total had risen to + 1545 on religion and 153 on mental and moral philosophy. + Max Muller says with regard to Indian philosophy (the + following, and a few more that will follow, have been partly or wholly + + ' Member of a South African race; loosely applied to Natives in South Africa + + * Sage of ancient India, circa seventh century B.C., who founded the Sankhya + system of philosophy + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 193 + + quoted in the Franchise petition) : + + If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed + some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems + of life, and has found solutions of some of them which well deserve the + attention even of those who have studied Plato and Kant—I should point to + India; and if I were to ask myself from what literature we have here in + Europe,we who have been nurtured almost exclusively on the thoughts of + Greeks and Romans, and of one Semitic race, the Jewish, may draw that + corrective which is most wanted in order to make our inner life more perfect, + more comprehensive, more universal, in fact, more truly human—a life not for + this life only, but a transfigured and eternal life—again I should point to India. + The German philosopher, Schopenhauer, thus adds his + testimony to the grandeur of Indian philosophy as contained in the + Upanishads: + + From every sentence deep, original and sublime thoughts arise, and the + whole is pervaded by a high and holy and earnest spirit. Indian air surrounds + us, and original thoughts of kindred spirits ... In the whole world there is no + study, except that of the originals, so beneficial and so elevating as that of the + Oupnek'hat'. It has been the solace of my life; it will be the solace of my + death. + Coming to science, Sir William says : + + The science of language, indeed, had been reduced in India to + fundamental principles at a time when the grammarians of the West still + treated it on the basis of accidental resemblances, and modern philosophy + dates from the study of Sanskrit by European scholars. . . The grammar of + Panini’ stands supreme among the grammars of the world. . . It arranges in + logical harmony the whole phenomena which the Sanskrit language presents, + and stands forth as one of the most splendid achievements of human invention + and industry. + Speaking on the same department of science, Sir H. S. Maine, in + his Rede lecture, published in the latest edition of the Village- + Communities, says : + + India has given to the world Comparative Philosophy and Comparative + Mythology; it may yet give us a new science not less valuable than the + sciences of language and of folklore. I hesitate to call it Comparative + + ' Collection of fifty Upanishads rendered originally into Persian from Sanskrit + in the 17th century + > Celebrated Sanskrit grammarian, circa sixth century + + 194 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Jurisprudence because, if it ever exists, its area will be so much wider than the + field of law. For India not only contains (or to speak more accurately, did + contain) an Aryan language older than any other descendant of the common + mother tongue, and a variety of names of natural objects less perfectly + crystallized than elsewhere into fabulous personages, but it includes a whole + world of Aryan institutions, Aryan customs, Aryan laws Aryan ideas, Aryan, + beliefs, in a far earlier stage of growth and development than any which + survive beyond its borders. + Of Indian astronomy the same historian says: + + The astronomy of the Brahmins has formed alternately the subject of + excessive admiration and of misplaced contempt. . . In certain points the + Brahmins advanced beyond Greek astronomy. Their fame spread throughout + the West, and found entrance into the Chronicon Paschale’. In the 8th and 9th + centuries the Arabs became their disciples. + + I again quote Sir William : + + In algebra and arithmetic the Brahmins attained a high degree of + proficiency independent of Western aid. To them we owe the invention of the + numerical symbols on the decimal system... The Arabs borrowed these + figures from the Hindus, and transmitted them to Europe. . . The works on + mathematics and mechanical science, published in the native languages in + India in 1867, numbered 89, and in 1882, 166. + + The medical science of the Brahmins (continues the eminent historian) + was also an independent development. . . . The specific diseases whose names + occur in Panini’s grammar indicate that medical studies had made progress + before his time (350 B.c..). . . . Arabic medicine was founded on the + translations from the Sanskrit treatises. . .. European medicine down to the + 17th century was based upon the Arabic..... The number of medical works + published in the native languages of India in 1877 amounted to 130, and in + 1882 to 212, besides 87 on natural science. + + Writing of the art of war, the writer proceeds : + + The Brahmins regarded not only medicine but also the arts of war + music, and architecture as supplementary parts of their divinely inspired + knowledge. .. . The Sanskrit epics prove that strategy had attained to the + position of a recognized science before the birth of Christ, and the later Agni + Purana devotes long sections to its systematic treatment. + + ' An outline of Chronology from Adam to 629 A.D., supposed to have been + compiled in the seventh century + > One of the eighteen puranas or old sacred Hindu mythological works it is + believed to have been expounded by Agni, the god of fire, and deals with, among + other things, ritual worship, duties of kingship and the art of war. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 195 + + The Indian art of music was destined to exercise a wider influence. ... + This notation passed from the Brahmins through the Persians to Arabia, and + was thence introduced into European music by Guidood' Arezzo at the + beginning of the 11th century. + On architecture the same author says : + + The Buddhists were the great stone-builders of India. Their monasteries + and shrines exhibit the history of the art during twenty-two centuries, from the + earliest cave structures of the rock temples to the latest Jain erections dazzling + in stucco, over-crowded with ornament. It seems not improbable that the + churches of Europe owe their steeples to the Buddhist topes. . . . Hindu art has + + left memorials which extort the admiration and astonishment of our age. + + The Hindu palace architecture of Gwalior, the Indian Mahommedan + mosques, the mausoleums of Agra and Delhi, with several of the older Hindu + temples of Southern India, stand unrivalled for grace of outline and elaborate + wealth of ornament. + + English decorative art in our day has borrowed largely from Indian + forms and patterns. . . . Indian art works, when faithful to native designs, still + obtain the highest honours at the international exhibitions of Europe. + Here is what Andrew Carnegie in his Round the World says + about the Taj of Agra: + + There are some subjects too sacred for analysis, or even for words. And + I now know that there is a human structure so exquisitely fine or unearthly, as + to lift it into this holy domain. .. . The Taj is built of a light creamy marble, + so that it does not chill one as pure cold white marble does. It is warm and + sympathetic as a woman... . One great critic has freely called the Taj a + feminine structure. There is nothing masculine about it, says he; its charms are + all feminine. This creamy marble is inlaid with fine black marble lines, the + entire Koran, in Arabic letters, it is said, being thus interwoven. . . Till the + day I die, amid mountain streams or moonlight strolls in the forest, wherever + and whenever the moon comes, when all that is most sacred, most elevated and + most pure recur to shed their radiance upon the tranquil mind, there will be + found among my treasures the memory of that lovely charm—the Taj. + Nor has India been without its laws, codified or otherwise. The + Institutes of Manu have always been noted for their justice and + precision. So much does Sir H. S. Maine seem to have been struck + with their equity that he calls them “an ideal picture of that which, in + the view of the Brahmins, ought to be the law”. Mr. Pincott, writing in + 1891 in The National Review, alludes to them as “the philosophical + precepts of Manu”. + + 196 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Nor have the Indians been deficient in the dramatic art. Goethe + thus speaks of Shakuntala, the most famous Indian drama: + + Wouldst thou the young year's blossoms, and the fruits of its decline, + And all by which the soul is charmed, enraptured, feasted, fed. + Wouldst thou the earth, and heaven itself in one sole name combine? + I name thee, O Shakuntala! and all at once is said. + + Coming to the Indian character and social life, the evidence is + voluminous. I can only give meagre extracts. + + I take the following again from Hunter's Indian Empire: + + The Greek ambassador (Megasthenes) observed with admiration the + absence of slavery in India, and the chastity of the women and the courage of + the men. In valour they excelled all other Asiatics; they required no locks to + their doors; above all, no Indian was ever known to tell a lie. Sober and + industrious, good farmers and skilful artisans, they scarcely ever had recourse + to a lawsuit, and lived peaceably under their native chiefs. The kingly + government is portrayed almost as described in Manu, with its hereditary + castes of councillors and soldiers. . . The village system is well described, + each little rural unit seeming to the Greek an independent republic (the italics + are mine) + + Bishop Heber says of the people of India : + + So far as their natural character is concerned, I have been led to form on + the whole a very favourable opinion. They are men of high and gallant + courage, courteous, intelligent, and most eager after knowledge and + improvement. ... They are sober, industrious, dutiful to their parents, and + affectionate to their children; of tempers almost uniformly gentle and patient, + and more easily affected by kindness and attention to their wants and feelings + than almost any men whom I have met with. + + Sir Thomas Munro, sometime Governor of Madras, says : + + I do not exactly know what is meant by civilizing the people of India. + In the theory and practice of good government they may be deficient, but if a + good system of agriculture, if unrivalled manufacturers, if a capacity to produce + what convenience and luxury demand, if the establishment of schools for + reading and writing, if the general practice of kindness and hospitality, and, + above all, if a scrupulous respect and delicacy towards the female sex, are + amongst the points that denote a civilized people, then the Hindus are not + inferior in civilization to the people of Europe. + + Sir George Birdwood gives the following opinion on the general + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 197 + + character of the Indians : + + They are long-suffering and patient, hardy and enduring, frugal and + industrious, law-abiding and peace-seeking... . The educated and higher + mercantile classes are honest and truthful, and loyal and trustful towards the + Brittish Government,in the most absolute sense that I can use, and you + understand the words. Moral truthfulness is as marked a characteristic of the + Settia (upper) class of Bombay as of the Teutonic race itself. The people of + India, in short, are in no intrinsic sense our inferiors, while in things + measured by some of the false standards—false to our-selves—we pretend to + + believe in, they are our superiors. + + Sri C. Trevelyan remarks that : + + They have very considerable administrative qualities, great patience, + industry, and great acuteness and intelligence. + + Of the family relations, thus speaks Sir W. W. Hunter : + + There is simply no comparison between Englishmen and Hindus with + respect to the place occupied by family interests and family affections in their + minds. The love of parents for children and of children for parents has scarcely + any counterpart in England. Parental and filial affection occupies among our + Eastern fellow-citizens the place which is taken in this country by the passion + between the sexes + + And Mr. Pincott thinks that : + + In all social matters the English are far more fitted to sit at the feet of + Hindus and learn as disciples than to attempt to become masters. + + Says M. Louis Jacolliot : + + Soil of ancient India, cradle of humanity, hail! Hail, venerable and + efficient nurse, whom centuries of brutal invasions have not yet buried under + the dust of oblivion. Hail, fatherland of faith, of love, of poetry, and of + science! May we hail a revival of thy past in our Western future! + + Says Victor Hugo : + + These nations have made Europe, France and Germany. Germany is for + the Occident that which India is for the Orient. + + Add to this the facts that India has produced a Buddha, whose + life some consider the best and the holiest lived by a mortal, and some + to be second only to that lived by Jesus; that India has produced an + Akbar, whose policy the British Government have followed with but + few modifications; that India lost, only a few years ago, a Parsee + Baronet who astonished not India only, but England also, by his + + 198 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + munificent charities; that India has produced Christodas Paul, a + journalist, whom Lord Elgin, the present Viceroy, compared with the + best European journalists; that India has produced Justices Mahomed + and Muthukrishna Aiyer', both Judges of High Courts in India, whose + judgments have been pronounced to be the ablest delivered by the + judges, both European and Indian, who adorn the Indian Bench; and, + lastly, India has in Baddruddin’, Banerji’, and Mehta*, orators who + have on many an occasion held English audiences spellbound. + + Such is India. If the picture appears to you to be somewhat + overdrawn or fanciful, it is none the less faithful. There is the other + side. Let him who takes delight in separating, rather than in uniting, + the two nations give the other side. Then, please, examine both with + the impartiality of a Daniel, and I promise that there will yet remain a + considerable portion of what has been said above untouched, to + induce you to believe that India is not Africa, and that it is a civilized + country in the truest sense of the term civilization. + + Before, however, I can quit this subject, I have to crave leave to + be allowed to anticipate a possible objection. It will be said: “If what + you Say is true, the people whom you call Indians in the Colony are + not Indians, because your remarks are not borne out by the practices + prevailing among the people whom you call Indians. See how grossly + untruthful they are.” Everyone I have met with in the Colony has + dwelt upon the untruthfulness of the Indians. To a limited extent I + admit the charge. It will be very small satisfaction for me to show, in + + ' The reference is to Sir T. Muthuswami Aiyer. + * Badruddin Tyabji (1844-1906); actively associated with and de facto + President of the Bombay Presidency Association; presided over Congress session at + Madras (1887); Judge of Bombay High Court (1895) ; nominated to the Bombay + Legislative Council in 1882. + * Surendranath Banerjea (1848-1925); Moderate politician, Member of the + Indian National Congress deputation to Britain in 1890. Member of the Legislative + Council of Bengal (1893-1901). Owned and edited the Bengalee. Under the Montford + Reforms became member of the Bengal Executive Council. President of the Congress + in 1895 and 1902. + * Pherozeshah Mehta (1845-1915); Indian leader, dominated the public life of + Bombay for a long time; one of the founders of the Bombay Presidency Association + and thrice Chairman of the Bombay Municipal Corporation. Member of the Bombay + Legislative Council and later, of the Viceroy's Legislative Council. One of the + pioneer founders of the Indian National Congress in 1885; was elected to its + presidentship twice, in 1890 and 1909. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 199 + + reply to the objection, that other classes do not fare much better in this + respect, especially if and when they are placed in the position of the + unfortunate Indians. And yet, I am afraid, I shall have to fall back + upon argument of that sort. Much as I would wish them to be + otherwise, I confess my utter inability to prove that they are more than + human. They come to Natal on starvation wages (I mean here the + indentured Indians). + + They find themselves placed in a strange position and amid + uncongenial surroundings. The moment they leave India they remain + throughout life, if they settle in the Colony, without any moral + education. Whether they are Hindus or Mahommedans, they are + absolutely without any moral or religious instruction worthy of the + name. They have not learned enough to educate themselves without + any outside help. Placed thus, they are apt to yield to the slightest + temptation to tell a lie. After some time, lying with them becomes a + habit and a disease. They would le without any reason, without any + prospect of bettering themselves materially, indeed, without knowing + what they are doing. They reach a stage in life when their moral + faculties have completely collapsed owing to neglect. There is also a + very sad form of lying. They cannot dare tell the truth, even for their + wantonly ill-treated brother, for fear of receiving ill-treatment from + their master. They are not philosophic enough to look with + equanimity on the threatened reduction in their miserable rations and + serve corporal punishment, did they dare to give evidence against their + master. Are these men, then, more to be despised than pitied? Are they + to be treated as scoundrels, deserving no mercy, or are they to be + treated as helpless creatures, badly in need of sympathy? Is there any + class of people who would not do as they are doing under similar + circumstances? + + But I will be asked what I can have to say in defence of the + traders, who, too, are equally good liars. As to this, I beg to submit that + the charge against them is without foundation, and that they do not le + more than the other classes do for the purposes of trade or law. They + are very much misunderstood; in the first place, because they cannot + speak the English language, and secondly, because the interpretation + is very defective, through no fault of the interpreters. The interpreters + are expected to perform the Herculean task of interpreting + successfully in four languages, viz., Tamil, Telugu, Hindustani and + Gujarati. The trading Indian invariably speaks Hindustani or Gujarati. + + 200 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Those who speak Hindustani only, speak high Hindustani. The + interpreters, with one exception, speak the local Hindustani, which is a + grotesque mixture of Tamil, Gujarati and other Indian languages, + clothed in extremely bad Hindustani grammar. Very naturally, the + interpreter has to argue with the witness before he can get at his + meaning. While the process is going on, the judge grows impatient, + and thinks that the witness is prevaricating. The poor interpreter, if + questioned, true to human nature, in order to conceal his defective + knowledge ofthe language, says the witness does not give straight + answers. The poor witness has no opportunity of setting himself right. + In the case of the Gujarati speakers the matter is still more serious. + There is not a single Gujarati interpreter in the Courts. The interpreter, + after great difficulty, manages to get at the sense only of what the + witness is speaking. I have myself seen a Gujarati-speaking witness + struggling to make himself understood, and the interpreter struggling + to understand the Gujarati-Hindustani. Indeed, it speaks volumes for + the acuteness of the interpreters in extracting even the sense from a + forest of strange words. but all the while the struggle is going on, the + Judge makes up his mind not to believe a word of what the witness + says, and puts him down for a liar. + +Il + + In order to answer the third question, “Is their present treatment + in accordance with the best British traditions, or with the principles of + justice and morality, or with the principles of Christianity?” it will be + necessary to enquire what their treatment is. I think it will be readily + granted that the Indian is bitterly hated in the Colony. The man in the + street hates him, curses him, spits upon him, and often pushes him off + the footpath. The Press cannot find a sufficiently strong word in the + best English dictionary to damn him with. Here are a few samples : + “The real canker that is eating into the very vitals of the + community”; “these parasites”; “Wily, wretched, semi-barbarous + Asiatics”; “a thing black and lean and a long way from clean, which + they call the accursed Hindoo”; “he is chock-full of vice, and he lives + upon rice.... I heartily cuss the Hindoo”; “squalid coolies with + truthless tongues and artful ways”. The Press almost unanimously + refuses to call the Indian by his proper name. He is “Ramsamy”; he + is “Mr. Sammy”; he is “Mr. Coolie”; he is “he black man”. And + these offensive epithets have become so common that they (at any rate + one of them, “coolie) are used even in the sacred precincts of the + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 201 + + Courts, as if “the coolie” were the legal and proper name to give to + any and every Indian. The public men, too, seem to use the word + freely. I have often heard the painful expressio “coolie clerk” from + the mouths of men who ought to know better. The expression is a + contradiction in terms and is extremely offensive to those to whom it + is applied. But then, in this Colony the Indian is a creature without + feelings! + The tramcars are not for the Indians. The railway officialsmay + treat the Indians as beasts. No matter how clean, his very sight is such + an offence to every white man in the Colony that he would object to + sit, even for a short time, in the same compartment with the Indian. + The hotels shut their doors against them. I know instances of + respectable Indians having been denied a night's lodging in an hotel. + Even the public baths are not for the Indians, no matter who they are. + If I am to depend upon one-tenth of the reports that I have + received with regard to the treatment of the indentured Indians on the + various estates, it would form a terrible indictment against the + humanity of the masters on the estates and the care taken by the + Protector of Indian immigrants. This, however, is a subject which my + extremely limited experience of it precludes me from making further + remarks upon. + The Vagrant Law is needlessly oppressive, and often puts + respectable Indians in a very awkward position. + Add to this the rumours that are rife in the air, to the effect that + they should be made, or induced, to live in Locations. It may be + merely an intention; none the less, it is an index of the feeling of the + European Colonists against the Indians. I beseech you to picture to + yourself the state the Indian would be in in Natal if it were possible to + carry out all suchintentions. + Now, is this treatment in consonance with the British traditions + of justice, or morality, or Christianity? + I would, with your permission, quote an extract from Macaulay, + and leave it to you to answer the question as to whether the present + treatment would have met with his approval. Speaking on the subject + of the treatment of the Indians, he expressed the following sentiments: + We shall never consent to administer the pousta’ to a whole community, to + stupefy and paralyse a great people whom God has committed to our charge, for the + + ' Seed of opium poppy + + 202 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + wretched purpose of rendering them more amenable to our control. What is that power + worth which is founded on vice, on ignorance, and on misery, which we can hold by + violating the most sacred duties which as governors we owe to the governed, which as + a people blessed with far more than an ordinary measure of political liberty and of + intellectual light we owe to a race debased by three thousand years of despotism and + priestcraft? We are free, we are civilized, to little purpose, if we grudge to any portion + of the human race an equal measure of freedom and civilization. + I have but to refer you to writers like Mill, Burke, Bright, and + Fawcett’, to further show that they, at any rate, would not give + countence to the treatment accorded to the Indians in the Colony. + To bring a man here on starvation wages, to hold him under + bondage, and when he shows the least signs of liberty, or, is in a + position to live less miserably, to wish to send him back to his home + where he would become comparatively a stranger and perhaps unable + to earn a living, is hardly a mark of fair play or justice characteristic + of the British nation. + That the treatment of the Indians is contrary to the teaching of + Christianity needs hardly any argument. The Man, who taught us to + love our enemies and to give our clock to the one who wanted the + coat, and to hold out the right cheek when the left was smitten, and + who swept away the distinction between the Jew and the Gentile, would + never brook a disposition that causes a man to be so proud of himself + as to consider himself polluted even by the touch of a fellow-being. + +IV + + The last head of the enquiry has, I believe, been sufficiently + discussed in discussing the first. And I for one would not be much + grieved in an experiment were tried to drive out each and every Indian + from the Colony. In that case, I have not the slightest doubt that the + Colonists would soon rue the day when they took the step and would + wish they had not done it. The petty trades and the petty avocations of + life would be left alone. The work for which they are specially suited + would not be taken up by the Europeans, and the Colony would lose + an immense amount of revenue now derived from the Indians. The + climate of South Africa is not such as would enable the Europeans to + do the work that they can easily do in Europe. What, however, I do + submit with the greatest deference is this, that if the Indians must be + kept in the Colony, then let them receive such treatment as by their + + ' Henry Fawcett (1833-84); statesman and professor of Political Economy at + Cambridge + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 203 + + ability and integrity they may be fit to receive, that is to say, give them + what is their due, and what is the least that a sense of justice, unalloyed + by partiality or prejudice, should prompt you to give them. + It now remains for me only to implore you to give this matter + your earnest consideration, and to remind you (here I mean especially + the English) that Providence has put the English and the Indians + together, and has placed in the hands of the former the destinies of the + latter, and it will largely depend upon what every Englishman does + with respect to the Indian and how he treats him, whether the putting + together will result in an ever lasting union brought about by broad + sympathy, love, free mutual intercourse, and also a right knowledge of + the Indian character, or whether the putting together will simply last so + long as the English have sufficient resources to keep the Indians + under check, and the naturally mild Indians have not been vexed into + active opposition to the foreign yoke. I have, further, to remind you + that the English in England have shown by their writings, speeches + and deeds that they mean to unify the hearts of the two peoples, that + they do not believe in colour distinctions, and that they will raise India + with them rather than rise upon its ruins. In support of this I beg to + refer you to Bright, Fawcett, Bradlaugh, Gladstone, Wedderburn, + Pincott, Ripon, Reay, Northbrooke, Dufferin, and a host of other + eminent Englishmen who represent public opinion. The very fact of + an English constituency returning an Indian to the British Ho'use of + Commons, in spite of the expressed wish to the contrary of the then + Prime Minister, and almost the whole British Press, both Conservative + and Liberal, congratulating the Indian member on the success, and + expressing its approval of the unique event, and the whole House + again, both Conservative and Liberal, according him a warm + welcome—this fact alone, I submit, supports my statement. Will you, + then, follow them, or will you strike out a new path? Will you promote + unity, “which is the condition of progress”, or will you promote + discord, “which is the condition of degradation”? + In conclusion, I beg of you to receive the above in the same + spirit in which it has been written. + I have the honour to remain, + Your obedient servant, + + M. K. GANDHI + + From a pamphlet + + ' The reference is to Dadabhai Naoroji's election in 1893 from Central + Finsbury. + + 204 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 56. LETTER TO EUROPEANS + + BEACH GROVE, + DURBAN, + + December 19, 1894 + + SIR + I venture to send you the enclosed for perusal, and solicit your + opinion on the subject matter of the Open Letter. + Whether you be a clergyman, editor, public man, merchant or + lawyer, the subject cannot but demand your attention. If you are a + clergyman, inasmuch as you represent the teaching of Jesus, it must be + your duty to see that you are in no way, directly or indirectly, + countenancing a treatment of your fellow-beings that would not be + pleasing to Jesus. If you are an editor of a news-paper, the + responsibility is equally great. Whether you are using your influence + as a journalist to the evolution or degradation of humanity will + depend upon whether you are encouraging division among class and + class or striving after union. The same remarks will apply to you as a + public man. If you are a merchant or lawyer, you have then too, a + duty to discharge towards your customers and clients from whom you + derive a considerable pecuniary advantage. It is for you to treat them + as dogs or fellow-beings demanding your symapathy in the cruel + persecution that they are put to owing to the prevalent ignorance + about the Indians in the Colony. Coming as you do in comparatively + close contact with them, you have, no doubt, the opportunity and + incentive to study them. Looked at from a sympathetic standpoint, + they would perhaps show themselves to you as they have been seen by + scores and hundreds of Europeans who had the opportunity to study + them, and who used it alright. + Your opinion is solicited with a view to ascertaining if there are + many Europeans in the Colony who would actively sympathize with + and feel for the Indians in the Colony, assuming that their treatment is + not all that could be desired. + Tam, Sir, + Your faithful servant, + M. K. GANDHI + + From a copy : S.N. 201 + + ' A printed circular letter sent by Gandhiji to Europeans in Natal + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 205 + + 57. LETTER TO “THE NATAL ADVERTISER” + + DURBAN, + January 21, 1895 + To + THE EDITOR + SIR + + You will oblige me by letting me draw the attention of your rea- + ders to the notice that appears in your advertisement columns about + the Esoteric Christian Union and the London Vegetarian Society. + The system represented by the Union establishes the unity and + common source of all the great religions of the world, and points out, + as the books advertised will amply show, the utter inadequacy of + materialism which boasts of having given the world a civilization + which was never witnessed before, and which is alleged to The Natal + Advertiser have done the greatest good to humanity, all the while + conveniently forgetting that its greatest achievenments are the + invention of the most terrible weapons of destruction, the awful + growth of anarchism, the frightful disputes between capital and labour + and the wanton and diabolical cruelty inflicted on innocent, dumb, + living animals in the name of science, “falsely so called”. + There seem to be, however, signs of reaction setting in—the + almost phenomenal success of the Theosophical Society, the gradual + acceptance by the clergy of the doctrine of holiness, and what is more, + the acceptance by Professor Max Muller of the doctrine of reincarna- + tion so conclusively demonstrated in The Perfect Way, his statement + that it was gaining ground among the thinking minds in England and + elsewhere, and the publication of The Unknown Life of Jesus Christ. It + is not possible to secure these works in S. Africa. My knowledge of + them is, therefore, confined to their reviews. All these and many such + facts are, I submit, unmistakable signs of a return from the materi- + alistic tendencies, which have made us so cruelly selfish, to the + unadulterated esoteric teachings of not only Jesus Christ, but also of + Buddha, Zoroaster and Mahomed, who are no longer so generally + denounced by the civilized world as false prophets, but whose and + Jesus's teachings are beginning to be acknowledged to be complemen- + tary of one another. + I regret that Iam unable yet to advertise books on vegetar- + ianism, as they have, by mistake, been forwarded to India, and will, + + 206 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + therefore, take some time before they arrive in Durban. I may, + however, state one valuable fact with regard to the efficacy of + vegetarianism. There is no more potent instrument of evil than + drunkenness, and I may be allowed to say that all those who suffer + from the craving for drink, but would like really to be free from the + curse, have only to give a trial for at least one month to a diet chiefly + consisting of brown bread and oranges or grapes, to secure an entire + freedom from the craving. I have myself carried on a series of + experiments, and can testify that on a vegetarian diet, without any + condiments, and consisting of a liberal supply of juicy fresh fruits, I + have lived comfortably, without tea, coffee, or cocoa, and even water, + for days together. Hundreds in England have become vegetarian for + this reason, and having once been inveterate tipplers, have now + reached a stage when the very smell of grog or whisky is an offence to + their tastes. Dr. B. W. Richardson, in his Food for Man, recommends + pure vegetarianism as a cure for drunkenness. In a comparatively hot + country like Natal, where there is a plentiful supply of fruits and + vegetables, a bloodless diet should prove very beneficial in every way, + apart from its immeasurable superiority to flesh foods on grounds + scientific, sanitary, economic, ethical and spiritual. + It is, perhaps, needless to mention that the sale of E.C.U. books + is not at all a money-making concern. In certain cases the books have + even been given away. They will be gladly lent in some cases. I shall + be very happy to correspond with any of your readers who may want + any further information, either about the E.C.U. or the L.V.S., or to + have a quiet chat on these (to me at any rate) momentous questions. + + I would conclude with what Rev. John Pulsford, D.D., has to say + with regard to the teaching of the E.C.U.:: + + It is impossible for a spiritually intelligent reader to doubt that these + teachings were received from within the astral veil. They are full of the + concentrated and compact wisdom of the Holy Heavens, and of God. If the + Christians knew their own religion, they would find in these priceless records + Lord Christ and His vital process abundantly illustrated and confirmed. That + such communications are possible, and are permitted to be given to the world, + is a sign, and a most promising sign, of our age. + lam, etc. + M. K. GANDHI + AGENT FOR + + THE ESOTERIC CHRISTIAN UNION + & + THE LONDON VEGETARIAN SOCIETY + + The Natal Advertiser, 1-2-1895 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 207 + + 58. LETTER TO DADABHAI NAOROJI + 328 SMITH STREET, + DURBAN, NATAL, + January 25, 1895 + To + DADABHAI NAOROJI, ESQ., M.P. + + LONDON + SIR + + Though the Government is silent, the papers have been + informing the public that the Franchise Bill has been disallowed by + Her Majesty. Can you give us any information on the point? + The Indian settlers cannot thank you and the Congress + Committee too much for the trouble taken on their behalf. + I remain, + Sir, + Your faithful servant, + M. K. GANDHI + [PS.] + I venture to send the enclosed for perusal. + + From a photostat of the original : S.N. 2253 + + 59. BOOKS FOR SALE + + The following books by the late Dr. Anna Kingsford and Mr. + Edward Maitland, introduced for the first time in South Africa, are + offered for sale at their published prices : + + The Perfect Way, 7/6 + Clothed with the Sun, 7/6 + The Story of the New Gospel of Interpretation, 3/6 + Bible's Own Account of Itself, 1/- + The New Gospal of Interpretation, 1/- + It is like listening to the utterances of God or arch-angel. I know of nothing in + + literature to equal it (The Perfect Way). + — The Late Sir F. H. Doyle + + 208 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + We regard The Perfect Way as the most illumined and useful book published in + the nineteenth century. + —GNOSTIC (U.S.A.) + M. K. GANDHI + AGENT FOR THE ESOTERIC CHRISTIAN UNION AND + THE LONDON VEGETARIAN SOCIETY + The Natal Advertiser, 2-2-1895 + + 60. LETTER TO “THE NATAL WITNESS” + + DURBAN, + March 23, 1895 + To + THE EDITOR + The Natal Witness + SIR + + I trust, in the interests of justice, you will allow me to make a few + remarks on your report of the conversation that took place between + Sir Walter Wragg and Mr. Tatham with regard to a point of + Mahommedan Law, in your issue of the 22nd instant. + + ' This was with reference to the following report in The Natal Witness, + 22-3-1895 : + Mr. Tatham applied to the Supreme Court yesterday for confirmation of the + Master's report in the intestate estate of Hassan Dawjee, and remarked that a plan of + distribution, prepared by Mr. Gandhi, barrister, had been embodied in the report, and + was framed according to Mahommedan Law. + SIR WALTHER WRAGG : The only thing about this is that Mr. Gandhi knows + nothing of Mahommedan Law. He is as great a stranger to Mahommedan Law as a + Frenchman. For what he has stated he would have to go to a book as you would; of his + own knowledge he knows nothing. + Mr Tatham said that a plan of distribution had been obtained from the priests + and from Mr. Gandhi. Where else they were to go he did not know. They had exhausted + all the expert evidence available. + SIR WALTHER WRAGG : The portion which Mr. Gandhi states should go to the + brother of the deceased, should, according to Mahommedan Law, go to the poor. Mr. + Gandhi is a Hindu and knows his own faith, of course, but he knows nothing of + Mahommedan Law. + MR. TATHAM: The question is whether we shall take Mr. Gandhi's view or the + priests’. + SIR WALTHER WRAGG : You must take the priests'. When the brother can show + that he represents the poor he will be entitled to 5/24ths, as stated by Mr. Gandhi. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 209 + + I have ventured to trespass upon your courtesy, not because I + want to defend myself, but because of the decision of the Supreme + Court, which, I believe, with all due respect to Sir Walter Wragg, is + based upon an erroneous view of the Mahommedan Law, and would + vitally affect a large portion of the Indian Colonists. + Were I a Mahommedan, I should be very sorry to be judged bya + Mahommedan whose sole qualification is that he is born a + Mahommedan. It is a revelation that the Mahommedans know the law + intuitively, and that a non-Mahommedan never dare give an opinion + on a point of Mahommedan Law. + The decision (if your report is correct) that the brother will be + entitled to his 5/24ths only after he “can show that he represents the + poor’, is, I am afraid, according to the Mahommedan Law + administered in India and revealed in the Koran, subversive of that + law. I have carefully gone through the chapters on “Inheritance” in + Macnaughten's Mahomedan Law (which, by the way, is edited by a + non-Mahommedan Indian and which Messrs Binns & Mason, in their + report published after their return from India, say is the book + considered to be one of the best on that law), and have also gone + through that portion of the Koran which relates to the subject, and in + them I find not one word with regard to the poor being entitled to any + part of the inheritance of a deceased Moslem. If the Koran and the + book above mentioned are any authority on that law, then not only is + there no portion to which the poor are entitled in the case in question, + but under no circumstances are the poor entitled to any part of an + intestate estate. I hope to be able to show that the brother (it should + really be the half-brother), when he takes anything under that law, + takes it in his own right, and takes it because he is a brother. + + It is likely that His Lordship, when he was talking about an + inheritance, was actually but unconsciously thinking of almsgiving, + which is incumbent upon every Mahommedan. It is one of their + articles of faith. But the principle that guides almsgiving during life + does not obtain in cases of distribution of inheritance. A + Mahommedan, by giving alms during his lifetime, earns for himself + heaven or a respectable place therein. Alms given out of his estate by + the State after his death can surely do him no spiritual good, because + itis not his act. After a Moslem's death it is the relatives who have a + prior, nay exclusive, claim upon his estate. + + Says the Koran : + + 210 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + We have appointed unto everyone kindred to inherit part of what their + parents and relations shall leave after their deaths. + The law says : + + There belong to the property of a person deceased four successive duties + : first, his funeral ceremony and burial without superfluity of expense, yet + without deficiency; next the discharge of his just debts from the whole of his + remaining effects; then the payment of his legacies out of a third of what + remains after his debts are paid; and lastly, the distribution of the residue + among his successors. + + The successors are thus described : + + 1. Legal sharers; 2. residuaries; 3. distant kindred; 4. successors by + contract; 5. acknowledged kindred; 6. universal legatee; 7. Crown. + “Legal sharers” are defined as “all those persons for whom + specific shares have been appointed or ordained in the sacred text, the + traditions, or with general assent”, and according to the table + enumerating the 12 classes of sharers, include half-brothers also. + “Residuaries” are “all persons for whom no share has _ been + appointed, and who take the residue after the sharers have been + satisfied, or the whole estate when there are no sharers”. It should + here be noted that some legal sharers are as such, under certain + conditions, excluded, and then rank as residuaries. “Distant kindred” + are “all relations who are neither sharers nor residuaries’’. “After the + sharers are satisfied, if there remains a residue of the property left by + the deceased, it is to be divided among the first class of heirs called + residuaries. If there be no residuaries, the residue will revert to the + sharers in proportion to their shares.” + + I would not occupy your valuable space by giving definitions + of the other successors. Suffice it to say that they do not include the + poor at all, and that they can “take” only after the first three classes + are exhausted. + + The residuaries in their own right include, among others, “the + ‘offspring' of the father of the deceased, i.e., brothers, consanguine + brothers, and their sons, how low soever”. Rule 12 of Section 1 says: + “It is a general rule that a brother shall take double the share of a + sister. The exception to it is in the case of brothers and sisters by the + same mother only, but by different fathers.” And Rule 25, Section 11, + says: “Where there are daughters or son's daughters and no brothers, + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 211 + + the sisters take what remains after the daughters or son's daughters + have realized their shares, such residue being half should there be + only one daughter or son's daughter, and one third should there be + two or more.” The two rules read together help us materially to + determine the share the brother gets in the case in point. + + In the typical examples given in the book I have been quoting + from, I find the following with its solution : “Example 7. Husband, + daughter, brother and three sisters.” The solution need not be given + fully. The brother as a residuary in his own right gets 2/20ths. + + It will then be seen from the above that brothers, and in their + absence, half-brothers, rank either as sharers or residuaries in their + own right, and, therefore, with the greatest deference to Sir Walter's + opinion in the case in question, the brother “takes”, if he does at all, + in his own right and not as representing the poor, and if he does not + “take” (a thing that cannot happen in such a case if the law is to be + respected), the residue “reverts” to the sharers. + + But the report says that the priest and I differ. If you eliminate + the “I” and put “the law” instead (for I simply said what the law + was), I would venture to say, the priest and the law should never differ, + and if they do, it is the priest and not the law that goes to the wall. In + this case, however, the priest and I do not differ if the distribution in + the report sent to me by Mr. Tatham was the one approved by the + priest, as it seems to have been, according to his letter of advice. The + priest says not a word about the half-brother taking as representing + the poor. + Lastly, after I saw the report, I saw purposely some + Mahommedan gentlemen who ought to know the law according to Sir + Walter, and they were surprised when I told them about the decision. + They, without even taking time to consider—the thing appeared to + them so plain and clear—said, “The poor never take anything from + an intestate estate. The half-brother as such should have his share.” + The decision then, I submit, is contrary to the Mahommedan + Law, the priest's opinion, and other Mahommedan gentlemen. It will + be a manifest hardship if the portions rightly belonging to the + relations of a deceased Mahommedan are to be locked up until they + can show that “they represent the poor”’—a condition never + contemplated by the law or sanctioned by Mahommedan usage. + + lam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Witness, 28-3-1895 + + 912 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 61. MEMORIAL TO AGENT, PRETORIA' + + PRETORIA, + April 16, 1895 + TO + + HIS HONOUR, SIR JACOBUS DE WET, K.C.M.G., + HER MAJESTY’S AGENT, PRETORIA + + THE MEMORIAL OF TAYOB KHANAND ~~ ABDOOL GANI* OF + PRETORIA AND HAJEE HABIB HAJEE DADA OF JOHANNESBURG WHO + ACT ASA COMMITTEE ON BEHALF OF THE BRITISH + INDIAN MERCHANTS IN THIS REPUBLIC + We respectfully request Your Honour to place yourself in + communication with His Excellency the High Commissioner, in order + to ascertain whether Her Majesty's Government will be satisfied with + the Award given by the Arbitrator in the recent arbitration held at + Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State, between Her Majesty's + Government and the Government of the South African Republic, on + the Indian question. As Your Honour is aware, the Arbitrator has + decided that Law 3 of 1885’, as amended by Volksraad's besluit of + 1886, must be enforced by this Government, and that in the event of + any dispute or difference as to the interpretation of that law, the High + Court of this Republic must decide such difference. + + In one of the Green books, No. 21894, pages 31 and 35, put in + + ' This was enclosed with Despatch No. 204 of April 29, 1895 from the High + Commissioner to the South African Republic to the Principal secretary of State for + the Colonies. + * Partner and manager of the firm of Mahomed Cassim Camroodeen in + Johannesburg + * A Transvaal law; this applied to “the so-called Coolies, Arab, Malay and + Mahommedan subjecs of the Turkish Empire”. It rendered them incapable of + obtaining extended citizenship rights and of owning fixed property in the Republic. + An exception was later made in the case of the “Coolies” who could, as sanctioned by + Volksraad resolution of January 1887, own fixed property in specified streets, wards + and Locations on grounds of sanitation. A further Volksraad resolution, in 1893, laid + down that all Asiatics should be enforced to live and trade in the Locations. Trade + could be carried on by registration and payment of a fee of £3. The law was considerd + to be in contravention of the London Convention. + * Sometimes abbreviated to Raad, South African (Dutch) word for National + Legislative Assembly in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 213 + + at the above-mentioned arbitration by the Government of this + Republic, statements are made to the effect that His Honour the Chief + Justice, in giving judgment in a certain application before the High + Court by Ismael Suliman and Co.,' held that no difference could be + made between places where business is carried on and where Indians + reside. In view of these facts, we respectfully submit, without in any + way impugning the High Cout, that it would be a goregone + conclusion, if the statements referred to above as to the judgment of + the Chief Justice be correct, that the judgment of the Court in any case + submitted to it under the above quoted law would be against the + Indian subjects of Her Majesty in this Republic. As, therefore, the + Arbitrator did not decide the question submitted to him in terms of + the Deed of Submission, but practically left it to the decision of the + High Court of this Republic, we would respectfully submit that the + Arbitrator did not decide the question in terms of the reference to + him. We, therefore, respectfully request Your Honour to communicate + with her Majesty's Government and ascertain whether they will be + satisfied with the above Award and acquiesce therein. + TAYOB HAJEE KHAN MOHAMED + ABDOOL GANI + HAJEE HABIB HAJEE DADA + + Colonial Office Records No. 417, Vol. 148 + + ' In this case Ismail Suliman, an Arab trader, in August 1888, was denied a + trading licence to carry on business except in a Location. Arbitration by the Chief + Justice of Orange Free State recognized the right of the South African Republic to + enforce Law 3 of 1885 subject to interpretation by the country's Tribunals. The + Supreme Court of the Transvaal however reversed the judgment later, and held that the + Government had no power under that law to withhold licences from Asiatics. + + 914 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 62. PETITION TO NATAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY' + + [DURBAN, + Before May 5, 1895] + TO + THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE + LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF THE COLONY OF NATAL + THE PETITION OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIANS + RESIDING IN THE COLONY OF NATAL + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT : + Your Petitioners, as representing the Indians in this Colony, + hereby respectfully approach your Honourable Assembly with regard + to the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill now before you for + consideration. + Your Petitioners respectfully submit that so much of the Bill + which provides for re-indenture and imposition of a tax in default of + re-indenture, is manifestly unjust, entirely uncalled for and in direct + opposition to the fundamental principles upon which the British + Constitution is based. + That the Bill is manifestly unjust, does not need, your Petitioners + submit, many words to prove. To raise the Maximum term of + indenture from five years to an indefinite period is in itself unjust, + because it puts in the way of the masters of the indentured Indians + greater temptations to oppression or harshness. No matter how + humane the masters may be in the Colony, they will always remain + human. And your Petitioners need hardly point out what human + nature is when selfish considerations guide one's actions. Moreover, + the Bill, your Petitioners venture to say, is an absolutely one-sided + arrangement, for, while it shows every cosideration to the employer, it + gives practically nothing in return to the employee. + The Bill is, your Petitioners submit, uncalled for because no + reasons exist for its introduction. It is not meant to help the Colony + out of a pecuniary crash or help forward any industry. On the other + hand, it was because it was recognized that the industries, for which the + Indian labour was specially required, no longer required any + extraordinary aid that the £10,000 vote was abolished only last year. it + + ' The petition was published in The Natal Advertiser, 5-5-1895. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 215 + + is then evident that there is no real need for such legislation. + + To show that Bill is in direct opposition to the fundamental + principles of the British Constitution, your Petitioners humbly refer + your Honourable Assembly to the whole course of the great events + during the last century in which Britain has played a prominent part. + Forced labour, from the grossest form of slavery to the mildest form + of veth', has always been repugnant to the British traditions, and has + everywhere, so far as practical, been abolished. Indentured labour + exists in Assam as it does in this Colony. It was only a short time ago + when it was admitted by her Majesty’s Government, in reference to + such labour in that country, that the indentured labour was an evil to + be countenanced only as long as it was absolutely necessary to + support or promote an important industry, and to be removed at the + first suitable opportunity. Your Petitioners respectfully submit that the + Bill under consideration violates the above principle. + + If the proposed extension of the term of indenture is thus (your + Petitioners hope they have shown to your Honourable Assembly’s + satisfaction) unjust, uncalled for, and opposed to the fundamental + principles of the British Constitution, the proposed imposition of a tax + is more so. It has long been acknowledged as an axiomatic truth that + taxation is meant only for the purposes of revenue. It will not for a + moment be said, your Petitioners humbly think, that the proposed tax + is meant for any such purpose. The proposed taxation is avowedly + meant to drive the Indian out of the Colony after he has finished his + indenture. It will, therefore, be a prohibitive tax, and conflict with the + principles of Free Trade. + It will moreover inflict, your Petitioners fear, an unwarranted + wrong on the indentured Indians, because for an indentured Indian, + who has severed all connection with India and come down to the + Colony with his family, to go back and hope to earn a livelihood is + almost an utter impossibility. Your Petitioners crave leave to mention + from their own experience that, as a rule, it is only those Indians who + cannot find work to keep body and soul together in India who come + to the Colony under indenture. The very fabric of the Indian society + is such that the Indian, in the first place, does not leave his home, and + when once he is driven to do so, it is hopeless for him to return to + India and expect to earn bread, much less to make a fortune. + + ' Forced, unpaid labour + + 216 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + It is an admitted fact that the Indian labour is indispensable to + the prosperity of the Colony.If so, your Petitioners submit that the + indentured Indians, who so materially help forward the prosperity of + the Colony, are entitled to better consideration. + It need hardly be mentioned that the Bill is a piece of class + legislation and that it accentuates and encourages the prejudice that + exists against Indians in the Colony, and thus would widen the gulf + between one class of British subjects and another. Your Petitioners, + therefore, humbly pray that your Honourable Assembly will come to + the conclusion that that portion of the Bill which contemplates re- + indenture and the imposition of a tax in default of re-indenture is not + such as could be considered favourably by your Honourable + Assembly, and for this act of justice and mercy, your Petitioners shall + for ever pray, etc., etc. + ABDULLA HAJI ADAM + AND SEVERAL OTHERS + + From a photostat : S.N. 434 + + 63. PETITION TO LORD RIPON' + + PRETORIA, + SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC, + [Before May 5, 1895] + TO + His EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE MARQUIS OF + RIPON, HER MAJESTY’S PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF + STATE FOR THE COLONIES, LONDON + + THE PETITION OF THE BRITISH INDIANS RESIDING IN + THE SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT : + Your Petitioners respectfully venture to approach Your + Excellency in connection with their position in the S. A. R., especially + as affected by the Award lately given by the Chief Justice of the + Orange Free State in the Indian Arbitration Case. + + 2. Your Petitioners, whether as traders, shopkeepers’ assistants, + + ' This was forwarded by Sir Jacobus de Wet to the High Commissioner at Cape + Town on May 30, 1895. + ° Vide “Letter to M. C. Camroodeen”, 5-5-1895. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 217 + + hawkers, cooks, waiters, or labourers, are scattered over the whole of + the Transvaal, though the greatest number is settled in Johannesburg + and Pretoria. Of traders there are nearly 200 whose liquidated assets + would amount to nearly £100,000. Of these about three firms import + goods directly from England, Durban, Port Elizabeth, India, and other + places, and have thus branches in other parts of the world whose + existence mainly depends upon their Transvaal businesses. The rest + are small vendors having stores in different places. There are nearly + 2,000 hawkers in the Republic who buy goods and hawk them about, + while those of your petitioners who are labourers are employed as + general servants in European houses or hotels. They number about + 1,500 men, of whom about 1,000 live at Johannesburg. + 3. Your Excellency’s Petitioners, before entering into a + discussion of their precarious position in the State, would with the + greatest deference venture to point out that your Petitioners, whose + interests were at stake, were never once consulted as to the arbitration, + that the moment the question of arbitration was broached, your + Petitioners protested both against the principle of arbitration and + against the choice of the Arbitrator. Your Petitioners conveyed the + protest verbally to His Honour the British Agent at Pretoria, who, your + Petitioners here take the opportunity to say, has always been most + courteous and attentive to those of your Petitioners who had occasion + to wait upon him from time to time in connection with the grievances + of the Indians in the Transvaal. Your Petitioners would also draw Your + Excellency’s attention to the fact that even a written protest was sent to + Her Majesty’s High Commissioner at Cape Town. However, your + Petitioners by dwelling upon the matter do not at all wish to cast the + slightest reflection on the high-mindedness or probity of the learned + Chief Justice of the Orange Free State or to question the wisdom of + Her Majesty’s officers. Having known the bias of the learned Chief + Justice against the Indians, your Petitioners thought, and still humbly + venture to think, that he could not, in spite of his most strenuous + efforts to do otherwise, bring to bear upon the question an + equibalanced judgment which is so necessary to a right and proper + perception of the facts of a case. Judges having a previous knowledge + of case have been known to refrain from deciding them, lest they + should unconsciously be led away by preconceived notions or + prejudices. + 4. The reference to the learned Arbitrator in the case submitted + + 218 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government runs thus : + + The Arbitrator shall be free to decide either in favour of the + claims put forward by Her Majesty’s Government or by the South + African Republic, or to lay down such interpretation of the said + Ordinances, read together with the Despatches referring to the + question, as shall appear to him to be correct. + 5. The Award as published in the papers is as follows: + + (a) The claims of Her Majesty’s Government and of the + Government of the South African Republic respectively are disallowed, save + and except to the extent and degree following, that is to say: + + (b) The South African Republic is bound and entitled in its + treatment of Indian and other Asiatic traders, being British subjects, to give + full force and effect to Law No. 3 of 1885, enacted, and in the year 1886 + amended by the Volksraad of the South African Republic, subject (in case of + objection being raised by or on behalf of any such persons to any such + treatment as not being in accordance with the provisions of the said law as + amended) to sole and exclusive interpretation in the ordinary course by the + Tribunals of the country. + 6. Now, your Petitioners humbly submit that the above Award + not being in terms of the reference is void, and that Her Majesty’s + Government is not, therefore, bound by it. The very object with which + the arbitration was decided upon is, it is respectfully pointed out, + frustrated. The reference leaves it to the Arbitrator either to allow the + claims of one of the two Governments or to lay down such + interpretation of the Ordinances as may appear to him to be correct, + regard being had to the Despatches referring to the question. Instead + of interpreting, the learned Arbitrator has delegated the interpretation, + and in delegating has, moreover, limited the delegation to such + persons as, by the very nature of their position, cannot possibly avail + themselves of the procedure and evidence that could be availed of, + nay that was expressly stipulated to be availed of, by the Arbitrator, + and that would tend to enable them to lay down such an interpretation + as would be just and equitable, though, perhaps, not strictly legal. + 7. The Award, your Petitioners submit, is invalid on two + grounds. First, because the Arbitrator had delegated his function, + which no arbitrator in the world can do. Secondly, the Arbitrator has + failed to keep to the reference, inasmuch as he has left undecided the + question that he was expressly called upon to decide. + + 8. The object, it would seem, was not to have the question of + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 219 + + interpretation decided in a law-court, but to terminate the question + once for all. Had not such been the case, Her Majesty’s Government + would never have entered into the voluminous correspondence with + regard to the question of interpretation as found in the Transvaal + Green Books, Nos. | and 2, 1894. The question that was to be, and + your Petitioners submit can only be,decided diplomatically and + politically has been left, if the Award is to be valid, to be decided + judicially only. And if it is true that the Chief Justice of the Transvaal + has already expressed his opinion in the case presented on behalf of + the Transvaal Government, the decision of the question is almost a + foregone conclusion. To prove that this is so, your Petitioners refer + Your Excellency to newspapers of current dates, especially The + Johannesburg Times of 27th April 1895 (weekly edition). + 9. But your Petitioners’ appeal to Your Excellency is on higher + and broader grounds; your Petitioners have every confidence that the + question that affects thousands of Her Majesty’s subjects, on a proper + solution of which depend the bread and butter of hundreds of British + subjects, and a technical solution of which may bring ruin to hundreds + of homes and may leave them penniless, will not be left to be decided + merely in a court of law where everybody’s hands are tied down, and + where such considerations find no place. So far as the traders are + concerned, if the contention of the Transvaal Government is + ultimately upheld, it means absolute ruin to them, and not only to + them personally, but to their families and relations and servants, both + in India and the Transvaal, who are dependent upon them. It is + impossible for some of your Petitioners, who have been trading for a + long time in the Transvaal, to seek “pastures new” and manage to + keep body and soul together, if they are driven out of their present + position through no fault of their own, but merely, as will be seen + presently, because of the misrepresentation of a few interested + persons. + + 10. The gravity of the question and the immense interests that + are at stake are your Petitioners' excuse for the following some-what + lengthy resume of their position, and for humbly soliciting Your + Excellency’s undivided attention to it. + 11. The unfortunate departure from the 14th Clause of the + Convention of 1881', which protects equally the interests of all + + ' This should be 1884; vide footnote on the following page. + + 220 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + persons other than Natives, has originated and been countenanced in + and by the assumption that the Indian settlers in the Transvaal do not + observe proper sanitation and is based on the misrepresentations of + certain interested persons. It has been emphatically laid down by Her + Majesty’s Government throughout the correspondence about the Law + 3 of 1885 that separate streets might be set apart for the Indians in the + interests of pubic health, but that they cannot be compelled to trade in + certain fixed parts only of the towns. After the Law 3 of 1885 was + strenuously opposed for some time,the then High Commissioner,Sir + H. Robinson, in withdrawing opposition to the amended Law of 1886, + says in his letter (26th September, 1886, page 46, Green Book No. 1, + 1894) : “Although the amended law is still a contravention of the + 14th Article of the Convention of London' I shall not advise Her + Majesty’s Government to offer further opposition to it in view of + Your Honour’s opinion that it is necessary for the protection of the + public health.” Even the reference to the Arbitrator and the Law 3 of + 1885 shows clearly that the departure from the Convention was to be + assented to only for sanitary reasons. + + 12. Your Petitioners hereby enter their most respectful, but + emphatic protest against the assumption that there exist sanitary + reasons for such a departure; your Petitioners hope to be able to show + that no such reasons exist. + + 13. Your Petitioners append hereto three certificates from + doctors which would speak for themselves and which show that their + dwellings are in no way inferior to those of the Europeans, from a + sanitary point of view (App. A,B,C). Your Petitioners challenge + comparison of their own dwellings with those of the Europeans who + have theirs in their immediate neighbourhood. For, it so happens in + Pretoria that, side by side with some of your Petitioners’ houses and + stores, are situated also the houses and stores of Europeans. + + 14. The following unsolicited testimonial will speak for itself. + On the 16th October, 1885, Mr. Mitchell, the then Joint General + Manager of the Standard Bank, writes thus to the High Commissioner, + Sir H. Robinson: + + ' London Convention, signed on February 27, 1884, between the Boers and + the British. Article XIV assured all persons, other than Natives, full liberty of entry, + travel, residence, ownership of property and trade in the South African Republic (or + the Transvaal). The Boer Government tried to interpret the word ‘Natives’ to include + the Indians, but this view was rejected by the British Government. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 221 + + It may not be deemed out of place if I add that they (the Indian traders) + are, within my knowledge, in all respects orderly, industrious and respectable + people, and some among them are merchants of wealth and position, having + establishments on a large scale in Mauritius, Bombay and elsewhere (Green + Book No. 1, p. 37). + 15. About 35 European firms of repute + distinctly declare that the aforementioned Indian merchants, the majority of + whom come from Bombay, keep their business places as well as their + residences in a clean and proper sanitary state, in fact, just as good as the + European (App. D). + 16. It is true, however, that this does not appear in the + newspapers. The public Press thinks that your Petitioners are “filthy + vermin”. The representations to the Volksraad say the same thing. + The reasons are obvious. Your Petitioners, not knowing the English + language so well as to be able to take part in such discussions, or even + to keep themselves informed of all the misrepresentations about them, + are not always in a position to refute such statements. It was only when + they became aware that their very existence was at stake that they went + to the European firms and doctors to give their opinion about their + sanitary habits. + 17. But your Petitioners claim also a right to speak for + themselves, and they have no hesitation in stating deliberately that + collectively, though their dwellings may appear uncouth and are + certainly without much adornment, they are in no way inferior to the + European dwellings from a sanitary point of view. And as to their + personal habits, they confidently assert that they use more water and + bathe much oftener than the Europeans residing in the Transvaal + whom they come in frequent connection with. Nothing can be further + from your Petitioners’ wish than to set up comparisons, or to try to + show themselves superior to their European brethren. Force of + circumstances only has driven them to such a course. + + 18. The two elegant petitions at pp. 19-21 of the Green Book + No. 2, which pray for an exclusion of all Asiatics, and contain + wholesale denunciation of all the Asiatics, Chinamen, etc., render it + absolutely necessary to state what has been stated above. The first + petition enumerates terrible vices, peculiar, as alleged therein, to + Chinamen, and the second, referring to the first, includes in the + denunciation all the Asiatics. Speaking specifically of Chinese, Coolies + and other Asiatics, the second petition refers to “the dangers to which + the whole community is exposed by the spread of leprosy, syphilis, + + 922 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + and the like loathsome diseases engendered by the filthy habits and + immoral practices of these people”. + 19. Without entering into further comparison, and without + entering into the question as affecting the Chinamen, your Petitioners + most emphatically state that the above charges are entirely without- + grounds so far as your Petitioners are concerned. + + 20. To show how far the interested agitators have gone, your + Petitioners quote below an excerpt from a memorial presented to the + Volksraad of the Orange Free State, a copy of which was sent with + approval by the Pretoria Chamber of Commerce to the Transvaal + Government : + + As these men enter the State without wives or female relatives the result + is obvious. Their religion teaches them to consider all women as soulless and + Christians as natural prey (Green Book No. 1, 1894, p. 30). + 21. Your Petitioners ask, can there be a grosser libel on the great + faiths prevailing in India or a greater insult to the Indian nation? + 22. Such are the statements which, it will be noticed from the + Green Books referred to, have been used to make out a case against + the Indians. + 23. The real and the only reason has all along been suppressed. + The only reason for compelling your Petitioners [to live in Location] + or putting every obstacle in the way of your Petitioners earning a + decent livelihood is the trade jealousy. Your Petitioners, i.e., those who + are traders—and the whole crusade is practically against them—have, + by their competition and owing to their temperate and thrifty habits, + been able to reduce the prices of the necessaries of life. This does not + suit the European traders who would make very large profits. It is a + notorious fact that your Petitioners, who are traders, are almost without + exception teetotallers. Their habits are simple, and thus they are + content to make small profits. This and this only is the reason of the + opposition against them, and this is well-known to everybody in South + Africa. That this is so can be gathered from the public Press of South + Africa, which sometimes becomes frank and shows the hatred in its + true light. Thus, dealing with the “Coolie question”, as it is + contemptuously called, after showing that the real “Coolie” is + indispensable to South Africa, The Natal Advertiser of the 15th + September, 1893, thus delivers itself: + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 223 + + The sooner the steps are taken to suppress, and if possible to expel, the + Indian trader the better. These are the real canker that is eating into the very + vitals of the community. + 24. Again, the Press, the Government organ in the Transvaal, + dealing with this question, says : “If the Asiatic invasion is not + stopped in time, European shopkeepers must be driven to the wall, as + they have been in Natal, and in many parts of the Cape Colony.” The + whole of the above article is interesting reading, and is a fair sample of + the feeling of the Europeans towards colour in South Africa. + Although the whole tenor of it betrays fear on the grounds of + competition, there occurs this characteristic passage: + + If we are to be swamped by these people, trade by Europeans will be + impossible, and we shall one and all become subjected to the horrible danger + inseparable from close contact with a large body of uncleanly citizens, with + whom syphilis and leprosy are common diseases, and hideous immorality a + matter of course. + 25. And yet Dr. Veale, in the certificate attached hereto, gives it + as his deliberate opinion that “the lowest class Indian lives better and + in better habitation, and with more regard to sanitary measures, than + the lowest class White” (App. A). + + 26. Furthermore, the doctor puts on record that while “every + nationality had one or more of its members at some time in the + lazaretto, there was not a single Indian attacked”. Added to this is the + testimony of the two doctors from Johannesburg to the effect that + “the Indians are in no way inferior to the Europeans of the same + standing” (App. B and C). + + 27. In further proof of your Petitioners’ contention, your + Petitioners would take the liberty to quote from a leading article from + The Cape Times of 13th April, 1889, which states the case for the + Indians as fairly as could be wished: + The outcry which was raised in the Capital of the Transvaal against the + “Coole trader” some little time ago is brought to the mind by occasional + paragraphs in the morning papers, regarding the doings of the Indian and the + Arab traders. + After quoting a flattering description of the Indian enterprise + from another newspaper, the article goes on to say: + + In face of such reminders as these, one may reasonably expect to be + pardoned for referring, for a few moments, to a body of respectable, hard- + working men whose position is so misunderstood that their very nationality + + 994 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + is overlooked and a name labelled to them, which tends to place them in an + exceedingly low level in the estimation of their fellow-creatures. In the face, + too, of financial operations, the success of which many of their detractors + would envy, one fails to understand the agitation which would place the + operators in the same category as the half-heathen Native and confine him to + Locations, and subject him to the harsher laws by which the Transvaal Kaffir + is governed. The impression, which is but too prevalent both in the Transvaal + and in this Colony, that the quiet and inoffensive Arab shopkeeper, and the + equally harmless Indian, who carries his pack of dainty wares from house to + house, is a Coolie, is due largely to an insolent ignorance as to the race + whence they spring. When one reflects that the conception of Brahmanism, + with its poetic and mysterious mythology, took its rise in the land of the + “Coolie trader’, that in that land 24 centuries ago, the almost divine Buddha + taught and practised the glorious doctrine of self-sacrifice, and that it was from + the plains and mountains of that weird old country that we have derived the + fundamental truths of the very language we speak,one cannot but help + regretting that the children of such a race should be treated as equals of the + children of black heathendom and outer darkness. Those who, for a few + moments, have stayed to converse with the Indian trader have been, perhaps, + surprised to find they are speaking to a scholar and a gentleman. ... And it is + the sons of this Land of light who are despised as Coolies, and treated as + Kaffirs. + It is about time that those who cry out against the Indian merchant + should have pointed out to them, who and what he is. Many of his worst + detractors are British subjects enjoying all the privileges and rights of + membership in a glorious community. To them the hatred of injustice, and the + love of fair play is inherent, and when it affects themselves, they have a + method of insisting upon their rights and liberties, whether under a foreign + government or under their own. Possibly, it has never struck them that the + Indian merchant is also a British subject, and claims the same liberties and + rights with equal justice. To say the very least of it, if we may be permitted to + employ a phrase of Palmerston’s days, it is very un-English to claim rights + one would not allow to others. The right of trade as an equal privilege has, + since the abolition of the Elizabethan monopolies, become almost a part of + the English Constitution, and were anyone to interfere with that right, the + privilege of British citizenship would suddenly come to the front. That the + Indian is more successful in competition and lives on less than the English + merchant is the unfairest and weakest of arguments. The very foundation of + English Commerce lies in the fact of our being able to compete more + successfully with other nations. Surely, it is protection running to madness + when English traders wish the State to intervene to protect them against the + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 225 + + more successful operations of their rivals. The injustice to the Indians is so + glaring that one is almost ashamed of one’s countrymen in wishing to have + these men treated as Natives, simply because of their success in trade. The very + reason that they have been so successful against the dominant race is + sufficient to raise them above that degrading level. ... Enough has been said + to show that the Indian merchant is something more than the ‘Coolie’ of the + newspaper, the Dutchman and the disappointed shopkeeper. + 28. It will also be seen from the above quotation that the + European feeling, when not blinded by selfishness, is not against the + Indians. But since it has been insisted throughout the Green books, + before alluded to, that both the Burghers of the State and _ the + European residents objected to the Indians, your Petitioners are + sending two petitions to His Honour the State President of the S.A. + Republic, one showing that a very large number of the Burghers are + not only not against the Indians freely residing and trading in the + Transvaal, but they would also deem it a hardship, should the + harassing measures ultimately result in their withdrawal (App. E); and + the other signed by the European residents, showing that, in the + opinion of the signatories, their sanitary habits are in no way inferior + to those of the Europeans, and that the agitation against the Indians is + due to the trade jealousy (App. F). But were it otherwise—were every + European and every Burgher of the State dead against the Indian— + even that, your Petitioners submit, cannot affect the main issue, unless + the causes which render such a state of things possible were such as + would discredit a community against whom such a feeling exists. At + the time of going to press (14-5-95), the Dutch petition was already + signed by 484 Burghers and the European by 1340 Europeans. + 29. That the Award of the Chief Justice of the O. F. S.' does not + at all simplify the question and bring its solution a step nearer will + appear from the following : + The active exercise of Her Majesty’s Government protection will + be just as necessary as if the Award had never been given. For, + assuming, for argument’s sake and that only, that the Award is proper + and final, and that the Chief Justice of the Transvaal has decided that + the Indians must trade and reside in the places fixed by the + Government, the question at once arises: where will they be put? May + they be put in gullies—in places where sanitation is impossible, and + which are so far away from towns as to render it absolutely impossible + + ' Orange Free State + + 226 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + for the Indians to trade or live decently? That this is quite likely would + appear from the following strong protest addressed by His Honour the + British Agent against the Transvaal Government assigning an unin- + habitable place to the Malays in 1893, at p. 72, Green Book No. 2: + + To be forced into a small Location on a spot used as a place to deposit + the refuse of the town, without any water except the polluted soakage in the + gully between the Location and the town, must inevitably result in malignant + fevers and other diseases breaking out amongst them, whereby their lives and + the health of the community in town will be endangered. But, apart from these + serious objections, some of these people have not the means of erecting + dwellings for themselves on the land pointed out (or anywhere else) such as + they have been accustomed to live in. The consequence of forcing them out of + their present habitations will, therefore, result in all of them leaving Pretoria + to the great inconvenience and loss of the White people who employ their + labour, not even to speak of the hardship to themselves... . + 30. At the last page of the same book, in his Despatch dated the + 21st March, 1894, the High Commissioner says as follows: + + ... Her Majesty’s Government assume that the Arbitration will apply to any + Aboriginal of Asia who may be a British subject. + 31. If, in terms of that Despatch, the Arbitration is to apply to + the Aboriginals of Asia, the question is, are there any Asiatic + Aboriginals at all in the Transvaal, unless all the Asiatics are to be + treated as such ipso facto—a contention, your Petitioners are + confident, will not be held out for one moment. Your Petitioners, + therefore, will not certainly rank as Aboriginals. + 32. If the whole objection to the Indian proceeds from sanitary + grounds, the following restrictions are entirely unintelligible: + 1. The Indians, like the Kaffirs, cannot become owners of fixed + property. + 2. The Indians must be registered, the fee being £3-10s. + 3. In passing through the Republic, like the Natives, they must + be able to produce passes unless they have the registration ticket. + + 4. They cannot travel first or second class on the railways. They + are huddled together in the same compartment with the Natives. + 33. The sting of all these insults and indignities becomes more + galling when it is borne in mind that many of your Petitioners are + large holders of property in Delagoa Bay. There they are so much + respected that they cannot take out a third-class railway ticket. They + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 227 + + are gladly received by the Europeans there. They are not required to + have passes. Why, your Petitioners humbly ask, should they be + differently treated in the Transvaal? Do their sanitary habits become + filthy as soon as they enter the Transvaal territory? It often happens + that the same Indian is differently treated by the same European in + Delagoa Bay and the Transvaal. + 34. To show how harassing the pass law is, your Petitioners have + appended hereto an affidavit from Mr. Haji Mahomed Haji Dada, + which will speak for itself (App. G). Who Mr. Haji Mahomed is, willbe + gathered from the copy of a letter attached to the affidavit (App. H). + He is one of the foremost Indians in South Africa. Your Petitioners + have attached the affidavit by way of illustration only, and to show + how hard must be the lot of the other Indians, when a foremost + Indian cannot travel without suffering indignity and actual hardships. + If it were necessary, hundreds of such cases of ill-treatment could be + proved to the hilt. + + 35. It has been also mentioned that the Indians live as parasites, + and spend nothing. So far as the Indian labourers and their children + are concerned, the objection will not hold water at all, and they are not + supposed to be parasites, even by the most prejudiced Europeans. + Your Petitioners may be allowed to mention from personal experience + that, so far as a majority of the labourers are concerned, they live + above their means and have settled with their families. As to the + trading Indians, who are the butt of all the prejudice, a little + explanation may be necessary. Your Petitioners, who are traders, do + not deny, they take pride in acknowledging, that they send remittances + to India for those who are dependent upon them, but the remittances + are entirely out of proportion to their expenditure. The only reason + why they are successful competitors is because they spend less on + luxuries than the European traders. But, all the same, they have to pay + rents to the European landlords, wages to the Native servants, and to + pay Dutch farmers for the animals for meat. The other provisions, + such as tea, coffee, etc., are bought in the country. + 36. The question, then, really is not whether the Indian is to live + in this street or that, but what status he is to occupy throughout South + Africa. For, what is done in the Transvaal will also affect the action of + the two Colonies. There seems to be a general consensus of opinion + that the question will have to be settled on a common basis, modified + by local conditions. + + 228 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 37. So far as the feeling has been expressed, it is to degrade the + Indian to the position of the Kaffir. But the general feeling, not so + strongly expressed but here and there voiced in the newspapers, of the + respectable portion of the European community is quite the reverse. + 38. The Colony of Natal has been inviting the other South + African States to a ‘Coolie’ Conference.The word 'Coolie' has been + used officially and it shows how high the expressed feeling runs + against the Indians and what the Conference would do, if it could, with + regard to the question. In the case put by the Transvaal Government + before the Arbitrator, it is stated that the word ‘Coolie’ applies to any + person coming from Asia. + 39. When the feeling runs so high in South Africa against the + Indian, when such a feeling owes its origin to interested agitation (as it + is hoped, has been sufficiently shown above), when it is known that + that feeling is by no means shared by all Europeans, when there is a + general scramble for wealth in South Africa, when the state of + morality of the people is not particularly high, when there are gross + misrepresentations about the habits of the Indians which have given + rise to special legislation, it is not too much, your Petitioners submit, to + request Your Excellency to receive with the utmost caution the + statements received against your Petitioners, and the proffered + solutions of the Indian question. + 40. Your Petitioners would also urge upon Your Excellency's + consideration that not only does the Proclamation of 1858 entitle + your Petitioners to the same privileges and rights as enjoyed by Her + Majesty's other subjects, but your Petitioners have been specially assu- + red of such a treatment by Your Excellency's Despatch, which says: + It is the desire of Her Majesty's Government that the Queen's Indian + subjects should be treated upon a footing of equality with all Her Majesty's + other subjects. + 41. Nor is this a local question; but, your Petitioners submit, it is + pre-eminently an Imperial question. The decision of the question + cannot but affect and guide the policy of the other Colonies and + countries, where by treaty Her Majesty's subjects enjoy freedom of + commerce, etc., and where Her Majesty's Indian subjects also may + emigrate. Again, the question affects a very large Indian population in + South Africa. With those who have settled in South Africa, it is almost + a question of life and death. By persistent ill-treatment they cannot + but degenerate, so much so that from their civilized habits they would + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 229 + + be degraded to the habits of the aboriginal Natives, and a generation + hence, between the progeny of the Indians thus in course of + degeneration and the Natives, there will be very little difference in + habits, and customs, and thought. The very object of immigration will + be frustrated, and a large portion of Her Majesty's subjects, instead of + being raised in the scale of civilization, will be actually lowered. The + results of such a state of things cannot but be disastrous. No self- + respecting Indian can dare even visit South Africa. All Indian + enterprise will be stifled. Your Petitioners have no doubt that Your + Excellency will never allow such a sad event to happen in a place + where Her Majesty enjoys suzerain power, or where the Union Jack + flies. + 42. Your Petitioners beg respectfully to point out that, under the + present state of feeling against the Indians in South Africa, for Her + Majesty's Government to yield to the interested clamour against your + Petitioners would be an act of grave injustice to your Petitioners. + 43. If it is true that your Petitioners’ sanitary habits are not such + as to endanger the health of the European community, and if it be + true also that the agitation against them is due to trade jealousy, your + Petitioners submit that the Award of the Chief Justice of the Orange + Free State cannot be binding, even though it be in strict accordance + with the terms of the reference. For, the very reason which induced + Her Majesty's Government to assent to a departure from the + Convention does not then exist. + + 44. If, however, Your Excellency is disposed to doubt the + statements made herein, as regards your Petitioners' sanitary habits, + your Petitioners humbly urge that, in view of the fact that very large + interests are at stake, and that there are conflicting statements with + regard to your Petitioners’ sanitary habits, and that the feeling is very + high against the Indians in South Africa, before any departure from + the Convention is finally assented to, some impartial inquiry should be + made as to the truth of the conflicting statements, and that the whole + question of the status of the Indian in South Africa should be sifted. + In conclusion, your Petitioners leave their case in Your + Excellency's hands, earnestly praying and fully hoping that your + Petitioners will not be allowed to become a prey to the colour + prejudice, and that Her Majesty's Government will not consent to a + treatment of the Indians in the South African Republic which would + place them in a degraded and unnatural position and deprive them of + + 230 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + the means of earning an honest livelihood. + + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Petitioners, as in duty + bound, shall for ever pray, etc. + + APPENDIX A + + PRETORIA, Z.A.R.! + April 27, 1895 + + I hereby certify that I have practised as a general medical practitioner in the + town of Pretoria for the last five years. + During that period I have had a considerable practice amongst the Indians, + especially about three years ago, when they were more numerous than at present. + Ihave generally found them cleanly in their person, and free from the personal + diseases due to dirt or careless habits. Their dwellings are generally clean and + sanitation is willingly attended to by them. Class considered, I should be of opinion + that the lowest class Indian compares most favourably with the lowest class white, + i.e. the lowest class Indian lives better and in better habitation, and with more regard + to sanitary measures, than the lowest class white. + Ihave, further, found that, during the period that smallpox was epidemic in the + town and district, and is still epidemic in the district, that although every nation + nearly had one or more of its members at some time in the lazaretto, there was not a + single Indian attacked. + Generally, in my opinion, it is impossible to object to the Indians on sanitary + grounds, provided always the inspection of the sanitary authorities is made as strictly + and regularly for the Indian as for the white. + H. PRIOR VEALE, + B.A., M.B.,B.S. (CANTAB) + + APPENDIX B + + JOHANNESBURG, + 1895 + This is to certify that I have examined the residences of the bearers of this + note, and that they are in a sanitary and hygienic condition, and in fact such as any + European might inhabit. I have resided in India. I can certify that their habitations + here in the Z.A.R. are far superior to those of their native country. + C. P. SPINIK, M.R.C.P. & L.R.C.S. + + (LONDON) + + ' This is Zuid-Afrikaansche Republick, Dutch for South African Republic. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 231 + + APPENDIX C + + JOHANNESBURG, + 14th March, 1895 + + Having frequently occasion to visit the better class of the Indian population of + + Johannesburg (merchants, etc., coming from Bombay) in my professional capacity, I + give as my opinion that they are as clean in their habits and domestic life as white + + people of the same standing. + + Dr. NAHMMACHER, M.D., ETC. + + APPENDIX D + + JOHANNESBURG, + 14th March, 1895 + + The undersigned, having been informed that the Arbitration Commission in + connection with the question regarding the Indian merchants in the South African + Republic is now holding its meeting at Bloemfontein, and, also, having been made + aware of the accusations against the said Indian merchants, to the effect that on + account of their dirty habits they are a danger to reside amongst the European + population, hereby wish to distinctly declare: + + Ist. That the aforementioned Indian merchants, the majority of whom + + come from Bombay, keep their business places, as well as their + + residences, in a clean and proper sanitary state—in fact, just as good + + as the Europeans. + + 2nd. That it is a distinct error in calling them “Coolies” or inhabitants of + + British India of a “lower caste”, as they decidedly belong to the + + better and higher castes of India. + + HEYMANN GORDON & Co. + BRANDE & MEIRKS + LINDSAY & INNES + GUSTAV SCHNEIDER + C. LIEBE + CHRISTOPHER P. SPNIK + A. WENTWORTH BALL + P.P., J. GARLICK + H. WOODCROFT + + ADAM ALEXANDER + B. ALEXANDER + A. BEHRENS + S. COLEMAN + ALEXANDER P. KAY + P.P., G. KOENIGSBERG + J. H. HOPKINS + P.P., LIEBERMANN, + BELLISTEDT & Co. + J. H. HOPKINS + J. H. HOPKINS + SHLOM & ARMSBERG + P.P., HUGO BINGEN + JAS. W.C. + P.P., H. BERNEBERG & Co. + + P.P., GORDON MITCHELL & Co. + + JOHANNESBURG, Z.A.R. + R. COURTER + P. BARNETT & Co. + P.P., ISRAEL BROS. + H. CLAPHAM + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +232 + + GENERAL MERCHANTS AND + IMPORTERS, J OHANNESBERG + E. NEELL + J. KUSTING + N. W. LEwIs + SPENCE & HURRY + FREISMAN & SHAPISO + J. FOGELMAN + T. RATES & Co. + + P.P., PAYNE BROS. + H.F. BEART + JOSEPH LAZARUS & Co. + GEO. J AS KETTLE & Co. + BorTon's BROS. + + P.P., J. W. JAGGER & Co. + + T. CHARLE + R. G. KRAMER & CO. + P.P., HOLT & HOLT + + B. EMANUEL P.P., B. GUNDELFINGER + J. GUNDELFINGER + + APPENDIX E + + (True Translation) + TO + His HONOUR THE STATE PRESIDENT OF + THE SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC, PRETORIA + + MAY IT PLEASE YOUR HONOUR : + In view of the gross misrepresentation by certain interested Europeans + residing in the Republic, to the effect that the burghers of this State are opposed to + the Indians residing or trading in the State, and their agitation against these people, + we, the undersigned burghers, beg respectfully to state that so far from the burghers + being opposed to these people fully stopping and trading in the State, they recognize + in them a peaceful and law-abiding, and therefore desirable, class of people. To the + poor they are a veritable blessing inasmuch as by their keen competition they keep + down the prices of necessaries of life which they can do owing to their thrifty and + temperate habits. + We venture to submit that their withdrawal from the State will be a dire + calamity to us, especially those of us who, living far away from centres of business, + depend upon the Indians for the supply of our daily wants, and that therefore any + measures restrictive of their freedom, and having for their object their ultimate + removal, and especially that of those Indians who are traders and hawkers, will + necessarily interfere with our enjoyment and comforts. We, therefore, humbly pray + that the Government will not take any steps that may scare away the Indians from the + Transvaal.' + + ' Signed by a number of Burghers + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 233 + + APPENDIX F + + TO + His HONOUR THE STATE PRESIDENT OF + THE SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC, PRETORIA + + We, the undersigned Europeans residing in this Republic, beg to protest + against the agitation set up against the Indians, residing or trading freely in the + country, by certain interested persons. + + So far as our experience is concerned, we believe their sanitary habits to be in + no way inferior to those of the Europeans, and the statements about prevalence of + infectious diseases among them are certainly without ground, especially as regards + the Indian traders. + + We firmly believe that the agitation owes its origin not to their habits as + regards sanitation, but to trade jealousy, because, owing to their frugal and temperate + habits, they have been able to keep down the prices of necessaries of life and have + therefore been an inestimable boon to the poor classes of the society in the State. + + We do not believe any good cause exists for compelling them to reside or trade + in separate quarters. + We would therefore humbly request Your Honour not to adopt or countenance + any measure that would tend to restrict their freedom and ultimately result in their + withdrawal from the Republic, a result that cannot but strike at the very means of their + livelihood and cannot, therefore, we humbly submit, be contemplated with + complacency in a Christian country. ' + + APPENDIX G + + I, Haji Mahomed Haji Dada, managing and senior partner of Haji Mahomed + Haji Dada & Co., of Durban, Pretoria, Delagoa Bay and elsewhere, merchants, do + make oath and say that : + + 1. Some time in the year 1894, I was travelling from Johannesburg to + Charlestown by coach. + + 2. As I reached the Transvaal border, a European with a uniform and another came + up and asked me for a pass. I said I had no pass and was never before required to + produce any pass. + + 3. The man thereupon roughly said to me that I would have to get one. + 4. I asked him to get one and offered to pay. + + 5. He then very roughly asked me to go down with him to the pass officer, and + threatened to pull me out if I did not do so. + + ' The petition is printed in Afrikaans and in English. The original signatures + do not appear on the field copy. + + 234 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 6. In order to avoid further trouble I got down. I was made to walk about 2 miles, + the man riding on a horse. + + 7. On my reaching the office I was required to take no pass but was only asked + where I was going to. I was then asked to go away + + 8. The man who was on horseback, and who went with me, also left me and I had to + walk back two miles to find the coach gone. + + 9. I was therefore obliged, although I had paid my fare as far as Charlestown, to + walk there, a distance of over two miles. + + 10. I know from personal knowledge that many other Indians, similarly placed, + have undergone such troubles and indignity. + + 11. About a few days ago, I had to travel to Pretoria from Delagoa Bay in the + company of two friends. + 12. We were all required to arm ourselves with passes, just as the Natives of South + Africa are required to do, in order to be able to travel in the Transvaal. + HAJEE MAHOMED HAJEE DADA + Sworn before me at Pretoria, this the 24th day of April, 1895. + Envaralohery + V. Rrasak + + APPENDIX H + + TEL. & CABLE ADDRESS : “BOATING” POINT, PORT NATAL, + March 2, 1895 + FROM + THE AFRICA BOATINGCOMPANY, LTD. + TO + Mr. HAJI MAHOMED HasI DADA + (MEssrs HAJI MAHOMED HAJI DADA & Co.) + DEAR SIR, + + Seeing you about to pay a visit to India, we take this opportunity of placing + on recond our very high appreciation of your various business qualifications which + you have proved during our business relations with you for the last fifteen years, and + it gives us very great pleasure in stating that your integrity in business matters has + never been questioned by any of the commercial community during your residence + here, and we trust you will see your way to return to Natal, and we then hope that we + shall renew our business relations with you once again. Hoping you will have a very + pleasant voyage. + + We are, + Yours faithfully, + For the African Boating Co., + CHARLES T. HITCHINS + From a photostat: S.N. 417-424; also S.N. 451 (3-16) + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 235 + + 64. PETITION TO LORD ELGIN' + + [Before May 5, 1895] + TO + HIs EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF ELGIN, + P.C., G.M.S.I., G.M.I.E., ETC., ETC. + VICEROY AND GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA + CALCUTTA + + THE PETITION OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIANS + RESIDING IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT : + + Your Petitioners representing the Indian community in theSouth + African Republic venture hereby to approach Your Excellency with + regard to Her Majesty's Indian British subjects in the South African + Republic. + Your Petitioners instead of reiterating the facts and arguments + embodied in a similar petition’, signed by over 10,000 British Indians, + and sent to the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the + Colonies, beg to append hereto a copy of the petition with its + annexures, and commend it to Your Excellency's perusal. + Your Petitioners after mature deliberation have come to the + conclusion that unless they sought the direct protection of Your + Excellency as Her Majesty's representative and virtual Ruler of all + India, and unless that protection was graciously accorded, the position + of the Indians in the South African Republic, and indeed throughout + the whole of South Africa, would be utterly helpless and _ the + enterprising Indians in South Africa would be forcibly degraded to + the position of the Natives of South Africa, and this through no fault + of their own. + If an intelligent stranger were to visit the South African + Republic, and were told that there was a class of people in South + Africa who could not hold fixed property, who could not move about + the State without passes, who alone had to pay a special registration + + ' This petition, along with the preceding item, was forwarded by Sir Jacobus de + Wet on May 30, 1895, to the High Commissioner, Cape Town. + * Vide the preceding item. + + 236 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + fee of £3 10s as soon as they entered the country for purposes of + trade, who could not get licences to trade, and who would shortly be + ordered to remove to places far away from towns, where only they + could reside and trade, and who could not stir out of their houses after + 9 o'clock, and that stranger were asked to guess the reasons for such + special disabilities, would he not conclude that these people must be + veritable ruffians, anarchists, a political danger to the State and + society? And yet your Petitioners beg to assure Your Excellency that + the Indians who are labouring under all the above disabilities are + neither ruffians nor anarchists, but one of the most peaceful and law- + abiding communities in South Africa, and especially in the South + African Republic. + For in Johannesburg, while there are people belonging to + European nationalities who are a source of real danger to the State, + and who have necessitated only lately an increase of the police force, + and have thrown too much work on the detective department, the + Indian community have not given the State any cause for anxiety on + that score. + + In support of the above, your Petitioners respectfully refer Your + Excellency to the newspapers throughout South Africa. + + Even the active agitation, that has brought about the present state + of things with regard to the Indian community, has not desired to + bring any such charges against the Indians. + The only charge brought forward is that the Indians do not + observe proper sanitation. Your Petitioners trust that the charge has + been conclusively shown to be groundless in the representation to His + Excellency the Right Honourable the Marquis of Ripon. But assuming + that the charge has some ground, it is clear that that could not be a + reason for preventing the Indians from holding fixed property, or + moving about the country freely and without restraint on their liberty. + That could not be a reason for making the Indians liable for a special + payment of £3 10s. + It might be said that the Government of the South African + Republic has already passed certain laws, and that the Chief Justice of + the Orange Free State has already given his Award which is binding + on Her Majesty's Government. + These objections, your Petitioners humbly believe, have been + answered in the accompanying petition. The London Convention + specially protects the rights of all Her Majesty's British subjects. This + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 237 + + is a recognized fact. Her Majesty's Government assented to a + departure from the Convention and also to arbitration on sanitary + grounds. And such assent to a departure from the Convention, your + Petitioners are informed, was given without consulting Your + Excellency's predecessor in office. Thus, so far as the Indian + Government is concerned, your Petitioners venture to urge that the + assent is not binding. That the Indian Government should have been + consulted is self-evident. And even if Your Excellency were ill- + disposed to intervene on your Petitioners’ behalf at this stage and on + this ground alone, the fact that the reasons which induced the above + assent did not and do not exist, that in fact Her Majesty's Government + has been misled by misrepresentations is, your Petitioners submit, + sufficient to justify them in praying for Your Excellency's + intervention, and Your Excellency in granting the prayer. + And the issues involved are so tremendously important and + Imperial, that in view of your Petitioners' emphatic but respectful + protest against the allegation about sanitation, your Petitioners humbly + urge that the question cannot be settled without a thorough inquiry, + without injustice being done to Her Majesty's Indian British subjects in + the South African Republic. + Without further encroaching upon Your Excellency's valuable + time, your Petitioners would again request Your Excellency's + undivided attention to the annexure and, in conclusion, earnestly hope + that Your Excellency's protection will be liberally granted to the + Indian British subjects residing in South Africa. + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Petitioners shall for + ever pray, etc.’ + From a photostat of a printed copy : S.N. 451 + + 65. LETTER TO M. C. CAMROODEEN + P. O. Box 66 + DURBAN, NATAL + May 5, 1895 + DEAR MR. MAHOMED CASSIM CAMROODEEN, + I have received from you the signatures of the Indians. I hope + + ' This petition, too, was ineffective. Dadabhai Naoroji led a deputation to + Chemberlain at the Colonial Office on August 29. It presented the case of the Indians + in the four States of South Africa. + + 238 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + you have obtained those of the Dutch and promptly sent them to + Pretoria. There should be no delay in this, as the work is very urgent. I + have wired to Pretoria also to send a copy of the Dutch petition there. + All this should be completed by Wednesday. Please write to me in + detail as to what you have done. + + It is very necessary that every Indian should exert himself to the + utmost in this work. Otherwise, we shall have to repent.’ + + Yours sincerely, + MOHANDAS GANDHI + From a photostat of the Gujarati: S.N. 317 + + 66. A BAND OF VEGETARIAN MISSIONARIES + + It was in England that I read in Mrs. Anna Kingsford's Perfect + Way in Diet that there was a colony of Trappists’ in South Africa who + were vegetarians. Ever since that I had wished to see these vegetarians. + The wish has at last been realized. + + At the outset, I may remark that South Africa, and particularly + Natal, is especially adapted for vegetarians. The Indians have made + Natal the Garden Colony of South Africa. One can grow almost + anything on the South African soil, and that in abundance. The + supply of bananas, pineapples and oranges is almost inexhaustible, + and far greater than the demand. There is no wonder that the + vegetarians can thrive very well in Natal. The only wonder is, that in + spite of such facilities and the warm climate, there should be so few + vegetarians. The result is that large tracts of land still remain neglected + and uncultivated. The staple articles of food are imported when it is + perfectly possible to grow all of them in South Africa; and in a vast + territory like Natal, there is much distress among a small population of + 40,000 whites. All this, because they will not take to agricultural + pursuits. + Another curious but painful result of the unnatural mode of + living is that there is a very strong prejudice against the Indian + population who also number 40,000. The Indians, being vegetarians, + take to agriculture without any difficulty whatsoever. Naturally, + + "On May 8, Camroodeen wrote back (S.N. 39) reporting that he had not been + able to collect a single signature to the petition to be presented to Lord Ripon. + * Monks of the Cistercian order founded in 1140 a.d. at Soligny-la-Trappe and + noted for silence and other austerities + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 239 + + therefore, all over the Colony, the small farms are owned by Indians, + whose keen competition gives offence to the white population. They + are following a dog-in-the-manager and suicidal policy in so + behaving. They would rather leave the vast agricultural resources in + the country undeveloped, than have the Indians to develop them. + Owing to such stolidity and shortsightedness, a Colony that can easily + support double, or even treble, the number of European and Indian + inhabitants, with difficulty supports 80,000 Europeans and Indians. + The Transvaal Government have gone so far in their prejudice, that + the whole of the Republic, although the soil is very fruitful, remains a + desert of dust. And if the gold mines could not be worked from any + cause, thousands of men would be thrown out of employment and + literally starved to death. Is there not here a great lesson to be learnt? + The flesheating habits have really tended to retard the progress of the + community, and, indirectly, to create division among the two great + communities which ought to be united and work hand in hand. There + is also this striking fact to be noticed that the Indians enjoy as good a + health as the Europeans in the Colony, and I know that many doctors + would be simply starving if there were no Europeans, or their flesh- + pots, and that by their thrifty and temperate habits, both attributable to + vegetarianism, Indians can successfully compete with Europeans. Of + course, it should be understood that the Indians in the Colony are not + pure vegetarians. They are practically so. + We shall see presently how the Trappists of Mariann Hill, near + Pinetown, are a standing testimony to the truth of the above remarks. + + Pinetown is a little village, situated at a distance of 16 miles by + rail from Durban. It is about 1,100 feet above the sea leavel, and + enjoys a beautiful climate. + + The Trappist monastery is about three miles distant from + Pinetown. My companion and I walked to Mariann Hill, as the hill, or + rather the cluster of hills, on which the Abbey is situated, is called. It is + a very pleasant walk through the little hills all covered with green + grass. + On our reaching the settlement, we saw a gentleman with a pipe + in his mouth, and we at once knew that he was not one of the + brotherhood. He, however, took us to the visitors’ room, where a + visitors�� book was kept. It appeared from the book that it commenced + from 1894, and there were hardly twenty pages filled up. Indeed, the + mission is not at all known as it ought to be. + + 240 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + One of the brotherhood came up and bowed very low. We were + offered tamarind water and pineapples. After having refreshed + ourselves, we accompanied the guide to the various places he took us + to. The various buildings one saw were all substantial red-brick + buildings. All was quiet; the silence was broken only by the noise of + the instruments in the workshops or the native children. + The settlement is a quiet little model village, owned on the truest + republican principles. The principle of liberty, equality and fraternity + is carried out in its entirety. Every man is a brother, every woman a + sister. The monks number about 120 on the settlement, and the nuns, + or the sisters as they are called, number about 60. The sisters’ cloister + is about half a mile from the brothers’. Both the brothers and the + sisters observe a strict vow of silence and of chastity. No brother or + sister may speak except those who are allowed to by the Abbot, who is + the head of the Trappists in Natal. And those are only allowed to + speak who have to go to town to make purchases or to look after + visitors. + The brothers are dressed in long robes with a black piece of + cloth in front and on the back. The sisters wear red clothing of the + simplest style. None seemed to wear socks. + + A candidate for the brotherhood has to make a vow for two + years and, till then, is called a novice. After two years, he may either + leave the cloister or make a vow for life. A model Trappist gets up at 2 + a.m. and devotes four hours to prayer and contemplation. At six, he + has his breakfast, which consists of bread and coffee, or some such + simple foods. He dines at twelve, and makes a meal of bread and soup, + and fruits. He sups at six in the evening and goes to bed at 7 or 8 p.m. + The brothers eat no fish, flesh or fowl. They discard even eggs. They + take milk, but in Natal we were told they could not get it cheap. The + sisters are allowed meat four days in the week. Asked why they put up + with such an anomaly, the obliging guide said: “Because the sisters + are more delicate than the brothers.” Neither my companion, who is + almost a vegetarian, nor I could see the force or logic of the + reasoning. Certainly, both of us were very much grieved to hear the + news which was a surprise to us, for we expected both the brothers and + the sister to be vegetarians. + They take no intoxicating liquors except under medical advice. + None may keep money for private use. All are equally rich or poor. + + We saw no wardrobes, chests of drawers, or portmanteaus, + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 241 + + although we were allowed to see every inch of the place. They may + not leave the limits of the settlement, except those who are permitted + to do so on business. They may not read newspapers and books that + are not religious. They may not read any religious books but only + those that are allowed. It is this hard austere life that caused our friend + with the pipe in his mouth, whom we first met, to remark in reply to a + question whether he was a Trappist—” No fear, I am anything but a + Trappist.” And yet the good brothers and sisters did not seem to + consider their lives to have fallen on hard places. + + A Protestant clergyman said to his audience that the Roman + Catholics are weakly, sickly and sad. Well, if the Trappists are any + criterion of what a Catholic is, they are, on the contrary, healthy and + cheerful. Wherever we went, a beaming smile and a lowly bow greeted + us, whether we saw a brother or a sister. Even while the guide was + descanting on the system he prized so much, he did not at all seem to + consider the self-chosen discipline a hard yoke to bear. A better + instance of undying faith and perfect, implicit obedience could not + well be found anywhere else. + If their repast is the simplest possible, their dining tables and + bedrooms are no less so. + The former are made on the settlement, of wood, without any + varnish. They use no tablecloths. The knives and spoons are the + cheapest to be had in Durban. Instead of glass-ware they use + enamelled things. + + For bedrooms they have a large hall (but none too large for the + inmates) which contains about 80 beds. Every available space is + utilized for the beds. + In the Native quarters they seem to have overdone it in point of + beds. As soon as we entered the sleeping hall for Natives, we noticed + the closeness and the stuffy air. The beds are all joined together, sepa- + rated by only single boards. There was hardly space enough to walk. + + They believe in no colour distinctions. The Natives are accorded + the same treatment as the whites. They are mostly children. They get + the same food as the brothers, and are dressed as well as they + themselves are. While it is generally said, not without some truth, that + the Christian Kaffir is a failure, everyone, even the wildest sceptic, + admit that the mission of the Trappists has proved the most successful + in point of turning out really good, Christian Natives. While the + mission schools of other denominations very often enable the Natives + + 942 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + to contract all the terrible vices of the Western civilization, and very + rarely produce any moral effect on them, the Natives of the Trappist + mission are patterns of simplicity, virtue and gentleness. It was a treat + to see them saluting passers-by in a humble yet dignified manner. + There are about 1,200 Natives on the mission, including + children and adults. They have all exchanged a life of sloth, indolence + and superstition, for one of industry, usefulness and devotion to one + Supreme God. + On the settlement there are various workshops—blacksmiths’, + tinsmithOs’, carpenters’, shoemakers’, tanners’, etc., where the Natives + are taught all these useful industries, in addition to the English and the + Zulu languages. Here it may be remarked that it speaks volumes for + the highmindedness of the noble settlers that, although almost all of + them are Germans, they never attempt to teach the Natives German; all + these Natives work side by side with the whites. + At the sisters’ cloisters, they have the ironing, sewing, strawhat + manufacturing and knitting departments, where one can see the Native + girls, dressed in clean costumes, working assiduously. + About two miles from the Abbey is situated the printing + department, and the flour mill worked by a waterfall. It is a huge pile + of building. There is also an oil machine, which is worked for pressing + the oil from monkey nuts. It is needless to mention that the above + mentioned workshops supply the settlers with most of their + requirements. + They grow many kinds of tropical fruits on the farm and the + settlement is almost self-supporting. + They love and respect, and are in turn loved and respected by, + the Natives living in their neighbourhood who, as a rule, supply them + with the converts. + The most prominent feature of the settlement is that you see + religion everywhere. Every room has a Cross and, on the entrance, a + small receptacle for holy water which every inmate reverently applies + to his eyelids, the forehead and the chest. Even the quick walk to the + flour mill is not without some reminder of the Cross. It is a lovely + footpath. On one side, you have a magnificent valley through which + runs a small rivulet which murmurs the sweetest music, and on the + other, littke rocks whereon are carved the various inscriptions + reminding you of the scenes of the Calvary. The valley is wholly + covered with a green carpet of vegetation, studded with beautiful trees + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 243 + + here and there. A lovelier walk, or a lovelier scenery, could not be well + imagined. The inscriptions carved in such a place cannot fail to + produce a grand effect upon the mind. They are carved at such + regular intervals that no sooner has one completed one’s thoughts on + one inscription than another meets one’s gaze. + The walk thus forms a continuous exercise for calm + contemplation, unmarred by any other thoughts, or outside noise and + bustle. Some of the inscriptions are: “Jesus falls a first time”; “Jesus + falls a second time”; “Simon carries the Cross”; “Jesus is nailed to + the Cross”; “Jesus is laid in his mother’s lap”, etc., etc.. + Of course, the Natives, too, are chiefly vegetarians. Although + they are not prohibited from taking flesh or meat, they are not + supplied with any on the settlement. + There are about twelve such settlements in South Africa, most of + which are in Natal. There are in all about 300 monks and about 120 + nuns. + + Such are our vegetarians in Natal. Though they do not make of + vegetarianism a creed, though they base it simply on the ground that a + vegetarian diet helps them to crucify the flesh better, and though, + perhaps, they are not even aware of the existence of the vegetarian + societies, and would not even care to read any vegetarian literature, + where is the vegetarian who would not be proud of this noble band, + even a casul intercourse with whom fills one with a spirit of love, + charity and self-sacrifice, and who are a living testimony to the + triumph of vegetarianism from a spiritual point of view? I know from + personal experience that a visit to the farm is worth a voyage from + London to Natal. It cannot but produce a lasting holy impression on + the mind. No matter whether one is a Protestant, a Christian or a + Buddhist or what not, one cannot help exclaiming, after a visit to the + farm: “If this is Roman Catholicism, everything said against it is a + lie.” It proves conclusively, to my mind, that a religion appears + divine or devilish, according as its professors choose to make it + appear. + + The Vegetarian, 18-5-1895 + + 944 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 67. EXTRACTS FROM LETTER TO + “THE NATAL ADVERTISER” + + [Before May 22, 1895] + + The report states that the Indians were observed “with portions + of sleepers on their heads”.’ The evidence was that. . . seven charged + had on their heads portions of sleepers together with. . .. Although the + sleepers were called for they were never produced. The report says, + “On attempting to arrest them 71 of their number turned round with + sticks, tins, pieces of iron and cooking utensils and plied them freely + on the police making them fly for safety. P. C. Madden arrived on the + scene with further assistance.” The evidence went to show that the + seven charged turned round with sticks, and two of them incited to + oppose. There was only one policeman at first and that was the Native + constable. Then P. C. Madden alone, not with any assistance, came on + the scene. While the Native constable is alleged to have been resisted, + P. C. Madden distinctly said he was not resisted at all. The report goes + on: “The rest followed by a body. . . saying they would not leave + until their colleagues were discharged.” The uncontradicted evidence + of Mr. Mason, who knew what he was talking about, went to show that + “the rest” were under arrest and were, Mr. Mason was informed by + Mr. Madden, going to be charged by the Railway Department with + desertion. They have gone now for the second time to Mr. Mason to + complain that they were starving. The report says, “Three or four + constables appeared in the court with their faces bruised and _ their + clothes torn.” The facts are that there was only the Native constable + who said he was beaten with sticks. When asked if he could show any + marks, he said it was”somewhere” on his head that no one could see. + He had no bruises. His clothes were neither torn, nor did he complain + that they were. So far as my memory can be trusted, I believe there + was not a single word about “utensils and irons”. And if all had + bundles of sticks on their heads it is not easy to understand how they + + ' Referring to a report in The Natal Advertiser, 20-5-1895, Gandhiji wrote “a + long letter”, pointing out its inaccuracies. The original not being available, the + extracts as published in the Advertiser, 22-5-1895, are reproduced here. + > According to the report a large number of Indians, leaving the railway yard, + were noticed in possession of portions of sleepers. Earlier the railway authorities had + ordered that coal instead of firewood be supplied to them which they resented. + * Some words here are undecipherable. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 245 + + could carry utensils, etc. P. C. Madden was the only other constable + who gave evidence. But he was not interfered with and he could give + no evidence of his own knowledge as to the Native constable having + been beaten... .' + + This is not the first occasion on which I have found the facts + in your reports mis-stated or exaggerated, and I am sorry to say + whenever this has happened, they have been mis-stated and + exaggerated much to the disadvantage of the Indian community.’ + + The Natal Advertiser, 22-5-1895 + + 68. PETITION TO NATAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’ + + DURBAN, + [Before June 26, 1895] + + TO + THE HONOURABLE THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF + THE HONOURABLE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL + THE PETITION OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIANS, RESIDING AS + TRADERS IN THE COLONY OF NATAL + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT: + + Your Petitioners, as representing the Indian community in the + Colony, venture hereby to petition Your Honourable Council with + regard to the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill’, so far as it + affects the present term of indenture, and proposes a yearly licence of + £3 to be taken out by every immigrant wishing to stop in the Colony + as a free Indian, after finishing his term of indenture. + + Your Petitioners respectfully submit that both the clauses + + ' The report here says that “some further evidence” recapitulated by Gandhiji + has been omitted. + * The report concludes : Mr. Gandhi implies that any alleged “mis-statements” + or “exaggerations” have been knowingly made with a view to prejudicing the Indian + community in the eyes of our readers. Such however is not the case. If they have + occurred it has been quite unwittingly. In reporting court cases the evidence has + almost always to be condensed, and the summary may not satisfy certain of the + interested parties. The reports, however, whether accurate or inaccurate are written + without the slightest desire or intention to prejudicially affect one side or the other. + * The Petition was published in The Natal Mercury, 26-6-1895. + * The Bill which was introduced in the Natal Council on June 25 had its second + reading the next day and was passed. + + 246 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + above referred to are entirely unjust and uncalled for. + + Your Petitioners humbly draw the attention of this Honourable + House to the following from the report of the delegates, Messrs Binns’ + and Mason, who were commissioned to go to India in connection with + this matter: + So far no second term of indenture has been agreed to in the case + of any country to which Coolies emigrated, although the consent of the + Government of India had frequently been asked for; and in no instance had + the condition of compulsory return at the end of the indentures been + sanctioned. + Thus the clauses in the Bill are a total departure, your + Petitioners submit, for the worse, from the practice prevalent + throughout the British Colonies. + Assuming that the average age of an indentured Indian at the + time of his entering into the contract of indenture is 25, under the + clause which expects the Indian to work for 10 years, the best part of + the life of the indentured Indian would be simply spent away in a state + of bondage. + For an Indian to return to India after continuous 10 years’ + stay in the Colony would be pure fatuity. All the old cords and ties + will have been broken up. Such an Indian will be comparatively a + stranger in his motherland. To find work in India would be almost + impossible. The market is already overcrowded, and he will not have + amassed sufficient fortune to enable him to live on the interest on his + capital. + The total of the wages for 10 years would amount to £87. If + the indentured Indian saves £50, allowing only £37 for clothing and + other expenses during the whole 10 years, that capital will not give + him interest sufficient to keep body and soul together, even in a poor + country like India. Such an Indian, therefore, even if he ventured to + return to India, would be compelled to return under indenture, and + thus his whole life would be spent in bondage. Moreover, during the + 10 years the indentured Indian would be entirely neglecting his + family, should he have any. And a family man will not be able to save + even £50. Your Petitioners know several instances of indentured + Indians with families having saved nothing. + + As to the 2nd Clause, about the £3 licence, your Petitioners + + ' Sir Henry Binns (1837-99); Premier of Natal 1897 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 247 + + submit that it is calculated to create wide discontent and oppression. + Why one class of Her Majesty’s subjects, and this the most useful to + the Colony, should be singled out for such taxation, it is, in the + humble opinion of your Petitioners, difficult to understand. + Your Petitioners most respectfully venture to submit that it is not + in accordance with the principles of simple justice and equity to make + a man pay heavily for being allowed to remain free in the Colony + after he has already lived under bondage for 10 years. + The fact that the clauses will apply only to those Indians who + would come to the Colony after the Bill has become law, and that they + would know the terms under which they may come, does not free the + clauses from the objections sought to be raised against them. For both + the contracting parties, your Petitioners submit, will not have the same + freedom of action. An Indian hard-pressed by pangs of poverty and + finding it impossible to support his family can scarcely be called a + free agent when he signs the contract of indenture. Men have been + known to consent to do far worse things in order to be free from + immediately pressing difficulties. Your Petitioners, therefore, humbly + hope and pray that the clauses above referred to will not meet with the + approval of this Honourable House, and for this act of justice and + mercy, your Petitioners shall for ever pray, etc., etc. + ABDULLA HAJI ADAM + AND SEVERAL OTHER INDIANS + + From a photostat of a printed copy : S.N. 435 + + 69. LETTER TO PHEROZESHAH MEHTA + + CENTRAL WEST STREET, + DURBAN, + August 9, 1895 + THE HON’BLE PHEROZESHAH MEHTA + M.R.C. & C. & C. + BOMBAY + SIR, + + By direction of the Indian community I beg to send by + registered book [-post] four copies of the petitions to Home + Government' and the Indian Government’ regarding the Immigration + + 'Vide “Memorial to J. Chamberlan, 11-8-1895 + °Vide “Memorial to Lord Elgin”, 11-8-1895 + + 248 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Law Amendment Bill passed by the Natal Parliament. I have to request + you to extend your active sympathy to the Indians in South Africa. + + Iam, + Yours faithfully, + M. K. GANDHI + + From the original: Pherozeshah Mehta Papers. Courtesy: Nehru Memorial + Museum and Library + + 70. MEMORIAL TO J. CHAMBERLAIN + + [DURBAN, + August 11, 1895] + TO + THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, + HER MAJESTY’S PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE + FOR THE COLONIES, LONDON + THE MEMORIAL OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIANS + RESIDING IN THE COLONY OF NATAL + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT: + + Your Memorialists, representing the Indian community in the + Colony of Natal, respectfully venture to approach you with respect + tothe Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill recently passed by the + Hon. Legislative Assembly, and the Hon. Legislative Council of Natal, + in so far as it affects the existing conditions of indenture and requires + a special licence, costing £3 every year, to be taken out by the + indentured Indians coming under that Law and wishing to remain in + the Colony as free Indians. + 2. Your Memorialists, with a view to have the Clauses dealing + with the above matter left out, presented respectful memorials' to both + the Honourable Houses, but, your Memorialists regret to mention, + without avail. The copies of the memorials are annexed hereto, and + marked A and B respectively. + 3. The Clauses that deal with the matter are as follows: + + Clause 2. From and after the date when this Act shall take effect the + indentures to be signed by Indian immigrants as provided by Schedules B and + + 'Vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Assembly”, before 5-5-1895, and the + preceding item. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 249 + + C of the Indian Immigration Law, 1891, referred to in Section 11 of the said + Law, shall contain a Covenant by the Indian immigrants, in words as follows: + And we further agree that after the expiration or other determination we + shall either return to India or remain in Natal under indentures to be from time + to time entered into; provided that each term of new indentured service shall be + for two years, and provided further, that the rate of wages for each year of + indentured service after that provided by this Contract shall be 16/- per month + for the first year, 17/- per month for the second year, 18/- per month forthe + third year, 19/- per month for the fourth year, and 20/- per month for the fifth + and each succeeding year. + Clause 6 runs as follows: + + Every indentured Indian who shall have entered into the + Covenant set out in Section 2 of this Act, and who shall fail, neglect, or + refuse to return to India, or become re-indentured in Natal, shall take + out year by year, a pass or licence to remain in the Colony to be + issued by the Magistrate of his district, and shall pay for such pass or + licence a yearly sum of £3 sterling, which may be recovered by + summary process by any Clerk of the Peace or other officer + appointed to get in such licence money. + + The Schedule B referred to in Clause 2, quoted above, so far as + it relates to the period of service is as follows: + We, the undersigned, emigrants from... . to Natal, hereby engage + to serve the employer to whom we may respectively be allotted by the + Protector of Indian Immigrants to Natal; provided that we shall receive + monthly in money the wages stated hereunder opposite our respective + names, and the allowances following. + 4. From the above it will be seen, that if the Bill under discussion + became law, an indentured Indian, in case he desires to settle in the + Colony after the first five years of his indentured service, should either + have to remain under perpetual indenture, or pay a yearly tax of £3; + your Memorialists have used the word tax advisedly, because that was + the word used in the original Bill before it passed the Committee + stage. Your Memorialists submit that the mere change of name from + tax to licence does not make it the less offensive but shows the + knowledge on the part of the framers that a special poll-tax, on a + special class of people in the Colony, is entirely repugnant to the + British notions of justice. + + 5. Now, your Memorialists humbly, but emphatically, submit, + that to raise the term of indenture from five years to a practically + indefinite period is extremely unjust, especially because such a + + 250 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + measure is absolutely uncalled for so far as the industries protected, or + affected by, the indentured Indians are concerned. + 6. The clauses owe their origin to the Commission that was sent + out to India in the year 1894 by the Natal Government, and the report + made by the Delegates, Messrs Binns and Mason, who formed the + Commission. The reasons given in that report for such legislation are + given at pp. 20 and 21 of the Annual Report of the Protector of + Immigrants for 1894. Your Memorialists venture to quote the + following from the report of the Delegates: + In a country where the Native population is in number so far in excess + of the European, the unlimited settlement of Indians is not considered + desirable, and there is a general wish that when they have completed their last + period of indenture they should return to India. There are already about 25,000 + free Indians settled in the Colony, many of whom have allowed their right to a + return passage to lapse; this is exclusive of a very considerable Banya trading + population! + 7. Thus the reasons for the special arrangement are political + merely. Properly speaking, there is no question of overcrowding at all. + There can be none in a newly opened-up country where there are yet + vast tracts of land entirely uninhabited and uncultivated. + + 8. Again, in the same report, the Delegates state as follows: + + There is a strong feeling amongst the merchants and shopkeepers + with regard to the Arabs, who are all traders and not workers; but as they are + mostly British subjects and do not go to the Colony under any form of + agreement, it is recognized that they cannot be interfered with. + +ok ok ok + + The Coolie does not come into competition to any considerable + extent with the European. Field work for Europeans is impossible on the + coast, where all the plantations are situated, and the number of servants other + than Coolies and Natives has always been very small. + +ok ok ok + + Althouth we are decidedly of opinion that up to the present the + working Indians who have settled down (the italics are your Memorialists’) + have been of great benefit to the Colony, we cannot avoid, having regard to + the future, and, in the face of the great Native problem yet to be solved in + + South Africa, sharing in the concern which is now felt. If a large proportion of + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 251 + + the Coolies had taken advantage of the return passage provided for them, there + would have been less cause for alarm. + 9. Your Memorialists most respectfully submit that the above + extracts, which form part of the reasons given for measures restrictive + of the settlement of freed Indians in the Colony, go to prove the exact + opposite; for if the Indian traders, to which class most of your + Memorialists belong, who “do not go to the Colony under any form + of agreement”, could not be interfered with, much less the indentured + Indians, who are also equally British subjects and who are, so to speak, + invited to go to the Colony, and whose settlement (in the Delegates’ + own words) “has been of great benefit to the Colony”, and who have + therefore a special claim on the goodwill and attention of the + Colonists. + 10. And, if the 'Coolie' “does not come into competition to any + considerable extent with the Europeans”, where is the justification, + your Memorialists humbly ask, for adopting measures that would + make it difficult for the indentured Indians to earn honest bread in + peace and freedom? It does not certainly lie in any qualities special to + the indentured Indians which render them dangerous members of + society. The peace-loving disposition and the mildness of the Indian + nation are proverbial. Their obedience to authorities over them is no + less prominent a trait of their character, and it would not lie in the + mouth of the Delegates to say otherwise; for the Protector, who was + one of the Delegates, in his report, at p. 15 of the same book, says: + + Many persons, I am aware, condemn the Indians as a race, yet these + persons cannot fail, if they look around them, to see hundreds of these Indians + honestly and peaceably pursuing their several useful and desirable + + occupations. + +ok ok ok + + I am pleased to be able to state that the Indians generally resident in + the Colony continue to form a prosperous, enterprising and law-abiding + section of the community. + + 11. The Hon. the Attorney-General, in moving the second + reading of the Bill, is reported to have said that: + + There was no intention to interfere with the introduction of labour to + + the injury of any industry, but these Indians were brought here for the purpose + + 252 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + of supplying labour for the development of local industries, and were not + intended to form portion of the South African nation which was being built up + in the various States. + 12. With the greatest deference to the learned Attorney-General, + your Memorialists humbly submit that the above remarks condemn + entirely the clauses under discussion, and venture to believe that Her + Majesty's Government will not endorse such remarks by sanctioning + the Bill. + 13.Your Memorialists venture to think that it is against the spirit + of the British Constitution to countenance measures that tend to keep + men under perpetual bondage. That the Bill, if passed, would do so, it + is submitted, is self-evident. + + 14. The Natal Mercury, the Government organ, of the 11th May, + 1895, thus justifies the measure: + + This much, however, the Government cannot accede to, that men who + contract at fair wages to assist the Colonists, should be allowed to break their + contract, and remain competitors against the Colonists, those whom, and for + no other purpose and no other condition, they came to serve. To do otherwise + would be to destroy all distinction between right and wrong and to give tacit + disavowal of the existence of law and equity. There is no desire for, nor is there + any, harshness of any kind, nor is there anything to which unbiased judgment + can take exception. + 15. Your Memorialists have quoted the above to show what + feeling exists even amongst responsible quarters against the Indians + only because some very few dare to trade in the Colony, after having + served as labourers, not only under and during their term of + indenture, but a long time after the completion of their term. + 16. The statement requiring those who are admittedly + indispensable to the welfare of the Colony to remain either under + perpetual bondage or to “purchase freedom”, as itis put by The + Natal Advertiser, 9-5-95, by paying an annual tax of £3, “is neither + harsh nor inequitable”, will not, your Memorialists feel sure, be + accepted by Her Majesty's Government. + 17. The injustice of the clauses seems to be so evident and + strong, that even The Natal Advertiser, a paper which is by no means + favourable towards the Indian, felt it, and expressed it in the following + terms on the 16th May, 1895: + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 253 + + The penal clause of the Bill originally was to the effect that the + Indians, failing to return to India, should pay “an annual tax to the + Government”. On Tuesday, the Attorney-General moved that this be altered to + read: “should take out a pass or licence to remain in the Colony”, for which £3 + would be payable. This is decidedly an alteration for the better, and effects the + same end under less disagreeable terms. A broad question, however, is raised + by this proposal to establish a special tax on the Coolie settlers. If such a + disability is to be placed on Coolies coming from another part of the Empire, + surely its application should be extended to include members of other non- + European races, who have no connection with the British Empire, such as + Chinese, Arabs, Kaffirs from outside States, and all such visitors. To specially + select the Coolies coming for attention in this way, and to allow all other + aliens to settle with impunity, and without disability, is not an equitable + arrangement. The practice of taxing aliens, if it is to be inaugurated at all, + should surely commence with those races not under the British flag in their + native land, and not with those who, whether we like the fact or not, are the + subjects of the same Sovereign as ourselves. These should be the last, not the + first, to be placed by us under exceptional disabilities. + 18. Your Memorialists submit that the arrangement has not + appealed to any fair-minded men at all. How the Indian Government + could be persuaded by the Natal Delegates to make a promise to + sanction an indefinite extension of the indentures, or compulsory + return, no matter how reluctantly, your Memorialists do not profess to + know. But your Memorialists venture to hope that the case, as put + here, on behalf of the indentured Indians will receive full attention + from both Her Majesty's Government and the Indian Government, and + that any sanction given on the representation of an ex parte + Commission will not be allowed to prejudice the case of the + indentured Indians. + + 19. For the sake of ready reference your Memorialists beg leave + to quote as follows from His Excellency the Viceroy's despatch to His + Excellency the Governor of Natal, dated the 17th September, 1894: + + I should myself have preferred the continuance of the existing system + under which it is open to an immigrant at the termination of his period of + indenture to settle in the Colony on his own account, and I have little + sympathy with the views that would prevent any subjects of the Crown from + settling in any Colony under the British flag. But, in consideration of the + feelings at present manifested in the Colony of Natal towards Indian settlers, I + am prepared to accept the proposals (ato f) set forth by the Delegates in the + memorandum of 20th January, 1894, referred to in the preceding paragraph, + subject to the following provisions, viz.: + + 254 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + (a) That a Coolie when first recruited shall be required by the terms of + his contract to return to India, within or immediately on the expiration of the + period of his indenture, unless he may prefer to re-enter into a further indenture + on the same conditions; + + (b) that such Coolies as may refuse to return should in no case be made + subject to penalties under criminal law, and + + (c) That all renewals shall be for a period of two years, and that a free + passage should be secured to the immigrant at the end of the first term for + which his engagement is made as well as at the end of every subsequent + + renewal. + + The alterations in the existing system which I am prepared to sanction + with the approval of Her Majesty's Government may be summarized as + follows.’ + 20. Your Memorialists notice with a feeling of relief that Her + Majesty's Government have not yet approved of the suggestions of the + Delegates. + + 21. To show yet further how grossly unjust the adoption of the + compulsory return or re-indenture has seemed from the first time that + the idea was started, your Memorialists crave leave to quote from the + report of and evidence taken before the Immigration Commission that + sat in Natal in the year 1885. + + 22. Mr. J. R. Saunders, one of the Commissioners, forcibly puts + his views on the matter in his additional report in the following terms: + + Though the Commission has made no recommendation on the subject + of passing a law to force Indians back to India at the expiration of their term of + service unless they renew their indentures, I wish to express my strong + condemnation of any such idea, and I feel convinced that many who now adv + ocate the plan, when they realize what it means, will reject it as energetically + as I do. Stop Indian immigration and face results, but don't try to do what I can + show is a great wrong. + + What is it but taking the best out of servants (the good as well as the + bad), and then refusing them the enjoyment of the reward! Forcing them back + (if we could, but we cannot) when their best days have been spent for our + benefit. Whereto? Why, back to face a prospect of starvation from which they + sought to escape when they were young. Shylock-like, taking the pound of + flesh, and Shylock-like we may rely on meeting—Shylock's reward. + + ' The original does not furnish the summary. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 255 + + Stop Indian immigration if you will; if there are not enough unoccupied + houses now, empty more by clearing out Arabs and Indians who live in them, + and who add to the productive and consuming power of a less than half-peopled + country. But let us trace results in this one branch of the enquiry, taking it as + an example of others and trace out how untenanted houses depreciate the value + of properties and securities—how, out of this must result stagnation in the + building trade and those other trades and stores for supplies dependent on it— + follow out how this leads to a reduced demand for white mechanics, and with + the reduction in spending power of so many, how fall of revenue is to be + expected next, need of retrenchment or taxation, or both. Let this result and + others, far too numerous to be calculated in detail, be faced, and if blind race + sentimentalism or jealousy is to prevail, so be it. The Colony can stop Indian + immigration, and that perhaps far more easily and permanently than some + ‘popularity seekers’ would desire. But force men off at the end of their service, + this the Colony cannot do. And I urge on it not to discredit a fair name by + trying. + 23. The late member of the late Legislative Council and the + present Attorney-General (the Hon. Mr. Escombe), giving his + evidence before the Commission, said (p. 177): + + With reference to time-expired Indians, I do not think that it ought to be + compulsory on any man to go to any part of the world save for a crime for + which he is transported; I hear a great deal of this question; I have been asked + again and again to take a different view, but I have not been able to do it. A + man is brought here, in theory with his own consent, in practice very often + without his consent, (the italics are your Memorialists’) he gives the best five + years of his life, he forms new ties, forgets the old ones, perhaps establishes a + home here, and he cannot, according to my view of right and wrong, be sent + back. Better by far to stop the further introduction of Indians altogether than + to take what work you can out of them and order them away. The Colony, or + part of the Colony, seems to want Indians but also wishes to avoid the + consequences of Indian immigration. The Indian people do no harm as far as I + know; in certain respects they do a great deal of good. I have never heard a + reason to justify the extradition of a man who has behaved well for five years. + I do not think that the Indian, at the expiration of his five years’ service, + should be placed under police supervision unless he is a criminal. I know not + why Arabs should be placed under police supervision more than Europeans. In + cases of some Arabs the thing is simply ridiculous. They are men of large + means, large connections, who are always used in trade if they can be dealt + with more profitably than others. + + 24. Your Memorialists, while drawing your attention to the + above, cannot help expressing their regret that the gentleman who + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 256 + + expressed the above views ten years ago should now be the member to + introduce the Bill under discussion. + + 25. Mr. H. Binns, who went with Mr. Mason as a delegate to + induce the Indian Government to sanction the compulsory return or + re-indenture, expressed the following opinion in giving his evidence + before the Commission : + + I think the idea which has been mooted, that all Indians should be + compelled to return to India at the end of their term of indenture, is most unfair + to the Indian population, and would never be sanctioned by the Indian + Government. In my opinion the free Indian population is a most useful section + of the community. A large proportion of them, considerably large than is + generally supposed, are in service in the Colony, particularly employed as + house servants in the towns and village. Before there was a free Indian + population the towns of Pietermaritzburg and Durban had no supply of fruit, + vegetables and fish. At present all these things are fully supplied. We have + never had any immigrants from Europe who have shown any inclination to + become market gardeners and fishermen, and I am of opinion that but for the + free Indian population, the markets of Pietermaritzburg and Durban would be as + badly supplied now as they were ten years ago (pp. 155-6). + 26. The present Chief Justice and the then Attorney-General + expressed the following opinion: + I object to any alternation in the terms of the laws under which Indians + are introduced into the Colony. In my opinion the numbers of the Indians who + have been introduced have in a great measure provided on the coast for the + failure of white immigrants, and have cultivated lands, which would otherwise + remain uncultivated with the crops which are of real advantage to the + inhabitants of the Colony. Many who have not availed themselves of the + return passage to India have turned out to be trusty and useful domestic + servants (p. 327). + 27. It is yet possible to take out extracts from the same + voluminous report and evidence to show what the most distinguished + men in the Colony have thought about the arrangement. + + 28. Your Memorialists further beg to draw your attention to the + following from Messrs Binns and Mason’s Report: + So far, no second term of indenture has been agreed to in the case of any + country to which Coolies emigrated, although the consent of the Government + of India has been frequently asked for, and in no case has the condition of + compulsory return at the end of the indenture been sanctioned. + 29. It has been said in the Colony, in defence of the measure, + that there can be no injustice, where two parties voluntarily agree to do + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 257 + + a certain thing, and that the Indians before coming to Natal will know + under what conditions they will go to Natal. This point has been dealt + with in the petitions to the Hon. the Legislative Assembly, and the + Hon. the Legislative Council, and your Memorialists venture to repeat + that, when the contracting parties are not situated equally, the + proposition is entirely inapplicable. An Indian who, in order “to + escape from starvation”, as Mr. Saunders has put it, seeks indenture + can hardly be called a free agent. + + 30. So recently as 1894, the evidence as to the indispensableness + of the Indian has been dwelt upon in the Protector’s Report referred + to above. At p. 15 he says: + If it were possible even for a short space of time to withdraw the whole of + the Indian population from this Colony, I am convinced that, with but very + few exceptions, every industry in existence at the present time would collapse, + solely for the want of reliable labour. There is no getting over the fact that the + Native as a rule will not work, hence it is generally admitted throughout the + Colony that without the Indian as a labourer, no industry, agricultural or + otherwise, of any importance could possibly be carried on successfully, and + not only this but almost every householder in Natal would be without domestic + servants. + 31. If almost the whole current of what may be called expert + opinion, from beginning up to date, goes to show the usefulness of the + Indians, then, your Memorialists submit, it is not too much to say that + to keep such people under perpetual bondage, or to make them pay a + yearly tax of £3 whether they can afford it or not, is, to say the very + least, absolutely one-sided and selfish. + 32. Your Memorialists beg respectfully to draw your attention to + the fact that, were the Bill to become law, the very object of + immigration will be frustrated in all its aspects. If it is to enable the + Indians to improve their material condition ultimately, the object + certainly will not be fulfilled by compelling them to remain under + perpetual indenture. If it be to relieve the overcrowded parts of India, + that object also will be frustrated. For, the object of the Bill is not to + allow the number of Indians in the Colony to increase. The desire is to + replace those who can no longer bear the yoke of indenture by fresh + importation, and to force the former back to India. Thus your + Memorialists humbly submit that the last state will be worse than the + first. For, while the number of Indians in the overcrowded districts, so + far as Natal as an outlet is concerned, will remain the same, those who + would return against their will cannot but be a source of additional + + 258 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + anxiety and trouble, because they, being without any prospect of work + or any capital to maintain them, may have to be maintained at the + public expense. It may be said in reply to this objection that it presup- + poses a state of things which will never happen, that is to say, the + Indians will gladly pay the annual tax. Your Memorialists, however, + beg leave to point out that such an argument, if advanced, would + really go to prove that the clauses about re-indenture and tax are + absolutely useless, in so far as they will not produce the desired effect. + It has never been contended that the object is to raise any revenue. + + 33. Your Memorialists, therefore, submit that, if the Colony + cannot put up with the Indians, the only course, in your Memorialists’ + humble opinion, is to stop all future immigration to Natal, at any rate + for the time being. Your Memorialists beg respectfully, but + emphatically, to protest against an arrangement that gives all the + benefit to one party only, and that, indeed, the least in need of it. Such + stopping of immigration will not, your Memorialists submit, materially + effect the congested parts of India. + 34. Your Memorialists have so far discussed both the indenture + and the licence clauses together. As to the latter, your Memorialists + beg to draw your attention to the fact that even in the Transvaal—a + foreign State—the Government have not ventured to levy an annual + tax on the Indians who go there of their own accord and on their own + means. There is only a licence of £3 10s to be taken out once for all. + And this too has, your Memorialists understand, among other things, + formed the subject of a memorial' to Her Majesty’s Government. + Moreover, the licence in this case is an annual tax in its most + obnoxious form. This tax has to be paid whether the unfortunate + victim has the means or not. When a member, during the discussion, + asked how the tax will be collected if any Indian objected to or did + not pay it, the Hon. Attorney-General remarked that there would + always be found sufficient in the defaulting Indian’s house to attach + under a summary process! + Lastly, your Memorialists submit that the introduction of the + licence clause goes beyond the limits laid down by the Viceroy’s + Despatch referred to above. + + In conclusion, your Memorialists most earnestly pray and + confidently hope that Her Majesty’s Government will come to the + conclusion that the clauses discussed herein are manifestly unjust, and + + ' The text of this is not available. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 259 + + will, therefore, be pleased to disallow the Indian Immigration + Amendment Bill referred to above, or grant such other relief as may + meet the ends of justice. + + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Memorialists, as in + duty bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc. + + From a photostat of a printed copy: S.N. 433 + + 71, MEMORIAL TO LORD ELGIN + + [DURBAN, + August 11, 1895] + TO FR + His EXCELLENCY THE RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD ELGIN, + VICEROY AND GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA IN COUNCIL, + CALCUTTA + THE MEMORIAL OF THE UNDERSIGNED + INDIANS IN THE COLONY OF NATAL + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT: + + Your Memorialists, who are Her Majesty’s Indian subjects, crave + leave to draw Your Excellency’s attention to the humble Memorial! + addressed to Her Majesty’s Government with regard to certain clauses + of the Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill which was recently + passed by the Hon. the Legislative Assembly and the Hon. the + Legislative Council of Natal, and which is partly based upon Your + Excellency’s Dispatch to His Excellency the Governor of Natal on the + subject thereof, a copy of which is annexed hereto. + Besides drawing Your Excellency’s attention to the above + memorial, your Memorialists beg respectfully to state as follows with + regard to the Bill: + Your Excellency’s Memorialists have noticed with regret that + Your Excellency is disposed to sanction the principle of compulsory + re-indenture, or compulsory return. + Your Memorialists also regret that they did not send a + representation at the time the Delegates set out for India.' It will be + idle to discuss the causes that prevented such a course from being + adopted. Your Memorialists, however, confidently hope that the wrong + + ' Vide the preceding item. + + 260 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + inflicted would be so great, in case the Bill became law, that the above + omission will not come in the way of its being averted. + Your Memorialists, with the greatest deference, venture to point + out that, if the non-compliance with the condition as to compulsory + return could not set the criminal law in motion, the insertion in the + contracts of such a clause is absolutely useless, if not actually harmful, + in as much as it might encourage the contracting party to break his + contract, and the law would connive at such a breach. And since such + extreme precaution pre-supposes the injustice of the contract, your + Memorialists respectfully submit that the reasons adduced for + inducing the sanction are absolutely insufficient, if any reasons could + justify it. + As has been hinted at in the annexure, your Memorialists + implore Your Excellency not to sanction any of the clauses objected + to, but, in accordance with the emphatically expressed opinions of Mr. + J. R. Saunders and the Hon. Mr. Escombe quoted in the annexure’, to + stop immigration to Natal. + Your Memorialists respectfully beg to protest against any + section of Her Majesty’s subjects, be they the poorest, being + practically enslaved or subjected to a special, obnoxious poll-tax, in + order that a body of Colonists, who already have been deriving the + greatest benefits from such subjects, may be able to satisfy their whims + or desire to exact more from the same men without any return + whatsoever. In calling the idea of compulsory re-indenture, or in lieu + thereof, of a poll-tax, a whim, your Memorialists believe they have + used the right expression. For, your Memorialists firmly believe there + would be no cause for alarm even if the Indian population were + trebled in the Colony. + But, your Memorialists humbly submit that, in a matter like the + above, the wish of the Colony cannot guide Your Excellency’s + decision, but that the interests of the Indians affected by the clauses + should also be considered. And your Memorialists have no hesitation + in submitting, with all due respect, that the clauses, if ever sanctioned, + will be a grave injustice and wrong to the most helpless of Her + Majesty’s Indian subjects. + Five years’ indenture, your Memorialists submit, is long enough + to undergo. To raise it to an indefinite period would mean that an + + ' Vide “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, 1 1-8-1895 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 261 + + Indian who cannot pay a poll-tax of £3 or return to India must for + ever remain without freedom, without any prospect of ever bettering + his condition, without ever even thinking of changing his hut, his + meagre allowance and ragged clothes, for a better house, enjoyable + food and respectable clothing. He must not ever think of educating + his children according to his own taste or comforting his wife with any + pleasure of recreation. Your Memorialists submit that a life of + semistarvation in India, but of freedom, and among friends and + relations in the same state would certainly be better and more + desirable than the above. In this case the Indian may expect and get + the chance to better his lot, in that, never. That, your Memorialists + submit and believe, never was the object of encouraging immigration. + In conclusion, therefore, your Memorialists earnestly pray and + confidently hope that, if the Colony does not want the Indian + immigration without the arrangement objected to being sanctioned, + Your Excellency may be graciously pleased to stop future + immigration to Natal, or grant such other relief as may seem just. + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Memorialists, as in + duty bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc.' + + ABDUL KARIM HAJEE ADAM + AND OTHERS + + From a photostat of a printed copy: S.N. 432 + + 72. REPORT OF THE NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS + August, 1895 + ITS FOUNDATION + + During the month of June in the year 1894 the Natal + Government introduced a Bill called the Franchise Law Amendment + Bill in the Legislative Assembly. It was recognized that it threatened + the very existence of the Indians in the Colony. Meetings were held + on the premises of Messrs Dada Abdulla & Co. to consider what steps + should be taken to prevent the Bill from passing. Petitions were sent to + both the Houses, Members of which were interviewed by a + representative who went from Durban to P.M. Burg. The Bill, however, + + ' The appeal was infructuous. The Government of India's feeble protest about + the authority and functions of the Protector of Immigrants as provided for in the new + Immigration Amendment Bill was ignored. The Secretary of State sought the + Viceroy's reconsideration of the Bill in the light of the Natal petitions pending Royal + assent to it. Lord Elgin only reiterated his earlier view. (Vide The Early Phase, pp. + 521-2). The Bill received Royal sanction and became Law on August 18, 1896. + + 262 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + passed both the Houses. The effect of the agitation was that all the + Indians recognized the absolute necessity of establishing a permanent + institution that would cope with the legislative activity, of a retrograde + character, of the first Responsible Government of the Colony with + regard to the Indians, and protect Indian interests. + After a few preliminary meetings had been held on Messrs Dada + Abdulla’s premises, the Natal Indian Congress was formally establi- + shed on the 22nd August amidst great enthusiasm. All the leading + members of the Indian community joined the Congress. Seventy-six + members subscribed on the first evening. The list gradually rose to + 228. Mr. Abdulla Haji Adam was elected president. Other prominent + members were made vice-presidents. Mr. M. K. Gandhi was elected + Hon. Secretary. A small committee, too, was formed. But, as the other + members of the Congress expressed a wish to attend the committee + meetings during the early days of the Congress, the committee was + tacitly abolished and all the members were invited to the meetings. + + The minimum monthly subscription was 5/-. There was no + maximum limit. Two members subscribed £2 each monthly, one + 25/-, ten 20/-, twenty-five 10/-, three 7/6, three 5/3, two 5/1, and one + hundred and eighty-seven subscribed 5/- each, monthly. The + following table shows the various classes of members with the + subscriptions paid by them, the deficiency, etc.' + + Yearly + Class No. £ sd Actual receipts Deficiency + 40/- 2 48- 0-0 £ 48- 0-0 Nil + 25/- 1 15- 0-0 £ 15- 0-0 Nil + 20/- 10 120- 0-0 £93- 0-0 £ 27- 0-0 + 10/- 22 132- 0-0 £ 88- 5-0 £ 43-15-0 + 7/6 3 13-10-0 £ 8-12-6 £ 4-17-6 + 5/3 2 6- 6-0 £ 3- 8-3 £ 2-17-9 + 5/1 2 6- 2-0 £ 5- 6-9 £ 0-15-3 + 5/- 187 559-10-0 £ 273-5-0 £ 286-15-0 + 228 900 - 8-0 £ 535-17-6 £ 366- 0-6 + + ' The table does not tally with the figures given above and the totals also are + not all correct. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 263 + + It will be seen from the above that, out of a possible income of + £900-8-0, the Congress has been so far successful in collecting only + £500-17-6 or nearly 50%. The 5/- subscribers have been the greatest + defaulters. The causes are many. It should be borne in mind that some + joined at a very late stage and, naturally, have not paid for the whole + year. Many have left for India, a few are too poor to pay. The most + potent cause, however, it is regrettable to mention, has been + theunwillingness to pay. It is possible to collect over 30% of the + remainder if some workers came forward and exerted themselves. The + following is a list' of donations, general and special, for the Bennett + case, as also the subscriptions from Newcastle and Charlestown. + The list has been given in full because these names do not + appear on the printed lists. Thus the total receipts are: + + Subscriptions £535-17-6 + Donations £ 80-17-0 + £616-14-6 + + The above is worked on the basis of the printed list. + Now the deposits in the Bank amount to £598-19-11. In order + to arrive at the above sum the cash expenses and the transfers have to + be added. + The case expenses are £7-5-1. The transfers amount to £10-10- + 0, being £8, rent to Mr. Naidoo which was remitted in lieu of + subscriptions, £2, rent not charged by Mr. Abdul Kadir and 10/-, rent + not charged by Mr. Moosa H. Adam in lieu of his subscription. Thus + £598-19-11 + £ 7- 5- 1 + £ 10- 10-0 + £616- 15- 0 + Thus, on comparing the deposits with the printed list, we have a + difference of six pence which represent 6d received but not specified + in the list. This happens because one member once paid 2/6 and + another time 3/-. The 3/- could not be well represented on the list. + The expenses by cheque up to date amount to £151-11-1'/. A + full statement’ is annexed hereto. This leaves a credit balance at the + + ' Not reproduced here + * Not reproduced here + + 264 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Bank of £447-8-9'/. The liabilities are not yet discharged and the + expenses of the Immigration petition and the tickets referred to below. + + The rules as to drawing cheques have been strictly adhered to. + Although the Hon. Secy. has the power to sign cheques, alone, up to + £5, the power has never been availed of. They are signed by him and + Mr. Abdul Karim and, in his absence, by Mr. Dorasamy Pillay and + Mr. P. Dowji and, in his absenceZKathrada, Mr. Randeri, Mr. Hoosen + Cassim, Mr. Peerun Mahomed, Mr. G. H. Miankhan and Mr. Amod + Jeewa have, at one time or another, striven to get in the subscriptions. + All, or most of them, more than once went round for subscriptions. + Mr. Abdul Kadir alone, at his own expense, went to P. M. Burg and + collected nearly £50, but for which most of the sum might have been + lost to the Congress. Mr. Abdul Karim at his expense went up to + Verulam and collected nearly £25. + + There was also a difference among the prominent members as to + signing the cheques. The rule originally was to have them signed by + the Hon. Secy. and countersigned by one of the following: Mr. + Abdulla H. Adam, Mr. Moosa Haji Cassim, Mr. P. Dowji Mahomed, + Mr. Hoosen Cassim, Mr. Abdul Kadir and Mr. Dorasamy Pillay. A + suggestion was made that more should sign. At one time this + difference threatened the very existence of the Congress, but the good + sense of the members and their anxiety to prevent such a catastrophe + ultimately dispelled the cloud. And the change above mentioned was + agreed to unanimously. + + As soon as the Congress was fairly started in Durban, Messrs + Dowd Mahomed, Moosa Haji Adam, Mahomed Cassim Jeeva, Mr. + Parsee Rustomjee, Mr. Peerun Mahomed and the Hon. Secy. went up, + each at his own expense, to canvass for members in P. M. Burg. A + meeting was held there and about 48 subscribed. A second similar + meeting was held at Verulam where about 37 subscribed. Mr. Hoosen + Cassim, Mr. Haji, Mr. Dowd, Mr. Moosa Haji Cassim, Mr. Parsee + Rustomjee, and the Hon. Secy. went up there. Messrs Amod Bhayat, + Haji Mahomed and Camroodeen rendered active help in P. M. Burg + and Messrs Ebrahim Moosaji, Amod, Amod Meter and P. Naidoo, in + Verulam. + Mr. Ameerodeen, although not a member of the Congress, did + much needed work for the Congress. Mr. N. D. Joshi has been good + enough to make a fair copy of the report in Gujarati. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 265 + + Mr. Somasundram, in the earlier part of the Congress year, + helped it by interpreting at the meetings and distributing circulars. + Work has also been done in Newcastle and Charlestown. Members + have subscribed for the second year. + + Mr. Mahomed Sidat and Mr. Suliman Ebrahim and Mr. + Mahomed Meer worked indefatigably in Newcastle. They and Mr. + Dowd Amla went also to Charlestown at their expense. The + Charlestown people responded splendidly. Within an hour all the + available men subscribed. Mr. Dindar, Mr. Goolam Russul and Mr. + Vanda rendered much help. Nearly 1,000 letters have been written to + the friends of the Indians in England and India in connection with the + Franchise petition, Transvaal petition and the Immigration petition to + the Home Government. + The Immigration law, which contemplates imposition of a £3 tax + in lieu of indenture, has been strenuously opposed. Petitions were + presented to both the Houses. + + The Transvaal petition, though not sent directly under the + auspices of the Congress, cannot but be referred to in a review of the + Congress work. + + According to the spirit or the object of the Congress, an open + letter was written to members of both the Houses and widely circulated + in the Colony and South Africa. It was widely noticed by the papers + and gave rise to much sympathetic private correspondence. Letters, + too, occasionally appeared in the newspapers on the position of the + Indians in Natal. A correspondence was carried on by the late + President with the Government in connection with the separate + entrances for the Europeans and Natives and Asiatics at the Post + Office. + + The result has not been altogether unsatisfactory. Separate + entrances will now be provided for the three communities. Work has + also been done among the indentured Indians. Balasundram, who was + badly treated by his master, was transferred to Mr. Askew. + + The Congress interfered on behalf of the indentured Indians in + the Railway department, in connection with the Mohurrum festivals as + well as supply of wood instead of coal. Much sympathy was shown by + the Magistrate presiding. + The Tuohy case is also worthy of mention. Judgment was + recorded for Ismail Amod whose hat was taken off forcibly in a + public place and who was otherwise ill-treated. + + 266 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + The famous Bennett case cost the Congress a great deal, but it is + believed that the money has not been thrown away. That we should + not get judgment against the Magistrate was a foregone conclusion. + We went to court in spite of Mr. Morecom’s opinion to the contrary. + It has, however, made the position much clearer and we know exactly + what we should do should a similar case occur in future. While the + Indian cause has not received much active support from the + Europeans in the Colony, much sympathy has been evoked both in + India and England. The London Times and The Times of India have + actively supported the Indians in South Africa. The British Committee + of the National Congress has been very vigilant. Letters of sympathy + have been received from Sir W. W. Hunter, Mr. A. Webb’, the Hon. + Pherozeshah Mehta, the Hon. Fazalbhai Visram and others. Other + Indian and English papers have also viewed our complaints + favourably. + Mr. Askew was the only European who attended the Congress + meetings. The Congress has not yet made itself officially known to the + public because it was thought advisable not to do so unless it was + assured of a permanent existence. It has worked very quietly. + This review of the work of the Congress may close fittingly with + a mention of the address that was presented to Mr. Abdulla Haji + Adam, the late President, on his departure for India. + + GIFTS TO THE CONGRESS + + These have been quite varied and numerous. Mr. Parsee + Rustomjee stands foremost in this respect. He has supplied it with + three lamps, tablecloth, a clock, a door-blind, inkstands, pens, blotting- + paper, flower-pot and also oil throughout the year. He has sent his + men to sweep and light the hall on every meeting day with + extraordinary punctuality. He has also supplied the Congress with + 4,000 circulars. Mr. Abdul Kadir had the list of members printed. + Mr. C. M. Jeewa had 2,000 circulars printed gratis, paper for + which was supplied partly by Mr. Haji Mahomed and partly by + Mr. Hoosen Cassim. + Mr. Abdulla Haji Adam has made a gift of a carpet. Mr. + Manekji provided a table. + + ' Alfred Webb: Member of Parliament. Contributed frequently to India and + other periodicals on South African Indian topics; was President of the Congress at its + Madras session (1894) and a member of the British Committee. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 267 + + Mr. Pragji Bhimbhai gave 1,000 envelopes. + The Hon. Secretary got the rules printed in India in Gujarati and + English and supplied stamps, papers, etc., for the normal fortnightly + circulars. + Mr. Lawrence, a non-member, has been doing the work of + distributing circulars with quiet zeal. + + MISCELLANEOUS + + The attendance has been very poor and painfully unpunctual. + The Tamil members have not shown much zeal in the Congress work. + They might, at any rate, have made up for the laxity in paying by + attending punctually and regularly. In order to facilitate canvassing + for small donations, tickets for one shilling, two shillings and two + shillings and six pence, initialled by Mr. A. H. Adam, Mr. Abdul + Kadir, Mr. D. Pillay and the Hon. Secy., have been issued, but no + forecast can yet be made as to the results of the plan. + + A resolution has also been passed to the effect that medals + should be awarded to active workers in order to encourage them. + They have not yet been prepared. + + DEATH AND DEPARTURE + + It has to be noted with regret that Mr. Dinsha died a few months + ago. + About 10 members have left for India, among whom may be + mentioned, besides the late president, Mr. Haji Mahomed, Mr. Haji + Suliman, Mr. Haji Dada, Mr. Manekji. Mr. Muthukrishna and Mr. + Ranjitsingh have resigned. + About 20 members never paid any subscription at all, who also + may be considered as having never joined the Congress. + SUGGESTIONS + The most important suggestion that has to be made is that, + whatever the subscription, it must be made payable for the whole year + in advance. + FURTHER REMARKS + It should be noted that some expenses though voted by the + Congress have not been incurred. Economy has been strictly + observed. At least £2,000 are needed to put the Congress on a sure + foundation. + + From a copy + + 268 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 73. LETTER TO “THE NATAL MERCURY” + + DURBAN, + September 2, 1895 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Mercury + SIR, + + I would take the liberty to make a few remarks on your leader + letters on the recent cables about the Indians in South Africa. It is not + for the first time that you have said that the people in South Africa + object to give the Indians equal political rights because they do not + enjoy them in India, and that you would not object to give them the + same rights as they enjoy in India. As I have said elsewhere, I repeat + here that, in theory at any rate, the Indians do enjoy equal political + rights with the Europeans in India. The Charter of 1833 and the + Proclamation of 1858 guarantee the Indians the same rights and + privileges as are enjoyed by Her Majesty’s other subjects. And the + Indians in this Colony, as well as in other parts of South Africa, would + be quite satisfied if they could only enjoy the same rights that they + would enjoy under similar circumstances. + In India, whenever the Europeans are allowed to vote, the + Indians are not excluded. If the former have votes at the municipal + elections, so have the latter. If the former can elect or become elected + members of the Legislative Council, so can the latter. If the former + can walk about freely after 9 p.m., so can the latter. The latter cannot + possess themselves with arms as freely as the former. The Indians in + South Africa also have no very great anxiety to arm themselves. There + is no poll-tax in India. Will you be good enough to protest against the + recent Immigration Act and earn the gratitude of the helpless + indentured Indians? It is the same recognized principle of political + equality that enabled Mr. Naoroji to enter the House of Commons. If + you object to the Indian having the same rights because “British + energy and money” have built up this Colony, you should clearly + object to the Germans and the French also. On the same principle, the + descendants of the pioneers who shed their blood may well object to + even those coming from England and pushing them out. Is this not a + narrow and selfish view of the matter? At times I read in your leaders + expressions of very lofty and humanitarian sentiments. Unfortunately + for the poor Indian, these sentiments are set aside when you deal with + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 269 + + the Indian question. And yet, whether you like it or not, he is your + fellow-subject. England does not want to let go her hold of India, and + at the same time she does not want to rule her with an iron rod. Her + statesmen say that they want so much to endear the English rule to the + Indians that they would not have any other. Would not views such as + those expressed by you retard the fulfilment of those wishes? + I know very few Indians who, though they may be earning + £1,000, live as if they were earning only £50. The fact is that, perhaps, + there is no Indian in the Colony who alone earns £1,000 per year. + There are some whose trade would lead others to believe that they + must be “making a pile”. The trade of some of them is certainly very + large; not so the profit, because it is shared by many. The Indian loves + trade, and so long as he can earn a decent living, he does not mind + sharing his profit largely with others. He does not insist upon the + lion’s share. Just like the European, the Indian also loves spending his + money, only not so recklessly. Every merchant who has amassed a + fortune in Bombay has built for himself palatial buildings. The only + palatial building in Mombassa has been built by an Indian. Indian + merchants have earned much in Zanzibar, and consequently have built + palaces, and, in some instances, pleasure houses also. If no Indian has + done so in Durban of South Africa it is because he has not earned + sufficient to enable him so to do. Sir, if you will only study the + question a little more closely (pardon me for so saying), you will find + that the Indians spend in this Colony quite as much as they can + without coming to grief. To say that those earning well sleep on the + floors of their shops is, I venture to say, rather incorrect. If you would + undeceive yourself, and if you will leave your editorial chair for a few + hours, I would escort you to some Indian stores. Then, perhaps, you + would think much less harshly of them than now. + I humbly believe that the Indian question, at any rate for the + British Colonies, has a local as well as Imperial significance, and I + submit that to lose temper over it, or to shut one’s eyes to actual facts, + in order to form preconceived ideas, is not exactly the way to solve it + satisfactorily. It behoves responsible persons in the Colony not to + widen the gulf between the two communities, but, if possible, to bridge + it. Having invited the Indians to the Colony, how can the responsible + Colonists curse them? How can they escape the natural consequences + of the introduction of the Indian labour? + + Iam, etc., + + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Mercury, 5-9-1895 + + 270 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 74. LETTER TO “THE NATAL MERCURY" + + DURBAN, + September 15, 1895 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Mercury + SIR, + + I would venture to make a few remarks in reply to Mr. T. + Marston Francis’s letter on the Indian question. + + I believe your correspondent’s description of the Indian + municipalities, as also of the Legislative Councils, is not quite accurate. + To mention only one instance, I do not think that the chairman of an + Indian municipality must be a covenanted civilian. The present + president of the Bombay Corporation is an Indian solicitor. + + I have never contended—nor do I contend now—that the + franchise is as extensive in India as it is here. It would also be idle for + me to say that the Legislative Councils in India are as representative as + the Legislative Assembly here. What I do contend, however, is that, + whatever the limits of the franchise in India, it is extended to all + without distinction of colour. The fact that the Indian’s ability to + understand representative government has been recognized cannot be + gainsaid. What Mr. Francis says, viz., that the qualifications for the + franchise are not the same in India as in Natal, has never been denied. + Under such a test no one coming from even Europe would be entitled + to the franchise, for the qualifications in the different European States + are not surely the same as here. + + This week’s mail brings the latest proof that the Indians have + never failed in the real and only test, viz., whether or not they + understand the principle of representation. I quote from the article on + “Indian Affairs” in The Times: + + ' Controverting Gandhiji's plea for granting the franchise to Indians in South + Africa, Mr. Marston T. Francis, who had lived several years in India, wrote in The + Natal Mercury, 6-9-1895, that though Indians in India could vote at municipal + elections and become members of the Legislative Council, things were so constituted + that they could never outvote the European members or arrogate to themselves + supreme authority. The chairman of a municipality, he said, was always a covenanted + officer of the Indian Civil Service, and the Commissioner of the Division, the + Governor, the Viceroy, the Secretary of State for India, and ultimately the British + Parliament could impose checks on the municipalities and legislative bodies of India. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 971 + + But if the gallantry of the native soldiers who obtained + recognition stirs within us a pride in having such fellow-subjects. ... + indeed, nothing could exceed their magnificent self-devotion to their + comrades in that deadly pass... The truth is that the Indians are + earning the right to be regarded as worthy fellow-subjects in more + ways than one. The battle-field has always formed the short cut to an + honourable equality among races. But the Indians are also proving + their title to our respect by the slower and more difficult methods of + civil life. There was a greater experiment made in the constitutional + government of dependencies than the expansion of the Indian + Legislative Council on a partially elective basis three years ago... + Many of the discussions have been most helpful, and so far as Bengal + is concerned—the province in which the elective system seemed + fraught with the greatest difficulty—the experiment, after a severe + trial, has proved a success. + This, as is well known, is from the pen of a historian’ and Indian + officer who has served in India for 30 years. Disfranchisement by + itself may seem to some to be very insignificant. But its consequences + to the Indian community are too dreadful to contemplate. Its + corresponding advantages to the European Colonists, I am convinced, + are nil, unless there be anything gratifying in degrading or keeping + under degradation a race or nation. There is no question of “the + white man or the yellow man ruling”, and I hope to be able to show, + on a future occasion, that the fears entertained on that score are + entirely groundless. + There are passages in Mr. Francis’s letter which would, perhaps, + show that he must have left India very long ago. There are very few + posts more responsible than that of a civil commissioner, and yet the + Secretary of State for India only recently thought it prudent to + appoint an Indian to that post. Mr. Francis knows what jurisdiction a + Chief Justice in India enjoys, and an Indian has occupied that position + both in Bengal and Madras. Those who wish to bind the two races— + the British and the Indian—with “the silken cord of love” will not + find it difficult to notice innumerable points of contact between the + two. Even the three religions of the two, in spite of their apparent + antagonism, have much in common, and would not form a bad unity + in trinity. + Tam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Mercury, 23-9-1895 + + ' Sir. W. W. Hunter + + 972 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 75. LETTER TO “THE NATAL ADVERTISER” + + DURBAN, + September 23, 1895 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Advertiser + SIR, + + Your remarks in your Saturday’s issue on the “Indian + Congress”, or more correctly, “The Natal Indian Congress”. are + premature, seeing that the case' in which the name has been used is + not yet over. Were I not afraid of running the risk of committing + contempt of court I would make a few remarks on the circumstances + under which the Congress has been connected with the case. I am, + therefore, obliged to postpone any remarks on the matter till the case + is over. + + In the meanwhile, in order to remove any misimpression your + remarks may create, I would with your kind permission, set out the + objects of the Congress. They are: + + “(1) To bring about a better understanding, and to promote + friendliness between the Europeans and the Indians residing in the + Colony. + + “(2) To spread information about India and the Indians by + writing to newspapers, publishing pamphlets, lecturing, etc. + + “(3) To educate the Indians, especially [those] born in the + Colony, about Indian History, and induce them to study Indian + subjects. + + “(4) To ascertain the various grievances the Indians are + labouring under, and to agitate by resorting to all constitutional + methods for removing them. + + ' The Natal Indian Congress leaders were said to have had a hand in intimida- + ting an Indian witness from giving evidence in a trial for assault. The charge was actu- + ally against Padayachi, a member of the Natal Indian Congress, and it was stated that + he did so at the instigation of leaders of the Congress. It was further alleged that under + Gandhiji's leadership the Congress was conspiring to fight the Government, that it + set up Indian labourers to agitate against their grievances, that Gandhiji extracted mo- + ney from them and from Indian traders promising to help them obtain relief and used + the funds for his own purposes. Vide also"Letter to Colonial Secretary", 21-10-1895. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 273 + + “(5) To enquire into the condition of the indentured Indians + and to help them out of special hardships. + “(6) To help the poor and the needy in all reasonable ways. + “(7) And generally to do everything that would tend to put the + Indians on a better footing morally, socially, intellectually, and + politically.” + The very constitution of the Congress prevented it from dealing + with private grievances, unless they have a public significance. + To say that “it has been quite through accident that the + existence of the ‘Indian Congress’ has been discovered” is hardly in + accordance with known facts. While the Congress was yet in process of + formation, The Natal Witness announced the fact, and, if I am not + mistaken, the paragraph announcing it was copied by you. It is true + that it has not been officially made known before. This was not done + because its organizers were not, and are not yet, sure of its permanent + existence. They thought it prudent to let time alone bring it to the + public notice. No attempts have been made to keep it secret. On the + other hand, its organizers even invited those Europeans who were + considered to be sympathetic either to join it or attend its fortnightly + meetings. It is only because it has begun to be misrepresented in + private conversation, and has now been publicly misrepresented (no + doubt, unconsciously) by you, that the above explanation has been + deemed necessary. + Iam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + HON. SEC., + THE NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS + PS. + For your information I enclose copies of the rules, the list of + members during its first year, and the first annual report. + M. K. G. + The Natal Advertiser, 25-9-1895 + + 974 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 76. LETTER TO “THE NATAL MERCURY” + + DURBAN, + September 25, 1895 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Mercury + SIR, + + Your correspondent “H” has evidently been misinformed as to + the genesis of the Natal Indian Congress, as also with regard to other + matters. The Congress was formed chiefly by the efforts of Mr. + Abdulla Hajee Adam. I have been present at all the meetings of the + Congress, and I know that no Civil Servant has taken part in any of the + meetings. The responsibility for drafting the rules and the several + memorials rests entirely on my shoulders. Not one Civil Servant ever + saw the memorials before they were printed and ready for distribution + among the Congress members and others. + M. K. GANDHI + + Hon. SeEc., N.I.C. + The Natal Mercury, 27-9-1895 + + 77. SPEECH AT NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS’ + + DURBAN, + September 29, 1895 + + Mr. Gandhi addressed the meeting at great length. He said now that the + existence of the Natal Indian Congress had become fully known, it was necessary + they should be punctual in paying their subscriptions. They had now £700 in hand, + being about £100 more than the last time he met them. They wanted quite £4,000 to + meet their requirements, and he said everyone should sign to promise a subscription + in a given time; every merchant who sold £100 of goods should endeavour to give 5s + to the Congress. + + Mr. Gandhi said they had succeeded so far in England but they were now + awaiting the good results which will come from India. It was very likely that he (Mr. + Gandhi) would leave them in January to go to India, and he would then endeavour to + persuade a number of good Indian barristers to come to Natal. + + The Natal Advertiser, 2-10-1895 + + 'A correspondent, "H", in The Natal Mercury, 21-9-1895, referred to a report + that a member of the Civil Service, an Indian interpreter in a magistrate's court, was + behind the Congress and its work and demanded that he should be prevented from + doing such "mischief". + > Under the auspices of the Natal Indian Congress, Gandhiji addressed a large + gathering of Indians, numbering between 800 and 1, 000, at Rustomjee's buildings. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 275 + + 78. LETTER TO “THE NATAL MERCURY”* + + DURBAN, + September 30, 1895 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Mercury + SIR, + + Were the matter referred to in “H” ‘s letter in your Saturday + issue concerning myself only, I would not have taken any notice, but + as this letter affects Civil Servants I am obliged to trespass further + upon your courtesy. I am not a paid Secretary of the Congress. On + the other hand, in common with other members, I also contribute my + humble share to its funds. No one pays me anything whatever on + behalf of the Congress. Some Indians do pay me yearly retainers. + They are paid to me directly. There is nothing that the Congress has + to conceal; only it does not blow its own trumpet. Any enquiries about + it, whether public or private, will be answered as promptly as possible. + I beg to enclose herewith some papers in connection with the + Congress which would throw some light on its working. + Iam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + + Hon. SEc., N.I.C. + The Natal Mercury, 4-10-1895 + + '"H" had written again in The Natal Mercury, 28-9-1895, that it was the Indian + interpreter that had framed the rules of the Congress, that he was mainly responsible + for the submission of the Memorial to Her Majesty and also for Gandhiji's election as + Congress Secretary on an annual salary of £300. + + 276 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 79. LETTER TO “THE NATAL ADVERTISER” + + DURBAN, + October 9, 1895 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Advertiser + SIR, + + No Indian can take exception to the general tenor of your + leader in your yesterday’s issue.' + + If the Congress has attempted, even in an indirect manner, to + tamper with a witness, it will certainly deserve suppression. I will, for + the present, content myself with repeating the statement that it has not + made any such attempt. As the judgment in which the Congress has + been condemned is under appeal, I do not feel free to deal with the + evidence at length. The only witness who was asked questions about + the Congress denied that it had anything to do with the matter. If the + doings of men in their private capacity were to be fathered upon the + association they may belong to, then I venture to think that almost any + charge could be proved against any association. + + The Indians do not claim “one Indian one vote”, nor is any + vote claimed for the “Coolie” pure and simple. But then the + “Coolie” pure and simple, so long as he remains one, cannot get it + even under the existing law. The protest is only against colour or + racial distinction. If the whole question were studied coolly there + would be no occasion for any display of bad feeling or warmth by + anybody. + The Indians have in no part of the world attempted to gain + political supremacy. In Mauritius, where they are in such large + numbers, they are said to have shown no political ambition. And they + + ' The paper had observed that if the Indian Congress could be proved to have + resorted to "wrong and suspicious practices", then "swift and decisive action for its + punishment would be justified". The judge in the Padayachi case had said that the + Congress was "of the nature of an association of conspiracy, pernicious and fraught + with danger to the whole community in this Colony of whatever race". Taking note of + this adverse judgment, The Natal Advertiser had in an earlier issue observed that if + that was really the case, the judge's censure "will not be regarded as a whit too + severe". + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 77 + + are not likely to do so in Natal, even though they may number 4,00,00 + instead of 40,000. + + Tam, etc., + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Advertiser, 10-10-1895 + S80. LETTER TO COLONIAL SECRETARY ' + DURBAN, + October 21, 1895 + TO + THE HONOURABLE THE COLONIAL SECRETARY + P. M. BURG + SIR, + + Certain remarks in the newspapers’ and the judgment of the + Durban Resident Magistrate in Regina v. Rungasamy Padayachi + recently tried before him render it necessary for me to write to you, in + my capacity as Honorary Secretary for the Congress, in connection + with the remarks and the judgment referred to above. + The judgment lays down that the Congress summoned an Indian + named Asgara before it on a certain day in August and attempted to + intimidate him from giving evidence in a case, and that it is an + association of conspiracy, etc. + I have to submit that not only has the Congress never + summoned the above-named person or any other person before it + with a view to prevent him from giving evidence, but that the presiding + Magistrate had absolutely no grounds for making such remarks. + The judgment in which the remarks occur is under appeal. That + has prevented me from dealing with the matter at any length in the + Press. Unfortunately, the remarks being merely obiter dicta of the + Magistrate, may not be fully dealt with by the judges. During the + examination, cross-examination and re-examination of the witness + Asgara, the Congress was not even so much as mentioned. After the + re-examination was finished, the Magistrate asked the witness + questions about the Congress. It was made clear from the questions + + ' This was Enclosure No. 1 in Despatch No. 128 of November 30, 1895, from + the Governor of Natal to the Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. + * Vide The Early Phase + + 278 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + and answers that there was no meeting of the Congress during the + week during which the intimidation is supposed to have taken place. + Two printed circulars were produced, one of which was dated the 14th + August, the other the 12th September, inviting members of the + Congress to attend the meetings on the Tuesdays following the + prospective dates, i.e., on the 20th August and 17th September. + + The intimidation was alleged to have happened on the 12th + August. The witness is said to have been sent for by Mahomed + Camroodeen to Moosa’s office that day, where there were present M. + C. Camroodeen, Dada Abdulla, Dowd Mahomed and two or three + strangers. Here, it is alleged, he was asked certain questions about the + case. And this the magistrate has connected with the Congress, in spite + of the witness’s evidence to the effect that the Congress meetings are + not held in Moosa’s office, that there was no circular inviting him to + the meeting at Moosa’s office, that he did not attend the meetings + convened in terms of the circulars, that the Congress meetings are held + in the Congress Hall, that the circulars had nothing to do with the case, + and that he was not present at the actual Congress meetings. + + The only point that could in any way be used to support the + Magistrate’s conclusion was the fact that three out of the six or seven + men alleged to have been present at Moosa’s office were members of + the Congress. + + I beg to enclose herewith the extracts from the evidence bearing + on the matter. + + I venture to submit that, in some way or other, the Magistrate + was biased. In the case of Poonoosamy Pather and three others, + without a particle of evidence, he has remarked in his reasons for + judgment that the defendants are members of and have been backed + up by the Congress. As a matter of fact, all of them are not members + of the Congress and the Congress had nothing whatever to do with the + matter. As a great deal has been made of my instructing Mr. Millar in + the Rungasamy case, I may mention that I had no connection + whatever with the case of Poonoosamy and others, nor did I know, till + after the case had far advanced towards the final stage, that there was + such a case at all. My intervention was sought when Rungasamy was + charged for the same offence for the second time and then, too, not in + my capacity as Hon. Secretary of the Congress but as a lawyer. + + I beg to assure the Government that the intention of the + organizers of the Congress is to make the Congress an institution + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 279 + + useful to both the communities in the Colony and a medium of + interpretation of the feelings of the Indians on questions affecting + them, and thus to help the existing Government and not to embarrass + it, if it could embarrass it at all. + + Holding such views, they naturally resent any remarks made + about the Congress that may curtail its usefulness. Nothing, therefore, + will be more welcome to the members of the Congress than a + thorough enquiry as to its constitution and working, should the + Government be inclined to attach any weight to the Magistrate’s + remarks. + + I may state that the Congress has never yet interfered in any + court matters between Indians and Indians and has refused to take up + private grievances unless they have a public significance. No + individual member or members can do anything on behalf of, or in + the name of, the Congress without the sanction of a majority of the + members of the Congress assembled in accordance with the rules of + the Congress, which can only meet on a written notification from the + Honorary Secretary. + If the Government are satisfied that the Congress had nothing to + do with the case in question, I, on behalf of the Congress, humbly beg + to ask for some public notification of the fact; if, on the other hand, + there be any doubt as to the matter I venture to ask for an enquiry. + I beg to enclose herewith a copy each of Congress rules, the list + of members for the year ending 22nd August, 1895, and the first + Annual Report. + I shall be very happy to supply any further information that + may be required. ' + I have the honour to remain, + Sir, + Your obedient servant, + M. K. GANDHI + Hon. SEc., N.I.C. + Colonial Office Records No. 179, Vol. 192 + + ' Soon after, the Supreme Court quashed the conviction in the case of Regina + v. Poonoosamy Pather and others as it was based on untenable evidence. A month + later, on November 27, the judgment in the Padayachi case also was set aside by the + Supreme Court on the ground that there was "not a particle of evidence". Vide The + Early Phase, + + 280 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 81. MEMORIAL TO J. CHAMBERLAIN' + + JOHANNESBURG, + S.A.R. + November 26, 1895 + TO + THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, + HER MAJESTY’S PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE + FOR THE COLONIES, LONDON + THE MEMORIAL OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIAN- BRITISH SUBJECTS + RESIDING IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN REPUBLIC + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT: + + Your Memorialists, representing the Indian community in the + South African Republic, hereby venture respectfully to approach Her + Majesty’s Government with regard to the resolution passed by the + Honourable Volksraad of the South African Republic on 7th October, + 1895, ratifying the treaty entered into between Her Majesty’s + Government and the Government of the South African Republic + exempting all British subjects residing in the Republic from personal + military service with the reservation that by “British subjects” shall be + understood “White persons”. + + Your Memorialists, on reading this resolution, ventured to + telegraph to you on 22nd October, 1895, protesting against the + distinction made between white and coloured British subjects.’ + + The reservation is evidently aimed at the Indian British subjects + residing in the South African Republic. + + Your Memorialists would draw your attention to the fact that the + treaty itself does not qualify the words “British subjects” at all, and + submit that the resolution, instead of accepting the treaty in toto, + modifies it and on that ground alone your Memorialists feel sure the + + ' This was an enclosure in despatch No. 692 of December 10, 1895, from the + High Commissioner to the South African Republic to the Principal Secretary of State + for the Colonies. It was presented to the Home Government on May 14, 1896; vide + The Early Phase. + * This telegram is not available. It stated that a Memorial would follow. The + telegram was, however, acknowledged by H. O. Arnold Foster, M.P., who observed : + "...ITregard the action taken by Boers with regard to the British Indian subjects in + the Transvaal, as not only gross indignity but likely if pressed in to raise very + serious questions far outside the limits of the Boer State." Vide The Early Phase, + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 281 + + modified ratification will not be accepted by Her Majesty’s + Government. + Your Memorialists will not dwell upon the indignity to which the + resolution unnecessarily subjects the Indians. + + The reason put forward for exemption of British subjects from + commando was chiefly that, as the British subjects were not entitled to + full Burgher Right and were subjected to disabilities in the Republic, + they should not be compelled to render military service with the + Burghers. It was openly avowed at the time the commotion was going + on that the Uitlander population of the Republic would gladly serve in + the Malaboch campaign’, if only they were treated as citizens and + given the franchise. + If, therefore, the European or, as the resolution puts it, “White” + British subjects should be exempt because of the political disabilities + they labour under, much more, it is respectfully submitted, should the + Indian British subjects, who not only do not enjoy any political rights + in the South African Republic but are treated as little more than + chattels, of which fact the resolution is another indication. + + Your Memorialists, in conclusion, earnestly pray and + confidently hope, that in view of the general persecution that is + incessantly being meted out to the Indians throughout South Africa, + whether in the Colonies or in Independent States (even in the newly + opened-up territories of Bulawayo and other parts), and in view of the + magnitude of the already exiting restrictions placed upon the Indians + in South Africa generally and your Memorialists’ and their fellow- + brothers’ attempts to get them removed by the intervention of Her + Majesty’s Government, this fresh attempt to yet further restrict the + freedom of the Indians on the part of the Government of the South + African Republic will not be countenanced by Her Majesty’s + Government. + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Memorialists, as in + duty bound, shall for ever pray, etc., + M. C. KAMROODEEN + ABDUL GANI + MAHOMED ISMAIL + ETC., ETC. + + Colonial Office Records No. 417, Vol. 152 + + ' War by the Dutch against the Malaboch tribe in Northern Transvaal, in 1894 + + 282 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 82. THE INDIAN FRANCHISE' + + BEECH GROVE, DURBAN, + December 16, 1895 + + AN APPEAL TO EVERY BRITONIN SOUTH AFRICA + + The question of Indian franchise has convulsed the whole + Colony, indeed the whole of South Africa, so far as the newspapers are + concerned. This appeal, therefore needs no apology. It is an attempt + to place before every Briton in South Africa, as shortly as possible, an + Indian view of the Indian Franchise. + Some of the arguments in favour of the disfranchisement of the + Indians are: + (1) The Indians do not enjoy the franchise in India. + (2) The Indian in South Africa represents the lowest-class + Indian; in fact, he is the scum of India. + (3) The Indian does not understand what the franchise is. + (4) The Indian should not get the franchise because the Native, + who is as much a British subject as the Indian, has none. + (5) The Indian should be disfranchised in the interests of the + Native population. + (6) This Colony shall be and remain a white man’s country, + and not a black man’s and the Indian franchise will simply swamp the + European vote, and give the Indian political supremacy. + I shall take the objections seriatim. + +I + + It has been said over and over again that the Indian cannot and + must not claim higher privileges than he enjoys in India, and that he + has no franchise whatever in India. + Now, the Indian in the first place does not claim any higher + privileges than he enjoys in India. It should be borne in mind that the + Government in India is not of the same type as here. Therefore, it is + obvious there cannot be any analogy between the two. It might be said + in answer to this that the Indians should wait till they get the same + kind of government in India. This answer, however, will not do. On + the same principle, it can be argued that no man coming to Natal + + ' Gandhiji sent copies of this pamphlet to Indian leaders like Lokamanya + Tilak. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 283 + + could get the franchise unless he enjoyed the franchise in the country + he came from in the same way and under the same circumstances, 1.e., + unless the Franchise Law of that country was the same as that of Natal. + If such a doctrine were to be of universal application, it is easy to see + that no one coming from England ever could get the franchise in + Natal, for the Franchise Law there is not the same as in Natal; much + less could a man coming from Germany or Russia, where a more + autocratic Government prevails. The only and real test, therefore, is + not whether the Indians have the franchise in India, but whether they + understand the principle of representative government. + But they have the franchise in India, extremely limited it is true; + nevertheless it is there. The Legislative Councils recognize the ability + of the Indian to understand and appreciate representative government. + They are a standing testimony to the Indian’s fitness for + representative institutions. Members of Indian Legislative Councils are + partly elected and partly nominated. The position of the Legislative + Councils in India is not very unlike that of the Legislative Council of + Natal. And the Indians are not debarred from entering those Councils. + They compete on the same terms with the Europeans. + + At the last election of Members for the Legislative Council of + Bombay, the candidates for one of the constituencies were a European + and an Indian. + There are Indian Members in all the Legislative Councils of + India. Indians vote at these elections as well as the Europeans. The + franchise is certainly limited. It is also circuitous, as for example: the + Corporation of Bombay elects one Member to the Legislative Council, + and the Corporation consists of Members elected by the ratepayers, + mostly Indian. + There are thousands of Indian voters for municipal elections in + Bombay from which class, or a class similar to which, are drawn most + of the Indian traders in the Colony. + Furthermore, posts of the utmost importance are thrown open to + the Indians. Does that show as if they were considered unfit to + understand representative government? An Indian has been a Chief + Justice—an office that carries with it a salary of 60,000 rupees or + £6,000 per year. Only recently an Indian, belonging to the class which + most of the traders belong to here, has been appointed Puisne Judge + in the High Court of Judicature at Bombay. + + 284 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + A Tamil gentleman, to whose caste belong some of the + indentured Indians, is a Puisne Judge of the High Court at Madras. An + Indian has been entrusted with the very responsible duties of a Civil + Commissioner in Bengal. + + Indians have occupied the Vice-Chancellor’s chair at Calcutta + and Bombay. + + Indians compete for the Civil Service on the same terms as the + Europeans. + + The present President of the Bombay Corporation is an Indian + elected by the Members of the Corporation. + + The latest testimony to the Indian’s fitness for an equality with + the civilized races comes from the London Times of 23rd August, + 1895. + + The writer of “Indian Affairs” in The Times who, it is well + known, is no other than Sir William Wilson Hunter, perhaps the most + eminent Indian historian, says : + + Of the acts of daring and of the even more splendid examples of + endurance by which those honours were won, it is difficult to read without a + thrill of admiration. One Sepoy who received the Order of Merit has had no + fewer than thirty-one wounds, “probably,” says the Indian Daily News, “a + record number”. Another, shot in the defile where Ross’s party was cut up, + quietly felt out the bullet in his body and with both hands forced it, fearless of + the agony, to the surface. When at last he could get it between his fingers he + pulled it out, and then, streaming with blood, he shouldered his rifle again and + did a march of twenty-one miles. + + But if the gallantry of the native soldiers who obtained recognition + stirs within us a pride in having such fellow-subjects, the paltry rewards doled + forth in cases of equal pluck and steadfastness awaken very different feelings. + Two water carriers of the 4th Bengal Infantry were singled out in the + dispatches ‘for the gallantry and devotion exhibited by them during the action + at Koragh’. Indeed, nothing could exceed their magnificent self-devotion to + their comrades in that deadly pass. Another man of the same regiment was + mentioned for ‘the conspicuous gallantry and devotion exhibited’ while with + the party which brought the late Captain Baird into Chitral fort... . The truth + is that the Indians are earning the right to be regarded as worthy fellow- + subjects in more ways than one. The battlefield has always formed the short + cut to an honourable equality among races. But the Indians are also proving + their title to our respect by the slower and more difficult methods of civil life. + There never was a greater experiment made in the constitutional government + of dependencies than the expansion of the Indian Legislative Councils on a + partially elective basis three years ago (the italics are mine). Nor in any part + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 285 + + of India did the issue of that experiment seem more doubtful than in Bengal. + The Lieutenant-Governorship of Bengal contains a population numerically + equal to that of the Madras and Bombay Presidencies put together, and from an + administrative point of view much more difficult to manage. + Sir Charles Elliott bears generous testimony not only to the absence + of factious opposition but to the valuable practical aid which he has obtained + in maturing this necessarily complex measure (The Bengal Sanitary Drainage + Act) from his Legislature as expanded by Lord Salisbury’s Statute. Many of the + discussions have been most helpful, and so far as Bengal is concerned—the + province in which the elective system seemed fraught with the greatest + difficulty—the experiment, after a severe trial, has proved a success (the + italics are again mine). + +I + + The second objection is that the Indian in South Africa + represents the lowest-class Indian. The statement is hardly correct. It + will not, of course, be true as regards the trading community, nor will + it be so as to all the indentured Indians, some of whom belong to the + highest castes in Indian. They are certainly all very poor. Some of + them were vagabonds in India. Many also belong to the lowest class. + But I may be permitted to say without giving any offence that, if the + Indian community in Natal is not, nor is the European community + here, drawn from the highest class. But I venture to submit that undue + importance is given to this fact. If the Indian is not a model Indian, it + is the duty of the Government to help him to become one. And if the + reader wishes to know what a model Indian is, I beg to refer him to + my “Open Letter” where many authorities are collected to show that + he is as much civilized as a “model” European. And just as it is + competent for a lowest-class European to rise to the highest level in + Europe, so is it for the lowest-class Indian in India. By persistent + indifference, or retrogressive legislation, the Indian would be + degraded lower still in the Colony, and thus may constitute a real + danger which he was not before. Shunned, despised, cursed, he will + only do and be what others in similar positions have done and been. + Loved and well treated, he is capable of rising higher like any member + of every other nationality. He cannot be said to be well treated so long + as he is not even given those privileges which he enjoys or would + enjoy in India under similar circumstances. + + 286 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +Il + + To say that the Indian does not understand the franchise is to + ignore the whole history of India. Representation, in the truest sense + of the term, the Indian has understood and appreciated from the + earliest ages. That principle —the Panchayat—guides all the actions + of an Indian. He considers himself a member of the Panchayat, which + really is the whole body civic to which he belongs for the time being. + That power to do so—that power to understand thoroughly the + principle of popular government—has rendered him the most + harmless and most docile man on earth. Centuries of foreign rule and + oppression have failed to make him a dangerous member of society. + Wherever he goes, and under whatever conditions he is placed, he + bows to the decision of the majority represented by those in authority + over him. For, he knows no one can be in authority over him, unless + he is tolerated there by a majority of the body to which he belongs. + This principle is so ingrained in the Indian heart that even the most + despotic princes of the Indian States feel that they are to rule for the + people. It is true that they do not all act up to that principle. The + causes need not be discussed here. And the most astounding fact is + that, even when nominally there is a monarchical government, the + Panchayat is the supreme body. The actions of its members are + regulated in accordance with the wish of the majority. For authorities + to support my contention I must beg leave to refer the reader to the + Franchise petition’ to the Honourable the Legislative Assembly. + +IV + + “The Indian should not get the franchise because the Native, + who is as much a British subject as the Indian, has none.” + I have stated this objection as I find it in the papers. It is at + variance with the fact that the Indian already enjoys the franchise in + Natal. An attempt is now being made to disfranchise him. + Without entering into comparisons, I would beg to state what are + hard facts. The Native franchise is governed by a special law which + has been in force for some years. That law does not apply to the + Indian. It has not been contended that it should apply to the Indian. + The franchise (whatever it may be) of the Indian in India is not + governed by a special law. It applies to all alike. The Indian has his + Charter of Liberty, the Proclamation of 1858. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 287 + +V + + The latest argument advanced in favour of disfranchisement is + that the Indian franchise would do harm to the Native population of + the Colony. In what way this will happen is not stated at all. But, I + presume, the objectors to the Indian franchise rely upon the stock + objection to the Indian on the alleged ground that he supplies liquor + to the Natives and this spoils them. Now I venture to submit that the + Indian franchise cannot make any difference one way or the other. If + the Indians supply liquor they would not do so to any greater extent + because of their vote. The Indian vote can never become sufficiently + strong to affect the Native policy of the Colony, which is not only + jealously watched but to a very great extent controlled by the + Downing Street authorities. In fact, even the European Colonists are + powerless against Downing Street in this matter. But let us, for a + moment, look at facts. The analytical table referred to below, showing + the position of the Indian voters already on the List, shows that by far + the largest number of them are traders who, it is well known, are not + only teetotallers themselves, but would like to see liquor banished + altogether from the land, and if the Voters’ List continues to remain + so, the effect of that vote, if any, on the Native policy will be for the + better. But the following extracts from the Indian Immigration + Commission, 1885-87, show that the Indians are not worse than the + Europeans in this respect. In quoting them I disclaim any intention to + make comparisons, which I have tried to avoid as much as possible. + Nor do I wish thereby to excuse my countrymen. No one can regret + more than myself to see any Indian found drunk or supplying liquor + to Natives. I beg to assure the reader that my only wish is to show that + the objection to the Indian vote on that particular ground is merely + superficial and does not bear scrutiny. + + The Commissioners, who were specially commissioned, among + other things, to report upon the charge against the Indians of drunk- + enness and crimes resulting therefrom, at pp. 42 & 43, report thus: + We have examined many witnesses on this subject. Their evidence and + such criminal statistics as are forthcoming fail to convince us that + drunkenness and crime statistics therefrom are prevalent amongst Indian + immigrants in a greater ratio than amongst other sections of the community, + against whom no such restrictive legislation is proposed. + We do not doubt that there is much truth in the averment that natives + readily obtain ardent liquors through the agency of Indians.... We, however, + + 288 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + doubt that they are more guilty in this matter than the white people who traffic + in liquor. + It has been shrewdly observed that the people who make the loudest + complaints against the Indian immigrants for selling or disposing of liquor to + + the Natives are the very persons who themselves sell the liquor to theNative. + Their trade is interfered with and their profits are lessened by the competition + of Indian traffickers. + + What follows the above is instructive reading as showing that, in + the opinion of the Commissioners, the Indians in India are free from + the habit of drinking and that they learn it here. The question how + and why they take to liquor in Natal I leave to the reader to answer. + The Commissioners at page 83 say as follows: + + Although we are convinced that Indians, and especially free Indians in + Natal, surrender themselves to the drinking of intoxicating liquor to a greater + extent than in their own country, yet we are constrained to record that there is + no satisfactory proof before us that the percentage of drunk and disorderly + persons is greater amongst them than amongst other races dwelling within the + Colony. + Superintendent Alexander says in his evidence before the + Commission (p. 146): + + The Indians are to be considered a necessary evil at present; we cannot do + without them as labourers; we cannot do without them as storekeepers; they + are as good as the Natives; they have very much improved, but the Natives + have gone down very much; nearly all the thefts are now committed by + Natives; as far as my experience goes, the Natives obtain drink from Indians + and from everyone else who will supply them; I find some white people as bad + as Indians in this way; these are men out of employ, vagrants, who, to gain a + sixpence, will supply a Native with a bottle of liquor. + + In the present condition of Natal I do not think it is possible to substitute + a white for an Indian population. I do not think we can. I can deal with 3,000 + Indians with the staff that I have, but if there were 3,000 corresponding white + British workmen, I could not... . + + At page 149 he says : + + I find that people generally suspect Coolies of doing everything wrong + stealing fowls, etc., but I find such is not the case. Out of the last nine cases of + fowl-stealing, all of which were laid to my corporation night-soil Coolies, I + find that two Natives and three white men have been convicted of stealing + these fowls. + I would further draw the attention of the readers to the recently + issued Native Blue-book, and there they will find that almost all the + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 289 + + Magistrates are of the opinion that European influences have brought + about a change for the worse in the moral character of the Natives. + + In the face of these incontrovertible facts, is it not rather unfair + to impute the blame to the Indians entirely for the Native + deterioration? In 1893, while there were 28 convictions against + Europeans in the Borough for supplying liquor, there were only 3 + against Indians. + +VI + + “This country shall be and remain a white man’s country and + not a black man’s, and the Indian franchise will simply swamp the + European vote and give the Indian political supremacy in Natal.” + + With the first part of the statement I do not propose to deal. I + confess that I do not even understand it fully. I would, however, try to + remove the misconception that underlies the latter part of the + statement. I venture to say that the Indian vote can never swamp the + European vote, and that the idea of the Indian trying to claim political + supremacy is contrary to all past experience. I have had the honour to + talk to many Europeans with reference to this question, and almost all + have argued upon the assumption that there is “one man one vote” in + the Colony. That there is a property qualification was an information + to them. I must therefore, be pardoned for reproducing here the + Section of the Franchise Law dealing with the qualification. + Every man, except as hereafter excepted, above the age of twentyone years, + who possesses an immovable property to the value of £50 or who rents any + such property of the yearly value of £10 within any electoral district and who + is duly registered in the manner hereinafter mentioned, shall be entitled to + vote at the election of a member for such district. When any such property as + aforesaid is occupied by more persons than one as proprietors or renters, each + of such occupants, being duly registered, shall be entitled to vote in respect of + such property, provided the value or, as the case may be, the rent thereof be + such as would entitle each of such joint occupants to vote if equally divided + among them. + From this it is clear that it is not every Indian who can get the + franchise. And how many Indians are there in the Colony, compared + with the Europeans, who have immovable property of the value of £50 + or who rent such property of the yearly value of £10? This law has + been in force for a long time, and the following table will give some + idea of the relative strength of the European and the Indian franchise. + I have compiled the table from the latest lists published in the Gazette: + + 290 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + VOTERS + + No. ELECTORAL DIVISIONS EUROPEANS INDIANS + 1 Pietermaritzburg . . 1,521 82 + 2 Umgeni . . . 306 Nil + 3 Lion’s River... . . 511 Nil + 4lxopo .. . . 573 3 + 5 Durban. . . . 2,100 143 + 6 County of Durban . . 779 20 + 7 Victoria . . . 566 1 + 8 Umvoti. . . . 438 1 + 9 Weenen . . . 528 Nil + 10Klip River 1 1 591 1 + 11Newcastle .. .. .. 917 Nil + 12Alexandra .. .. 201 “< + 13Alfred .. . . 278 “ + 9,309 251 + + Grand Total 9,560 + + Thus, out of 9,560 registered voters only 251 are Indians. And + only two divisions have Indian voters worth mentioning. The + proportion of Indians voters to the European, roughly speaking, is + 1:38, i.e., the European vote at present is 38 times as strong as the + Indian vote. According to the Report of the Protector of Indian + Immigrants for 1895, out of the total Indian population of 46,343 + only 30,303 are free Indians. Adding to this the trading Indian + population of, say, 5,000, we have, roughly, 35,000 freed and free + Indians. At present, therefore, the Indian population that may compete + with the European population as to voting is not so large as the + European. But I believe I am not wide of the mark in saying that more + than half of the 35,000 are only a stage higher than the indentured + Indians in point of pecuniary circumstances. I have been travelling in + the districts surrounding and within 50 miles of Durban, and I may + safely venture to assert that most of the Indians who are free are living + from hand to mouth and certainly have not immovable property + worth £50. Free Indian adults in the Colony number only 12,360. + Thus, I submit that the fears as to the Indian vote swamping the + European in the near future are entirely groundless. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 291 + + The following analysis of the Indian Voters’ List further shows + that most of the Indian voters are those Indians who have settled in the + Colony for a very long time; that out of 205 whom I have been able + to get identified, only 35 have been at one time indentured Indians, + and that they have all been in the Colony for over 15 years. + + TABLE SHOWING THE LENGTH OF RESIDENCE OF THE INDIAN + + VOTERS AND THE NUMBER OF INDIAN VOTERS WHO HAVE ONCE + BEEN UNDER INDENTURE: + + 4 years’ residence .. . . 13 + 5 to 9 “ . . . . 50 + 10to13 “ . . . 1 35 + 14to15 “ . 1 59 + + Free Indians who have once been under indenture, but who have + been in the Colony for over 15, and in many + + cases over 20 years .. . . . 35 + Colonial-born . . .. .. ..9 + Interpreters 1 .. .. .. . 4 + Not classifie . . . . 46 + 251 + + Of course, this table cannot by any means be said to be + absolutely correct. I think, however, it is accurate enough for the + present purpose. Thus, so far as these figures go, the Indians who + come under indenture take 15 years or more to be able to have + sufficient property qualifications to get on the Voters’ Roll. And if + the freed Indian population were excepted, no one can say that the + trading population alone can ever swamp the Voters’ Roll. Moreover, + most of these 35 freed Indians have risen to the status of traders. Of + those who have originally come on their own means, a large majority + have taken a long time to be able to get on the Voters’ Roll. Of the 46 + whom I have not been able to get identified, a great many, by their + names, appear to belong to the trading class. There are many + Colonial-born Indians in the Colony. They are also educated, and yet + on the Voters’ Roll there are only 9. This would show that they are + too poor to have the sufficient qualifications. On the whole, therefore, + it would seem that taking the present List as a basis, the fears as to the + Indian vote assuming threatening proportions are imaginary. Of the + 205, over 40 are either dead or have left the Colony. + + 292 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + The following table is an analysis of the Indian Voters’ List + according to their occupation : + + TRADING CLASS + Storekeepers .. .. . . 92 + Merchants .. .. _ _ 32 + Goldsmiths . . ee ee 4 + Jewellers .. .. _ _ 3 + Confectioner . . ee ee 1 + Fruiterers. . . ee ee 4 + Tradesmen .. .. _ _ 11 + Tinsmith .. .. _ _ 1 + Tobacco Merchants .. _ _ 2 + Eating-house Keeper 1 .. .. 1 + 151 + CLERKS AND ASSISTANTS + Clerks 21 + Accountants 6 + Book-keeper 1 + Salesmen. . 6 + Schoolmaster 1 + Photographer 1 + Interpreters 4 + Storemen. . 5 + Barbers 2 + Barman 1 + Managers 2 + 50 + GARDENERS AND OTHERS + Vegetable Dealer 1 + Farmers 4 + Domestic Servants 5 + Fisherman 1 + Gardeners . ee ee ee 26 + Lamp-lighters 3 + Cart Drivers 2 + Constables 2 + Labourers 2 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 293 + + Waiter a .. .. a 1 + Cooks + + This analysis also ought, I think, to assist unbiased men in + removing their fears as to the Voters’ List being swamped by + undeserving or lowest-class Indians. For, by far the greatest number + belongs to the trading or the so-called “Arab” class who, at any rate, + are acknowledged to be not quite unfit to vote. + Those classified under the second heading either belong to the + trader class or to that class of Indians who have received a tolerably + good English education. + Those belonging to the third division may be termed labourers + of a higher order—far above the average indentured Indian. They are + those who have settled in the Colony for over 20 years with their + families and either own property or pay good rents. I may say also + that, if my information be correct, most of these voters can read and + write their own mother tongue. Thus, if the present Indian Voters’ List + is to serve as a guide for the future and assuming that the franchise + qualification remains as it is, the List is very satisfactory from a + European standpoint. First, because numerically the voting strength of + the Indians is very poor, and secondly, because most (more than */) of + the Indian voters belong to the trading class. It should also be borne + in mind that the number of the trading Indians in the Colony will + remain almost the same for a long time. For, while many come every + month, an equal number leaves for India. As a rule, the incoming ones + take the place of the outgoing ones. + So far I have not imported the natural proclivities of the two + communities into the argument at all but have merely dealt with the + figures. Yet, the natural proclivities will have not a little to do with the + political activity of the two. There cannot be two opinions about the + fact that the Indians, as a rule, do not actively meddle in politics. They + have never tried to usurp political power anywhere. Their religion (no + matter whether it be Mohammedan or Hindu, the teaching of ages + cannot be obliterated by a mere change of name) teaches them + indifference to material pursuits. Naturally they are satisfied so long + as they can earn a respectable living. I take the liberty to say that, had + not an attempt been made to tread upon their commercial pursuits, + + 294 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + had not attempts been made and repeated to degrade them to the + condition of pariahs of society, had not, in fact, an attempt been made + to keep them for ever “hewers of wood and drawers of water’, i.e., in + a state of indenture or in one very much resembling it, there would + have been no franchise agitation. I would go further. I have no + hesitation in saying that even now there is no political agitation in the + real sense of the term. But an attempt is, most unfortunately, being + made by the Press to father, as it were, such an agitation upon the + Indians. Leave them to follow their legitimate pursuits, do not attempt + to degrade them, treat them with ordinary kindness and there would + be no franchise question, simply because they would not even take the + trouble to have their names on the Voters’ Roll. + But it has been said, and that too by responsible persons, that a + few Indians want political power and that these few are Mahomedan + agitators and that the Hindus should learn from past experience that + the Mahomedan rule will be ruinous for them. The first statement is + without foundation and the last statement is most unfortunate and + painful. To gain political power is entirely impossible, if gaining + political power means entrance into the Legislative Assembly. Such a + statement presupposes the presence in the Colony of very wealthy + Indians having a competent knowledge of the English language. Now, + there are very few wealthy, as distinguished from well-to-do, Indians + in the Colony and there is perhaps none capable of discharging the + duties of a legislator, not because there is none capable of + understanding politics, but because there is none possessing such a + knowledge of the English language as would be expected of a + legislator. + The second statement is an attempt to set the Hindus against the + Mahomedans in the Colony. How any responsible man in the Colony + can wish for such a calamity is very wonderful. Such attempts have + been attended by the most grievous results in India and have even + threatened the permanence of British rule. To make them in this + Colony where the two sects are living most amicably is, I venture to + say, most mischievous. + It is a healthy sign that it is now recognized that to debar all + Indians from the franchise would be a grievous injustice. Some think + that the so-called Arabs should be allowed the franchise, some think + there should be a selection made among them, and some think that the + indentured Indians should never be able to get the franchise. The + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 295 + + latest suggestion comes from Stanger and is most humorous. If that + suggestion were to be followed, those alone who could prove that they + were voters in India would be entitled to it in Natal. Why such a rule + for the poor Indians alone? I do not think they would object to such + an arrangement if it were applicable to all. And I should not be + surprised if the Europeans also were to find it difficult to get their + names on the Voters’ List in the Colony under such conditions. For + how many Europeans are there in the Colony who were on the + Voters’ List in the States they have come from? If, however, the + statement were made with regard to the Europeans, it would be + received with the strongest indignation. It has been received seriously + with regard to the Indians. + It has also been stated that the Indians agitate for “one Indian + one vote”. I submit that the statement is without the slightest + foundation, and is calculated to create unnecessary prejudice against + the Indian community. I believe that the present property + qualification is sufficient, at any rate for the present if not for all time, + to maintain the superior numerical strength of the European vote. If, + however, the European Colonists think otherwise, no Indian, I think, + will take exception to a reasonable and real educational qualification + and a larger property qualification than at present. What the Indians + do and would protest against is colour distinction—disqualification + based on account of racial difference. The Indian subjects of Her + Majesty have been most solemnly assured over and over again that no + qualifications or restrictions will be placed upon them because of their + nationality or religion. And this assurance was given and has been + repeated upon no sentimental grounds but on proof of merit. The first + note was struck after it was ascertained beyond doubt that the Indians + could be safely treated on a footing of equality, that they were most + loyal to the throne and law-abiding, and that the British hold of India + could be permanently maintained only upon those terms and no + other. That there have been serious departures from the above + assurance could, I submit, be no answer to the solid fact of its + existence. I think those departures would be exceptions to prove the + rule, they would not override it. For, if I had time and space at my + disposal, and if I were not afraid of tiring the readers’ patience, I + could quote innumerable instances in which the Proclamation of 1858 + has been strictly acted upon, and is even at the present moment being + acted upon in India and elsewhere. And, surely, this is not the + occasion for a departure from it. I submit, therefore, that the Indians + + 296 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + are perfectly justified in protesting against racial disqualifications and + expecting that their protest will be respected. Having said so much, I + venture to say on behalf of my fellow-brothers that they would not + thus of objecting to any measure, with regard to the franchise, which + may be devised in order to keep the Voters’ Roll clear of objection + able men, or to provide against preponderance of the Indian vote in + future. I am confident that the Indians have no wish to see ignorant + Indians who cannot possibly be expected to understand the value of a + vote being placed on the Voters’ List. They submit that all are not + such, and that such are to be found, more or less, in all communities. + The object of every right-minded Indian is to fall in with the wishes of + the European Colonists as far as possible. They would rather forgo a + crumb from the loaf than have the whole in opposition to the + European Colonists and from England. The object of this appeal is to + beseech the legislators and the European Colonists to devise or + countenance only such a measure, if one is necessary, that would be + acceptable also to those affected by it. To make the position clearer, I + would take the liberty to show by extracts from a Blue-book what the + most eminent Colonists have thought about the question. + Mr. Saunders, a member of the late Honourable Legislative + Council, could go only thus far: + The mere definition that these signatures must be in full and in the + elector’s own handwriting and written in European characters would go a long + way to check the extreme risk of the Asiatic mind swamping the English + (Affairs of Natal, C. 3796-1883). + At page 7 of the same book Captain Graves, the late Protector of + Immigrants, says: + I am of opinion that only those Indians who have abandoned all claim for + themselves and their families to a free return passage to India are justly + entitled to the franchise. + It should be noticed that Captain Graves spoke of the Indians + recognized by his department, 1.e., the indentured Indians. + The then Attorney-General and present Chief Justice says: + It will be noticed that the measure drafted by me contains clauses which + have been adopted from the recommendations of the Select Committee + providing for the carrying out of the alternative plan mentioned in Mr. + Saunders’s letter, while the proposal for the special disqualification of aliens + has not been considered advisable of adoption. + At page 14 of the same book he says again: + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 297 + + As regards the proposal to exclude from the exercise of the franchise all + persons of every nationality or race which is not in every respect under the + common law of the Colony, this is a provision evidently aimed at the + electoral rights at present enjoyed by the Indian and Creole population of this + Colony. As I have already stated in my report, Serial No. 12, I cannot + recognize the justice or expediency of such a measure. + The Blue-book in question contains much interesting reading + on the franchise question and shows clearly that the idea of special + disqualification was repugnant to the Colonists at the time. + The reports of the various meetings held in connection with the + franchise show that the speakers have invariably argued that the + Indians shall not be allowed to occupy this country which has been + won by European blood and which has been made what it is by + European hands, and show that the Indians are treated as intruders in + the Colony. As to the first statement, I can only say that, if the Indians + are to be denied any privileges because they have not shed their blood + for this land, the Europeans belonging to other States in Europe + should not receive the same privileges. It could also be argued that the + immigrants from England also have no business to trespass upon the + special preserve of the first white settlers. And surely, if the shedding + of blood is any criterion of merit, and if British Colonists consider the + other British dominions as portions of the British Empire, the Indians + have shed their blood for Britain on many an occasion. The Chitral + campaign is the most recent instance. + As to the Colony having been made by European hands and the + Indian being an intruder, I beg to submit that all the facts show quite + the opposite. + Without any comments of my own I shall now venture to quote + extracts from the Report of the Indian Immigrants Commission + referred to above, for a loan of which I am indebted to the Protector + of Immigrants. + Says Mr. Saunders, one of the Commissioners, at page 98: + Indian immigration brought prosperity, prices rose, people were + no longer content to grow or sell produce for a song, they could do + better; war, high prices for wool, sugar, etc., kept up prosperity and + prices of local produce in which the Indians dealt. + On page 99 he says: + + I return to the consideration of the question as one of broad public + interest. One thing is certain—white men will not settle in Natal or any other + + 298 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + part of South Africa to become mere hewers of wood and drawers of water; + rather than that they will leave us either for the vast interior or by sea. While + this is a fact, our records prove, as do those of other Colonies, that the + introduction of coloured labour which develops and draws out the hidden + capabilities of the soil and its unoccupied acres opens out at the same time + numerous unforeseen fields for the profitable employment of white settlers. + + Nothing more clearly proves this than our own experience. If we look to + 1859, we shall find that the assured promise of Indian labour resulted in an + immediate rise of revenue which increased fourfold within a few years. + Mechanics who could not get work and were earning 5/- a day, and less, found + their wages more than doubled, and progress gave encouragement to everyone + from the Burg to the Sea. But a few years later, alarm (a well-founded alarm) + arose, that it! would be suspended (the records are there to correct me if I am + wrong) simultaneously, down went the revenue and wages, immigration was + checked, confidence vanished and retrenchment and reductions of salaries was + the main thing thought of; and yet another change some years later in 1873 + (long after the discovery of diamonds in 1868), a fresh promise of renewed + Indian immigration created its effect, and up again went the revenue, wages and + salaries, and retrenchment was soon spoken of as a thing of the past (would + that this was so now). + + Records like these ought to tell their own tale and silence childish race + sentimentalities and mean jealousies. + + In further and collateral corroboration of the effect of introduction of + coloured labour on the welfare of white settlers let me refer to a speech made by + the Duke of Manchester who has so identified himself with colonial interests. + He had just returned from Queensland and told his hearers that the result of an + agitation there, hostile to the introduction of coloured labour, had proved + most disastrous to those very white settlers who had hoped by checking the + supply of imported coloured labourers to destroy competition which they + wrongly imagined deprived the white settlers of work. + + At page 100 the same gentleman continues: + + So far as concerns free Indian traders, their competition and the + consequent lowering of the prices of articles of consumption by which the + public benefits (and yet strange to say, of which it complains) it is clearly + shown that these Indian shops have been and are most exclusively supported + by the larger firms of white merchants who thus practically employ these men + to dispose of their goods. + + Stop Indian immigration if you will; if there are not enough unoccupied + houses now, empty more by clearing out Arabs or Indians, who add to the + productive and consuming power of a less than half-peopled country, but let us + + ' Indian labour recruitment + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 299 + + trace results in this one branch of the enquiry taking it as an example of + others, trace out how untenanted houses depreciate the value of property and + securities, how after this must result stagnation in the building trade, and + those other trades and stores for supplies dependent on it. Follow out how this + leads to a reduced demand for white mechanics, and with the reduction in + spending power of so many, how fall of revenue is to be expected next, need + of retrenchment or taxation, or both. Let this result and others, far too + numerous to be calculated on in detail, be faced, and if blind race + sentimentalism or jealousy is to prevail, so be it. + + Mr. Henry Binns gave his evidence to the following effect + before the Commission (page 156): + + In my opinion the free Indian population is a most useful section of the + community. A large portion of them, considerably larger than is generally + supposed, are in service in the Colony, particularly employed as house + servants in the towns and villages. They are also considerable producers, and + from information which I have taken some trouble to gather, I conclude that + the free Indians have grown about 100,000 mounds of maize per annum for the + last two or three years, besides considerable quantities of tobacco and other + articles. Before there was a free Indian population, the towns of + Pietermaritzburg and Durban had no supply of fruit, vegetables and fish; at + present all these things are fully supplied. + + We have never had any immigrants from Europe who have shown any + inclination to become market gardeners and fishermen, and I am of opinion + that but for the free Indian population the markets of Maritzburg and Durban + would be as badly supplied now as they were years ago. + ... Were Coolie immigration to be permanently stopped, the rate of + wages payable to European mechanics would probably not be affected one way + or the other, but in a very short time after such stoppage there would cease to + be as much employment for them as there is now. Tropical cultivation never + has been, and never will be, carried on without Indian labourers. + The then Attorney-General and present Chief Justice thus gave + his evidence before the Commission (page 327): + ...In my opinion numbers of the Indians who have been introduced + have in a great measure provided on the Coast for the failure of white + immigrants, and have cultivated lands which would otherwise remain + uncultivated, with crops which are of real advantage to the inhabitants of the + Colony. Many who have not availed themselves of the return passage to India + have turned out to be trusty and useful domestic servants. + That both the freed and free Indians have been very useful to + the Colony generally can be proved by still more overwhelming + proofs. The Commissioners in their report at page 82 say: + + 300 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 19. They show commendable industry in fishing and fish-curing. The + Indian fishing settlement on Salisbury Island, in Durban Bay, has been of + manifest advantage not only to the Indian but also to the white inhabitants of + the Colony. + 20....In numerous localities in the upland as well as in the Coast + districts, they have converted waste and unproductive land into well-kept + gardens, planted with vegetables, tobacco, maize and fruit trees. Those settled + in the vicinity of Durban and Pietermaritzburg have succeeded in winning for + themselves almost entirely the supplying of the local markets with + vegetables. It must be this competition by free Indians which has worked to + the prejudice of those white Colonists who once had the monopoly of the trade + ... In fairness to the free Indians we must observe that the competition is + legitimate in its nature and that it certainly has been welcomed by the general + community. From an early hour in the morning, Indian hawkers, male and + female, adults and children, go busily with heavy baskets on their heads from + house to house, and thus citizens can now daily, at their own doors, and at low + rates, purchase wholesome vegetables and fruit, which, not many years ago, + they could not with certainty procure even in the public markets, and at + exorbitant prices. + As to the traders the Commissioners’ report at page 74 says: + + We are convinced that much of the irritation existing in the minds of + European Colonists against the whole Indian population of the Colony has + been excited by the undoubted ability of these Arab traders to compete with + European merchants, and specially with those who have chiefly directed their + attention to the supply of articles, notably rice, largely consumed by the + Indian immigrant population. ... + We are of opinion that these Arab traders have been drawn to Natal by + the presence therein of those Indians who have been introduced under the + Immigration Laws. Rice is the chief food of the 30,000 Indian immigrants + now in the Colony, and these astute traders have so successfully devoted their + tact and energy to the supply of that article that the price to all consumers fell + from 21s per bag in former years to 14s in 1884.... + It is said that Kaffirs can buy from Arabs at from 25 to 30 per cent lower + rates than those obtaining six or seven years ago. + It does not lie within the scope of our Commission to discuss at length + the restrictive measure which some desire to impose upon Asiatics or “Arab” + trader. We are content to place on record our strong opinion, based on much + observation, that the presence of these traders has been beneficial to the + whole Colony, and that it would be unwise, if not unjust, to legislate to their + + prejudice (the italics are mine). + * * * + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 301 + + 8.... Nearly all of them are Mohammedans, either total abstainers + from alcoholic liquors or drinking them in moderation. They are thrifty by + nature and submissive to the law. + Out of the 72 European witnesses who gave their evidence before the + Commission, almost every one of those who spoke as to the presence of the + Indian affecting the Colony has said that he is indispensable for its welfare. + I have quoted the extracts at some length not to argue therefrom + that the Indians should have the franchise (they have it already), but to + refute the charge that the Indian is an intruder and the statement that + he has nothing to do with the prosperity of the Colony. “The proof + of the pudding lies in the eating.” The best proof is that, no matter + what is being said against the Indians, they are yet wanted; the + Protector’s Department is unable to cope with the demand for Indian + labour. + At page 5 of the Annual Report, 1895, the Protector says: + At the close of last year there was an unsupplied balance of 1,330 men to + complete the year’s indent. In addition to this number, 2,760 men were + applied for to arrive in 1895, making a total of 4,090. Of this number, 2,032 + arrived during the year under report (1,049 from Madras and 983 from + Calcutta), leaving a balance of 2,058 (less 12 men lapsed requisitions) to + arrive during the present year to complete the last year’s indent. + If the Indian is really harmful to the Colony, the best and justest + method is to stop further immigration and, in due course, the present + Indian population will cease to trouble the Colony much. To have + them under conditions that mean slavery is hardly fair. + If then this appeal has at all satisfactorily answered the various + objections raised to the Indian franchise; if the reader accepts the + assertion that the franchise agitation on the part of the Indians is + merely a protest against degradation, which the counteragitation + contemplates, and not an attempt to gain political power or influence, + I humbly think I am justified in asking the reader to pause and + consider before he decides to oppose the Indian franchise tooth and + nail. Although the “British subject” idea has been rejected by the + Press as a craze and fad, I have to fall back upon that idea. Without it + there would have been no franchise agitation whatever. Without it + there would probably have been no State-aided immigration. Very + probably the Indian would have been an impossibility in Natal if he + were not a British subject. I, therefore, appeal to every Briton in South + Africa not to lightly dismiss the “British subject” idea from his + mind. The Proclamation of 1858 was Her Majesty’s acts, presumably + + 302 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + approved of by her subjects. For, it was done, not arbitrarily, but + according to the advice of her then advisers, in whom the voters, by + their votes, had reposed their full trust. India belongs to England and + England does not wish to lose her hold of India. Every act done by a + Briton towards an Indian cannot but have some effect in moulding the + final relations between Britons and Indians. It is, moreover, a fact that + the Indian is in South Africa because he is a British subject; he has to + be tolerated whether one likes it or not. Is it not then better that + nothing should be done that would unnecessarily embitter the feelings + between the two communities? By coming to a hasty conclusion, or by + forming conclusions on groundless assumptions, it is not at all + unlikely that injustice may unintentionally be done to the Indians. + The question in the minds of all reasonable men, I submit, + should be not how to drive away the Indians from the Colony (for that + is impossible), but how to bring about satisfactory relations between + the two communities. Even from a most selfish point of view, I submit, + no good can result from an attitude of unfriendliness and hatred + towards the Indians, unless there is any pleasure in creating in one’s + mind an unfriendly feeling towards one’s neighbour. Such a policy is + repugnant to the British Constitution and the British sense of justice + and fair play, and above all hateful to the spirit of Christianity which is + professed by the objectors to the Indian franchise. + I appeal more particularly to the Press, the public men + throughout South Africa and the Clergy: Public opinion is in your + hands. You mould and guide it. It is for you to consider whether the + policy hitherto pursued is the right and proper one to continue. Your + duty as Britons and leaders of public opinion cannot be to divide the + two communities but to weld them together. + The Indians have many blemishes and they are themselves, no + doubt, to blame to some extent for the present unsatisfactory state of + feelings between the two peoples. My object is to induce you to + believe that the blame does not entirely lie on one side alone. + + Often and often have I read in the papers and heard that the + Indians have nothing to complain about. I submit that neither you nor + the Indians here are capable of forming an impartial judgment. I, + therefore, draw your attention entirely to the outside public opinion, + to the Press, alike in England and India, which is_ practically + unanimous in coming to the conclusion that the Indians have a + reasonable ground for complaint. And, in this connection, I beg to + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 303 + + deny the statement that has been often made that the outside opinion + is based on exaggerated reports sent from South Africa by the + Indians. I venture to claim to know something about the reports sent + to England and India, and I have no hesitation in saying that the + reports sent almost invariably err on the side of underestimation. Not + a single statement has been made which cannot be substantiated by + unimpeachable evidence. But the most remarkable fact is that there is + no dispute as to facts which are admitted. The outside opinion based + on those admitted facts is that the Indians are not fairly treated in + South Africa. I will quote only one extract taken from a Radical + newspaper, The Star. The opinion of the soberest journal in the world, + The Times, is known to everyone in South Africa. + The Star of 21st October, 1895, commenting upon the + deputation that waited on Mr. Chamberlain, says: + These particulars are enough to throw light upon the hateful persecution + to which British Indian subjects are being subjected. The new Indian + Immigration Law Amendment Bill, which virtually proposes to reduce Indians + to a state of slavery, is another example. The thing is a monstrous wrong, an + insult to British subjects, a disgrace to its authors, and a slight upon + ourselves. Every Englishman is concerned to see that the commercial greed of + the South African trader is not permitted to wreak such bitter injustice upon + men who alike by Proclamation and by Statute are placed upon an equality with + ourselves before the Law. + If I could but convince you that the ‘greatest kindness’ is not + shown to the Indian in South Africa and that the Europeans are also to + blame for the prevailing state of things, a way will have been paved for + a dispassionate discussion of the whole Indian question, and perhaps it + will be solved without any intervention from Downing Street to the + satisfaction of both the parties concerned. Why should the Clergy + remain silent on this momentous question, momentous because it + affects the future of South Africa? They do take part in politics pure + and simple. They do attend the meetings convened to urge the + disfranchisement of the Indians. But this is not merely a political + question. Will they see a race degraded and insulted because of the + ‘unreasoning’ prejudice against it and sit still? Is such indifference + sanctioned by Christ’s Christianity? + + I repeat again, it is not political power that the Indians want. It is + degradation, it is many other consequences and measures that will + flow from and will be based on the disfranchisement that they dread + and resist. + + 304 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + In conclusion, I shall be deeply indebted to those who would + read this and be kind enough to express their opinion about its + subject-matter. Many Europeans have privately expressed their + sympathy for the Indians and have strongly disapproved of the + sweeping resolutions passed at the various meetings held in the + Colony in connection with the Indian franchise and the bitter tone of + the speeches made. If these gentlemen will come forward and have the + courage of their convictions, I submit, they will have a fourfold + reward. They will earn the gratitude of the 40,000 Indians in the + Colony, indeed of the whole of India, and will render true service to + the Colony by disabusing the minds of the Europeans of the notion + that the Indian is a curse to the Colony; they will serve humanity by + rescuing or assisting to rescue a portion of an ancient race from + unwarranted persecution which they know exists in the whole of South + Africa, and last but not least, in common with the noblest Britons, be + the forgers of the links that will unite England and India in love and + peace. I humbly submit that such an achievement is worth a little + ridicule that the pioneers will be subjected to. To separate the two + communities is easy enough, to unite them by the ‘silken cord’ of + love is equally difficult. But then, everything that is worth having is + also worth a great deal of trouble and anxiety. + The Natal Indian Congress has been mentioned in connection + with this matter and has been much misrepresented. In a separate + pamphlet' its objects and methods of working will be fully discussed. + + While this was in course of preparation, Mr. Maydon made a + speech at Bellair and a curious resolution was passed at the meeting. + With the greatest deference to the honourable gentleman, I venture to + take exception to his statement that the Indians have ever remained in + a state of servitude and are, therefore, unfit for self-government. + Although he invoked the aid of history in support of his statement, I + venture to say that history fails to bear out the statement. In the first + place Indian history does not date from the invasion of Alexander the + Great. But I take the liberty to say that India of that date will compare + very favourably with Europe of today. In support of that statement I + beg to refer him to the Greek description of India at pp. 169-70 of + Hunter’s Indian Empire, partly quoted in my “Open Letter’. What, + however, of India of a period previous to that date? History says that + + ' This is not available. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 305 + + the Aryans’ home was not India but they came from Central Asia, and + one family migrated to India and colonized it, the others to Europe. + The government of that day was, so history says, a_ civilized + government in the truest sense of the term. The whole Aryan literature + grew up then. The India of Alexander’s time was India on the decline. + When other nations were hardly formed, India was at its zenith, and + the Indians of this age are descendants of that race. To say, therefore, + that the Indians have been ever under servitude is hardly correct. India + certainly has not proved unconquerable. If that be reason for + disfranchisement, I have nothing to say except this, that every nation + will, unfortunately, be found wanting in this respect. It is true England + “wafts her sceptre” over India. The Indians are not ashamed of that + fact. They are proud to be under the British Crown, because they + think that England will prove India’s deliverer. The wonder of all + wonders seems to be that the Indians, like the favoured nation of the + Bible, are irrepressible in spite of centuries of oppression and + bondage. And many British writers think that India is under England + with her consent. + Professor Seeley says: + + The nation of India have been conquered by an army, of which, on the + average, a fifth part was English. In the early battles of the Company, by + which its power was decisively established, at the siege of Arcot, at Plassey, + at Buxar, there seems always to have been more Sepoys than Europeans on the + side of the Company. And, let us observe further, that we do not hear of the + Sepoys fighting ill, of the English as bearing the whole brunt of the conflict . + ... But if once it is admitted that the Sepoys always outnumbered the English, + and that they kept pace with the English in efficiency as soldiers, the whole + theory, which attributes our success to an immeasurable natural superiority in + valour, falls to the ground. —Digby’s India for the Indians and for England + + The honourable gentleman’ is also reported to have said: + + We (the Colonists) were entrusted with responsible Government in + Natal under certain circumstances. These have now become absolutely + changed, brought about by your refusal to sanction our Bill. You have brought + about a condition of things that is so fraught with danger that it is our clear + duty to hand back to you the authority which you gave us. + How contrary to facts is all this! It assumes that the Home + Government are now trying to thrust the Indian franchise on the + + ' The reference is to Maydon; “The Indian Franchise”, 16-12-1895 + + 306 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Colony, while the fact is that the Responsible Government is trying to + materially alter the circumstances which existed at the time it was + granted. Would not Downing Street be justified in saying, “We + entrusted you with Responsible Government under certain + circumstances. These have now become absolutely changed, brought + about by your Bill of last year. You have brought about a condition + of things that is so fraught with danger to the whole British + Constitution and British notion of Justice that it is our clear duty not + to allow you to trifle with the fundamental principles on which the + British Constitution is based.”? + The time when the Responsible Government was accepted was, I + submit, the time when Mr. Maydon’s objection might have been valid. + Whether Responsible Government would ever have been granted, + hadthe European Colonists insisted upon disfranchisement of the + Indians is another question. ' + From a pamphlet printed by T. L. Cullingworth, Printer, 40 Field Street, + Durban, 1895 + + 83. VEGETARIANISM IN NATAL + + It is an uphill battle to fight in Natal, and, indeed, in South Africa. + Yet there are few places where vegetarianism would be more + conducive to health, or more economical or practicable. Of course, at + present, it is hardly economical and it certainly requires a great deal of + self-denial to remain a vegetarian, To become one seems almost an + impossibility. “It is all very well in London, where there are scores of + vegetarian restaurants, but how can you become or remain a + vegetarian in South Africa, where you find very little nourishing + vegetarian food?” has been the invariable reply to my enquiries, in + the course of conversation on the matter with scores of men. One + would have thought such a reply would be impossible in South Africa, + seeing that it enjoys a semi-tropical climate, and its vegetable + resources are inexhaustible. Nevertheless, the reply is entirely + justifiable. In the best of hotels you find, as a rule, potatoes the only + vegetable at lunch-time, and that badly cooked. At dinner-time you + find, perhaps, two vegetables, and the vegetable menu is hardly ever + changed. It is little short of a scandal that in this Garden Colony of + South Africa, where, at the proper time, you can get fruit for a song, + + ' For Press reactions to this pamphlet, vide The Early Phase, pp. 592-6. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 307 + + you find very little fruit at the hotels. Pulses are conspicuous by their + absence. A gentleman wrote to me to ask if it was possible to buy + pulses in Durban; he could not procure them in Charlestown and the + neighbouring townships. Nuts can only be bought at Christmas time. + Such are the present circumstances. Vegetarian friends, therefore, + need not wonder if I can report very little perceptible progress as a + result of nearly nine months’ advertising and quiet persuasion. Nor + are the above the only difficulties in the way of vegetarian + propaganda. People here think of very little else than gold. The gold + fever is so infectious in these regions that it has smitten the highest + and the lowest, the spiritual teachers included. They find no time for + higher pursuits of life; they find no time to think of the beyond. + Copies of The Vegetarian are supplied regularly every week to + most of the libraries. Occasional advertisements are inserted in the + newspapers. Every opportunity is availed of to introduce the subject + of vegetarianism. So far this has given rise to some sympathetic + correspondence and enquiries. A few books have also been bought. + Many more have been distributed. Correspondence and conversation + have not been devoid of humour. A lady, who corresponded with me + in connection with Esoteric Christianity, became angry on finding that + Esoteric Christianity had anything to do with vegetarianism. She was + so disgusted that she returned the books lent to her without reading + them. One gentleman thought it disgraceful for a man to shoot or + slaughter an animal. “He would not do it for the life of him.” But he + had no compunction in eating the meat prepared for him. + The possibilities of South Africa, and particularly of Natal, from + a vegetarian standpoint, are too numerous to mention, only there are + no vegetarian workers. The soil is so fertile that it would grow almost + anything. Vast tracts of land await only a skilful hand to turn them + into real mines of gold. If a few men could be induced to turn their + attention from the Johannesburg gold to the quieter method of + earning money by cultivation, and to get rid of their colour prejudice, + there is no doubt that every variety of vegetable and fruit could be + grown in Natal. The climate of South Africa is such that the + Europeans alone will never be able to work the soil as much as is + possible. They have got the Indians to help them, but they simply + would not make use of them owing to the colour prejudice, which is + so strong in South Africa. Even in Natal, where the prosperity of the + Colony admittedly depends upon the Indian labour, the prejudice is + + 308 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + very strong. I have a letter from a gardener who, much as he would + like to employ Indian labour, is handicapped owing to this prejudice. + Vegetarians, therefore, have a scope for patriotic work. The line of + marriage between white British subjects and Indians is getting thicker + day by day in South Africa. The best English and Indian statesmen + are of opinion that Britain and India can be indissolubly united by the + chain of love. The spiritualists anticipate good results from such a + union. The South African white British subjects are doing their utmost + to retard, and, if possible, to prevent such a union. It may be that some + vegetarians may come forward to arrest such a catastrophe. + I would venture to make one suggestion and then close this + hurriedly written resume of the work in Natal. If some men of means, + and well up in vegetarian literature, were to travel in different parts of + the world, explore the resources of the different countries, report upon + their possibilities from a vegetarian standpoint, and invite vegetarians + to migrate to those countries which they may consider suitable for + vegetarian propaganda, and, at the same time, worth settling in from a + pecuniary point of view, much vegetarian work can be done, openings + can be found for poor vegetarians, and real centres of vegetarianism + can be established in various parts of the world. + But then vegetarianism, in order to do this, should be a religion, + and not merely a hygienic convenience. The platform will have to be + shifted much higher. + The Vegetarian, 21-12-1895. + + 84. LETTER TO “THE NATAL MERCURY” + + DURBAN, + February 3, 1896 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Mercury + SIR, + + As one interested in food reform, permit me to congratulate + you on your leader in Saturday’s issue on “The New Science of + Healing”, which lays so much stress on the adoption of the natural + food, i.e., vegetarianism, But for the unfortunate characteristic of this + “self-indulgent” age, in which “nothing is more common than to + hear men warmly supporting a theory in the abstract without any + intention of submitting to it in practice”, we should all be vegetarians. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 309 + + For, why should it be otherwise when Sir Henry Thompson calls it “a + vulgar error” to suppose that flesh foods are indispensable for our + sustenance, and the most eminent physiologists declare that fruit is the + natural food of man, and when we have the example of Buddha, + Pythagoras, Plato, Porphyry, Ray, Daniel, Wesley, Howard, Shelley, Sir + Isaac Pitman, Edison, Sir W. B. Richardson, and a host of other + eminent men as vegetarians? The Christian vegetarian claim that Jesus + was also a vegetarian, and there does not seem to be anything to + oppose that view, except the reference to His having eaten broiled fish + after the Resurrection. The most successful missionaries in South + Africa (the Trappists) are vegetarians. Looked at from every point of + view, vegetarianism has been demonstrated to be far superior to + flesheating. The Spiritualists hold, and the practice of the religious + teachers of all the religions, except, perhaps, the generality of + Protestant teachers shows, that nothing is more detrimental to the + spiritual faculty of man than the gross feeding on flesh. The most + ardent vegetarians attribute the agnosticism, the materialism, and the + religious indifference of the present age to too much flesheating and + wine-drinking, and the consequent disappearance, partial or total, of + the spiritual faculty in man. Vegetarian admirers of the intellectual in + man point to the whole host of the most intellectual men of the world, + who were invariably abstemious in their habits, especially at the time + of writing their best works, to demonstrate the sufficiency, if not the + superiority of the vegetarian diet from an intellectual standpoint. The + columns of the vegetarian magazines and reviews afford a most + decisive proof that where beef and its concoctions, with no end of + physic thrown in, have lamentably failed, vegetarianism has + triumphantly succeeded. Muscular vegetarians demonstrate the + superiority of their diet by pointing out that the peasantry of the + world are practically vegetarians, and that the strongest and most + useful animal, the horse, is a vegetarian, while the most ferocious and + practically useless animal, the lion, is a carnivore. Vegetarian moralists + mourn over the fact that selfish men would—for the sake of gratifying + their lustful and diseased appetite—force the butcher’s trade on a + portion of mankind, while they themselves would shrink with horror + from such a calling. They moreover lovingly implore us to bear in + mind that without the stimulants of flesh foods and wine it is difficult + enough to restrain our passions and escape Satan’s clutches, and not + to add to those difficulties by resorting to meats and drinks which, as a + rule, go hand in hand. For, it is claimed that vegetarianism, in which + juicy fruits find the foremost place, is the safest and surest cure for + drunkenness, while meat-eating induces or increases the habit. They + also argue that since meat-eating is not only unnecessary but harmful + + 310 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + to the system, indulgence in it is immoral and sinful, because it + involves the infliction of unnecessary pain on and cruelty towards + harmless animals. Lastly, vegetarian economists, without fear of + contradiction, assert that vegetarian foods are the cheapest diet, and + their general adoption will go a long way towards mitigating, if not + altogether suppressing, the rapidly growing pauperism side by side + with the rapid march of the materialistic civilization and_ the + accumulation of immense riches in the hands of a few. So far as I + recollect, Dr. Louis Kuhne urges the necessity of vegetarianism on + physiological grounds only, and does not give any hints for + beginners, who always find it difficult to select the right kinds from a + variety of vegetarian foods and to cook them properly. I have a + selection of vegetarian cookery books (at from 1d to Is), as also + treatises on the subject dealing with its various aspects. The cheapest + books are given away, and if any of your readers feel disposed, not + merely to admire the new science of healing from a distance, but to + put its tenets into practice, I shall be very glad to supply them with + what pamphlets I possess on the subject, so far as it relates to + vegetarianism. I submit the following for the consideration of those + who believe in the Bible. Before the “Fall” we were vegetarians: + And God said : behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed which is + upon the face of all the earth, and every tree in which is fruit of a tree yielding + seed; to you it shall be for meat. And to every beast of the earth, and to every + fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is + life, I have given every green herb for meat; and it was so. + There may be some excuse for the unconverted partaking of + meat, but for those who say they are “born again”, vegetarian + Christians claim, there can be none; because their state surely should + be equal, if not superior, to that of the people before the “Fall”. + Again, in times of Restitution: + The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down + with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a + little child shall lead them. . . . And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. .. . + They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountains; for the earth shall + be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. + These times may be far off yet for the whole world. But why + cannot those who know and can—the Christians—enact them for + themselves at any rate? There can be no harm in anticipating them, + and, may be, thereby their approach may be considerably hastened. + Tam, etc., + + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Mercury, 4-2-1896 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 311 + + 85. MEMORIAL TO NATAL GOVERNOR + + DURBAN, + February 26, 1896 + +TO + + His EXCELLENCY THE HONOURABLE SIR WALTER FRANCIS + + HELY-HUTCHINSON, KNIGHT COMMANDER’ OF THE MOST + DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL AND SAINT + GEORGE, GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN AN OVER + THE COLONY OF NATAL, VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE SAME, + AND SUPREME CHIEF OVER THE NATIVE POPULATION, + GOVERNOR OF ZULULAND, ETC., ETC ETC., + + PIETERMARITZBURG, NATAL + + THE MEMORIAL OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIAN + BRITISH SUBJECTS RESIDING IN NATAL + + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT: + + Your Excellency’s Memorialists, as representing the Indian + + community in Natal, hereby respectfully beg to approach Your + Excellency with regard to the following portions of Rules and + Regulations for the disposal of erven' in the Township of Nondweni, + Zululand, published in the Natal Government Gazette, dated the 25th + February 1896, viz.: + + Part of Section 4: Persons of European birth or descent intending to bid + at any such sale must give notice in writing at least twenty days prior to the + date fixed for the sale to the Secretary for Zululand, Pietermaritzburg, or to the + Government Secretary at Eshowe, Zululand, describing as far as practicable by + numbers or otherwise the erven they are desirous of acquiring. + Part of Section 18: Only persons of European birth or descent shall be + approved of as occupiers of erven or sites. On failure of compliance with the + condition any such sites or erven shall revert to the Government as in the + preceding section hereof. + Rule 20: It shall be a distinct condition subject to which the erven or + sites are sold, and which condition shall be inserted in every freehold title + applied for and issued in terms of Sections 10, 11 and 13 of these Regulations, + that at no time shall the owner of sites or erven in the Nondweni Township + bought hereunder be at liberty either to sell or let such sites or erven or any + portion thereof or to permit occupation of them or any portion thereof free of + + ' Plots for buildings in South African townships + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +312 + + rent to any other persons except those of European birth and descent, and in + the event of the holder of such title-deed contravening such conditions and + stipulations, any such sites or erven shall revert to the Government in terms + and manner stated in Section 17 hereof. + Your Memorialists interpret the rules to mean exclusion of Her + Majesty’s Indian subjects from owning or acquiring property in the + Nondweni Township. + Your Memorialists beg respectfully but emphatically to protest + against the invidious distinction thus drawn between European and + Indian British subjects. + + Nor can your Memorialists find any reason for such exclusion, + unless it be another point among many yielded to the colour + prejudice in South Africa. + + Your Memorialists humbly submit that such preference given to + one portion of Her Majesty’s subjects over another is not only + contrary to the British policy and justice, but, in the case of the Indian + community, violates the terms of the Proclamation of 1858 which + entitles British Indians to equal treatment with the Europeans. + Your Memorialists venture further to submit that, in view of the + efforts of Her Majesty’s Government on behalf of the Indians + residing in the Transvaal, the distinction drawn by the rules under + discussion with regard to property rights is somewhat strange and + inconsistent. + Your Memorialists would crave leave to mention that many + Indians own freehold property in other parts of Zululand. + Your Memorialists, therefore, humbly pray that, by virtue of the + power reserved by Section 23 of the Regulations, Your Excellency will + be pleased to order such alteration or amendment thereof as to do + away with the above-mentioned distinction. + And for this act of justice and mercy your Memorialists, as in + duty bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc.' + ABDUL KARIM HAJEE + AND 39 OTHERS + From a photostat of a handwritten copy : S.N. 755 + + ' The memorial was rejected on February 27, on the ground that the + Regulations were identical with those of September 28, 1891, in operation in regard + to the Eshowe township; vide "Letter to C. Walsh", 4-3-1896. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 313 + + 86. LETTER TO “THE NATAL MERCURY” + + DURBAN, + March 2, 1896 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Mercury + SIR, + + In justice to the two defendants, Roberts and Richards, whom the + worthy Superintendent of Police is pleased to call “upstarts” and + other bad names, and in justice to the Indian community, I beg to + encroach upon your space with reference to the partial report of the + case in which the two defendants were charged under the Vagrancy + Law and the Superintendent’s views thereon that appeared in your + issue of the 29th February. The report and the opinion would seem to + show that Mr. Waller’s decision’ is a miscarriage of justice. To give + colour to that view, the Superintendent has elected to give that portion + of the evidence which I wished, and still wish, to use in order to win + public sympathy for the two defendants, and what is more, for people + placed in a similar position. + + I humbly think that theirs was a very hard case, and that the + police erred in arresting them, and, afterwards, in harassing them. I + said in the Court, and I repeat, that the Vagrant Law would cease to be + oppressive if the police showed some consideration for the Indians + and used discretion in arresting them. The fact that both are sons of + indentured Indians should not go against them, especially in an + English community, where a man’s worth, not birth, is taken into + account in judging him. If that were not so, a butcher’s son would not + have been honoured as the greatest poet. The Superintendent, then, + makes much of the fact that the second defendant changed his name + about two years ago, and tries thereby to excuse the wanton insult’ to + which he was submitted by the constable who arrested him. It should + + ' Mr. Waller, Police magistrate, dismissed the case on the ground that so long + as a coloured man, found out of doors after 9 p.m. without a pass, told the police he + was going home, it was sufficient answer to clear himself, as the law stated that only + a coloured person found wandering between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a + pass from his employer, or not giving a good account of himself, may be arrested. + * The constable laughed at him when the defendant gave his name as Samuel + Richards. + + 314 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + be remembered that the constable in charge knew nothing whatever as + to when the name was changed, and surely his very features were + sufficient to betray his nationality had he attempted, as the + Superintendent supposes he did, to cover his nationality in order to + escape the operation of the Vagrant Law. Nor did he seem to be + ashamed of his name or birth, for the answers came almost + simultaneously with the questions as to birth and name, and seemed so + much to please the amiable Superintendent as to extort the following + expression from him: “Yes, my boy, if all were like you, the police + would have no difficulty.” + There can be nothing absolutely wrong in changing one’s name + unless it is wrong to change one’s religion. To compare small things + with great, Mr. Quilliam has become Haji Abdullah because he has + become a Mahomedan. Mr. Webb, the late Consul-General of Manica, + also adopted a Mahomedan name, on adopting the Mahomedan faith. + Not only the Christian name but the Christian dress also is an offence + for an Indian, according to the view of the constables. And now, + according to the Superintendent’s view, change of religion would + render an Indian liable to suspicion. But why should this be so, + assuming, of course, that the change is a result of honest belief and + not a dodge to evade the law? In the present case I assume that both + the defendants are honest Christians because I am told both are + respected by Dr. Booth’. Of course, the Superintendent will report, + “But how is a man to know whether a man is an honest Christian or a + Satan in the Christian garb?” This is a difficult question to answer. I + submitted to the Court that each case could be judged on its own + merits, and that the benefit of the ordinary presumptions should be + given to the Indians, as it is given to other classes. + I submitted that two men, wearing a respectable dress, walking + quietly along the main street at 9.30 p.m., stopping when questioned, + protesting that they were returning from the gardens and were on + their way home, which was not seven minutes’ walk from the place + where they were stopped, that one of them was a clerk and the other a + teacher (as was the case with the two unfortunate boys), may be given + the benefit of the ordinary presumption. I submitted further that in + cases like this the police might, if they suspected, see their charge + + ' Head of St. Aidan's Mission, Durban, he supervised a small charitable + hospital founded by Indians. In 1899, during the Boer War, Dr. Booth helped to train + the Indian Ambulance Corps. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 315 + + safely home. But, even if that could not be done, they might be treated + as respectable men under custody and not be prejudged to be thieves + and robbers. The remarks about dress and religion and name might + conveniently be postponed till they could be proved to be hypocrites. + + About a year ago I was travelling from Standerton to Durban. + Two of my fellow-passengers were suspected to be thieves. Their + luggage, and with theirs mine also, because I was in the same + compartment, was examined at Volksrust, and a detective was placed + in the compartment. They could offer a glass of whisky to the + Landdrost', who came to examine the luggage and talk to the detective + as gentlemen and on equal terms, presumably because they were + respectably dressed and were first-class passengers. The detective did + not prejudge them. I must not omit to mention that they were + Europeans. The detective all the way through was sorry that he had to + perform the unpleasant duty. May I plead for the same treatment in + cases like that of the unfortunate boys? Instead of the cell they might + have been given some other place to lie in. They might have been + given clean blankets to lie on if the cell could not be avoided. The + constables might have spoken to them kindly. Had this been done the + case would never have come before the Magistrate. + + I venture to take exception to the Superintendent’s statement + that “these young upstarts elected to be locked up all night in + preference to bail”. The reverse is the truth. They offered bail and it + was refused during the night. The Magistrate was not pleased with this + treatment. They renewed their request to be bailed out in the morning. + The request of the second defendant was granted. The constable + refused to bail out the first. Against his name was marked: “not to be + released”. The book containing that remark was produced in the + Court. Later, he was released at the instance of Inspector Benny, who + promptly remedied the mistake as soon as he came to know of it. + With deference to the Superintendent, I beg to say that the first + defendant did not defy the law. The Magistrate made no order; but he, + in his fatherly and kind manner, suggested that I should advise him to + get the Mayor’s Pass’. I submitted that such was not necessary but said + that in deference to his suggestion I would do so. The defendant has + now received a reply from the Town Clerk that the pass will not be + + ' South African judge, also inspector or officer + > Of exemption + + 316 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + issued to him, a clerk and Sunday School teacher, having never been + charged with any criminal offence. If he is not fit to be out after 9 + p.m. he cannot be fit to be a Sunday School Teacher. One would + think that it is less dangerous for him to be out after nine than for him + to be a Sunday School teacher who would mould the character of + tender children. The Superintendent says that his force “has never + interfered with the Arab merchants or other respectable coloured men + at night”. Were not these two boys fit to be ranked among “other + respectable coloured men”? I appeal to him, and entreat him to + consider well whether he himself would have arrested these two boys. I + say in his own words, “If his whole force were as considerate and + amiable as himself there would be no difficulty.” + I think, in dealing with my “Open Letter”, you were kind + enough to say that cases of real grievance will readily command your + sympathy. Do you consider this case a real grievance? If you do, I ask + your sympathy so that cases like the above may not occur again. I + have found it difficult to ask respectable Indian youths who may care + for my advice to take out passes from their masters. I have asked them + to take out the Mayor’s pass of exemption. But since the first + application has been refused, it has dampened the zeal of the others. If + the public approve of such arrests the police may be induced to repeat + them in spite of the Magistrate’s opinion to the contrary. The Press, + therefore, by its opinion can either make it easier for apparently + respectable Indians to take out the Mayor’s pass of exemption, or else + almost impossible for the police to repeat such arrests. There is the + recourse to a suit against the Corporation. But that is a recourse to be + had in the last resort. + Iam, etc., + M.K. GANDHI + The Natal Mercury, 6-3-1896 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 317 + + 87. LETTER TO C. WALSH + + DURBAN, + March 4, 1896 + C. WALSH, ESQ. + ACTING SECRETARY FOR ZULULAND + PIETERMARITZBURG + SIR, + + I beg to acknowledge your letter dated 27th ultimo in reply to + the Memorial' about the Nondweni Township Regulations, which I + had the honour to forward to His Excellency the Governor of + Zululand, conveying the information that the Regulations are a copy + of the Eshowe Township Regulations which were published during His + Excellency’s predecessor’s time. + Such being the case, I would, on behalf of the Memorialists, + venture to request His Excellency to order the alteration or + amendment to the Regulations with regard to both the Townships, so + as to do away with the colour distinction. In any case I take the liberty + to submit that the existence of similar Regulations for the Eshowe + Township is, in my humble opinion, no justification for the Nondweni + Township Regulations, regard being especially had to the events that + are now happening concerning the position of the Indians as to + property rights in other parts of South Africa. + I believe there are no such Regulations for the Melmoth + Township.’ + + I beg, etc., + M. K GANDHI + + Colonial Office Records No. 427, Vol. 24 + + ' Vide "Memorial to Natal Governor", 26-2-1896. + * The request was turned down; vide "Letter to Dadabhai Naoroji", 7-3-1896. + + 318 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 88. LETTER TO SECRETARY FOR ZULULAND + + CENTRAL WEST STREET + DURBAN, NATAL, + March 6, 1896 + THE SECRETARY FOR ZULULAND + PIETERMARITZBURG + SIR, + May I enquire what led to the colour distinction being + introduced in the Eshowe Township Regulations, seeing that none + such exists with regard to the Melmoth Township Regulations, and + also the date when the Melmoth Township Regulations were + published? + + IT remain, etc., + + M. K. GANDHI + Colonial Office Records No. 427, Vol. 24 + + 89. LETTER TO DADABHAI NAOROJI + + P.O. Box 66, + CENTRAL WEST STREET, + DURBAN, NATAL, + March 7, 1896 + THE HON’BLE MR. DADABHAI NAOROJI + NATIONAL LIBERAL CLUB + LONDON + SIR, + I venture to enclose herewith a cutting containing the Franchise + Bill that the Ministry propose to introduce next session and a Press + copy of my letter to the Chairman of the British Committee.’ + + The Governor of Zululand has refused to grant the request of + the Memorialists regarding Nondweni. I am now preparing a + Memorial’ for the Home Government on the subject. + I beg to thank you for your letter about the Commando + Memorial. + IT remain, + Your obedient servant, + M. K. GANDHI + From a photostat : S.N. 2254 + + ' Vide the following item. + * Vide "Memorial to J. Chamberlain", 1 1-3-1896. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 319 + + 90. LETTER TO W. WEDDERBURN + P. O. Box 66, + CENTRAL WEST STREET, + DURBAN, NATAL, + March 7, 1896 + SIR WILLIAM WEDDERBURN, BARONET, M. P., ETC. + CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH COMMITTEE OF + THE INDIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS + LONDON + SIR, + I venture to enclose herewith a cutting containing the Franchise + Bill that the Government proposes to introduce during the next + session of the Legislative Assembly of Natal in April. This Bill + replaces the Act of 1894 against which a Memorial' was sent to the + Government. It is said that this Bill has been approved of by Mr. + Chamberlain. If so it would place the Indian community in a very + awkward position. The newspapers seem to think that India has + representative institutions and that therefore the Bill will not affect the + Indians. At the same time there can be no doubt that the Bill is meant + to affect the Indian community. It is our intention to oppose the Bill. + But in the meantime a question in the House of Commons, in my + humble opinion, may be very useful and give an insight into Mr. + Chamberlain’s views. The Indian community will soon have to + encroach upon your time and attention on other matters of pressing + importance. + I beg to remain, + Sir, + Your obedient servant, + M. K. GANDHI + From a photostat : S.N. 2280 + + ' Vide "Petition to Natal Legislative Assembly", 28-6-1894. + + 320 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 91. MEMORIAL TO J. CHAMBERLAIN + + DURBAN, NATAL, + March 11, 1896 + TO + THE RIGHT HON’BLE JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, + HER MAJESTY’S PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATEFOR + THE COLONIES, + LONDON + THE MEMORIAL OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIANS + REPRESENTING THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN NATAL + + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT: + Your Memorialists hereby venture to approach Her Majesty’s + Government with regard to certain Rules and Regulations in + connection with the Township of Nondweni, Zululand, published in + the Natal Government Gazette dated the 25th February, 1896, in so far + as the said Regulations affect the rights of Her Majesty’s Indian + subjects to own or acquire property in the Township of Nondweni, as + also with regard to similar Regulations for the Township of Eshowe in + Zululand. + + The portion of the Regulations affecting the British Indians is as + follows: + + Part of Section 4—Persons of European birth or descent intending to bid + at any such sale (i.e., sale of erven) must give notice in writing at least twenty + days prior to the date fixed for the sale to the Secretary for Zululand, etc. + + Part of Section 18—Only persons of European birth or descent shall be + approved of as occupiers of erven or sites. On failure of compliance with this + condition any such sites or erven shall revert to the Government as in the + preceding section hereof. + + Part of Section 20—It shall be a distinct condition subject to which the + erven or sites are sold, and which condition shall be inserted in every freehold + title applied for and issued in terms of Sections 10, 11 and 13 of the + Regulations, that at no time shall the owner of sites or erven in the Nondweni + Township bought hereunder be at liberty either to sell or let such sites or erven + or any portion thereof or to permit occupation of them or any portion thereof + free of rent, to any other persons except those of European birth and descent, + and in the event of the holder of such titledeed contravening such conditions + and stipulations, any such sites or erven shall revert to the Government in + terms and manner stated in Section 17 hereof. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 321 + + The next day after the publication of the Gazette containing the + Nondweni Regulations your Memorialists petitioned His Excellency + the Governor of Zululand praying that the Regulations may be so + altered or amended as to do away with the colour distinction therein. + In reply to the said Memorial’ a copy whereof is annexed + hereto, your Memorialists were informed that the Regulations were + “the same as the Regulations in force for the Eshowe Township + proclaimed by His Excellency’s predecessor on 28th September + 1891”. Thereupon a request was made, on the 4th March, 1896, to + the effect that both the Regulations should be altered or amended with + regard to the British Indians. + A reply thereto was received on 5th March 1896, to the effect + that the Governor did not feel justified in acting on the suggestion. + Your Memorialists confidently trust that the wrong inflicted + upon the Indian community is so manifest that it has only to be + brought to the notice of Her Majesty’s Government to be remedied. If + such an invidious and, your Memorialists respectfully submit, + unnecessary distinction cannot be permitted in self-governing + colonies, much less should it be permitted in a Crown Colony. + Many of your Memorialists own property in Zululand. In the + year 1889, when the Township of Melmoth was sold, the Indian + community laid out nearly £2,000 in the purchase of erven in that + Township. + Your Memorialists respectfully submit, it is absolutely necessary + that the Indian community should be allowed to purchase land in + Zululand freely, if only for the reason that they may be able to make + their outlay of the £2,000 profitable. + Even the Government organ’ in Natal considered the wrong so + serious that, though as a rule hostile to the Indian aspirations, it viewed + the Memorial to the Government of Zululand very favourably. The + remarks are so apt that your Memorialists crave leave to quote them + below: + Zululand is likely soon to have an Indian question all its own. The rules + and regulations published in the Government Gazette last Tuesday for the + disposal of erven in the newly-declared township of Nondwen include a + + ' Vide "Memorial to Natal Governor", 26-2-1896. + * The reference is to The Natal Mercury ; vide "Memorial to J. Chamberlain" + 11-8-1895. + + 322 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + number of sections which specially prevent all but persons of European birth + or descent from purchasing property in the township, or even occupying any + property in the township. The Indians, ever to the fore in such matters, have + promptly sent a protest to the Governor against the promulgation of such + rules and regulations, and seeing that Zululand is still a Crown Colony, and, + therefore, more under the direct eyes of the Imperial authorities, we cannot + very well see how such rules can be enforced when there is evidently so strong + a disposition on the part of the Home Government to prevent the Franchise + Law Amendment Bill passed in Natal from becoming law. From the protest + presented by the Indians, we gather that some of them already own freehold + property in Zululand, and, if this be the case, apart from any other reason, it + seems to us the Memorialists have a cause for consideration. There may be + some special provision as regards the occupation of land in the Zulu country + which prohibits Indians from becoming property-holders, but still the fact + remains that the territory is a Crown Colony, and this being so, it seems + strange that rules and regulations can be made for that country which are not + permitted in Natal, a responsibly-governed Colony. + So frequently do the colour distinctions creep in into the rules + and regulations, laws and bye-laws published in various parts of South + Africa, that it is impossible for the Indian community, consisting, as it + does, chiefly of traders and artisans with a knowledge sufficient only + for the requirements of trade and, in many cases, even without it, to + keep itself informed of all the legislation affecting its rights and bring + it to the notice of Her Majesty’s Government. + + And things have come to such a pass that your Memorialists + cannot expect redress from the local authorities, even in cases where + the wrong complained of is a result of an oversight of the + fundamental principles of the British Constitution, as in the present + instance. + + Your Memorialists fear that, if a Crown Colony can refuse + property rights to a portion of Her Majesty’s subjects, the + Governments of the South African Republic and the Orange Free + State would in a greater measure be justified in doing likewise or even + going further. + + Your Memorialists submit that the existence of the colour + distinction in the Regulations for Eshowe should not be a justification + for similar Regulations for Nondweni. If those for Eshowe are bad, + rather, your Memorialists submit, should both be altered and amended + so as not to affect the just rights of the British Indian subjects. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 323 + + Your Memorialists further venture to draw your attention to the + fact that constant class legislation affecting Her Majesty’s Indian + subjects not only causes a great deal of anxiety to the Indian + community in South Africa, but the petitions that have to be + frequently made to have such legislation altered cause a great deal of + expense which the Indian community, by no means in an over- + prosperous condition can ill afford to incur, not to mention the fact + that such a state of constant unrest and irritation seriously interferes + with the business of the Indian community as a whole. + Nothing short of an enquiry into the position and status of the + British Indians in South Africa, and a notification calling upon the + authorities in South Africa to ensure the equality of treatment of Her + Majesty’s Indian subjects with all the other British subjects will, in + your Memorialists’ humble opinion, prevent the social and civil + extinction of Her Majesty’s loyal and law-abiding Indian subjects. + Your Memorialists, therefore, humbly pray that Her Majesty’s + Government will order alteration or amendment of the Eshowe and + Nondweni Townships Regulations so as to remove the disabilities that + they, in their present form, entail on Her Majesty’s Indian subjects, + and further humbly suggest that orders may be issued forbidding + future class legislation affecting them. + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Memorialists, as in + duty bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc.' + + (SD.) ABDUL KARIM HAJEE ADAM + AND OTHERS + + From a photostat : S. N. 3620 + + 92. LETTER TO “THE NATAL WITNESS” + + DURBAN, + April 4, 1896 + TO + THE EDITOR + The Natal Witness + SIR, + + I would be much obliged if you could find space for the + following by way of answer to “G.W.W.”, who wrote to your under + + ' On April 10, in reply to a question by Mancherjee M. Bhawnaggree, in the + House of Commons, Chamberlain promised to look into this memorial on receiving + it. The Imperial Government ultimately removed the prohibition. + + 324 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + date 11th March last, and did me the honour to criticize my pamphlet’ + on the Indian franchise. + While I thank “G.W.W.” for the personal fairness he has shown + me in his treatment of the pamphlet, I wish he had treated the subject- + matter of the “Appeal” as fairly. If he had read it with an unbiased + mind, I think he would not have found any cause to differ from the + views therein expressed. I have endeavoured to treat the subject from + such a standpoint as would induce the European Colonists to extend + ungrudgingly the hand of fellowship to the Indians without being + elbowed out of their present position in so doing. I still maintain that + there is no cause whatever for alarm, and if the European Colonists + would only let the agitation die and consent to resume the status quo, + they would find that their vote would not be swamped by the Indians. + I further submit that, if ever such a contingency were to arise, it could + be dealt with in anticipation, without the necessity of introducing + colour distinction directly or indirectly. A real and reasonable + educational test would perhaps for ever put a stop to the danger (if + ever there be any) of the Indian vote swamping the European, and + would, so far as possible, keep the Roll clear of the most objectionable + European voters also, if any. + “G.W.W.” takes exception to the arguments drawn from the + relative strength of the true votes and “calls attention to what the next + year’s Roll may contain”. I beg to call his attention to the fact that, + although the Indians had every opportunity to “swamp” the List last + year and the year before last, and every incentive to do so because of + the fear as to the result of the Franchise Act, now about to be repealed, + there were no additions to the number of Indian voters. It must have + been either extraordinary apathy or want of qualifications that could + account for such a result, But it could not have been any such apathy, + for the “Agitation” has been on foot for the last two years. + I, however, do not propose to examine “G.W.W.”’s letter in + detail, for want of time and space, and will merely give the + information he asks for, and apply it to the new Bill to be introduced + during the forthcoming session. + Mr. Curzon, the then Under-Secretary of State for India, in + moving the second reading of the India Councils Act (1861) + Amendment Bill, said, among other things: + + ' Vide "The Indian Franchise", 16-12-1895. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 325 + + The object of the Bill, which it is my duty to expound to the House is + to widen the basis and extend the function of the Government of India, to give + further opportunity than at present exists to the non-official and the native + element in Indian society to take part in the work of government and in this + way to lend official recognition to that remarkable development, both in + political industry and political capacity, which has been visible among the + higher classes of Indian society since the Government of India was taken over + by the Crown in 1858. This Bill is one to amend the Indian Councils Act of + 1861. Legislative powers of some sort or other, but powers of a somewhat + confused character and conflicting validity, have existed in India for a very + long time. They existed with the rule of the old East India Company dating + from the date of the Charters of the Tudor and Stuart Sovereigns; but the + modern legislative system, under which India at present exists, owns its + origin to the viceroyalty of Lord Canning and to the Secretaryship of State of + Sir C. Wood, who was afterwards elevated to the peerage. Sir C. Wood, in + 1861, carried through the House the India Councils Act of the year... . The + Act of 1861 constituted three Legislative Councils in India—the Supreme + Council of the Viceroy and the Provincial Councils of Madras and Bombay. + The Supreme Legislative Council of the Viceroy consists of the Governor- + General and his Executive Council, and is recruited by a minimum of six and a + maximum of twelve additional members who are nominated by the Governor- + General, of whom at least half must be non-official, whether they are drawn + from the European or the native element. The Legislative Councils of Madras + and Bombay are also recruited by a minimum of four and a maximum of eight + additional members, who are nominated by the Provincial Governor, of whom + at least half must be non-official. Since the passing of that Act, Legislative + Councils have also been called into existence in Bengal and the North-West + Provinces. In the case of Bengal, the Council consists of the Lieutenant- + Governor and twelve nominated Councillors and, in the case of the North-West + Provinces, of the Lieutenant-Governor and nine nominated councillors, of + whom one-third in each case must be non-official. ... A number of native + gentlemen of intelligence and capacity and public spirit have been persuaded + to come forward and to lend their services to the function of government, and + undoubtedly the standard of merit of these Legislative Councils has stood + high. + The Amending Act gives the right to discuss the Budget and the + right of interpellation (rights hitherto not enjoyed). It also increases + the number of members of the Council, and provides (vaguely) for a + system of election. Of course, the Act is merely permissive. + + According to the regulations issued under the above Act, out of + eighteen seats for additional members for the Bombay Council, eight + seats are filled by election. And the Corporation of Bombay (itself a + + 326 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + representative body), such Municipal Corporations, or group or + groups thereof, other than the Bombay Corporation, as the Governor- + in-Council may from time to time prescribe, District Local Boards, or + groups as above prescribed, the Sardars of the Deccan, or such other + class of large landholders as above prescribed, associations of + merchants, tradesmen or manufacturers, prescribed as above, and the + Senate of the University of Bombay, have the power to elect those + members by a majority of votes. Similar rules are published for the + election by or “nomination on the recommendation of” the various + representative bodies of the various provinces which have Legislative + Councils. + + There is no class or colour distinction as to the franchisee or the + representatives elected. The member (Indian) for the Bombay Council + in the Supreme Legislative Council having resigned, the candidates are + Indians and a European. The result should be known by the next + week’s mail. + + I will only give one extract showing how this and municipal + representation have been viewed by the most eminent men qualified to + speak on such subjects with authority. Delivering a lecture before the + Society of Arts, Sir William Wilson Hunter said on the 15th February, + 1893. + + The Indian Municipalities, to which our Chairman, Lord Ripon, gave + so memorable an impulse, had under their administration in 1891 a + population of 15,000,000 and of the 10,585 members who sat on __ their + Boards or Councils, more than one-half were elected by the ratepayers. The + representative principle is now being cautiously extended under Lord Cross’s + Act of 1892 to the Legislative Councils both of the Supreme and Provincial + Governments. + + Portion of the Proclamation of 1858 runs: + + We hold ourselves bound to the natives of our Indian territories by the + same obligations of duty which bind us to all our other subjects,. . . .and it is + our further will that, so far as may be, our subjects, of whatever race or creed, + be freely and impartially admitted to offices in our service, the duties of which + they may be qualified by their education, ability, and integrity duly to + discharge. + Looking at the new Franchise Bill in the light of these facts, it is + very difficult to understand it. The question before the Colonists is + very simple. Is it necessary to disfranchise the Indian community? If it + is, I submit that the proof of the fact that they enjoy representative + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 327 + + institutions in India will not make it less so.' If it is not, why harass + Indians by ambiguous legislation? If the answer to the question + whether or not the Indians enjoy representative institutions in India is + to decide the franchise question, I submit that the materials of + knowledge about the subject are by no means so slender that the + Colonists cannot decide the question now and for ever, without the + necessity of an Act leaving it an open question to be decided hereafter + in a Court of Law, involving a useless waste of money. + lam, etc., + + M. K. GANDHI + The Natal Witness, 17-4-1896 + + 93. MEMORIAL TO NATAL LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY + + DURBAN, + April 27, 1896 + TO + THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS' OF THE + HONOURABLE THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF NATAL IN + PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED, PIETERMARITZBURG + THE MEMORIAL OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIANS + RESIDING IN THIS COLONY + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT: + + Your Memorialists as representing and on behalf of the Indian + community in Natal respectfully approach this Honourable House + with regard to the Franchise Law Amendment Bill now before you for + consideration. + + Your Memorialists assume that the Bill is meant chiefly, if not + solely, to affect the Indian community in that it repeals and replaces + + ' There was some discussion in the Natal Assembly on April 9 whether Indians + had “representative institutions”. The Prime Minister's observation that they were + not possessed of representative institutions “founded on the franchise” was consi- + dered inadequate. In draft Bill, the words “Parliamentary institutions” were substituted + by “elective representative institutions”-words used in the Governor's address to the + Assembly. The second reading of the Bill, which was to have been on April 22, was + postponed for a break in order that relevant correspondence between the Colonial and + Home Governments could be made available and assessed by them; vide The Early + Phase, pp. 605-6 + + 328 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + the Act 25 of 1894 which was intended to disfranchise the Indians in + the Colony. + In the Memorial' that was presented to this Honourable House + on behalf of the Indian community on the same subject when the Act + 25 of 1894 was under consideration, it was contended that the Indians + did possess elective representative institutions in India. + The present Bill disfranchises natives of countries, not being of + European origin, which have not possessed elective representative + institutions in their own native land. + The position of your Memorialists, therefore, is painfully + awkward in opposing the present Bill. + Yet, seeing that the Bill tacitly proposes to deal with the Indian + franchise, your Memorialists consider it to be their duty respectfully + to express their views about the Bill and also to show further on what + grounds they believe that the Indians possess elective representative + institutions in India. + In moving the second reading of the “India Councils Act + (1861) Amendment Bill” in the House of Commons on the 28th day + of March, 1892, the then Under-Secretary of State for India, said:’ + The Amending Act, besides increasing the number of + nominated members in each Council, gives the power of discussing + the financial statement every year and the power of “interpellation”. + It embodies the elective principle. The Legislative Councils have from + their inception enjoyed the representative character. The honourable + mover of the second reading, with reference to the increase of + nominated members, said: + The object of this addition is very easily stated and will, I think, be very + easily understood by the House. It is simply by expanding the area of + selection, in which case you are adding to the strength of the representative + character of the Councils. + But now these Councils, your Memorialists venture to submit, + enjoy the representative character “founded on the franchise”. + Speaking on an Amendment by Mr. Schwann, M.P., to the Bill + to the effect that “no reform of Councils that does not embody the + elective principle will be satisfactory”, Mr. Curzon said: + + ' This was dated June 28, 1894. + * Not reproduced here. For the text of the speech, vide “Letter to “The Natal + Witness”, 4-4-1896 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 329 + + I should like to point to him that our Bill does not necessarily exclude + some such principle as the method of selection, election or delegation. With + the permission of the House, I will read the words of the sub- section of Clause + I. It runs as follows: The Governor-General-in-Council may from time to time + on the approval of the Secretary of State-in-Council make regulations as to the + conditions under which such nominations or any of them shall be made by the + Governor-General, Governors and Lieutenant-Governors, respectively, and + prescribe the manner in which such regulations shall be carried into effect. . . + + Lord Kimberley’ has expressed himself about that clause. He + said: + Iam bound to say that I express my whole satisfaction with regard to this + elective principle. + The opinions expressed by Lord Kimberley are shared by the + Secretary of State under this Act: + It would be in the power of the Viceroy to invite representative bodies in + India to elect or select or delegate representatives of those bodies of their + opinion to be nominated to these Councils and by elective measures + The Right Honourable Mr. Gladstone, speaking on the same + subject, after explaining the speeches of the honourable mover of the + Second Reading of the Bill and its amendment, said: + I think I may fairly say that the speech of the Under-Secretary appears to + me to embody the elective principle in the only sense in which we should + expect it to be embodied. . . It is evident that the great question—and it is one + of great and profound interest—before the House is that of the introduction of + the elective element into the Government of India. What I wish is that their + first steps shall be of a genuine nature and that whatever scope they give to the + elective principle shall be real; there is no difference of principle. I think that + the acceptance of the elective principle by the honourable gentleman (Mr. + Curzon) though guarded was not otherwise than a frank acceptance. + Turning to the Regulations made and published in accordance + with the above Act, your Memorialists submit that the remarks + herebefore quoted are fully borne out. To take the Bombay + Legislative Council, for instance, out of the eighteen nominated + members, eight are elected by, or as it is put in the Regulations, + “nominated on the recommendation of” the various representative + bodies which are enfranchised for the purpose of Legislative Councils. + The Corporation of Bombay (itself an elective body), Municipal + Corporations other than the Bombay Corporation in the Bombay + + ' Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, 1894-5 + + 330 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Presidency prescribed by the Governor-in-Council, District Local + Boards prescribed as above, the Sardars of the Deccan or other class + of large landholders prescribed as above, associations of merchants, + tradesmen, etc., prescribed as above, and the Senate of the University + of Bombay recommend or elect these eight members by a majority of + votes or in the case of associations not established by law in the + manner laid down in their rules for carrying resolutions or recording + decisions upon questions of business brought before such + associations. + In the Sardars of the Deccan, this Honourable House will + notice, there are even direct voters for the election of members of the + Council. + The regulations for the other Councils are much the same. + + Such is the character of the Legislative Councils in India and the + political franchise. The difference, therefore, your Memorialists beg + respectfully to point out, is not one of kind but of degree only. The + reason is not because the Indians do not know or understand the + representative principle. Your Memorialists cannot do better than + quote again from the speech of the Right Honourable Mr. Gladstone, + partly quoted above; he thus explained the reasons for the restrictive + character of the elective principle: + + Her Majesty’s Government ought to understand that it will be regarded + as a most grave disappointment if, after all the assurances we have received + that an attempt will be made to bring into operation this powerful engine of + Government (i.e., the elective principle), there should not be some result such + as we anticipate from their action. I do not speak of its amount, I speak more + of its quality. In an Asiatic country like India, with its ancient civilization, + with its institutions so peculiar, with such a diversity of races, religions and + pursuits, with such an enormous extent of country, and such a multitude of + human beings as probably except in China were never before under a single + Government, I can understand that there should be difficulties in carrying out + what we desire to see accomplished. But great as the difficulties are the task is + a noble one, and will require the utmost prudence and care in conducting it to a + successful consummation. All these things induce us to look forward + cheerfully to a great future for India, and to expect that a real success will + attend the genuine application, even though it may be a limited one, of the + elective principle to the government of that vast and almost immeasurable + country. + + The opinion of those who are qualified to speak on Indian + subjects seems to be unanimous as to the representative character of + the Indian Councils. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 331 + + Sir William Wilson Hunter, the greatest living authority on + + Indian subjects, says: + + The representative principle is now being cautiously extended, under Lord + Cross’s Act of 1892, to the Legislative Councils both of the Supreme and the + Provincial Governments. + The Times, dealing with the Indian franchise in Natal, says: + + The argument that the Indian in Natal cannot claim higher privileges than + he enjoys in India and that he has no franchise whatever in India is + inconsistent with the facts. The Indian has precisely the same franchise in + India which the Englishman enjoys. + + After dealing with the Municipal franchise the article goes on to + + say: + + A similar principle applies, with the modification incidental to our system + of government in India, to what may be called the Higher Electorate. The + elected members of the Supreme and the Legislative Councils, which deal with + 221 millions of British subjects are mainly elected by native bodies. Apart + from the official representatives of Government in the Supreme and Provincial + Legislatures about one-half the members are natives. It would be wrong to + push this analogy too far. But it answers the argument against allowing + British Indian subjects a vote in British Colonies on the ground that they have + no vote in India. So far as government by voting exists in India, Englishmen + and Indians stand on the same footing and, like in the Municipal, the + Provincial and the Supreme Councils, the native interests are powerfully + represented. + + The Municipal franchise is very broad in India, and almost the + + whole of British India is studded by Municipal Corporations and + Local Boards. + + Speaking of the class of Indians already on the Voters’ Rolls in + + Natal, The Times article, referred to above, says: + + It is precisely this class of men who form the most valued element in the + municipal and other electorates in India. Throughout the 750 municipalities of + India the British and the native voters have equal rights, and 9,790 Municipal + Commissioners (Councillors) in 1891 were natives as against 839 Europeans. + The European vote on the Indian Municipal Boards was therefore only one to 8 + Indian votes, while in the Natal Electorate there are 37 European votes to one + British Indian. . . . It must be remembered that Indian Municipalities + administer a population of 15 millions and an expenditure of 50 million + rupees. + + As to the acquaintance of the Indian with the nature and + + responsibilities of representative institutions, the same article says: + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +332 + + There is probably no other country in the world in which representative + institutions have penetrated so deeply into the life of the people. Every caste, + every trade, every village in India had for ages its council of five which + practically legislated for and conducted the administration of the little + community which it represented. Until the introduction of the Parish + Councils’ Act last year, there was no such rural system of self-administration + even in England. + Mr. Schwann., M.P., on the same subject says: + + Do not suppose that the question of election is a new one in India.... + There is no question which is more specially Indian than the question of + election. Most of our civilization has come from India. And there is not the + slightest doubt that we ourselves are practising a development of the Eastern + principle of election. + + Under such circumstances the Indian community whom the Bill + is intended to affect find it most difficult to understand it. + Your Memorialists submit that the vagueness and ambiguity of + the Bill are very undesirable and fair neither to the European + community nor the Indian. They leave both in a state of suspense + which is painful to the latter. + + Your Memorialists respectfully draw the attention of this + Honourable House to the fact that according to the present Voters’ + Roll, there is one Indian to every 38 Europeans, and that the Indian + voters belong to the most respectable element in that community + and are residents of long standing with large stakes in the Colony. + + It is said, however, that the present List is no guide to what + proportions the Indian vote may assume in future. But the fact that, + during the two years that the disfranchisement of the Indian + community has been threatened, no more Indians have had _ their + names placed on the Voters’ Roll, in your Memorialists’ humble + opinion, sufficiently disposes of the argument. + + The truth is, and your Memorialists venture to speak from + personal experience, there are not very many Indians in the Colony + who have got the legal property qualification, low as it is. + + Your Memorialists respectfully submit that the Bill under + discussion is open to more objections than one. In your Memorialists’ + humble opinion, it introduces the colour distinction in a most + invidious manner. For, while natives of other countries not enjoying + elective representative institutions may not become voters, natives of + the States of Europe, even though they may not enjoy such + institutions in the countries they come from, may become voters + under the General Franchise Law of the Colony. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 333 + + It would make the sons of non-European women of + questionable reputation eligible as voters so long as the father is a + European, while it would prevent the son of a European lady of noble + birth, should she choose to marry a nobleman belonging to a non- + European race, from becoming a voter under the General Franchise + Law of the Colony. + + Assuming that the Indians come under the scope of the Bill, the + method by which they may get themselves placed on the Voters’ Roll + will be a source of constant irritation to the Indian community, and + may give rise to a system of favouritism and cause serious dissensions + among the members of the Indian community. + The Bill is moreover calculated to involve the Indian community + in endless litigation in order to enable them to vindicate their rights, + which your Memorialists think, are capable of definition without any + recourse to the law-courts of the Colony. + Above all, it will transfer the agitation from the hands of the + Europeans, who now wish to see the Indians disfranchised, into those + of the Indian community. And the agitation, your Memorialists fear, + has to be perpetual. + It is most humbly submitted that such a state of things is very + undesirable in the interests of all the communities inhabiting this + Colony. + Your Memorialists, after a careful investigation for over a year, + have ventured to come to the conclusion that the fear about the Indian + vote swamping the European is absolutely imaginary, and, therefore, + fervently pray and venture to hope that this Honourable House, before + assenting to any Bill specially restrictive of the Indian vote or directly + or indirectly introducing any colour distinction, would institute an + inquiry into the real state of affairs which would show how many + resident Indians there are in this Colony who possess the legal + property qualification necessary for being placed on the Voters’ + Roll.And for this act of justice and mercy, your Memorialists, as in + duty bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc.' + ABDUL CAREEM HAJEE ADAM + AND OTHERS + From a photostat of a printed copy : S. N. 980 + + ' On the presentation of this petition the second reading of the Bill was put off + by another week and completed only on May 6. On May 18, the Bill was committed + to a joint committee of the Legislatures which then had its third reading. The + Governor then forwarded the Bill to the Secretary of State for Colonies for securing + the Royal assent. Vide The Early Phase, pp. 609-15. + + 334 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 94. CABLE TO J. CHAMBERLAIN' + + DURBAN, + May 7, 1896 + INDIAN COMMUNITY EARNESTLY REQUEST YOU NOT TO ACCEPT + NATAL FRANCHISE BILL OR MINISTERIAL ALTERATION + THEREOF PROPOSED LAST NIGHT. MEMORIAL PREPARING.’ + Colonial Office Records No. 179, Vol. 196 + 95. LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER + DURBAN, + May 14, 1896 + TO + THE HONOURABLE THE PRIME MINISTER + PIETERMARITZBURG + SIR, + + You are reported to have said the following with reference to the + Natal Indian Congress on the Second Reading of the Franchise Bill: + Members might not be aware that there was in this country a body, a very + powerful body in its way, a very united body, though practically a secret + body—he meant the Indian Congress. + + May I venture to enquire if that portion of your speech is + correctly reported, and if so, whether there are any grounds for the + belief that the Congress is “practically a secret body”? I may be + + ' Similar cables were sent to Wedderburn, Hunter and Dadabhai Naoroji. Writ- + ing on May 13, Hunter acknowledged the cable and promised “careful consideration + on receipt of the Memorial". Hunter had interviewed Chamberlain a fortnight earlier + and the latter had "expressed his sympathy but mentioned the difficulty of adding + further elements of disturbance at the present moment to our complications in South + Africa’. “Justice will be done" Hunter added, but “somewhat slowly”, as it was "mixed + up in English opinion with the monotone of complaint made by the Indian Congress + party... . “Hunter concluded with the advice: “You have only to take up your position + strongly in order to be successful” (S.N. 948). He wrote again on May 22 that the + Secretary of State for the Colonies had assured that the Memorial of the Natal Indians + would receive his full consideration (S.N. 985). + > Acknowledging this cable, Dadabhai Naoroji wrote on May 21 that Wedder- + burn had passed on the cable to him on behalf of the British Committee; referring to + his correspondence with Chamberlain on the subject he observed, "I am glad that your + Memorial will be considered and no action or decision will be taken before it is + received or considered" (S.N. 973). + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 335 + + permitted to draw your attention to the fact that when the intention of + forming such a body was made it was announced in the papers, that + when it was actually formed its formation was noticed by the Witness, + that the annual report and list of members and rules have been + supplied to and commented upon by the Press, and that these papers + have also been supplied to the Government by me in my capacity as + Honorary Secretary to the Congress. ' + I have the honour to remain, + Sir, + Your obedient servant, + M. K. GANDHI + HONORARY SECRETARY + NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS + From a copy: S.N. 981 + + 96. LETTER TO C. BIRD + + DURBAN, + May 18, 1896 + + C. BIRD, ESQ. + PRINCIPAL UNDER-SECRETARY + COLONIAL OFFICE + PIETERMARITZBURG + SIR, + I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 2837/96, dated + the 16th instant, in reply to my letter to the Honourable the Prime + Minister with reference to the Natal Indian Congress. + + I beg to state with regard to the matter that the Congress + meetings are held always with open doors, and they are open to the + Press and public. Certain European gentlemen who, the Congress + members thought, might be interested in the meetings, were specially + invited. One gentleman did accept the invitation and attended + + ' On May 16, C. Bird replied to this letter: In answer to your letter to the Prime + Minister of the 14th instant, respecting certain words reported as having been made + use of by him, on the Second Reading of the Franchise Bill, with reference to the + Natal Indian Congress, I am desired by Sir John Robinson to state that speaking of + that Congress as practically a secret body he did so under the belief that meetings of + the Congress are not open to the public and the Press. If the Prime Minister has been + misinformed on this point, I am to state that he will be glad to be corrected on the + subject (S.N. 981). + + 336 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Congress meetings. Uninvited European visitors also have attended the + Congress meetings once or twice. + One of the Congress rules provides that Europeans may be + invited to become Vice-Presidents. According thereto, two gentlemen + were asked if they would accept the honour, but they were not + disposed to do so. Minutes of the Congress proceedings are regularly + kept.’ + + I beg to remain, + Sir, + Your obedient servant, + M. K. GANDHI + HONORARY SECRETARY + NATAL INDIAN CONGRESS + + From a copy: S. N. 983 + + 97. MEMORIAL TO J. CHAMBERLAIN + + DURBAN, + May 22, 1896 + +TO + + THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, + HER MAJESTY’S PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE + COLONIES, LONDON + THE MEMORIAL OF THE UNDERSIGNED INDIAN’ BRITISH SUBJECTS + RESIDING IN THE COLONY OF NATAL + + HUMBLY SHEWETH THAT : + Your Memorialists hereby respectfully beg to lay before your + Honour the following for your consideration with regard to the + Franchise Law Amendment Bill introduced by the Natal Government + in the Natal Legislative Assembly, which was read a third time on the + 13th day of May, 1896, with certain amendments. + The following is the text of the Bill as it appeared in the Natal + Government Gazette dated the 3rd March, 1896: + + To amend the Law relating to the Franchise: + + ' Referring to this letter, Sir John Robinson said in Parliament that he had no + explanation to offer and furnished a gist of the correspondence. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 337 + + Whereas it is expedient to amend the law relating to the Franchise, + + Be it therefore enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and + with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and Legislative + Assembly of Natal, as follows: + + 1. Act No. 25, 1894, shall be and the same is hereby repealed. + + 2. Save those who come under the operation of Section 3 of this Act, no + persons shall be qualified to have their names inserted in any List of Electors + or in any Voters’ Roll, or to vote as Electors within the meaning of Section 22 + of the Constitution Act of 1893, or of any law relating to the election of + members of the Legislative Assembly, who (not being of European origin) are + Natives, or descendants in the male lines of Natives of countries which have + not hitherto possessed active representative institutions, unless they shall + first obtain an order from the Governor-in-Council exempting them from the + operation of this Act. + + 3. The provisions of Section 2 of this Act shall not apply to persons of + the class mentioned in that Section whose names are rightly contained in any + Voters’ Roll in force at the date of the promulgation of this Act, and who are + otherwise competent and qualified as electors. + + The Act repealed by Section I of the above Bill is as follows: + + Be it therefore enacted by the Queen’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and + with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council and Legislative + Assembly of Natal, as follows: + + 1. Save as in Section 2 of this Act excepted, persons of Asiatic + Extraction shall not be qualified to have their names inserted in any List of + Electors or in any Voters’ Roll or to vote as Electors within the meaning of + Section 22 of the Constitution Act of 1893, or of any law relating to the + election of members of the Legislative Assembly. + 2. The provisions of Section I of this Act shall not apply to persons of + the class mentioned in that Section whose names are rightly contained in any + Voters’ Roll in force at the date of the promulgation of this Act, and who are + otherwise competent and qualified as electors. + 3. This Act shall not come into operation unless and until the Governor + notifies by Proclamation in the Natal Government Gazette that it is Her + Majesty’s pleasure not to disallow the same, and thereafter it shall come into + operation upon such day as the Governor shall notify by the same or any other + Proclamation. + A Memorial' setting forth the views of the Indian community in + reference to the Bill under discussion was presented to the Legislative + + ' Vide “Memorial to Natal Legislative Assembly”, 27-4-1896 + + 338 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Assembly on the 28th day of April, 1896. A copy thereof is hereto + annexed marked ‘A’. + On the 6th day of May, 1896, the Bill was read a second time. + During the course of his speech, the Prime Minister, the Honourable + Sir John Robinson, said that the Ministers had taken steps to ascertain + whether you would be agreeable to an insertion in the aforesaid Bill of + the words “founded on the franchise” after “Elective representative + institutions” and that you were so agreeable. + Thereupon, on the 7th day of May, 1896, your Memorialists + sent to Your Honour a cablegram to the following effect: + + The Indian community earnestly request you not to accept Natal Franchise + Bill or Ministerial alteration thereof proposed last night; memorial preparing. + In Committee, however, the Honourable Sir John Robinson + announced on the 11th day of May, 1896, that Your Honour had + agreed to a further addition viz, ‘Parliamentary’ between ‘the’ and + ‘franchise’. + The Bill, therefore, as to representative institutions would now + read “elective representative institutions founded on _ the + Parliamentary franchise”. + Your Memorialists humbly venture to think that the present Bill, + so far as the Indian community and, indeed, all the communities are + concerned, is worse than the Act it repeals. + + Your Memorialists, therefore, feel aggrieved that you have been + pleased to approve of the Bill, but they trust that the facts and + arguments placed before you hereinbelow are such as would induce + you to reconsider your views. + + Your Memorialists have all along contended that the Indians did + enjoy “elective representative institutions” in India. But the papers + published in connection with the franchise question seem to show that + you do not think that the Indians possess such institutions. With the + greatest deference to Your Honour’s view, your Memorialists crave + leave to draw your attention to the extracts quoted in the annexure + ‘A’ upholding the opposite view. + Your approval of the present Bill, coupled with the view held by + Your Honour regarding “elective representative institutions” in India, + places the Indian community in Natal in a very painful and awkward + position. Your Memorialists venture to submit: + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 339 + + 1. That no legislation restrictive of the Indian franchise in Natal + is necessary. + 2. That, if there be any doubt with regard to this point, an + enquiry should be first instituted as to whether such a necessity does + exist. + + 3. That, assuming that the necessity exists, the present Bill is not + calculated to meet the difficulty in a straightforward and open + manner. + + 4. That, if her Majesty’s Government are absolutely satisfied + that the necessity exists and that no Bill could be conceived that would + solve the difficulty without a resort to class legislation, it is better that + in any Franchise Bill the Indians should be specially named. + 5. That the present Bill is likely to give rise to endless litigation + owing to its ambiguity and vagueness. + 6. That it would involve the Indian community in expenses + almost beyond their control. + + 7. That assuming the Bill affects the Indian community, the + method provided in the Bill whereby any member thereof may be + exempted from its operation is, your Memorialists respectfully + submit,arbitrary, unfair, and likely to create dissensions among the + members of the Indian community. + 8. That the Bill, like the Act repealed, makes an invidious + distinction between Europeans and others. + + Your Memorialists humbly submit that the present condition of + the Voters’ List in Natal renders it absolutely unnecessary to embark + on any legislation to restrict the Indian franchise. There seems to be + needless hurry about passing a measure that affects a large portion of + Her Majesty’s subjects. It is admitted that as against 9,309 European + voters there are only 251 Indian voters; 201 are either traders or + clerks, assistants, schoolmasters, etc., and 50 are gardeners and others, + and that most of these voters are settlers of long standing. These + figures, your Memorialists submit, do not warrant any restrictive + legislation. The Bill under discussion is intended to deal with a remote + and probable and possible danger. A danger is really assumed which + does not exist. His Honour, Sir John Robinson, in moving the second + reading of the Bill, based his fears about the danger of the European + vote being swamped by the Indian vote on three grounds, viz.: + + 340 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 1. The fact that the petition to Her Majesty’s Government in + connection with the Franchise Act, repealed by the present Bill, was + signed by nearly 9,000 Indians. + 2. The approaching general election in the Colony. + 3. The existence of the Natal Indian Congress. + + As to the first ground, even in the correspondence on the + subject, the Natal Government have argued that the 9,000 signatories + wanted to be placed on the Voters’ Roll. The first paragraph of that + petition is a sufficient answer to the argument. The Petitioners, your + Memorialists humbly submit, never contended for any such thing. + They certainly protested against the wholesale disfranchisement of the + Indians. Your Memorialists humbly venture to think that every Indian, + whether he had the property qualifications or not, was very materially + affected by that Bill. Your Memorialists admit that the fact show a + degree of organizing power among the Indians, alluded to by the + Hon. mover, but your Memorialists respectfully contend that no + matter how powerful the organizing power might be, it cannot + overcome the natural barriers. Out of the 9,000 signatories, not a + hundred, besides those who were already on the Voters’ Roll, + possessed the legal property qualifications. + With regard to the second ground, the Hon. mover said: + He might remind members that before long there must be a general + election, and they would have to consider upon what register that general + election was to take place. It was not for him to say how many Indian electors + might or might not be on the ensuing electoral roll, but the Government + thought it was high time that no further delay should take place in seizing this + question by the throat and setting it once for all, without further delay. + Your Memorialists submit, with all due respect to the Hon. + mover, that all these fears have no foundation in fact. According to + the Report of the Protector of Immigrants for 1895, out of 46,343 + Indians in the Colony, only 30,303 are free Indians. To that may be + added the trading Indian population of, say, 5,000. Thus there are + only 35,000 Indians, as against over 45,000 Europeans, who can at all + compete with the latter. The 16,000 indentured Indians, it is easy to + see, never can vote, while they are under indenture. But a large + majority of the 30,303 are only a stage higher than the indentured + Indians. And your Memorialists venture to say from _ personal + experience that there are in this Colony thousands of Indians who do + not pay £10 per year in rents. In fact, there are thousands who have to + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 34] + + drag on their existence on that amount. Where then, your + Memorialists ask, is the fear of the Indians swamping the Voters’ List + next year? + The disfranchisement has been threatened for the last two years. + The Electoral Roll has twice undergone revision since. The Indians + had every incentive to add to the Indian vote, lest many may be shut + out. And yet there has been not a single addition to the Voters’ List + from the Indian community. + But the Hon. mover went on to say: + Members might not be aware that there was in this country a body, a + very powerful body in its way, a very united body, though practically a secret + body—he meant the Indian Congress. That was a body which possessed large + funds, it was a body presided over by very active and very able men, and it was + a body the avowed object of which was to exercise strong political power in + the affairs of the Colony. + Your Memorialists venture to say that this estimate of the + Congress is not justified by facts. The charge of secrecy, as would + appear from the correspondence between the Honourable the Prime + Minister of Natal and the Honorary Secretary of the Congress, was + made under an erroneous impression (Appendices B,C, D'). A + statement with regard to the matter also was made by him in the + Legislative Assembly on the 20th instant. + Nor has the Congress in any shape or form intended or + attempted to “exercise strong political power”. The following are the + objects of the Congress, which were published in almost every paper + in South Africa last year: + “1. To bring about a better understanding and promote + friendliness between the Europeans and the Indians residing in the + Colony. + “2. To spread information about India and the Indians by + writing to newspapers, publishing pamphlets, lecturing, etc. + “3. To educate the Indians, especially [those] born in the + Colony about Indian History, and induce them to study Indian + subjects. + + 'Vide “Letter to Prime Minister’ 14-5-1896, and “Letter to C. Bird”, + 18-5-1896. + + 349 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + “4. To ascertain the various grievances the Indians are + labouring under and to agitate by resorting to all constitutional + methods for removing them. + “5S. To enquire into the condition of the indentured Indians and + to help them out of special hardships. + + “6. To help the poor and the needy in all reasonable ways. + + “7, And generally to do everything that would tend to put the + Indians on a better footing morally, socially, intellectually, and + politically.” + It would thus appear that the object of the Congress is to resist + degradation, not to gain political power. As to funds the Congress has + a property worth £1,080 and a balance of £148-7s 8d in the Bank, at + the time of writing this. These funds have to be used in charity, + printing memorials and working expenses. In your Memorialists’ + humble opinion they are hardly sufficient to fulfil the objects of the + Congress. The educational work is greatly hampered owing to want of + funds. Your Memorialists, therefore, venture to submit that the danger + which the present Bill is intended to guard against does not exist at all. + Your Memorialists, however, do not request Her Majesty’s + Government to accept the above facts as correct on their ipse dixit. If + there is any doubt about any of them—and the most important fact is + that there are thousands who do not possess the necessary property + qualifications for becoming voters—then the proper course, your + Memorialists submit, is to enquire about them, particularly to enquire + how many Indians there are in the Colony who possess immovable + property of the value of £50 or who pay a yearly rent of £10. To + prepare such a return would neither cost much time nor much money, + and would be a very material help towards a satisfactory solution of + the franchise question. The hot haste to pass some measure is, in your + Memorialists humble opinion, detrimental to the best interests of the + Colony as a whole. Your Memorialists, so far as they, as + representatives of the Indian community, are concerned and speaking + authoritatively for the organization of which they have the honour to + be members, hereby beg to assure Her Majesty’s Government that + they have no intention to endeavour to place a single Indian voter on + the Voters’ List for the general election next year. + The Government organ, dealing with the present Bill in a + presumably inspired article, supports the view that the danger is “a + chimerical one”. It says: + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 343 + + Moreover, we feel sure that should the Asiatic vote ever endanger the + stability of European rule in this Colony, the Imperial Government will find + ways and means out of such a difficulty. The new Bill imposes certain + limitations on the acquirement of the franchise by all who are not of European + origin, and as now even with the franchise open to British subjects of all races + and classes, except the Natives under Native law, there are only some 250 + Indians on the Voters’ Roll out of a total of 9,560 registered voters, or in the + proportion of one Indian voter to every 38 Europeans in possession of the + franchise, we think the new Bill will fully meet the requirements of the case for + very many long years at all events, if not for all time. In South Carolina, for + instance, the Negroes over 21 years old number 132,949, while the whites + over 21 only number 102,567, yet the whites have retained the dominant + power, although in the minority. The fact of the matter is that apart from + numbers altogether the superior race will always hold the reins of + Government. We are inclined to the belief, therefore, that the danger of the + Indian vote swamping the European is a chimerical one. From what we know + of the matter, we are inclined to think that it will be held that India is a country + possessing “Elective representative institutions”. In fact, the argument so + often advanced that the Indian is unacquainted with their nature and + responsibilities is really wide off the mark, as in India there are some 750 + municipalities in which British and native voters have equal rights, and in + 1891, there were 9,790 native municipal commissioners (councillors) as + against 839 Europeans. . . .Even assuming, however, that natives of India will + be held as coming from a country possessing “elective representative + institutions”, we do not consider that the danger of being swamped is at alla + likely one, as past experience has proved that the class of Indians coming + here, as a rule, do not concern themselves about the franchise, and further, the + majority of them do not even possess the small property qualification + required. In addition to all this, the obligations of the Empire of which we + form a part do not permit of Indians as Indians being excluded from the + exercise of such a privilege as the franchise. So far as we are concerned, + therefore, such attitude is a non possumus and may, therefore, be dropped. + Should the restrictions of the new law not prevent the introduction of an + undesirable element onto the Voters’ Roll, there is nothing at all to prevent us + raising the franchise qualification. At present it is very low. The property + qualification could, therefore, be easily increased, even doubled and an + educational test imposed which, while it would not remove a single European + from the Voters’ Roll, would have a sweeping effect on Indian voters. The + number of the later possessing immovable property of the value of say, £100 + or paying a rent of £20 per annum and able to read and write English must be + exceedingly small, and should this fail, there would be nothing to hinder us + from adopting the Mississippi plan, or a modification of it to suit the + circumstances (5th March, 1896). + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +344 + + It is clear, therefore, that according to the Government organ the + present property qualifications are sufficiently high to prevent any + undue influx of Indian voters on the Roll, and that the only object of + th e present Bill is to harass the Indian community—to land them in + expensive litigation. + + According to the Mauritius Almanac for 1895, the population + of that island in 1894 was 259,224 Indians as against 106,995 persons + under the heading ‘general population’. The franchise qualification + there is as follows: + + Every male person shall be entitled to be registered in any year as a + voter for any electoral district and, when, registered, to vote at the election + of a member of the Council for such district who is qualified as follows, that + is to say: + 1. That he has attained the age of twenty-one years. + 2. Is under no legal incapacity. + 3. Isa British subject by birth or naturalization. + + 4. Has resided in the Colony for three years at least previous to the + date of registration and possesses some one of the following qualifications: + + (a) Is on the Ist day of January in each year, and has, during the + preceding six calendar months, been the owner of immovable property + within such district of the annual value of Rs. 300 or the monthly value of + Rs. 25 above all charges and encumbrances affecting the same. + + (b) Is at the date of registration paying, and has for the six calendar + months previous to the lst day of January in such year paid, rent in respect + of immovable property situate within such district at the rate of at least Rs. + 25 per month. + + (c) Has for three calendar months previous to the Ist of January in + such year resided, or had his principal place of business or employment + within such district, and is the owner of movable property within the + Colony of the value of at least Rs. 3,000. + + (d) Is the husband of a wife, or the eldest son of a widow, possessing + any one of the above qualifications. + + (c) Has for three calendar months previous to the Ist day of January in + such year resided, or had his principal place of business or employment + within such district, and is in receipt of a yearly salary of at least Rs. 600, + or a monthly salary of at least Rs. 50. + (f) Has for three calendar months previous to the Ist of January in such + year resided, or has his principal place of business or employment within + such district, and pays licence duty to the amount of at least Rs. 50 per + annum. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 345 + + Provided— + 1. That no person shall be registered as a voter, or be entitled to vote + for the election of a member of the Council who has been convicted of + perjury in any Court in our Dominions or who has been sentenced by any + such Court to death, or penal servitude, or imprisonment with hard labour, + or for a term exceeding twelve months, and has not either suffered the + punishment to which he was sentenced or such other punishment as by + competent authority may have been substituted for the same or received a + free pardon from us. + 2. That no person shall be registered as a voter in any year who has, + within twelve calendar months immediately preceding the first day of + January in that year, received any relief from public or parochial funds. + + 3. That no person shall be registered as a voter in any year unless he + shall, in the presence of the registering officer or of a magistrate, with his + own hand subscribe his name to his claim to be registered and write thereon + the date of such subscription and the qualification, in respect of which he + claims to be registered. + + 4. That no person claiming to be registered in the district in which he + resides in respect of any of the qualifications (c), (d), (e) and (f), shall be + registered in respect of the same qualification in the district in which he has + his principal place of business or employment or vice versa. + With these qualifications there is evidently no trouble in + Mauritius, although the Indian population is twice as large as the + general population, and the Indians in Mauritius belong to the same + class as the Indians in Natal. Only, there they are far more prosperous + than their Natal brethren. + + Assuming, however, that the necessity to deal with the Indian + franchise does exist, your Memorialists respectfully beg to say that the + present Bill is not calculated to meet it in a straightforward and open + manner. The Honourable and learned Attorney-General of Natal, + referring to a suggestion to slightly alter the existing law in course of + the debate on the Second Reading, is reported to have said: + The reason why he refused to do this was because it was apparently + + doing it by a side-wind and quietly, and the Government intended to do it in + the full light of day. + + It is difficult to conceive a better mode of doing a thing by a + “side-wind and quietly” than that of passing the present Bill, which + leaves everybody in the dark. The Natal Advertiser of the 8th May, + 1896, says: + + 346 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + ... What is the present Bill if not a side-wind? Its whole object is to + endeavour quietly and by a side-wind to effect that which the measure of last + session failed to accomplish. Mr. Escombe admitted that the measure was + brutally blunt and to this he rightly ascribed its failure to obtain acceptance by + the Imperial Government. He further admitted that the present Bill has + precisely the same object in view as the “brutal” Bill, only it does not state its + object honestly and straightforwardly; in other words, it seeks quietly and by a + side-wind to reach the goal apparently unattainable by plain sailing. + If Her Majesty’s Government are convinced that a real necessity + exists for legislation restricting the Indian franchise in Natal, and if + Her Majesty’s Government are satisfied that the question cannot be + dealt with but by class legislation, and if Her Majesty’s Government + further accept the Colonial view that Indian British subjects, in spite of + the gracious Proclamation of 1858, may be treated on a different + footing from that on which the European British subjects are treated, + then, your Memorialists submit that it would be infinitely better and + more satisfactory to exclude the Indians by name from any rights and + privileges that they in the opinion of Her Majesty’s Government, + should not be allowed to enjoy, than that by ambiguous legislation the + door should be left open for litigation and trouble. + + That the Bill, if assented to, would give rise to endless litigation + owing to its ambiguity is an admitted fact. It is admittedly also of the + first importance that the question of the Indian franchise should be + “settled once for all”. to quote the words of the Honourable the + Prime Minister of Natal. And yet, in the opinion of the majority of the + leaders of opinion in Natal, the Bill will not settle the question once + for all. + + Mr. Binns, the leader of the Opposition in the Natal Assembly, + after quoting chapter and verse to show that the Indians in India did + possess elective representative institutions, founded on _ the + parliamentary franchise, is reported to have said this: + + He hoped he had shown clearly that on that ground this Bill was wrong. + There were representative institutions and the elective principle was + acknowledged in India. They had a Parliamentary franchise and there was an + enormous municipal franchise which affected local government, and if this + was the case, what was the use of their passing this Bill? The facts he had + stated to the Assembly were taken from the best authorities he could find and + they proved most conclusively that these institutions did exist. There was no + doubt on one point, that if a Bill of this kind passed into law it would lead + them into endless litigation, difficulties, and trouble. The Bill was not + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 347 + + sufficiently clear or definite. They wanted something more clear and definite. + He wanted to see this question settled and he would do all he could to assist at a + settlement. But he thought this Bill was framed on wrong lines, contained a + fact that was not correct, and it would lead them into endless litigation, + difficulty, and trouble. It would be impossible for him to vote for the second + reading of this Bill. + Mr. Bale, a leading member of the Assembly and a leading + lawyer in Natal, agreeing with Mr. Binns’ views, opposed as he is to + the Indians retaining the franchise rights under the general law of the + Colony, thus feelingly appealed to the House, as well on behalf of the + Indians as for the Colony generally, not to pass the Bill: + + It would give rise to litigation and produce a feeling of hostility and + create a ferment amongst the Indians themselves. It would also have the + further effect of inducing appeals to the Privy Council and would prejudice the + election of members to this House. Having regard to the great issues involved + in this measure he hoped the second reading of this Bill would not be carried. + The Natal Witness of the 8th May thus sums up the situation: + + Our warning that, if the Bill passes into law as it stands, the Colony + will be involved in serious litigation, had the support of Mr. Binns and Mr. + Bale, and Mr. Smythe’s half loaf, which is better than, nothing, would be + dearly purchased at that price. What leads us to think the Bill has not been + considered by the legal advisers of the Crown are the exceedingly delicate + questions which it raises and which will undoubtedly be fought out unless + the wording be altered so as not to leave the possibility of a resort to law. + Amongst these questions are the following: Can a Colony make laws which + contravene the Naturalization Law of England? Are British Indians British + subjects or not? In other words the Bill raises the whole question of the + position of the British Indians in the Empire. Can special laws be passed in + Natal, since the issue of the Proclamation of 1858, [to] take away any part + of the privileges conferred by that document? + After deploring the ambiguity and vagueness of the Bill, The + Natal Advertiser, in its leader of the 8th May, says: + The truth of the position is [that] each line of the present Bill is an + ambuscade of disputes, which will all come out in the open some day, to + perpetuate for years, and probably with increased bitterness, the struggle + between the Indians and the Europeans in this Colony with regard to the + vote. + Your Memorialists appeal to Her Majesty’s Government to save + the Indian community, if not the whole Colony, from such a dismal + + 348 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + outlook—from perpetual agitation—and all this to avoid a danger that + does not exist. + + That the expenses of such a struggle to the Indian community + must be beyond their control needs no argument to prove. The whole + struggle is unequal. + Now, assuming further, that the highest legal tribunal has + recorded its opinion that the Indians do not possess “elective + representative institutions founded on the Parliamentary franchise”, + the method provided in the Bill whereby the Indians may be placed + on the Voters’ Roll is, in your Memorialists’ humble opinion, in every + way unsatisfactory. + + The disapproval of that portion of the Bill which confers the + power on the Governor is very emphatic on the part of the Europeans + also. The Natal Witness, in dealing with that branch of the subject, + says: + It attacks great constitutional principles, and further introduces into the + working of representative institutions in Natal what may be termed an + unknown quantity—that is to say, the effect which the third clause, providing + for an electorate of six to choose fit and proper Asiatics for the Voters’ Roll, + will have upon them... . The Ministry appeared to have caught on to the idea + (i.e., of indirect election), but in making themselves and the Governor an + indirect electorate, they are not only doing what is decidedly preposterous but + highly improper. + Reverting to the same question again, it says: + + The Assembly has not gained in public estimation by passing a Bill + which most of the leading members are distrustful of, which they can see is a + compromise and a compromise which may prove quite ineffectual and which, + as we pointed out when it was first published, is a most dangerous invasion of + the privileges of the Assembly as well as an attack upon constitutional + principles which it might have been assumed that every member would have + held himself to be under a solemn obligation to maintain unimpaired. There + was no need to remind some of the members of the last objection. Mr. Bale + said that the Franchise ought to be vested in the people alone, to be exercised + of course by their representatives. .. . But what the press is concerned about is + not the present Parliament but all future ones. ...When a great constitutional + principle is once broken through, however slightly it may be, there is the + imminent risk of the breach being widened by a Government greedy of power. + That is the objection from the European point of view. Your + Memorialists, while agreeing with that view, have a yet more + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 349 + + formidable objection to the principle of the clause. It is not so much + the number of Indian voters that the Indian community wish to see on + the Voters’ Roll as the vindication of their rights and privileges as + British subjects and the equal status with European British subjects + that is assured to the British Indians by Her Most Gracious Majesty the + Queen Empress on more occasions than one, and that has been + specially assured to the Indian community in Natal by Her Majesty’s + Government in a special despatch by the Right Honourable the late + Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies. If other British subjects + having certain qualifications can claim the franchise as of right, why, + your Memorialists humbly ask, should not the Indian British + subjects? + The method is cumbrous and will tend to keep up the franchise + agitation for ever. It would, moreover, transfer the agitation from the + Europeans to the Indians. The speeches in the Assembly on_ the + second reading show that the power will be exercised very sparingly, if + at all, by the Governor-in-Council. + It is calculated to create dissensions among the Indian + community, for the applicant who is rejected may resent the favour + granted to a brother applicant if the one considers himself as good as + the other. + Education, intelligence, and stake, are mentioned in Your + Honour’s despatch relating to the franchise question as entitling the + Indians to the franchise. Your Memorialists submit that if a certain + amount of education, intelligence or stake is to be sufficient to qualify + an Indian to become a voter in the Colony, then such a test could be + introduced instead of leaving the power in the hands of the + Governor-in-Council. Hereon, your Memorialists beg to draw your + attention to a portion of the leading article in The Natal Mercury + hereinbefore quoted. If the necessary qualifications for those coming + under the operation of that Bill were stated, it would do away with the + contentious character of that part of the Bill, and those coming under + its operation will then know exactly what qualifications would entitle + them to a vote. The position is well summed up in The Natal + Advertiser of the 8th May. + A still further proof of the duplicity of the present Bill lies in its provision + that the Governor-in-Council shall have the power to place certain Indians on + the Voters’ Roll. This clause is obviously inserted with the idea of leading + the Imperial Government to suppose that this power of exemption would + + 350 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + occasionally be used—sparingly perhaps, but still used. Yet the Attorney- + General declared that “the power of inclusion given in such circumstances + under the present Bill could not, however, he wished to point out, be attained, + except through the Governor-in-Council. Every section of the community had + begun to realize what the true meaning was of the responsibility of Ministers + and knew quite well that no Ministers could hold office for fourteen days if + they took upon themselves the responsibility of watering the constituencies + by the introduction of Indian electors.” Further on he said, “There would be no + other voice throughout South Africa than that the electoral rolls of the country + should be absolutely confined to persons of the European race. That was the + starting point from which they began and the goal they had in view all along.” + ... if these ministerial declarations mean anything, it is that this Government + have no intention to exercise their right of exemption. Then why is it placed + on the Bill? Is there not at least an appearance of dissembling, or utilizing a + side-wind, if the phrase is more expressive, in inserting a provision in a + measure, which its framers declare in submitting it for adoption, they mean to + treat as a dead letter? + It would be hardly pleasant for a wealthy Indian merchant to + have to apply for a permit to be exempted from the operation of the + Bill and also to risk the rejection of his application. It is difficult to + understand why Europeans, not coming from countries which have + not hitherto possessed elective representative institutions founded on + the Parliamentary franchise, should exercise the right of voting, while + the non-Europeans similarly placed cannot under the general law of + the Colony. + + The present Bill, according to the view of the Government, is an + experimental measure,. “If”, said the honourable and _ learned + Attorney-General on the second reading, “contrary to their belief, + and their firm belief, the Bill should fall short of what was intended, + then there never would be rest in the Colony,” etc. The Bill, therefore, + is not finite. Under such circumstances, your Memorialists submit that + unless all the resources, without resort to class legislation, are tried and + have failed (i.e., assuming that there is a danger of the Indian vote + swamping the European), a Bill like the present one should not be + passed. Your Memorialists venture to submit that this is not a question + that affects a mere handful of Her Majesty’s subjects, but it affects + 300,000,000 of Her Majesty’s loyal subjects. The question is not how + many or what Indians shall have the vote, but the question, your + Memorialists humbly submit, is what status the British Indians shall + occupy outside India and in the Colonies and allied States. May a + respectable Indian venture out of India in pursuit of trade or other + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 351 + + enterprise and hope to have any status? The Indian community do + not want to shape the political destiny of South Africa, but they may + be allowed to carry on their peaceful avocations quietly without any + degrading conditions being imposed upon them. Your Memorialists, + therefore, submit that if there is the slightest danger of the Indian vote + preponderating, a simple educational test may be imposed on all alike, + either with or without an increase in property qualifications. That + would, in the opinion of the Government organ also, effectually + remove all fear and if such a test failed, a more severe test may be + imposed, which would tell. Against the Indians without materially + affecting the European vote. If nothing short of a total exclusion of + the Indians from the franchise would be acceptable to the Natal + Government, and if Her Majesty’s Government are inclined to favour + such a demand, then your Memorialists submit that nothing short of + specific exclusion of the Indians by name would satisfactorily meet + the difficulty. + + Your Memorialists, however, beg to draw your attention to the + fact that the European Colonists as a body make no such demand. + They seem to be absolutely indifferent. The Natal Advertiser thus + rebukes the indifference: + + Perhaps the manner in which this all-important subject has been treated + by Parliament also brings out a fourth point—the indifference of the Colony + to its own politics. It would be highly interesting to discover, if such could be + done, how many of the Colonists have taken the trouble even to read the Bill + in question. Perhaps the proportion who have not read it would be a striking + one. The general unconcern of Colonists in this matter is demonstrated by the + fact that meetings have not been held in every centre—not to say every nook + and corner of the Colony for its ventilation, and to formulate a demand that + Parliament should only pass such a Bill as would render abortive all further + controversy over the subject. Had the Colony been fully alive to the real + gravity of the issue, the columns of the newspaper would also have teemed + with a serious and intelligent correspondence on the question. Neither of these + things, however, has happened. As a consequence, the Government have been + able to get through a measure supposed to effectually deal with the matter, but + which in reality puts it in a far worse and dangerous position than ever it was + before. + + It would appear from the extracts quoted above that the present + Bill satisfies neither party. With the utmost deference to the Natal + Ministry and to both the Legislative bodies here, your Memorialists + submit that the fact that the Bill has been accepted by them does not + + 352 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + signify much. The very members who refrained from any active + opposition to the measure are, as The Natal Witness puts it, distrustful + of it. + + Your Memorialists hope that they have shown to your + satisfaction that the danger referred to above is imaginary and that + the present Bill is unsatisfactory from the point of view of those who + wish to see the Indians disenfranchised as also from that of the Indians + themselves. In any case, however, your Memorialists claim that + sufficient facts and arguments have been brought out to show that the + question should not be hastily disposed of, and that there is no + necessity for so doing. The Natal Witness thinks that “no + explanation, at least no satisfactory one, has been given for the anxiety + to rush the Bill through.” The Natal Advertiser opines that “this + Indian franchise question is a most vital one and there should be no + haste in settling it for ever. Indeed the best course would be to + postpone the proposed Bill and have the whole matter for the + consideration of the constituencies when they have accurate + information before them” (28-3-1896) + + The feelings of the Indian community may be well expressed in + the words of the London Times. The Times (Weekly edition, 20th + March, 1896) says: + + If the Indians are allowed to carry with them their status as British + subjects to foreign countries and British Colonies whither they go in quest of + work, the opening up of Africa holds out new possibilities to Indian labour. + The Indian Government and the Indians themselves believe that it is in South + Africa that this question of their status must be determined. If they secure the + position of British subjects in South Africa, it will be almost impossible to + deny it to them elsewhere. If they fail to secure that position in South Africa it + will be extremely difficult for them to attain it elsewhere. They readily + acknowledge that Indian labourers who accept a contract of service for a period + of years, as the price of aided immigration, must fulfil the conditions of their + contract, however it may curtail their rights. But they hold that after the period + of contracted labour has expired, they are entitled to the status of British + subjects in whatever Colony or country they have fixed their abodes.... The + Indian Government may reasonably ask that after Indian labourers have given + their best years to South Africa they should not be forced back upon India by + denying to them the status of British subjects in their adopted homes. + Whatever the decision may be, it will seriously affect the future development + of emigration in India. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 353 + + Dealing particularly with this question of franchise and the + + figures compiled from the Natal Government Gazette and now + accepted as correct, the same paper says, under date 31st January, + 1896 (Weekly edition): + + According to this return, there are in the Colony 9,309 European + registered voters against 251 registered voters of British Indian origin... . + Nor, if Mr. Gandhi’s statements are correct, does it seem possible that the + Indian vote can swamp the European at any period within the range of practical + politics. ... Not only are all Indian immigrants under labour contracts + excluded but also all British Indians whatsoever, except an extremely small + class, who, by intelligence and industry, have raised themselves to the + position of well-to-do citizens. ... + The returns show that even under the existing law it takes a long time + for a British Indian to attain the franchise in Natal. With the exception of 63 + British Indians, many of whom started with capital, and whose residence in + the Colony is under ten years, the rest of the 251 voters seem to have resided + during more than 10 years and the majority over 14. An analysis of the British + Indian Voters’ List according to occupation yields equally encouraging results + to those who wish to see this question settled... . + It is precisely this class of men who form the most valued element in the + municipal and other electorates in India. The argument that the Indian in Natal + cannot claim higher privileges than he enjoys in India and that he has no + franchise whatever in India is inconsistent with the facts....So far as + government by voting exists in India, Englishmen and Indians stand on the + same footing, and alike in the Municipal, the Provincial, and the Supreme + Councils the native interests are powerfully represented. Nor does the plea that + the British Indian is unacquainted with the nature and responsibilities of + representative government beat inspection. There is probably no other + country in the world in which representative institutions have penetrated so + deeply into the life of the people. ... + The question now before Mr. Chamberlain is not an academic one. It is + not a question of argument but of racefeeling. The Queen’s Proclamation of + 1858 gave the full rights of British subjects to the Indians and they vote in + England and sit in the British Parliament on the same terms as Englishmen. + But these questions are inevitable in a vast Empire made up of many peoples + and as the steamship brings the component population of Greater Britain into + closer contact they will present themselves in more acute forms. Two things + are clear. Such questions will not settle themselves by being ignored, and a + strong Government at home affords the best Court of Appeal to adjudicate + upon them. We cannot afford a war of races among our own subjects. It would + be as wrong for the Government of India to suddenly arrest the development of + Natal by shutting off the supply of immigrants as it would be for Natal to + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +354 + + denythe rights of citizenship to British Indian subjects, who, by years of + thrift and good work in the Colony, have raised themselves to the actual status + of citizens (the italics throughout are your Memorialists’). + Your Memorialists now leave their case in your hands, and in so + doing earnestly pray, and confidently hope, that the Royal assent to + the Bill hereinbefore referred to will be withheld, and, if there be any + fear as to the European vote being swamped by the Indian, an enquiry + be ordered to ascertain whether there actually exists any such danger + under the existing law, or such other relief will be granted as may + meet the ends of justice. + + And for this act of justice and mercy, your Memorialists, as in + duty bound, shall for ever pray, etc., etc.' + ABDUL KAREEM HAJI ADAM + AND OTHERS + + From a photostat of a printed copy: S. N. 979-83 + + 98. SPEECH AT INDIANS’ MEETING? + June 4, 1896 + + After the presentation of an address, Mr. Gandhi, in + acknowledging the kindness, said the occasion showed that whatever castes + the Indians in Natal represented they were all in favour of being cemented in + closer union. With regard to the objects of the Congress, he did not think any + differences existed, else they would not have met as they had done to make its + secretary a presentation. If this surmise were correct, he would repeat the + request he made the other evening’ urging the attendance of the Madras Indians + at the Congress. Up to the present that attendance had not been satisfactory, + but he hoped that henceforth, they would rally in greater numbers. He regretted + his inability to speak Tamil, but was sure that what he said with reference to + Madras Indians keeping aloof would not be construed into any reflection upon + them or any other portion of the Indian community. The objects of the + + ' On September 25, 1896, C. Bird communicated to the Memorialists + Chamberlain's decision, that "Her Majesty's Government has carefully considered + their representations, but has not felt justified in advising Her Majesty to disallow + the Act" (S.N. 160) + > A day before Gandhiji sailed for India, the Tamil and Gujarati Indians of + Durban along with other communities met at the Natal Indian Congress Hall for the + purpose of recognizing his service and presented to him an address. The attendance + was large and much enthusiasm prevailed. Dada Abdulla presided. + * This refers to an earlier meeting of June 2, where he was presented an address + on behalf of the Natal Indian Congress. A report of this meeting or of his speech, + however, is not available. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 355 + + Congress they all knew. Those objects were not to be attained by mere talk, + and he, therefore, asked them to show their interest in its common ends by + deeds, not words. He would particularly impress upon the audience to send + delegates to Maritzburg, Ladysmith and other centres, where Indians of every + class resided, and who were not yet represented at the Congress, and endeavour + to get them to become members. + + The Natal Advertiser, 5-6-1896 + + 99. INTERVIEW TO “THE NATAL ADVERTISER”: + [June 4, 1896] + + In reply to various questions Mr. Gandhi said the present membership + of the Congress was 300. The annual subscription was £3, payable in + advance. The Congress aimed at enrolling members who were not only able to + pay their subscriptions, but who would also work for the objects of the + Congress. They wanted to collect a large fund which would be invested in + property so that a permanent income might be available to carry on the + objects of the Congress. + “What are these objects?” asked the interviewer. + They are of twofold character—political and educational. As to + the educational part, we want to teach the Indians born in the Colony + by inducing them with the offer of scholarships to study all subjects + pertaining to their welfare as a community, including Indian and + Colonial history, temperance, etc. + + Is there any other qualification for membership in the Congress? + Yes, one is that members should be able to read, write and speak + English, but this condition has not been strictly enforced of late. + + Financially how does the Congress stand? + There is a balance in hand of £194, and it possesses, besides, a + property in Umgeni Road. I want the members to raise this balance to + £1,100, during my absence, and see no reason why it should not be + done. This would do much to make it a permanent institution. + What is the attitude of the Congress politically? + It does not want to exercise any strong political influence, the + present object being to ensure that the promises made in the + + ' On the eve of Gandhiji's departure for India a reporter of The Natal Advertiser + called upon him to ascertain his view on the state of Indian affairs then prevailing in + the Colony generally. + + 356 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Proclamation of 1858 are fulfilled. When the Indians enjoy the same + status in the Colony as they do in India, the Congress will have + attained its end politically. It has no intention to become a political + force to swamp any other party. + What is the number of Indian voters in the Colony? + There are only 251 on the Voters’ Roll, as against 9,309 + Europeans. Of the former 143 are in Durban, and the Congress could + not put forward more than 200 more in its best efforts. The end of its + ambition, as I said, is an equal status with the Europeans, and we don’t + object to any qualification that may be required. We are even willing + that the property qualifications should be increased so long as it + applies equally. + What will your future programme be? + What it has always been. The Congress will continue to ventilate + the grievances of the Indian community by the publication of + literature throughout the Colony, in India and England, and to write to + the newspapers on any Indian questions as they come prominently + before the public, and to collect funds for its propaganda. Hitherto + the Congress has not invited the Press to any of its meetings, but it has + now been decided to do this occasionally, and furnish it with + information concerning its efforts. The Congress first wished to be + assured of a permanent existence before it invited the Press to its + meetings. There is one matter I would like to correct. The address + presented to me stated that the various objects of the Congress had + been fulfilled. That was not so. They were under consideration, and + the Congress would continue to work for their attainment by every + legitimate means, and it will resist any attempt to introduce colour + distinctions in the legislation for the Indian community; for these, if + introduced, might be used in other Colonies, and other parts of the + world. + The Natal Advertiser, 5-6-1896 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 357 + + 100. THE CREDENTIALS' + + We, the undersigned, representing the Indian community in + South Africa, hereby appoint M. K. Gandhi, Esq., of Durban, + Advocate, to represent the grievances the Indians are labouring under + in South Africa before the authorities and public men and public + bodies in India. + + Dated at Durban, Natal, this 26th day of May 1896. + + ABDOOL CARIM HAJ] ADAM MANILAL CHATURBHAI + (DADA ABDOOLLA & Co.) M. E. KATHRADA + ABDUL CADER D. M. TIMOL + (MAHOMED CASSIM CAMROODEEN) DAVJEE M. SEEDAT + P. DAWAJEE MAHOMED ISMAIL TIMOL + HOOSEN CASSIM SHAIK FAREED & Co. + A. C. PILLAY SHAIKHJEE AMOD + PARSEE RUSTOMII MAHOMED CASSIM HAFFUT? + A. M. TILLY AMOD HOOSEN + HAJEE MAHOMED H. DADA MAHOMED AMOD BASSA + AMOD MAHOMED PARUK V. A. Essop + ADAMJI MIANKHAN MAHOMED SULEMAN’ + PEERUN MAHOMED DAWJEE MAMAD MUTALA + A. M. SALOOJEE SULEMAN VORAJI + DowD MAHOMED EBRAHIM NOOR MAHOMED + AMOD JEEWA HOOSEN MEERUM MAHOMED SULEMAN KHOTA’ + K. S. PILLAY & Co. CHOOHURMAL LUCHERAM + AHMEDJI DOWJI MOGRARIA® NARAYAN PATHER + MOoosA HAJEE CASSIM VIJAYA RAGAVALOO + G. A. BASSA SULIMAN DAWJEE + + The Grievances of the British Indians in South Africa + + ' This was presumably drafted by Gandhiji. Although it is dated May 26 it is + nevertheless included in this volume as it forms part of the Green Pamphlet, having + been reproduced on its last page. Vide the following item. + ° These signatures are in Gujarati as well as in English. + * ibid + * ibid + > This signature is in Gujarati. + ° These signatures are in Gujarati as well as in English. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 358 + + 101. THE GRIEVANCES OF THE BRITISH INDIANS IN + SOUTH AFRICA : AN APPEAL TO THE INDIAN PUBLIC' + + RAJKOT, KATHIAWAR, + August 14, 1896 + + This is an appeal to the Indian public on behalf of the 100,000 + Indians in South Africa. I have been commissioned by the leading + members representing that community in South Africa to lay before + the public in India the grievances that her Majesty’s Indian subjects + are labouring under in that country. + South Africa is a continent by itself and is divided into many + States of which the Colonies of Natal and the Cape of Good Hope, + Zululand, a Crown Colony, the South African Republic of the + Transvaal, Orange Free State and the Chartered Territories, are + inhabited, more or less, by the Indians together with the Europeans + and the natives of those countries. The Portuguese territories, viz., + Delagoa Bay, Beira and Mozambique, have a large Indian population, + but there the Indians have no grievances, apart from the general + population. + NATAL + + From an Indian standpoint, Natal is the most important portion + of South Africa. It has a native population of about 400,000, a + European population of nearly 50,000 and an Indian population of + about 51,000, of whom about 16,000 are those at present serving their + indenture, about 30,000 are those who, having once been under + indenture, are freed therefrom and have settled in the Colony on their + own account, and about 5,000 belong to the trading community. + These latter, of course, came to the Colony on their own means and + some of them brought capital also into the country. The indentured + Indians are drawn from the labouring population of Madras and + Calcutta and are nearly equally divided. Those from Madras speak, as + a rule, the Tamil language, and those from Calcutta, the Hindi. Most + of them are Hindus, a good few are Mahomedans. Strictly speaking, + they do not observe caste restrictions. After becoming free, they either + take to gardening or hawking vegetables and earn from 2 to 3 pounds + + ' This was brought out as a pamphlet which later became known as the Green + Pamphlet on account of the colour of its cover. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 359 + + sterling per month. A few become petty storekeepers. That business, + however, is practically in the hands of the 5,000 Indians, who are + drawn chiefly from the Mahomedan community in the Bombay + Presidency. Some of these latter are doing well. Many are large + landowners, two are now shipowners also. One of them has a small oil + machine worked by steam. They come either from Surat, or districts + surrounding Bombay, or Porbandar. Many merchants from Surat + have settled in Durban with their families. Most of them, including the + assisted immigrants, can read and write their own language to a greater + extent than one would think they do. + + I venture to quote the following from my ‘Open Letter’’ to + the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council + of Natal to show what treatment the Indian receives at the hands of the + general run of Europeans in the Colony: + + The man in the street hates him, curses him, spits upon him, and often + pushes him off the foot-path. The Press cannot find a sufficiently strong word + in the best English dictionary to damn him with. Here are a few samples. “The + real canker that is eating into the very vitals of the community”, “these + parasites”, “wily, wretched semi-barbarous Asiatics”, “A thing black and lean + and a long way from clean, which they call the accursed Hindoo”, “He is + chock-full of vice and he lives upon rice. I heartily cuss the Hindoo”, “Squalid + coolies with truthless tongues and artful ways’. The Press almost + unanimously refuses to call the Indian by his proper name. He is + “Ramysamy”. He is “Mr. Samy”.’ He is “Mr. Coolie”. He is “the black man”. + And these offensive epithets have become so common that they (at any rate, + one of them, “Coolie”) are used even in the sacred precincts of the courts, as if + “the Coolie” were the legal and proper name to give to any and every Indian. + The public men, too, seem to use the word freely. I have often heard the + painful expression “coolie clerk” from the mouths of men who ought to know + better.’ The tramcars are not for the Indians. The railway officials may treat + the Indians as beasts, No matter how clean, his very sight is such an offence + to every White man in the Colony that he would object to sit, even for a short + time, in the same compartment with the Indian. The hotels shut their doors + against them.’ Even the public baths are not for the Indians no matter who + they are.... The vagrant law is needlessly oppressive and often puts + respectable Indians in a very awkward position. + + ' For the full text of this, vide” Open Letter”, 19-12-1894 + * The original has “Ramsamy” and “Sammy”. + * Two sentences following this, in the original, have been omitted in the + Green Pamphlet. Vide “Open Letter’, 19-12-1894 + * A sentence following this has been omitted. Vide “Open Letter”, 19-12-1894 + + 360 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + I have quoted this because the statement has been before the + South African public for nearly one year and a half, has been + commented upon freely by almost every newspaper in South Africa + and remains practically uncontradicted (indeed, it has even been + endorsed by one newspaper with approval) and because, during the + interval that has elapsed, I have seen nothing to change that view. The + Right Honourable Mr. Chamberlain', however, while in full sympathy + with its object, in his reply to the deputation headed by the Hon’ ble + Mr. Dadabhai’ is said to have stated that our grievances were more + sentimental than material and real and that, if he could be shown any + instances of real grievance, he should deal with them effectively. The + Times of India, which has done us much service and has laid us under + deep obligation to it by its persistent advocacy on our behalf, rebuked + Mr. Chamberlain for calling our grievances sentimental. To give, + however, proof of real grievances and to strengthen the position of the + advocates of our cause in India, I shall beg leave to cite my own + testimony and that of those who have undergone grievances + personally. Every word of every statement to be made immediately + can be established beyond the shadow of a doubt. + In Dundee last year, during the Christmas time, a gang of White + men set fire to the Indian stores without the slightest provocation, in + order to enjoy themselves. Mr. Abdulla Haji Adam, a shipowner and + one of the leading members of the Indian community in South Africa, + was travelling with me as far as Krantzkloof Station. He alighted there + to go by postal cart to Natal. No one there would sell him even bread. + The hotelkeeper would not allow him a room in his hotel and he had + to sleep in the coach, shivering the whole night with cold. And the + winter in that part of Africa is no joke. Mr. Haji Mohamed Haji Dada, + another leading Indian gentleman, was travelling in a coach some time + ago from Pretoria to Charlestown. He was forced out of the coach and + had to walk a distance of three miles because he had not got a pass— + whatever that may mean.’ + A Parsee gentleman, Mr. Rustomjee, whose generosity goes + much further than his purse would allow, has been unable to take a + Turkish bath for the sake of his health in Durban, although the public + + ' Joseph Chamberlain (1836-1914); Secretary of State for the Colonies, + 1895-1902 + * Dadabhai Naoroji + * For a fuller account of the incident, vide “Petition to Lord Ripon”, 5-5-1895 + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 361 + + baths are the property of the Durban Corporation, to which Mr. + Rustomjee pays his rates just as well as the other ratepayers. In Field + Street, Durban, last year during Christmas time, some youths threw + burning crackers in the Indian stores doing some damage. Three + months ago, in the same street, some youths shot lead bullets into an + Indian store with a sling, hurting a customer who nearly lost his eye. + Both these matters were brought to the notice of the Superintendent of + Police who promised to do all he could. Nothing more has been heard + of the matter. Yet the Superintendent is an estimable gentleman, + anxious to protect all the communities in Durban. But what could the + poor man do against the tremendous odds? Will his subordinates take + the trouble to find out the miscreants? When the aggrieved gentleman + saw the constables at the police station, they first laughed and then + asked him to get a warrant from the Magistrate for their arrest. No + warrant is required in such cases when a constable wants to do his + duty. Only the day before I left Natal, the son of an Indian gentleman, + spotlessly dressed, was walking along the pavement in the principal + street in Durban. Some Europeans pushed him off the pavement + without any reason but to amuse themselves. Last year, the Magistrate + at Estcourt, a village in Natal, had an Indian who was a prisoner in the + dock forced out of it. His cap was forcibly removed and he was + brought back bare-headed, in spite of the protest from the man that + the removal of the cap was contrary to Indian custom and it offended + his religious feeling also. A civil action was brought against the + Magistrate. And the judges held that the Magistrate was not civilly + liable for acts done by him in his capacity as such. When we went to + law, we knew that such would be the decision. Our object was to have + the matter thoroughly thrashed out. This question at one time was a + very great question in the colony. + An Indian official, whenever he accompanies his superior + during his periodical tours, is unable to secure accommodation in the + hotels. He is obliged to sojourn in huts. The grievance had reached + such a stage, when I left Natal, that he was seriously thinking of + sending in his resignation. + A Eurasian gentleman, Mr. DeSilva by name, who was for some + time employed in a responsible position in Fiji, happened to come to + Natal to seek fortune. He is a certified chemist. He received an + appointment as chemist by letter. When, however, his employer saw + that he was not quite White, he dismissed him. I know other Eurasians + + 362 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + who, being fair enough to pass as “White men”, are not molested. + This last instance I have quoted to show how unreasonable the + prejudice is in Natal. I could go on relating such instances. But, I + hope, I have adduced sufficient instances to show that our grievances + are real and as one of our sympathizers in England says in a letter, + “They have only to be known to be removed.” + Now, what is our mode of action in such cases? Are we to go to + Mr. Chamberlain in every case and turn the Colonial Office into one + for hearing petty complaints from Indians in South Africa? I have + used the word “petty” advisedly, for I admit that most of these cases + are cases of petty assault and inconvenience. But when they occur + pretty regularly, they assume a sufficiently big shape to be a source of + constant irritation to us. Just picture a country where you never know + you are safe from such assaults, no matter who you are, where you + have a nervous fear as to what would happen to you whenever you + undertake a journey, where you cannot be accommodated in a hotel + even for a night and you have a picture of the state we are living in + Natal. I am sure I am not exaggerating when I say that, if any of the + Indian High Court Judges came to South Africa, I doubt very much + whether any hotel would admit him, unless he took extraordinary + precautions, and I am almost positive that he will have to travel from + Charlestown to Pretoria in a Kaffir compartment, unless he is dressed + in European clothing from top to toe. + + I am aware that in some of the instances cited above Mr. + Chamberlain could not very well afford relief, as for example the case + of Mr. DeSilva, but the fact is clear that such instances occur because + of the rooted prejudice against the Indians in South Africa, which is + due to the indifference of the Home and the Indian Governments to + the complaints of the Indians. In all the cases of assault, our mode of + action, as a rule, is not to take any notice of them. We follow the + principle, so far as we can, of going two miles when we are asked to go + one. Sufferance is, really and sincerely, the badge of the Indians in + South Africa, especially in Natal. I may state, however, that we follow + this policy not from philanthropic but from purely selfish motives. We + have found by painful experiences that to bring the offenders to + justice is a tedious and expensive process. The result is often contrary + to our expectations. The offender would either be discharged with a + caution or fined“five shillings or one day”. The very man, after + getting out of the box, assumes a more threatening attitude and puts + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 363 + + the complainant in an awkward position. And the publication of such + acts incites others to similar ones. We, therefore, do not, as a rule, even + mention them before the public in Natal. + Such a feeling of deep-seated hatred towards the Indians is + reproduced all over South Africa, in special legislation for Indians, + which has for its object the degradation of the Indian community in + that country. The Attorney-General of Natal wants to keep the Indians + for ever “hewers of wood and drawers of water”. We are classed with + the natives of South Africa—Kaffir race. He defines the status of the + Indians in the following words: “These Indians were brought here for + the purpose of supplying labour for development of local industries + and were not intended to form portion of the South African nation + which was being built up in the various States.” The policy of the + Orange Free State, which, in the words of its leading organ, “has made + the British Indian an impossibility by simply classifying him with the + South African natives”, is cherished by the other States as a model + policy. What that State has completely accomplished, the other States + would accomplish within a very short time but for the vigilance of the + Indian public. We are passing through a crisis now. We are hemmed in + on all sides by restrictions and high-handed measures. + I shall now show how the feeling of hatred above described has + been crystallized into legislation. An Indian cannot leave his house + after 9 o’clock at night unless he has a pass signed by someone + showing that he is out under instructions or can give a good account + of himself. This law applies to the natives and Indians only. The + police use their discretion and do not, as a rule, trouble those who are + dressed in the Memon costume, as that dress is supposed to be the + Indian trader’s dress. Mr. Aboobaker, now deceased, was the foremost + Indian trader in Natal and much respected by the European + community. He, with his friend, was once arrested by the police. When + he was brought to the police station for being out after 9 p. m., the + authorities knew at once that they had committed a mistake. They told + Mr. Aboobaker that they did not want to arrest gentlemen like + himself, and asked him if he could point out any distinguishing mark + between a trader and a labourer. Mr. Aboobaker pointed to his robe, + and, ever since, it has been a tacit understanding between the police + and the public that those wearing the flowing robe should not be + arrested, even though they may be out after 9 p.m. But there are + Tamil and Bengali traders, equally respectable, who do not wear the + + 364 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + robes. There are, again, the Christian Indian educated youths—a most + sensitive class—who do not wear robes. They are constantly molested. + A young Indian, well educated and a Sunday school teacher, another a + schoolmaster, were arrested only four months ago and locked up in a + dungeon the whole night, in spite of their protestations that they were + on their way home. They were discharged by the Magistrate but that + was a poor consolation. An Indian lady, a teacher, the wife of the + Indian Interpreter at Ladysmith, was a short time ago on her return + from the church on a Sunday evening, arrested by two Kaffir + policemen and roughly handled, so much so that her dress was soiled, + not to speak of all sorts of bad names she was called. She was locked + up in a cell. She was promptly released when the Superintendent of + Police came to know who she was. She was carried home senseless. + The bold lady sued the Corporation for damages for wrongful arrest + and got £20 and costs from the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice + remarked that her treatment was “unjust, harsh, arbitrary and + tyrannical”. The result, however, of these three cases is that the + Corporations are now clamouring for more powers and an alteration + of the law, in order that they may, to put it bluntly, subject all Indians, + irrespective of their position, to restrictions so that, as a member of the + Legislative Assembly said on the occasion of the passing of the + Immigration Bill of 1894, “the intention of the Colony to make the + Indian’s life more comfortable in his native land than in the Colony + of Natal” may be fulfilled. In any other country, such instances + would have excited the sympathy of all right-minded people and the + decision quoted above would have been hailed with joy. + Some eight months ago, about 20 Indians, pure labourers on + their way to the Durban market with vegetable baskets on their heads, + a sufficient indication that they were not vagrants, were arrested at 4 + o’clock in the morning under the same law. The police prosecuted the + case vigorously. After a two days’ trial, the Magistrate discharged + them, but at what cost to the poor people! They were carrying their + day’s earnings in prospect on their shoulders. These were gone. They + were, I believe, detained for two days in gaol and had to pay their + attorney’s fees in the bargain, for having ventured to be up and doing + in the early morning, a fitting reward for industry! And Mr. + Chamberlain wants instances of real grievances! + There is a system of passes in Natal. Any Indian who, whether + in the day-time or the night-time, does not show a pass as to who he is, + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 365 + + is liable to arrest. This is meant to prevent desertion by the indentured + Indians and to facilitate identification and is thus far, I believe, + necessary, but the working of the law is extremely irritating and a + crying grievance. But for the cruel feeling, no injustice need occur + + under + + that law. Let the papers speak for themselves as to the working + + of the law. The Natal Advertiser of the 19th June, 1895, has the + following on the subject: + + I wish to bring before your notice a few facts regarding the manner in + which the Cato Manor' tenants are arrested under section 31, Law 25 of 1891. + When they are walking on their grounds, the policemen come and arrest them + and ask for their free passes. When they call out for their wives or relatives to + produce the passes, before they can be produced the policemen begin to drag + the Indians to the police-station. When the passes are produced on the road to + the station, the policemen simply look at them and throw them to the ground. + The Indians are taken to the police-station, detained for a night and made to + wash the cell out in the morning and are then brought before the Magistrate. + The Magistrate, without taking their pleas, fines them. When they reported + this to the Protector’, he told them to go to the Magistrate, yet (adds the + correspondent) he is appointed to protect the Indian immigrants. If such + things exist in the Colony (continues the writer), to whom are they to appeal? + + The statement that the Magistrate does not take pleas must, I + be a mistake. + + think, + + The Natal Mercury, the Government organ in Natal, of 13th + 1895, has the following from the Editor: + + April, + + A point of considerable importance to respectable Indians and which + causes much heart-burning, is their liability to arrest. Let me give a case in + point. A well-known Durban Indian who has property in various parts of the + town, a well-educated and exceedingly intelligent man, was the other night, + with his mother, visiting Sydenham, where also he has property. Met by two + native constables, the young man and his mother were taken into custody and + marched off to the police-station, though it is only fair to say the native + police conducted themselves admirably. The young Indian referred to + explained who he was and gave references and the trooper at length bade him + begone, warning him, however, that if he did not have a pass next time he + would be detained and prosecuted. Being a British subject in a British Colony, + he objects to being treated in this way, though, of course, he recognizes the + necessity of watchfulness in general. He makes a very strong point, however, + and one which the authorities should certainly consider. + + ' A suburb of Durban + * Protector of Indian Immigrants + +366 + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + It will be only fair to state what the authorities have to say. They + admit the grievance but ask how they are to distinguish between an + indentured Indian and a free Indian. We, on the other hand, submit + that nothing can be easier. The indentured Indian never is dressed in a + fashionable dress. The presumption should be in favour of, not + against, the Indian, especially an Indian of the type I am referring to. + There is no more reason to presume a man to be a thief than to + presume an Indian to be a deserter. Even if an Indian did desert and + made preparations to look decent, it will be difficult for him to remain + undetected for a long time. But, then, the Indian in South Africa is not + credited with any feelings. He is a beast, “a thing black and lean”, + “the Asian dirt to be heartily cursed”. + There is, again, a law which says that natives and Indians, when + driving cattle, must be provided with certain passes; also a bye-law in + Durban which provides for the registration of native servants and + “others belonging to the uncivilized races of Asia’. This presupposes + that the Indian is a barbarian. There is a very good reason for + requiring registration of a native in that he is yet being taught the + dignity and necessity of labour. The Indian knows it and he is + imported because he knows it. Yet, to have the pleasure of classifying + him with the natives, he too is required to be registered. The + Superintendent of the Borough Police has never, so far as I know, put + the law in motion. Once I raised an objection, in defending an Indian + servant, that he was not registered. The Superintendent resented the + objection and said he never applied the law to Indians and asked me if + I wanted to see them degraded. The law, however, being there, may at + any time be used as an engine of oppression. + + But we have not attempted to have any of these disabilities + removed. We are doing what we can to have their rigour mitigated + locally. For the present, our efforts are concentrated towards + preventing and getting repealed fresh legislation. Before referring to + that, I may further illustrate the proposition that the Indian is put on + the same level with the native in many other ways also. Lavatories are + marked “natives and Asiatics” at the railway stations. In the Durban + Post and Telegraph Offices, there were separate entrances for natives + and Asiatics and Europeans. We felt the indignity too much and many + respectable Indians were insulted and called all sorts of names by the + clerks at the counter. We petitioned the authorities to do away with the + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 367 + + invidious distinction and they have now provided three separate + entrances for natives, Asiatics and Europeans. + The Indians have, up to now, enjoyed the franchise rights under + the general franchise law of the colony, which requires ownership of + immovable property worth £50 or payment of an annual rental of £10 + to qualify an adult male to be placed on the Voters’ Roll. There is a + special franchise law for the natives. Under the former, in 1894, there + were 9,309 European voters and 251 Indians, of whom only 203 were + living at the time, the populations being equal. Thus the European + vote in 1894 was 38 times as strong as the Indian vote. Yet, the + Government thought or pretended to think that there was a real + danger of the Asiatic vote swamping the Europeans. They, therefore, + introduced into the Legislative Assembly of Natal a Bill disfranchising + all Asiatics save those who were then rightly contained in any Voters’ + List, the preamble of the Bill stating that the Asiatics were not + acquainted with elective representative institutions. Against this Bill we + memorialized both the Legislative Assembly' and the Legislative + Council’ of Natal but to no purpose. We then memorialized Lord + Ripon’ and forwarded copies of the memorial to the Press and the + public in India and England, with a view to enlist their sympathy and + to secure their active support which, we are thankful to say, we + received to some extent. + + As a result, that Act has now been repealed and replaced by an + Act which says “no persons shall be qualified to have their names + inserted in any list of electors who (not being of European origin) are + natives or descendants in the male line of natives of countries which + have not hitherto possessed elective representative institutions founded + on the parliamentary franchise unless they shall first obtain an order + from the Governor-in-Council, exempting them from the operation of + the Act.” It also exempts from its operation those persons that are + rightly contained in any Voters’ List. This Bill was first submitted to + Mr. Chamberlain who has practically approved of it. We, yet, thought + it advisable to oppose it and, with a view to secure its disallowance, + + ' Vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Assembly”, 28-6-1894 + * Vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”, 4-7-1894 and “Petition to + Natal Legislative Council”, 6-7-1894 + * George Frederick Samuel Robinson (1827-1909), Ist Marquis of Ripon; + Governor-General of India, 1880-84; Colonial Secretary, 1892-95. For the text of the + petition, vide ” Petition to Lord Ripon”, 14-7-1894 + + 368 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + have sent a memorial’ to Mr. Chamberlain and hope to secure the + same measure of support that has been extended to us hitherto. We + believe that the real reason for all such legislation is to accord a + different treatment to the Indian in South Africa, such that, under it, a + respectable Indian in that country may become an impossibility. + There is no real danger of the Asiatic vote swamping the European or + the Asiatic ruling South Africa. Yet this was the main point urged in + support of the Bill. The whole question has been well thrashed out in + the Colony and Mr. Chamberlain has got all the materials before him + to judge. Here are the Government giving their own view in their + organ, The Natal Mercury, of the 5th March, 1896, dealing with the + present Bill and supporting it. After quoting the figures from the + Voters’ List it says: + The fact of the matter is that apart from numbers altogether the superior + race will always hold the reins of Government. We are inclined to the belief + therefore that the danger of the Indian vote swamping the European is a + chimerical one. We do not consider that the danger of being swamped is at all + a likely one, as past experience has proved that the class of Indians coming + here, as a rule, do not concern themselves about the franchise and further that + the majority of them do not even possess the small property qualification + required. + This admission has been reluctantly made. The Mercury + supposes, and we believe, that the Bill will fail in its purpose if it is to + debar the Asiatic from the franchise and says that it would not matter + if it does. What, then, is the object if it be not to harass the Indian + community? The real reason why the Bill has been introduced is thus + guardedly but frankly stated by the Mercury of the 23rd April, 1896: + + Rightly or wrongly, justly or unjustly, a strong feeling exists among + the Europeans in South Africa, and especially in the two Republics, against + Indians or any other Asiatics being allowed unrestricted right to the franchise. + The Indian argument, or course, is that there is only one Indian to every 38 + European voters on the Roll at present with the open franchise and that the + danger anticipated is imaginary. Perhaps it is, but we have to deal with it as if + it were a real danger, not altogether, as we have explained, because of our + views, but because of the views we know to be strongly held by the rest of the + Europeans in the country. We do not want isolation again under the far greater + and more fatal ban of being a semi-Asiatic country out of touch and out of + harmony with the other European Governments of the country. + + 'Vide “ Memorial To J. Chamberlain’, 22-5-1896 + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 369 + + This, then, is the naked truth. In obedience to the popular + outcry, justly or unjustly, the Asiatic must be put down. This Bill has + been passed after a secret meeting was held by the Government at + which they explained the real reasons for passing the Bill. It has been + condemned by the Colonists’ and the other newspapers as inadequate + from their point of view and by the very members who voted for it. + They hold that the Bill will not apply to the Indians because they + possess in India “elective representative institutions founded on the + Parliamentary franchise and that it will involve the Colony in endless + litigation and agitation”. We, too, have taken up the same ground. We + have urged that the Legislative Councils in India are “elective + representative institutions founded on the Parliamentary franchise”. + Of course, in the popular sense of the term, we have no such + institutions, but in the opinion of the London Times and an able jurist + in Durban our institutions can well be legally classified under those + described in the Bill. The Times says “the argument that he (the + Indian) has no franchise whatever in India in inconsistent with facts.” + Mr. Laughton, an eminent lawyer in Natal, writing to a newspaper on + the subject, says: + Is there, then, a Parliamentary (or legislative) franchise in India, and + what is it? There is, and it was created by the Acts 24 and 25 Victoria, Chapter + 67, and 55 and 56 Victoria, Chapter 140, by the regulations made under + Section 4 of the latter Act. It may not be founded on what we call a liberal + basis, it may indeed be founded on a very crude basis, but it is the + Parliamentary franchise nevertheless and, under the Bill it is on it that + elective representative institutions of India have to be founded. + This is also the opinion of other eminent men in Natal. Mr. + Chamberlain, however, in his despatch' in connection with the matter + Says: + I also recognize the fact that the natives of India do not possess + representative institutions in their own country and that they themselves, in + those periods of their history when they were exempt from European + influence, have never set up any such system themselves. + The opinion, as will be noticed, is opposed to the view expressed + by The Times partly quoted above and has naturally frightened us. We + are anxious to know what the best legal opinion here is. We cannot, + however, too often urge that it is not political power that we want but it + is the degradation which these Franchise Bills involve that we resist. If + + ' Dated September 12, 1895 + + 370 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + a Colony is allowed to treat the Indians on a different footing from + the Europeans in one respect, there would be no difficulty in going + further. Their goal is not merely disfranchisement. Their goal is total + extinction of the Indian. He may be allowed to exist there as a pariah, + as an indentured labourer, at the most a free labourer, but he must not + aspire higher. At the time the first Franchise Bill was introduced, in + response to the clamour for Municipal disfranchisement of the + Indians, the Attorney-General said that would be dealt with in the near + future. The Natal Government, about a year ago, wished to convene + what was called a “Coolie Conference”, so that there might be + uniformity in Indian legislation throughout South Africa. At that time + also, the Deputy Mayor of Durban moved a resolution that the + Asiatics should be induced to live in separate locations. The + Government are vexing themselves to find out how they can directly + and effectively check the influx of the Indian traders, whom Mr. + Chamberlain describes to be “peaceable, law-abiding, meritorious + body of persons whose undoubted industry and intelligence and + indomitable perseverance”, he hopes, “will suffice to overcome any + obstacles which may now face them in pursuit of their avocations”. + The present Bill, therefore, we humbly think, has to be taken in + connection with these facts and treated accordingly. The London + Times has put the franchise question in this form: + The question now before Mr. Chamberlain is not an academic one. It is + not a question of argument but of race feeling. We cannot afford a war of races + among our own subjects. It would be as wrong for the Government of India to + suddenly arrest the development of Natal by shutting off the supply of + immigrants as it would be for Natal to deny the rights of citizenship to British + Indian subjects who, by years of thrift and good work in the Colony, have + raised themselves to the actual status of citizens. + The Second Bill that has been passed by the Natal Legislature + proposes to keep the indentured Indians always under indenture, or if + they do not relish it, to send them back to India at the end of the first + indenture of five years, or if they would not go back, then to compel + them to pay an annual tax of £ 3.' How, in a British Colony, such a + measure could even be thought of passes our comprehension. Almost + all the public men in Natal are agreed that the prosperity of the + Colony depends upon the Indian labour. In the words of a present + + ' Vide “Petition To Natal Legislative Council” and “Memorial To J. + + Chamberlain” + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 371 + + member of the Legislative Assembly, “at the time the Indian + immigration was decided upon the progress and almost the existence + of the Colony hung in the balance!” But in the words of another + eminent Natalian, + Indian immigration brought prosperity, prices rose, people were no + longer content to grow or sell produce for a song, they could do better. If we + look to 1859, we shall find that the assured promise of Indian labour resulted + in an immediate rise of revenue which increased fourfold within a few years. + Mechanics who could not get a wage and were earning 5 shillings a day and + less found their wages more than doubled and progress gave encouragement to + everyone from the Burgh to the Sea. + Yet they want to tax these industrious and indispensable people + who, in the words of the present Chief Justice of Natal, have turned out + to be “trustworthy and useful domestic servants”, after having taken + the very life-blood out of them. The following opinion was held by + the present Attorney-General ten years ago. He is now the framer of + this Bill which a Radical newspaper in London says “is a monstrous + wrong, an insult to British subjects, a disgrace to its authors and a + slight upon ourselves”. + With reference to the time-expired Indians, I do not think that it ought + to be compulsory on any man to go to any part of the world save for a crime + for which he is transported. I hear a great deal of this question. I have been + asked again and again to take a different view but I have not been able to do it. + A man is brought here, in theory with his own consent, in practice very often + without. He gives the best five years of his life, he forms new ties, forgets the + old ones perhaps, establishes a home here and he cannot, according to my + view of right and wrong, be sent back. Better by far to stop the further + introduction of Indians altogether than to take what work you can out of them + and order them away. + But now that which was meritorious 10 years ago in the Indian, + namely, his service to the Colony for 5 years for a paltry wage, has + become a crime for which he would deserve transportation to India, if + the Natal Attorney-General be allowed to do so by the Indian and the + Home Governments. I may mention that the Indian Government, on + the representation of an ex parte Commission’ that visited India from + Natal in 1893, have accepted the principle of compulsory indenture. + We, however, are hoping confidently that the facts brought out in the + + ' The Binns-Mason Commission; vide “Speech at Farewell Dinner’, + 11-6-1891 + + 372 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + memorials to the Home and the Indian Governments’ are sufficient to + induce the latter to alter their views. + + Although we have not moved in the matters specially affecting + the Indians now serving their indenture, one may well presume that + their lot will not be practically comfortable on the estates. We think + that the alteration in the Colony’s tone with regard to the general + population will affect the masters also of the indentured Indians. One + or two matters, however, I have been asked to especially bring to the + notice of the public. A representation was made, even as far back as + 1891, by an Indian Committee headed by Mr. Haji Mohamed Haji + Dada, one of the prayers whereof being that the Protector of + Immigrants should be a man knowing the Tamil and the Hindustani + languages and should, if possible, be an Indian. We have not receded + from that position, but the interval has merely confirmed that opinion. + The present Protector is an estimable gentleman. His ignorance of the + languages, however, cannot but be a serious drawback. We humbly + consider also that the protector should be instructed to act as an + advocate for the Indian more than as Judge between the employers + and the immigrants. I shall illustrate what I say. An Indian named + Balasundaram was, in 1894, so ill-treated by his master that two of his + teeth were nearly knocked out; they came out through his upper lip + causing an issue of blood sufficient to soak his long turban in it. His + master admitted the fact but pleaded grave provocation, denied by the + man. On receiving the punishment, he seems to have gone to the + Protector’s house which was close by his master’s. The Protector sent + word that he must go to his office the next day. + + The man went, then, to the Magistrate who was much moved at + the sight. The turban was kept in court and he was at once sent to the + hospital for treatment. The man after having been kept in the hospital + for a few days was discharged. He had heard about me and came to + my office. He had not recovered sufficiently to be able to speak. I + asked him, therefore, to write out his complaint in Tamil which he + knew. He wanted to prosecute the master so that his contract of + indenture might be cancelled. I asked him if he would be satisfied if + his indenture was transferred. On his nodding consent to what I said, I + wrote to his master asking if he would consent to transfer the services + of the man. He was at first unwilling but subsequently consented. I + + ' For memorials to the Indian Government, vide “Memorial to Lord Elgin”, + 11-8-1895 + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 373 + + sent the man also to the Protector’s office with a Tamil clerk of mine + who gave the man’s version to the Protector. The Protector desired the + man to be left in his office and sent word that he would do his best. + The master, in the mean while, went to the Protector’s office and + changed his mind, saying his wife would not agree to the transfer + because his services were invaluable. The man was then said to have + compromised and to have given the Protector a written document to + the effect that he had no complaint to make. He sent me a note to the + effect that as the man had no complaint to make and his master did + not consent to transfer the services he would not interfere in the + matter. I ask if this was right. Was it right for the Protector to have + taken such a document from the man? Did he want to protect himself + against the man? To proceed, however, with the painful story, + naturally the note sent a shock through my body. I had hardly + recovered when the man came to my office crying and saying the + Protector would not transfer him. I literally ran to the Protector’s + office and inquired what the matter was. He placed the written + document before me and asked me how he could help the man. He + said the man should not have signed the document. And _ this + document was an affidavit attested by the Protector himself. I told the + Protector that I should advise the man to go to the Magistrate and + lodge a complaint. He said the document would be produced before + the Magistrate and it would be useless. He advised me, therefore, to + drop the matter. I returned to my office and wrote a letter to his + master imploring him to consent to the transfer. The master would do + nothing of the kind. The magistrate treated us quite differently. He + had seen the man while the blood was yet dripping from his lips. The + deposition was duly made. On the day of hearing, I explained the + whole circumstances and again appealed to the master in open court + and offered to withdraw the complaint if he consented to the transfer. + The Magistrate then gave the master to understand that, unless he + considered my offer more favourably than he seemed to do at the + time, consequences might be serious for him. He went on to say that + he thought the man was brutally treated. The master said he gave + provocation. The Magistrate retorted: “You had no business to take + the law in your own hands and beat the man as if he were a beast.” He + adjourned the case for one day in order to enable the master to + consider the offer made by me. The master, of course, came down and + consented. The Protector then wrote to me that he would not agree to + transfer unless I submitted a European name he could approve of. + + 374 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Happily, the Colony is not quite devoid of benevolent men. A + Wesleyan local preacher and solicitor, out of charity, undertook to + take over the man’s services, and thus ended the last act of this painful + drama. Comment is superfluous as to the procedure adopted by the + Protector. This is only a typical instance showing how hard it is for the + indentured men to get justice. + + We submit that no matter who he is, his duties should be clearly + defined as are those of judges, advocates, solicitors and others. Certain + things, for the sake of avoiding temptations, he should not be able to + do in spite of himself. Just fancy a judge being the guest of a criminal + who is being tried before him. Yet, the Protector, when he goes to the + estates to enquire about the condition of the men and to hear + complaints, can and does often become the guest of the employers. + We submit that this practice is wrong in principle, no matter how high- + minded the Protector may be. As a Surgeon-Superintendent of + Immigrants remarked the other day, the Protector should be easily + approachable to the meanest coolie, but he should be unapproachable + to the lordliest employer. He may not be a Natal man. It also looks a + strange procedure to appoint as Protector a member of a Commission + whose object is to induce the Indian Government to consent to pass + harsher laws for the indentured Indians. When the Protector has to + perform such a conflicting duty, who is to protect the indentured + men? + It should be easy for the immigrant to have his services + transferred. There are in the gaol some Indians who have been there + for years because they refuse to go to their employers. They say they + have complaints which, owing to the peculiar circumstances in which + they are placed, they cannot substantiate. A Magistrate was so much + disgusted with the business that he wished he had not to try such cases. + The Natal Mercury of 13th June, 1895, thus comments on such a + case: + When a man, even a coolie immigrant, prefers to go to prison rather + than work for the master to whom he has been indentured, the natural + inference is that something is wrong somewhere, and we are not surprised at + Mr. Dillon’s remarks on Saturday, when he had three coolies before him, all + charged with the same offence of refusing to work, all giving the same excuse, + viz., that they were ill-treated by their masters. Of course, it is just possible + that these particular coolies prefer gaol work to plantation work. On the other + hand, it is just possible that the coolies have some ground for their complaint + as to their treatment and the matter is one that ought to be investigated, and at + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 375 + + least these men who complain in this way should be transferred to another + master and, if they again refuse to work, it can be readily seen that they do not + want to work. If a coolie is ill-treated it may be said that he can complain to + the Magistrate, but it is not an easy matter for any coolie to prove such cases. + It is a matter altogether for the Protector of Immigrants to inquire into and + remedy, if possible. + There is an Immigration Trust Board that consists of employers + of Indians. They have now received very wide powers. And seeing the + position they occupy, their acts will have to be very jealously watched + by the Indian Government. The punishment for desertion is heavy + enough, and yet they are now seriously considering whether some + stiffer mode of dealing with such cases could not be devised. It should + be remembered, however, that, in at least 9 cases out of 10, the so- + called deserters complain of ill-treatment, and such deserters are + protected under the law from punishment, but as the poor fellows + cannot establish their complaints, they are treated as real deserters and + sent by the Protector to the Magistrate for punishment accordingly. + Under such circumstances, any alteration for the worse in the law + about desertion should, we submit, require careful consideration. + + There is a sad mortality among these people from suicides. + They are not satisfactorily accounted for. I cannot do better than + quote the Advertiser of the 15th May, 1896: + + A feature of the annual report of the Protector of Immigrants, to which + more public attention should be given than is the case, is that referring to the + number of suicides which take place every year among the indentured coolies + on the estates. This year the number recorded is six out of a total of 8,828. A + large number occurred in 1894. It is, however, a very high percentage and + raises the suspicion that on some estates a system of treatment exists towards + the coolie labourers much akin to slave-driving. It is extremely significant + that so many suicides should occur on certain estates. This is a point which + calls for investigation. Apparently, no inquiry of any kind is held into the + cases with a view to ascertain whether the treatment meted out to unfortunate + wretches, who prefer death to life, is such as to render existence an intolerable + misery. The matter is one which is apt to pass unnoticed. It, however, ought + not to do so. In a recent case of desertion on the part of several coolies from + an estate down South, the prisoners openly declared in Court that they would + rather kill themselves than return to their employer. The Magistrate said he + had no option but to order them back to serve out their indentures. It is time + the Colony took steps to afford such complainants an opportunity of + bringing the facts in connection with their complaints before some Court of + Inquiry and the public. It is also desirable that a Secretary of Indian Affairs + + 376 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + should be added to the Ministry. As matters stand at present, the indentured + Indian has no effectual mode of appeal against whatever brutality may be + inflicted on him on the plantations. + We, however, wish to guard ourselves against being understood + to say that the life of the indentured Indians in Natal is harder than in + any other country, or that this is a part of the general grievances of the + Indians in the Colony. On the other hand, we know that there are + estates in Natal where the Indians are very well treated. At the same + time, we do humbly submit that the lot of the indentured Indians is + not all that it might be and that there are points which require + attention. + + When an indentured Indian loses his free pass, he is charged £3 + for the duplicate. The reason for this is the alleged fraudulent sale by + the Indians of their passes. But, surely, such fraudulent sale can be + criminally punished. A man who has sold his pass should never be + able to get a duplicate even on a payment of £30. On the other hand, + it should be as easy for an ordinary Indian to get a duplicate as the + original. They are supposed to carry their passes about their persons. + No wonder if they are frequently lost. I know a man who could not + get a duplicate because he had not £3 with him. He wanted to go to + Johannesburg and he could not go. The practice in the Protector’s + department in such cases is to issue temporary passes so that the men + may be able to make a present of their first £3 earned to the + Protector’s office. In the case I am referring to, the man had a + temporary pass issued for six months. He could not earn £3 during + that time. There are dozens of such cases. I have no hesitation in + saying that this is nothing but a system of blackmail. + + ZULULAND + + In the Crown Colony of Zululand there are certain townships. + There are regulations published with reference to the sale of land in + these townships, and the regulations for the townships of Eshowe and + Nondweni prevent the Indians from owning or acquiring land! + although the Indians own land worth nearly £2,000 in the township of + Melmoth in the same country. We have sent a memorial to Mr. + Chamberlain’ and it is now engaging his attention. The Colonists in + Natal say that, if such disabilities can be placed on Indians in a Crown + Colony, a responsibly governed Colony such as Natal should be + + ' Vide “Memorial to Natal Governor”, 26-2-1896 + > Vide “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, 11-3-1896 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 377 + + allowed to do what it liked with regard to the Indians. Our position in + Zululand is no better than in the Free State. It is so dangerous to go to + Zululand that the one or two who ventured to go there had to return + back. There is a good opening for the Indians there, but the ill- + treatment comes in the way. This is a matter that we are earnestly + hoping will be set right without much delay. + THE CAPE COLONY + + In the Cape Colony, the Mayoral Congress has passed a + resolution signifying its desire for legislation prohibiting the influx of + Asiatics in that Colony and hoping that prompt action will be taken. + The Cape Legislature has, lately, passed a measure which gives the + East London Municipality in that Colony the power to make bye-laws + compelling natives and Indians to remove to and reside in certain + locations and prohibiting them from walking on foot-paths. It is + difficult to conceive a better instance of cruel persecution. The + following is the position of the Indians in East Griqualand under the + Cape Government, according to the Mercury of 23rd March, 1896: + An Arab, named Ismail Suliman, erected a store in East Griqualand, paid + customs duty upon goods and applied for a licence, which the Magistrate + refused. Mr. Attorney Francis, on the Arab’s behalf, appealed to the Cape + Government who upheld the Magistrate and have issued instructions that no + coolies or Arabs are to have trading licences in East Griqualand and the one or + two that have licences are to be closed up. + Thus, in some parts of Her Majesty’s Dominions In South + Africa, even the vested rights of her Indian subjects are not to be + protected. What happened to the Indian in the end I was unable to + ascertain. There are many cases where Indians have been + unceremoniously refused licences to trade. There is a Bluebook on + Native Affairs published in Natal. One of the Magistrates therein + says he simply refuses to issue trading licences to Indians and thus + prevents Indian encroachments. + + CHARTERED TERRITORIES + + In the Chartered Territories, the Indians are receiving the same + kind of treatment. Only lately, an Indian was refused a licence to + trade. He went to the Supreme Court who decided that the licence + could not be refused to him. Now the Rhodesians have sent a petition + to the Government requesting them to alter the law so as to prevent the + Indians from getting licences under the request of the petitioners. This + + 378 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + is what the correspondent of the South African Daily Telegraph has to + say about the meeting that sent the petition: + It affords me pleasure to be able to say, and say truthfully, that the + meeting was in no way a representative one. Had it been so, little credit would + thereby have been reflected on the inhabitants of the town. Some half a dozen + leading storekeepers, the editor of a paper, a sprinkling of minor Government + officials and a fairly large collection of prospectors, mechanics and artisans + made up the assembly which those under whose direction it was held would + have us believe represented the voice of the police of Salisbury. The + resolutions, which I have already wired you with the [names of] proposers and + seconders, were nicely cut and dried before the meeting commenced and the + figures were set in order and worked in their places when the time arrived. + There were no Indians present and no one ventured a word on their behalf. + Why, it is hard to say, for it is certain that the feeling of by far the majority in + this town is altogether adverse to the one-sided, selfish and narrow-minded + opinion expressed by those who essayed to speak on the question... . I + cannot help thinking that little, if any, harm need be feared from the advent of + a race who are industrious and steady and who, in higher sphere, have on + occasion given evidences of their capabilities in upholding positions which + they maintain ably and honourably side by side with their lighter-skinned + brother. + + THE TRANSVAAL + + Coming now to the non-British States, i.e., the Transvaal and the + Free State, there were in the Transvaal nearly two hundred traders in + 1894 whose liquidated assets would amount to £100,000. Of these, + about three firms imported goods directly from England, Durban, + Port Elizabeth, India and other places, and had thus branches in the + other parts of the world whose existence mainly depended upon their + Transvaal business. The rest were small vendors having stores in + different places. There were,then, nearly two thousand hawkers in the + Republic who buy goods and hawk them about. Of the labouring + Indian population, who are employed as general servants in European + houses or hotels, there were about 1,500 men, of whom about 1,000 + lived in Johannesburg. Such, roughly, was the position at the end of + 1894 A.D. The numbers have now considerably increased. In the + Transvaal, the Indians cannot own landed property; they can be + ordered to reside in locations. No new licences to trade are issued to + them. They are made to pay a special registration fee of £3. All these + restrictions are unlawful, being in contravention of the London + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 379 + + Convention' which secures the rights of all Her Majesty’s subjects. But + the previous Secretary of State for the Colonies having consented to a + departure from the Convention, the Transvaal has been able to impose + the above restrictions. They were the subject of an arbitration in 1894- + 95 which has decided against the Indians, that is to say, which has + declared that the Republic was entitled to pass those laws. A memorial + against the award of the arbitrator was sent to the Home Government.’ + Mr. Chamberlain has now given his decision on the memorial and, + while sympathizing with the prayer thereof, has accepted the award of + the Arbitrator. He has, however, promised and retained the right to + make friendly representations to the Transvaal Government from time + to time. And, if the representations are emphatic enough, we have no + doubt that we shall get justice in the end. We, therefore, implore the + public bodies to exert their influence so that these representations may + be such as to have their desired effect. I shall venture to quote an + instance in point. When, during the Malaboch war,’ the British + subjects were being commandeered, many protested against it and + asked for the interference of the Home Government. The reply first + sent was to the effect that they could not interfere with the affairs of + the Republic. The papers, however, were enraged and memorials + strongly worded were repeated. At last came the request to the + Transvaal Government not to commandeer British subjects. It was not + an interference, yet the request had to be granted and _ the + commandeering of British subjects was stopped. May we hope for + such a request which carries with it its fulfilment? If we are not as + important a community as that concerned with the commando + movement our grievances, we submit, are much more so. + + Whether such or any representations are made or not, there will + arise questions out of the award that will engage Mr. Chamberlain’s + attention. What shall be done with the hundreds of Indian stores in the + Transvaal? Will they all be closed up? Will they all be made to live in + locations, and if so, what locations? The British Agent has thus + described the Transvaal locations with reference to the removal of the + Malays in Pretoria, the metropolis of the South African Republic: + + ' Signed on February 27, 1884, between the Boers and the British. + > For details of the award and the memorial, vide‘Petition to Lord Ripon”, + 5-5-1895 + * Commando action carried out by the Transvaal Government in 1894 against + a tribe in the north called Malaboch after its chief. + + 380 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + To be forced into a small location on a spot used as a place to deposit + the refuse of the town, without any water except the polluted soakage in the + gully between the location and the town, must inevitably result in malignant + fevers and other diseases breaking out amongst them whereby their lives and + the health of the community in town will be endangered. (Green book No. 2, + 1893, page 72) + Will they or will they not receive any compensation if they are + made to sell off? Again, the very law is ambiguous. The Arbitrator was + called upon to decide upon the interpretation which he has now left to + the High Court of the Transvaal. We contend that by the law the State + can only compel us to reside in locations. The State contends that + residence includes trading stores also and that, therefore, we may not, + under that law, even trade except in specified locations. The High + court is said to favour the State interpretation. + Nor are these the only grievances in the Transvaal. These were + the subject of the arbitration. But there is a law which prevents the + railway authorities in the Transvaal from issuing first or second-class + tickets on the railways. There is a tin compartment reserved for natives + and other coloured people in which we are literally packed like sheep, + without regard to our dress, our behaviour or our position. In Natal, + there is no such law but the petty officials give trouble. The hardship + is not insignificant. In Delagoa Bay, the authorities so respect the + Indian that they would not allow him to travel 3rd class, so much so + that, if a poor Indian could not afford the 2nd-class fare, he is allowed + to travel 2nd class under a 3rd-class ticket. The same Indian, as soon + as he reaches the Transvaal border, is compelled to put his dignity into + his pocket, asked to produce a pass and then unceremoniously thrust + into the third-class compartment, no matter whether he has a first-class + or a second-class ticket. The journey is long enough to be felt like + a month’s journey in those uncomfortable quarters. The same thing + happens on the Natal side. Four months ago, an Indian gentleman got + a second-class ticket for Pretoria at Durban. He was assured that he + would be all right, yet he was not only forcibly put out at Volksrust, a + station on the Transvaal border, but could not proceed by that train + because it did not carry any third-class compartment. These + regulations seriously interfere with our carrying on our trade also. + There are many who, owing to such inconveniences, would not move + from place to place unless they could not possibly avoid it. + Then, in the Transvaal, an Indian, like the native of South + Africa, has to carry a travelling pass which costs a shilling. This is the + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 381 + + Indian’s permit to travel about. It is, I believe, available only for a + single journey. Thus, Mr. Haji Mahomed Haji Dada was put out of his + post-cart and had to walk a distance of three miles, at the point of the + policeman’s sjambok, which serves the purpose of the bayonet, in + order to get the pass. The pass master, however, knew him and so + would not issue any pass to him. All the same, he had to miss his + coach and walk from Volksrust to Charlestown. + + The Indians cannot, as of right, walk on the foot-path in + Pretoria and Johannesburg. I use the word “as of right” advisedly, + because the traders are, as a rule, not interfered with. In Johannesburg, + there is a bye-law to that effect passed by the Sanitary Board. A + gentleman, named Mr. Pillay, a graduate of the Madras University, was + violently pushed off the foot-path in Pretoria. He wrote about it to the + papers. The attention of the British Agent also was drawn to the + matter. But, sympathetic as he was towards the Indians, he declined to + interfere. + The gold-mining laws of Johannesburg prevent Indians from + taking out mining licences and render it criminal for them to sell or + possess native gold. + The treaty, exempting the British subjects from commando + service, has been accepted by the Transvaal with the reservation that + British subjects therein shall mean only “whites”. That is now the + subject of a memorial to Mr. Chamberlain.' Under it, apart from the + serious disability it places upon the Indian subjects of Her Majesty, we + might, as the London Times puts it, “now see a levy of British Indian + subjects driven at the point of the Transvaal bayonets against the + bayonets of British Troops”. + + THE ORANGE FREE STATE + + The Orange Free State, as I have already quoted from a + newspaper, has made the British Indian an impossibility. We are driven + away from that State causing to us a loss of £9,000. Our stores were + closed up and no compensation was given to us. Will Mr. Chamberlain + consider this a real grievance and get us our £9,000 from the Orange + Free State, not to speak of the future blighting of the prospects of the + traders particularly concerned? I know them all, and most of them + have not been able to regain their former position, although at the + time they were thus driven out they were supposed to be the wealthiest + + ' For the text of this, vide “Memorial To J. Chamberlain”, 26-11-1895 + + 382 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + firms. The law, which is entitled “the law to prevent the inrush of + Asiatic coloured persons”, prevents any Indian from remaining in the + Orange Free State for more than 2 months, unless he gets the + permission from the President of the Republic who cannot consider + the application to reside before thirty days have elapsed after the + presentation of the petition and other ceremonies have been + performed. He can, however, on no account, hold fixed property in + the State or carry on any mercantile or farming business. + The President may or may not, “according to the state of + things”, grant such mutilated permission to reside. Any Indian + resident, moreover, is subject to an annual poll-tax of £10. The first + contravention of the section relating to mercantile and farming + business renders the delinquent liable to a fine of £25 or three + months’ imprisonment, with or without hard labour. For all + subsequent contraventions, the punishment is to be doubled.' + Such then is the position of the Indians in South Africa, except + Delagoa Bay where the Indians are very much respected, labour under + no special disability and are owners of nearly half the fixed property + in the principal streets of that city. They are all of them mostly + traders. Some of them are in Government employment also. There are + two Parsee gentlemen who are Engineers. And there is another Parsee + gentleman whom, perhaps, even a child in Delagoa Bay knows by the + name of “Senhor Edul’. The trading class, however, chiefly consists + of Mahomedans and Banias, mostly from Portuguese India. + It yet remains for me to examine the cause of this deplorable + state of things, as also the remedy. The Europeans say that the habits + of the Indians are insanitary, they spend nothing and that they are + untruthful and immoral. These are the objections according to the + most moderate journals. Others, of course, simply abuse us. The + charge as to insanitary habits and untruthfulness is partially true, that + is to say, the sanitary habits of the Indian community as a whole, in + South Africa, are not as good as they might be from the highest point + of view. The charge as laid against us by the European community + and used in the way it has been, we totally deny, and we have quoted + the opinions of doctors in South Africa to show that “class + + ' In the second edition of the “Green Pamphlet”, brought out in November, + Gandhiji has inserted here an extract from his Madras speech delivered on October 26. + This answered the Natal Agent-General’s refutation of Gandhiji’s charges. The extract + from the speech begins “But, gentlemen, ...” and ends “in spite of the persecution”. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 383 + + considered, the lowest-class Indian lives better and in better habitation + and with more regard to sanitary measures than the lowest-class + white”. Dr. Veale, B.A., M.B.B.S. (Cantab.), finds the Indians “to be + cleanly in their persons and free from the personal diseases due to dirt + or careless habits” and finds also that “their dwellings are generally + clean and sanitation is willingly attended to by them.”' But we do not + say we are beyond improvement in this matter. We may not live quite + satisfactorily if there were no sanitary laws. Both the communities err + equally in this respect, as the newspaper records would show. That, + however, cannot be a reason for all the serious disabilities that are + imposed upon us. The cause lies elsewhere, as I shall presently show. + Let them enforce the sanitary law very strictly, and we shall be all the + better for that. Those of us who are lazy will be properly aroused + from our lethargy. As to untruthfulness, the charge, to a certain extent, + is true, with regard to the indentured Indians, utterly exaggerated with + regard to the traders. But the indentured Indians, placed in the + position they are, I venture to say, have done much better than any + other community would do in a similar position. The very fact that + they are liked as servants by the Colonists and called “useful and + trusty”, shows that they are not the incorrigible liars they are made + out to be. However, the moment they leave India, they are free from + the healthy checks that keep them on the narrow path. In South + Africa, they are without any religious instruction, though they need it + badly. They are called upon to give evidence against their masters for + the sake of a fellow brother. This duty they often shirk. Gradually, + therefore, their faculty for adhering to the truth, under all + circumstances, becomes perverted and they become helpless + afterwards. + + I submit that they are more the objects of pity than of + contempt. And this view I ventured to place before the public in South + Africa two years ago, and they have not excepted to it. The fact that + the European firms in South Africa give hundreds of Indians large + credit practically on their word of honour, and have no cause to regret + having done so, and that the banks give Indians almost unlimited + credit, while the merchants and bankers would not trust Europeans to + that extent, conclusively prove that the Indian traders cannot be so + dishonest as they are made out to be. I do not, of course, mean to + convey that the European firms believe the Indians to be more + + 'Vide “Petition to Lord Ripon”, 5-5-1895 + + 384 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + truthful than the Europeans. But I do humbly think that, while they + would perhaps trust both equally, they rely upon the Indian’s thrift, + his determination not to ruin his creditor and his temperate habits. A + bank has been giving credit to an Indian to a very large extent. A + European gentleman, known to the bank and a friend of this Indian, + wanted £300 credit for speculation. The bank refused to give him + credit without guarantee. The Indian friend pledged his honour, and + that was all he had to pledge, and the bank accepted that security, + although at the time, too, he was heavily in debt to the bank. The + result is the European friend has failed to refund the £300 to the bank, + and the Indian friend, for the present, has lost the money. The + European, of course, lives in a better style and requires some drink for + his dinners, and our Indian friend drinks only water. The charges that + we spend nothing and are immoral, i.e., more than those who bring + the charges against us, we repudiate entirely. But the real cause is the + trade jealousy, in the first instance, and want of knowledge about + Indian and the Indians, in the second. + The hue and cry against the Indians was first raised by the + traders and then taken up by the populace till, at last, the prejudice + permeated the high and the low. This can be seen from the South + African legislation affecting Indians. The Orange Free Staters have + frankly stated that they hate the Asiatic because he is a successful + trader. The Chambers of Commerce in the different States were the + first movers. And they, of course, came out with the statements that we + believed the Christians a natural prey, and that we believed our women + to be soulless and were propagators of leprosy and syphilis and other + diseases. The matters have now reached such a stage that for a good + Christian gentleman it is as natural to see nothing unjust in the + persecution of the Asiatic as it was in the olden days for the bonafide + Christians to see nothing wrong or un-Christian in slavery. Mr. Henry + Bale is a legislator in the Natal Assembly, a typical English gentleman, + and is dubbed Bale the Conscientious because he is a converted + Christian and takes a prominent part in religious movements and + brings his conscience often into play on the floor of the Assembly + House. Yet, this gentleman is one of the most powerful and + uncompromising opponents of Indians, and gives his certificate that + an annual poll-tax of £3 on a body of men who have been the + mainstay of the Colony, and compulsory return of such men, are just + and humane measures. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 385 + + Our method in South Africa is to conquer this hatred by love. + At any rate, that is our goal. We would often fall short of that ideal but + we can adduce innumerable instances to show that we have acted in + that spirit. We do not attempt to have individuals punished but as a + rule, patiently suffer wrongs at their hands. Generally, our prayers are + not to demand compensation for past injuries, but to render a + repetition of those injuries impossible and to remove the causes. Our + grievances have been laid before the Indian public in the same spirit. + If we have quoted instances of personal injuries, that we have done not + for the purpose of seeking compensation but for that of laying our + position vividly before the public in India. We are trying to remove + any causes that may be in us for such treatment. But we cannot + succeed without the sympathy and support of the public men in India, + and without strong representations from the Home and Indian + Governments. The want of knowledge about India is so great in South + Africa that the people would not even believe us if we said that India is + not dotted by huts only. The work done on our behalf by the London + Times, the British Committee’ of the Congress and by Mr. + Bhownaggree’ and in India by The Times of India, has borne fruit + already. Of course, the question of the position of the Indians has + been treated as an Imperial question, and almost every statesman + whom we have approached has expressed his full sympathy to us. We + have letters of sympathy from both the Conservative and Liberal + members of the House of Commons. The Daily Telegraph has also + extended its support to us. When the Franchise Bill was first passed’ + and there was some talk of its disallowance, the public men and the + newspapers in Natal said the Bill would be passed over and over again + till Her Majesty’s Government were tired. They rejected the British + subject “humbug”, and one paper went so far as to say that they + would throw over their allegiance to the Queen if the Bill was + disallowed. The Ministers openly declared that they would decline to + + ' Set up in London by the Indian National Congress in 1889, with Sir William + Wedderburn as chairman. Dadabhai Naoroji was one of its members. + * Sir Mancherjee Merwanjee Bhownaggree (1851-1933), Indian Parsi barrister + settled in England. Elected on the Unionist Party ticket, he was a member of + Parliament for ten years. He was also a member of the British Committee of the Indian + National Congress. + * This was on July 7, 1894. For Indian representations and petitions + demanding withdrawal of the Bill, vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Assembly”, + 28-6-1894 + + 386 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + govern the Colony if the Bill was disallowed. This was the time when + the writer of the “Colonial Affairs” in the London Times favoured + the Natal Bill. But the Thunderer, when it dealt with the matter, + specially changed its tone. The Colonial Secretary seemed to be + decisive and the despatch with reference to the Transvaal Arbitration + arrived in time. This changed the whole tone of the Press in Natal. + They protested but they were a part and parcel of the British Empire. + The Natal Advertiser, which at one time proposed the formation of an + anti-Asiatic League, thus dealt with the Indian question in a leading + article, dated the 28th February, 1895. After alluding to the then + reported disallowance of the Franchise Bill and the resolution of the + Mayoral Congress in the Cape Colony before referred to, the article + goes on: + + The problem, therefore, when looked at as a whole from the imperial to + the purely local standpoint, is a very large and complex one. But however + prone localities may be to regard the subject simply from the local stanpoint, + it should be apparent to all who wish to study the matter in all its bearings + (the only way in which a sound and healthy judgment can be arrived at), that + the wider or Imperial considerations must also be taken into account. And + further, as regards the purely local aspect of the case, it is quite as necessary, + and perhaps as difficult, to discover whether a comprehensive view of the + position is being taken or whether imperfect opinions are being formed on + one side or the other through the acceptance of only such data as prejudice or + self-interest may find acceptable. The general opinion existing throughout + South Africa, as regards Indian emigration, may be summed up in the words, + “We don’t want them”. + + The first point to be weighed is this that, in belonging to the British + Empire, we have to take whatever may be evil as well as whatever may be + good as arising from that connection, provided, of course, it is inseparable + therefrom. Now, as regards the destinies of India’s population, it may be + taken for granted that the Imperial Government will not readily permit of + legislation in any British dependency which has for its avowed object the + repulsion of India’s surplus population from any part of the British + dominions; or, to put it the other way, which embodies the principle, so far as + the particular legislating State is concerned, that India’s teeming and fast + increasing millions must be confined, and ultimately smothered, within India + itself. On the contrary, the desire of the British Government is to remove + from India the possibilities of such congestion, and to thereby render it a + prosperous and happy, instead of a dangerous and discontented, portion of the + British Empire. If India is to be retained as an advantageous part of the + Empire, then it is absolutely necessary that means shall be found for relieving + it of much of its present population, and it may be taken to be a part of the + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 387 + + Imperial policy that India’s surplus population is to be encouraged, rather + than discouraged, to find fresh outlets in those other portions of the Empire + which are in need of a labouring population. It will thus be seen that the + question of coolie immigration into the British Colonies is one which + reaches down to the deepest amelioration and salvation of India; it may even + mean the inclusion or exclusion of that great possession in or from the + British Empire. That is the Imperial aspect of the question, and is one which + points directly to a desire on the part of the Imperial Government to do all in + its power to prevent the raising, in other portions of the Empire, of barriers + for the prevention of Indian immigration. + + As regards the local aspect of Indian immigration, what has to be + considered is whether and if so, how far, does this Imperial policy conflict + with what is desirable for this particular locality? There are those who + absolutely condemn Indian immigration into this Colony, but it is doubtful + whether these have given full consideration on all the bearings of the case. In + the first place, those who so oppose Indian immigration have to answer the + question: What would this Colony have done without them in those + departments of industry in which they have undoubtedly proved useful? There + is unquestionably much that is undesirable about the coolie, but before his + presence here is condemned as an unmixed evil, it has to be shown that the + Colony would have been better without him. This, we think, would be + somewhat difficult to prove. There can be no question that the coolie is the + best fitted, under existing local conditions, for the field labour required in + connection with the agriculture of the Colony. Such work can never be + undertaken in this climate by white men; our natives show little disposition + or aptitude for it. This being so, who is ousted by the presence of the coolie as + an agricultural labourer? No one. The work had either to be done by him or left + undone altogether. Again, the coolie is largely employed by Government + especially on the railway. What is the objection to him there? It may be said + he is taking the place of the white man there; but is he? There may be a few + isolated cases in which this contention could afford to replace all the Indians + employed in the Government service by white men. Further, the towns in + Natal are almost entirely dependent for their supply of vegetables upon the + coolies, who farm plots of ground in the vicinity. With whom does the coolie + interfere in this direction? Certainly not with the white man. Our farmers, as a + body, have not yet acquired a taste for kitchen gardening sufficient to keep the + market fully supplied. Neither does he interfere with the native, who, being + the incarnation of indolence, does not, as a rule, trouble about the cultivation + of anything except mealies’ for himself. Our own natives ought to have been + our labouring class, but the fact has to be faced that, in this respect, they are + almost a dead failure. Consequently, coloured labour of a more active and + + ' Maize or Indian corn + +388 + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + reliable kind had to be procured from some other source, and India has offered + the necessary supply. The debt which the white man owes to these coloured + labourers is this that they, by occupying the lowest stratum of society in + those mixed communities of which they form a part, raise the white man one + stratum higher right through the social scale than he otherwise would have + occupied, had the menial offices been discharged by a European class. For + instance, the white man, who is ‘boss’ over a gang of coolies, would have had + himself to form one of the gang of labourers, had there been no black + labourer. Again, the man who, in Europe, would have been that man’s + foreman, in this country develops into a master tradesman. And as in every + other direction, by the presence of a black labouring class, the whites are set + free to throw their efforts into higher planes than they could have done, had + the majority of them had to devote their lives to the arduous labours of toilers + of the lowest order. It will, therefore, probably yet be found that the removal + of the drawbacks, at present incidental to the immigration of Indians into + British Colonies, is not to be effected so much by the adoption of an obsolete + policy of exclusion as by an enlightened and progressive application of + ameliorating laws to those Indians who settle in them. One of the chief + objections to Indians in that they do not live in accordance with European + rules. The remedy for this is to gradually raise their mode of life by + compelling them to live in better dwellings and by creating among them new + wants, it will probably be found easier, because more in accord with the great + onward movement of mankind, to demand to such settlers that they shall rise + to their new conditions, than to endeavour to maintain the status quo ante by + their entire exclusion. + Such articles (and they can be quoted by the dozen from the + various newspapers) show that application of sufficient pressure from + the Home Government can bring about a healthy change in the Indian + policy of the Colonies, and that, even in the worst places, British love + of justice and fair play can be roused. These two are the sheet-anchor + of our hope. No amount of spreading information about India on our + part can do any good without the much-needed application of the + pressure. + + The following article, from the pen of a veteran journalist in + South Africa, shows also that there are men in South Africa who + would rise above their surroundings and disclose the true British + character: + It sometimes happens in life that men are called upon to decide + decisively between the claims of justice and the claims of self. With men of + honourable inclination, the task is, of course, a far heavier one than with men + whose natures have long ago cast overboard any conscientious scruples with + which they may have been endowed at the outset of their unlovely existence. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 389 + + From men who will puff rotten companies at the very moment they are selling + out and individuals of a like character, it is, of course, perfectly absurd to + expect any other result than that self will predominate, but with the average + commercial man, justice is more often the victor in the ethical conflict. + Amongst the causes of these conflicts, as they affect South Africans generally + and British Transvaalers in particular, is the question of the ‘coolie traders’, + as our Indian and Arab fellow citizens are designated. It is the position of + these merchants, for so they really are, which has aroused so much attention + and which is still productive of no little interest and hostility to this day. And + it is in considering their position that their rivals in trade have sought to + inflict upon them, through the medium of the State, what looks, on the face of + it, something very like an injustice for the benefit of self. + + The outcry which was raised in the capital of the Transvaal against + the coolie trader some little time ago is brought to the mind by occasional + paragraphs in the morning papers regarding the doings of the Indian and Arab + dealers. + + In the face of such reminders as these, one may reasonably expect + to be pardoned for referring, for a few moments, to a body of respectable, + hard-working men, whose position is so misunderstood that their very + nationality is overlooked, and a name labelled to them which tends to place + them on an exceedingly low level in the estimation of their fellow creatures. + In the face, too, of financial operations, the success of which many of + their detractors would envy one fails to understand the agitation which would + place the operators in the same category as the half-heathen native and + confine them to locations and subject them to the harsher laws by which the + Transvaal Kaffir is governed. The impression, which is but too prevalent both + in the Transvaal and this Colony, that the quiet and altogether inoffensive + ‘Arab’ shopkeeper, and the equally harmless Indian, who carries his pack of + dainty wares from house to house, is a ‘coolie’, is due largely to an indolent + ignorance as to the race whence they sprang. When one reflects that the + conception of Brahminism, with its poetic and mysterious mythology, took + its rise in the land of the ‘coolie trader’, that in that land, twenty-four + centuries ago, the almost divine Buddha taught and practised the glorious + doctrine of self-sacrifice, and that it was from the plains and mountains of that + weird old country that are derived the fundamental truths of the very language + we speak, one cannot but help regretting that the children of such a race + should be treated as the equals of the children of black heathendom and outer + darkness. Those who, for a few moments, have stayed to converse with the + Indian trader have been, perhaps, surprised to find they are speaking to a + scholar and a gentleman. In the schools of Bombay, Madras, and even from + under the very shadows of the Himalayas and from the plains of the Punjab, + these unassuming individuals have drunk deep the springs of knowledge, it + may be, unsuited to our requirements, foreign to our taste, and savouring too + +390 + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + much of the mythical to be of use in our practical lives, but, nevertheless, a + knowledge the acquisition of which requires as much application, as much + literary application, and a far more sensitive and poetic nature than is required + in the highest schools of Oxford or Cambridge. The philosophy of India, + obscured by the dust of ages and the traditions of generations, was taught with + delight, when the ancestors of the Superior Boer and the Superior Englishman + were content to find their highest pleasures in the pursuit of the bear and the + wolf over the marshes and through the forests of their native lands. When + these same ancestors has had no thought of a higher life, when self- + preservation was their first law, and the destruction of their neighbour’s + village and the capture of his wife and infant their keenest enjoyment, the + philosophers of India had grown weary with a thousand years’ conflict with + the problems of existence. And it is the sons of this land of light who are + despised as coolies and treated as Kaffirs. + + It is about time that those who cry out against the Indian merchant + should have pointed out to them who and what he is. Many of his worst + detractors are British subjects enjoying all the privileges and rights of + membership in a glorious community. To them the hatred of injustice and the + love of fair play is inherent, and when it affects themselves, they have a + method of insisting upon their rights and liberties, whether under a foreign + government or under their own. Possibly, it has never struck them that the + Indian merchant is also a British subject and claims the same liberties and + rights with equal justice. To say the very least of it, if we may be permitted to + employ a phrase of Palmerston’s days, it is very un-English to claim rights + one would not allow to others. The right of trade as an equal privilege has, + since the abolition of the Elizabethan monopolies, become almost a part of + the English Constitution, and were anyone to interfere with that right, the + privilege of British citizenship would very suddenly come to the front. + Because the Indian is more successful in competition and lives on less than + the English merchant, is the unfairest and weakest of arguments. The very + foundation of English commerce lies in the fact of our being able to compete + more successfully with other nations. Surely, itis Protection running to + madness when English traders wish the State to intervene to protect them + against the more successful operations of their rivals. The injustice to the + Indians is so glaring that one is almost ashamed of one’s countrymen in + wishing to have these men treated as natives, simply because of their success + in trade. The very reason that they have been so successful against the + dominant race is sufficient to raise them above that degrading level. (Cape + Times, 13-4-1889) + The question resolves itself into this: “May the British Indians + when they leave India,” in the words of the London Times, “have the + same status before the law as other British subjects enjoy? May they or + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 391 + + may they not go freely from one British possession to another and + claim the rights of British subjects in allied States?” Says the same + journal again: + + The Indian Government and the Indians themselves believe that it is in + Southern Africa that this question of their status must be determined. If they + secure the position of British subjects in South Africa, it will be almost + impossible to deny it to them elsewhere. If they fail to secure that position in + South Africa, it will be extremely difficult for them to attain it elsewhere. + Thus, then, the decision of the question will affect not only the + Indians at present settled in South Africa but the whole future + emigration of Indians and, also, the position of Indian immigrants in + other parts of Her Majesty’s Dominions and allied States. In Australia + they are endeavouring to pass laws to restrict , the influx of Indians in + those parts. Temporary and local relief, while absolutely necessary for + the cases now before the two Governments for consideration, will be + of no avail, unless the whole question is decided once for all, for “the + whole body is rotten and not parts only”. Mr. Bhownaggree has + questioned Mr. Chamberlain “whether he will take immediate steps to + arrest legislation of this description by the Government of Natal and + other parts of Her Majesty’s Dominions in Africa”. There may yet be + laws and regulations besides what have been alluded to herein and + which may not be known to us. Unless, therefore, all such past + legislation is declared illegal and further legislation stopped, we have a + very dismal outlook before us, for the struggle is unequal, and how + long are we to go on troubling the Colonial Office and the Indian + Government? The Times of India has been our advocate when we were + almost without any. The British Committee of the Congress has always + worked on our behalf. The powerful aid of the London Times has, by + itself, raised us a step higher in the estimation of the South Africans. + Mr. Bhownaggree has been incessant in his efforts on our behalf ever + since he entered Parliament. We know we have the sympathy of the + public bodies in India, but our object in laying our grievances + specially before the Indian public is to enlist the very active sympathy + of all the public bodies in India. That is my commission, and our + cause is so great and just that I have no doubt I shall return to Natal + with satisfactory result. + + M. K. GANDHI + + 392 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + +PS. + + If any gentleman is anxious to study further the Indian question + in South Africa and requires the various memorials referred to herein, + an effort will be made to supply him with copies of the same. + + M. K. GANDHI + + The Grievances of the British Indians in South Africa : An Appeal to Indian + Public + + 102. NOTES ON THE GRIEVANCES OF THE BRITISH + INDIANS IN SOUTH AFRICA + + RAJKOT, + September 22, 1896 + + South Africa, for our purposes, consists of the two British + Colonies of the Cape of Good Hope and Natal, the two Republics, viz., + the South African Republic or the Transvaal and the Orange Free + State, the Crown Colony of Zululand, the Chartered Territories and the + Portuguese territories comprising Delagoa Bay or Lorenzo Marques + and Beira. + + NATAL + + Natal is a British self-governing Colony enjoying Responsible + Government since 1893 A.D. Before September of 1893, Natal was a + Crown Colony having a Legislative Council of 12 elective and 4 + executive members, with a Governor representing the Queen, a + Constitution not very unlike the Indian Legislative Councils. In 1893, + Responsible Government was granted, whereby an upper and a lower + chamber were created. The upper chamber, called the Legislative + Council, consists of 11 members nominated by His Excellency the + Governor of the colony, and the lower chamber, styled the Legislative + Assembly, consists of 37 members elected by the Colonists possessing + the legal qualifications to be hereafter described. There is a movable + ministry of five members based on the model of the British Cabinet. + Sir John Robinson is the present Prime Minister and the Honourable + Mr. Harry Escombe, Q.c., the present Attorney-General. + + The Constitution Act provides that no Acts, which have for their + object class legislation and which curtail the rights of non-European + British subjects, shall have the force of law unless they are sanctioned + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 393 + + by Her Majesty. The Royal instructions to the Governor also include + such prohibitory clauses. + Natal has an area of 20,851 square miles' and a European + population of about 50,000, a native population of about 400,000, + and an Indian population of about 51,000, according to the latest + census. The 51,000 Indians include 30,000 free Indians, i.e., those that + have finished their indentured service and are engaged in the Colony + in various pursuits of life as household servants, petty farmers, + vegetable hawkers, fruiterers, goldsmiths, artisans, petty storekeepers, + schoolmasters, photographers, attorneys’ clerks, etc., 16,000 who are + at present serving their indenture, and 5,000 traders who came to the + Colony on their own means and are either traders or shopkeepers’ + assistants, the trade consisting in soft goods suitable to the natives of + South Africa, called Zulus or Kaffirs, hardware, soft goods and + groceries suitable to the Indian population. The soft goods and + groceries for the Indians are imported from Bombay, Calcutta and + Madras. The free and indentured Indians come from Madras and + Calcutta and are pretty equally divided. Indian emigration was + resorted to when, as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Natal, + Mr. Garland, says, “the existence of the Colony hung in the + balance”. The terms of the contract briefly are that the indentured + man has to serve his employer for a period of 5 years, the monthly + wages for the first year being £10° to be increased by £1° every + succeeding year, with food, clothing and lodging during the period + and the passage to Natal also paid by the employer. If, after the first + five years, he serves in the Colony as a free labourer for another five + years, he becomes entitled to a free passage back to India for himself, + his wife and children, if any. The immigrants are imported to work on + the sugar fields and tea estates and replace the Kaffirs who were found + by the Colonists to be indifferent and unsteady. They are also largely + employed by the Government on the railways and for the sanitation of + the Colony. The Colonists at first assisted the sugar and tea industries + of the Colony by granting Rs. [£?] 10,000 towards the cost of the + importation of the Indian immigrants. Almost the first act of the + + ' The area of Natal in 1960 according to Encyclopaedia Britannica was + 33, 578 sq. miles. + > ‘Pounds’ here is evidently a slip for ‘shillings’. + * ibid + + 394 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Responsible Government was to abolish this grant under the plea that + the industries no longer required such support. + + First GRIEVANCE IN NATAL — FRANCHISE + + The Royal Charter, dated the 15th July, 1850, provides that any + adult male, not being a native of South Africa, possessing property to + the value of £50 or who rents any such property of the yearly value of + £10, shall be entitled to be placed on the Voters’ Roll. There is a + separate law governing the Native Franchise which requires, among + other things, 12 years residence on the part of the native in a + particular electoral district and exemption from the native law of the + Colony. + Under the general franchise law of the Colony, i.e., the Royal + Charter referred to above, the Indians as British subjects enjoyed full + electoral rights till after 1893. In 1894, in the Second Parliament + under the Responsible Government, an Act was passed, No. 25 of + 1894, disqualifying persons of Asiatic extraction from having their + names inserted in any Voters’ List, exempting those whose names + were then already rightly contained in any Voters’ List. The preamble + of the Act stated that such persons were not accustomed to the + Franchise rights. + The real reason for passing such an Act was to lower the status + of the Indian and gradually to bring him down to the level of the + South African natives so that, in time to come, the respectable Indian + may become an impossibility. A petition was presented to the + Legislative Assembly combating the view that the Indians were not + accustomed to representative institutions and asking for the withdrawal + of the Bill, or an enquiry as to whether or not the Indians were fit to + exercise the franchise. (Enclosure I, App. A)'. + The petition was rejected. Another was sent to the Legislative + Council when the Bill came before it. That too was rejected and the + Bill was passed. (Enclosure I, App. B)’. + It, however, required Her Majesty’s sanction before it could + come into force. The Indian community sent a memorial to Her + Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies, protesting + + ' The enclosures mentioned in the text are not reproduced here. For petition to + the Natal Assembly, vide “Petition to Natl Legislative Assembly”, 28-6-1894 + * Vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”, 4-7-1894 and “Petition to + Natal Legislative Council”, 6-7-1894 + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 395 + + against the measure and requesting him either to disallow the measure + or to institute an inquiry of the nature above indicated. The memorial + was signed by nearly 9,000 Indians. (Enclosure I)'. + + A good deal of correspondence went on between Her Majesty’s + Government and the Natal Ministry. The result was that in the April of + this year, the Franchise Act was withdrawn by the Natal Ministry and + replaced by the following: + No persons shall be qualified to have their names inserted in any list of + electors who (not being of European origin) are natives or descendants in the + male line of natives of countries which have not hitherto possessed elective + representative institutions founded on the parliamentary franchise, unless + they shall first obtain an order from the Governor-in-Council exempting them + from the operation of this Act. + The measure also excepts those whose names are already rightly + contained in any Voters’ Lists. + + A memorial’ was presented to the Legislative Assembly, + showing that India contained, in its Legislative Councils, “elective + representative institutions founded on the parliamentary franchise” + and that, therefore, the Bill was a harassing measure. (Enclosure II, + App. A). Though our institutions cannot popularly be termed such as + to satisfy the requirement of the above measure, it is respectfully + submitted that legally they are so, and this is the opinion of the + London Times, as also of an able jurist in Natal’ (Enclosure III, p. 11). + Mr. Chamberlain himself, in his despatch dated 12th September, + 1895’, signifying his inability to approve of the first Franchise Bill + above referred to, in answer to the Natal Ministers’ arguments, says, + among other things: + I also recognize the fact that the Natives of India do not possess + representative institutions in their own country and that they themselves, in + those periods of their history when they were exempt from European + influence, have never set up any such system among them. (Enclosure IV) + A memorial’ has been sent to Mr. Chamberlain (Enclosure II), + and private advice from London states that the matter is engaging his + attention. Mr. Chamberlain has already approved of the principle of + + ' Vide “Petition to Lord Ripon”, 14-7-1894. where Gandhiji says he obtained + over 10, 000 signatures for this petition. + * Dated April 27, 1896. + * Vide “London Diary”, 12-11-1888 + * The source has ‘1885’, obviously a typographical mistake. + > Dated May 22, 1896, vide “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, 22-5-1896 + + 396 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + this Bill which was submitted to him by the Ministers, before it was + introduced into the Natal Parliament. (Enclosure IV). The Indians in + South Africa, however, believe that the facts brought out in the + memorial should induce Mr. Chamberlain to alter his views. + + Too much stress cannot be laid on the fact that there can be no + comparison between the condition of the Indians in India and that of + those in South Africa. Here it is political persecution and very little + class legislation. There it is class legislation pure and simple and + degradation of the Indian to the level of a pariah. + The London Times has put the franchise question in this form, + in dealing with the first bill above referred to: + The question now put before Mr. Chamberlain is not an academic one. + It is not a question of argument but of race feeling. We cannot afford a war of + races among our own subjects. It would be as wrong for the Government of + India to suddenly arrest the development of Natal by shutting all the supply of + immigrants as it would be for Natal to deny the right of citizenship to British + Indian subjects who, by years of thrift and good work in the Colony, have + raised themselves to the actual status of citizens. (London Times, 27th June, + 1896). + This article deals with the various arguments brought forward + by the Colonists in support of disfranchisement of the Indians and + shows that there is no question of swamping the European electors, + because, out of nearly 10,000 electors, according to latest _ lists + published, there are only 251 Indian electors and that there are very + few Indians in the Colony who can command the necessary property + qualifications (see Enclosure V'). The present Bill is meant merely to + harass the Indian community and to involve them in endless litigation. + (Enclosure II.) + SECOND GRIEVANCE — INDIAN IMMIGRATION + In the year 1893, a Commission consisting of Mr. Binns, a + member of the Legislative Assembly of Natal, and Mr. Mason, the + present Protector of Indian Immigrants in Natal, was sent by the + Government of Natal to India in order to induce the Indian + Government to consent to the following alterations in the terms of + indenture entered into by the Indians at present and referred to above, + that is to say: + + ' This enclosure contained the Viceroy’s despatch referred to in the following + pages. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 397 + + (1) To raise the period of indenture from five years to an + indefinite period, with a corresponding increase in wages up to twenty + shillings per month. + (2) In the event of the Indian refusing to enter into such + further indentures after the first five years’ indenture, to compel him + to return to India at the Colony’s expense. + The present Viceroy, in his despatch to the Governor of Natal, + says that, although personally he regrets that such a course should be + desired by the Colonists, subject to the approval of the Home + Government he would be prepared to consent to the alterations on the + understanding that the breach of the clause about compulsory return + should never become a criminal offence. (Enclosure V.) + On the lines of the report of the Commission that visited India, + the Natal Government, in the year 1895, introduced the Indian + Immigration Law Amendment Bill, which provides, amongst other + things, for the indefinite period of indenture or the compulsory return + of the immigrants, and further provides that any such immigrant + failing to enter into the further terms of indenture or to return to India + shall be liable to take out an annual licence costing £3 yearly. Thus it + would appear that this Bill goes further than the terms laid down in the + Viceroy’s despatch above alluded to. Memorials' were presented to + both the Houses in Natal taking exception to this Bill but to no + purpose. (Enclosure V, App. A and B.) A memorial has also been + addressed to Mr. Chamberlain as well as to the Indian Government + praying either that the Bill should be disallowed or that further Indian + immigration to Natal should be stopped. (Enclosure VI.)* These + prayers have been strongly supported by the London Times in a + leading article dated 3-5-95 [967]. + Over ten years ago, a Commission was appointed by the then + Governor of Natal to report upon various matters connected with + Indian immigration. Evidence has been cited from this report to show + that, at that time, the Commissioners as well as the best men of the day, + including the present Attorney-General, thought that any such + measure would be a cruel wrong to the Indians and a disgrace to the + British name. + + ' Vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Assembly” and “Petition to Natal + + Legislative Council”, 26-6-1895 + * Vide “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, 1 1-8-1895 + + 398 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + The memorial is still engaging Mr. Chamberlain’s and the + Indian Government’s attention. (Enclosure VI.) + + THIRD GRIEVANCE — THE CURFEW + + There is a Law in Natal (No. 15 of 1869), which provides that, + in the boroughs, no ‘coloured person’, unless he can give a good + account of himself or unless he can produce a pass from _ his + employer, shall be out at night after 9 o’clock. This Law is, perhaps, + not absolutely unnecessary, but its working is often oppressive. + Respectable Indians, such as schoolmasters and others, have often + been locked up in horrible dungeons for having ventured out after 9 + p-m., no matter on what business. + + FOURTH GRIEVANCE — THE Pass LAW + + The Law provides that every Indian can be asked to produce a + pass. It is really meant to detect indentured Indians who have deserted + their masters, but is also used as an engine of oppression towards the + Indians generally. The Indian community in Natal have not yet + moved with regard to the last two matters, but they may be brought + under the general grievances and can be used to show the tendency of + the Colonists to make it as uncomfortable as possible for the Indians + in Natal. As for the working of these two Laws, see Enclosure III, pp. + 6 and 7.' + ZULULAND + + This country is a Crown Colony governed by the Governor of + Natal in the Queen’s name. The Natal ministry or the Governor of + Natal as such has nothing to do with Zululand. There is a small + European and a large native (Kaffir) population in it. There are + townships established in Zululand. The township of Melmoth was the + first to be established. In that township, in the year 1888, the Indians + bought erven, i.e., specified pieces of land, worth about £2,000. The + township of Eshowe was proclaimed in 1891 and that of Nondweni in + 1896. The regulations for the purchase of erven in both these + township are the same and they provide that only persons of + European birth and descent shall be approved of as occupiers of erven + or sites, (Enclosure VII.)’ + + ' Vide “London Diary”, 12-11-1888 + > The enclosure is not available. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 399 + + A memorial’ protesting against these regulations was presented + to the Governor of Zululand last February, who declined to interfere. + Thereupon a memorial’ was sent to Mr. Chamberlain, and the + question is now engaging his attention. These regulations, it will be + noticed, go much further than what the Colonists in the self-governing + Colonies have been allowed to do, and follow the policy of total + exclusion adopted by the Orange Free State. + + Zululand gold mining laws make it criminal for an Indian to + buy or possess native gold. + CAPE COLONY + The Colony of the Cape of Good Hope is, like the Colony of + Natal, a responsibly governed Colony with a Constitution similar to + Natal’s. Only, the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council + contain a greater number of members, and the franchise qualifications + are different, viz., the property qualification is occupation for 12 + months of a building worth £75, the salary qualification is £50 per + annum. The person claiming to be registered must be able to sign his + name and write his address and occupation. This Act was passed in + 1892 and was really passed to check the Indian and the Malay vote. + There would be no objection on the part of the Indian community to + such educational qualifications being imposed or __ property + qualifications being increased in Natal. This Colony contains an area + of 276,320 square miles and a total population of about 1,800,000 + persons, of whom not more than 400,000 are Europeans. The Indian + population of the Colony would be roughly 10,000, consisting of + traders, hawkers and labourers. They are to be found chiefly in the + ports, viz., Port Elizabeth, East London and Cape Town and also in the + mines in Kimberley. + All the information relating to the disabilities placed on the + Indians is not available. In 1894, the Parliament passed a Bill + authorizing the East London Municipality to frame bye-laws + prohibiting the Indians from walking on the foot-paths and + compelling them to live in specified locations. No __ special + representation on this head has been made to Mr. Chamberlain from + South Africa. But the matter was touched upon by the Indian + deputation that waited upon Mr. Chamberlain last year. + + ' Vide “Memorial to Natal Governor”, 26-2-1896 + > Vide “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, 11-3-1896 + + 400 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + In the various parts or districts of the Cape Colony, it is + extremely difficult for an Indian to get trading licences. In many + cases the magistrates simply refuse the licences, declining to give + reasons for so doing. The Magistrates are within their rights in + declining to give reasons, but it has been found almost invariably that + the licences have been granted to Europeans when they have been + withheld from the Indian. The following is the position of the Indians + in East Griqualand, a district in the Cape Colony, according to The + Natal Mercury dated 3rd March, 1896: + An Arab named Ismail Suliman erected a store in East Griqualand, paid + customs duty upon goods and applied for a licence which the magistrate + refused. Mr. Attorney Francis on the Arab’s behalf (as the Indians are + sometimes called in South Africa) appealed to the Cape Government, who + upheld the Magistrate and have issued instructions that no coolies or Arabs + are to have trading licences in East Griqualand and one or two that have + licences are to be closed up. + This is outdoing the Transvaal. + + CHARTERED TERRITORIES + + These territories include Mashonaland and Matabeleland. + About 100 Indian waiters and labourers have settled there. A few + traders have also gone, but they are refused licences to trade, in the + first instance. The law being in favour of the Indians, one enterprising + Indian last year succeeded in securing a trading licence through the + Superior Court at Cape Town. + + The Europeans in the Chartered Territories have now applied + for an alteration of the law so that the Indians may, henceforth, be + prevented from getting trading licences in those territories. The + newspapers in South Africa say that the Cape Government favour such + an alteration. + THE TRANSVAAL OR THE SOUTH + AFRICAN REPUBLIC + This is an independent republic governed by the Dutch or the + Boers. There are two chambers called the Volksraad, with an executive + Government with the President at the head. It contains an area of + about 113,642 square miles and a white population of 119,228. Its + black population is said to be 653,662. The chief industry of the + Republic is gold mining in Johannesburg, the largest town in the + Transvaal. The total Indian population may be roughly put down at + 5,000. They are traders, shopkeepers’ assistants, hawkers, cooks, + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 401 + + waiters or labourers, mostly settled in Johannesburg and Pretoria, the + capital of the Republic. Of the traders, there are nearly 200, whose + liquidated assets would amount to nearly £100,000. Some of these + traders have branches in other parts of the world whose existence + mainly depends upon their Transvaal businesses. There are nearly + 2,000 hawkers in the Republic who buy goods and hawk them about. + About 1,500 are employed as general servants in European hotels or + houses. This estimate was formed in 1894. The numbers have since + considerably increased in every department. + + The Transvaal is subject to the Queen’s suzerainty. There are + two Conventions between the Governments of England and _ the + Transvaal. + + Article 14 of the London Convention of 1884 and Article 26 of + the Pretoria Convention of 1881' provide as follows: + All persons, other than natives of South Africa, conforming + themselves to the laws of the Transvaal State will have full liberty with their + families to enter, travel or reside in any part of the Transvaal State. They will + be entitled to hire or possess houses, manufactories, warehouses, shops, + premises. They may carry on their commerce either in person or by any + agents they may think fit to employ. They will not be subject, in respect of + their persons and property, in respect of their commerce and industry, to any + taxes, whether general, or local, other than those which are or may be + imposed upon the Transvaal citizens. + This Convention, thus, completely secures the trading and + property rights of British Indian. In January 1885, the Transvaal + Government wanted so to interpret the word “natives”, occurring in + the Art. 14 of the Convention, as to include Asiatics. Sir Hercules + Robinson, the then High Commissioner for South Africa, after + consultation with Sir Henry de Villiers, the Chief Justice of the + Colony, considered that the interpretation put upon the word + “native” by the Transvaal Government could not be sustained and + “that Asiatics were persons other than natives”. + + Negotiations then went on between the Transvaal Government + and the Home Government with a view to an alteration in the + Convention so as to except the Indians from the privileges secured to + + ' Following the British defeat at Majuba this Convention gave the Transva- + alers a qualified independence and was thus a prelude to the London Convention of + 1884 which granted the Transvaal full internal autonomy except in its relations with + foreign States. + + 402 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + “all persons other than natives”. Sir Hercules Robinson was + favourably disposed towards the Transvaal Government and, in + response to his suggestion, received the following reply from Lord + Derby' under date 19th March 1885: + + Ihave carefully considered your suggestion as to the amendment of the + Convention, and if you are of opinion that it would be preferable and more + satisfactory to the Government of the South African Republic to proceed as + you propose, Her Majesty’s Government will be willing to amend the + Convention as suggested. It seems to deserve consideration, however, + whether it would be more correct for the Volksraad to legislate in the proposed + sense, having received an assurance that Her Majesty’s Government will not + desire to insist upon any such construction of the terms of the Convention as + would interfere with reasonable legislation in the desired direction. + In accordance with Lord Derby’s suggestion, the Transvaal + Volksraad passed bye-law No. 3 of 1885, which applies to all Indians + and other coloured people, and provides that none of them could + obtain the franchise, that they could not be owners of fixed property, + that such coloured people, who settle in the Republic for the purpose + of trading, must be separately registered within 8 days after the day of + their arrival and that they should pay a registration fee of £25. Any + contravention of this law subjects the defaulter to a fine of from £30 + to £100 or, in default, from 1 to 6 months’ imprisonment. It also + provides that the Government shall have the right to point out to such + coloured people streets, wards and locations for habitation. In 1886, + this law was amended so as to reduce the £25 fee to £3 and the other + sections were kept as they were. That now is the law with regard to the + Indians in the Transvaal. After the law was passed, the Indians sent + representations, telegraphic and otherwise, to the Indian and the Home + Governments protesting against the Law 3 of 1885 and its amendment + and pointing out that they were in direct violation of the London + Convention. This brought out some representations from Lord + Knutsford’ on behalf of the Indians. There has been voluminous + correspondence between the two Governments with regard to the + interpretation of the word ‘habitation’. The Home Government + insisted that the word ‘habitation’ meant residence only. The + Transvaal Government insisted that it included not only residence but + trading stores also. The ultimate result was that the whole became + + ' Edward Henry Smith Stanley (1826-93), 15th Earl of Derby; Secretary of + State for the Colonies, 1882-85 + * Secretary of State for the Colonies, 1887-92 + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 403 + + “confusion worse confounded”, and it was agreed between the two + Governments that the question of the validity of the Law 3 of 1885 + and its amendment, as also interpretation, should be submitted to + arbitration. The Chief Justice of the Orange Free State was selected as + the sole arbitrator who gave his award last year and decided that the + Transvaal Government was justified in passing Law 3 of 1885 and its + amendments, but he left undecided the question of interpretation and + held that, if the parties could not agree to interpretation, the Courts of + the Transvaal were the proper tribunals to decide that question. + (Enclosure VIII.) + + The Indians in the Transvaal sent memorials' to the Home and + Indian Governments. Mr. Chamberlain has given his decision and has + reluctantly accepted the award of the arbitrator, but sympathizes with + the Indians and terms them “a peaceable, law-abiding, meritorious + body of persons” whose undoubted industry, intelligence and + indomitable perseverance perhaps will suffice to overcome any + obstacles which may now face them in the pursuit of their avocations, + and reserves to himself the liberty, later on, to make friendly + representations to the Transvaal Government. + + The question rests there at present. Although the award has + been accepted, it will have been seen from what has preceded that + there are many questions still undecided. Where will the Indians be + now in the Transvaal? Will their stores be closed up? If so, what will + 200 or 300 traders do to earn a living? Will they have to trade also in + locations? This, however, does not complete the list of disabilities in + the Transvaal. + + Act 25 (10th January 1893), section 38, says: + + That it is not permitted to natives and other coloured people to travel in + the carriage intended for the Whites, viz., the first and second class. + The most respectable Indian, spotlessly dressed, cannot, as of + right, travel first or second class on the Transvaal Railways. He is + huddled together with the natives of all sorts and conditions in a third- + class compartment. This is a cause of very great inconvenience to the + Indian community in the Transvaal. + + 'Vide “Petition to Lord Ripon”, 5-5-1895 and “Petition to Lord Elgin”, + 5-5-1895 + + 404 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + There is a system of passes in the Transvaal which requires that + any Indian, like the native, should take a shilling travelling pass when + he moves about from one place to another. + In 1895, the Commandos Treaty was entered into between Her + Majesty’s Government and the Transvaal Government, exempting the + British subjects from compulsory military service. This treaty came up + before the Transvaal Volksraad for ratification in the same year. + + The Volksraad ratified the treaty with the modification or reservation + that the words “British subjects” shall mean “Whites” only. The + Indians promptly telegraphed to Mr. Chamberlain and a memorial + was also sent. (Enclosure IX.)' The question in now engaging his + attention. + The London Times gave a very sympathetic and strong leading + article on the subject. (Weekly Edn. 10-1-’96.) + The Gold Mining laws of Johannesburg make it criminal for the + Indians to possess native gold. + The curfew prevails also in the Transvaal, absolutely + unnecessarily, so far as the Indians are concerned. + + It may be as well to state here that those who wear the Memon + costume are not, as a rule, molested under this Law, for certain + reasons. (Enclosure II], p. 6.) + There is a footpath bye-law in Johannesburg and there are + instructions issued to the police in Pretoria to the effect that the + Indians should not be allowed to walk on the footpaths. A graduate of + the Madras University was violently kicked off a footpath in 1894. + + ORANGE FREE STATE + + This is an independent Dutch Republic without any suzerain + power to the Queen. + The Commission is very similar to that of the Transvaal. Mr. + Steyn is the President of the Republic and Bloemfontein is the capital. + Its area is 72,000 square miles’ and the total population 207,503. Of + these the Europeans number 77,716, and the coloured population + 129,787. There are a few Indians employed there as general servants. + In 1890, there were about 3 Indians stores in that Republic having + liquidated assets over £9,000. These were driven out and their stores + + ' Vide “Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, 26-11-1895 + * The area of Orange Free State in 1960 according to Encyclopaedia Britannica + was 49, 866 sq. miles. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 405 + + were closed up without any compensation. They were given a year’s + notice to clear. Representations were made to the British Government + without any avail. + + The Law of 1890, Chapter XX XIII, which is entitled the Law to + prevent the inrush of the Asiatic coloured persons, prevents any + Indian from remaining in that country for more than 2 months, unless + he gets the permission from the President of Republic, who cannot + consider the application to reside before 30 days have elapsed after + the presentation of the application and other ceremonies have been + performed. The applicant can, however, on no account hold fixed + property in the State or carry on any mercantile or farming business. + The President may or may not, according to the state of things, grant + such mutilated permission to reside. Any Indian resident moreover is + subject to an annual poll-tax of £10. The first contravention of the + section relating to mercantile or farming business renders the + delinquent liable to a fine of £25 or 3 months’ imprisonment with or + without hard labour. For all subsequent contraventions, the penalty is + to be each time doubled. (Enclosure X.)' + + This practically finishes the list of grievances. + + These notes are not intended to replace the various enclosures. + It is respectfully submitted they are necessary for a proper study of + the memorials and pamphlets which contain valuable information + collected from various sources. + The whole question has been thus put by the London Times: + May the British Indians, when they leave India, have the same status + before the law as other British subjects enjoy? May they or may they not go + freely from one British possession to another and claim the rights of British + subjects in allied States? + Again: + The Indian Government and the Indians themselves believe that it is in + Southern Africa that this question of their status must be determined. If they + secure the position of British subjects in South Africa, it would be almost + impossible to deny it to them elsewhere. If they fail to secure that position in + South Africa, it will be extremely difficult for them to attain it elsewhere. + The question has been treated as an Imperial question and all + parties without distinction have supported the British Indians in South + Africa. + + ' This probably was the text of the Law of 1890. + + 406 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + The following are the dates of the articles dealing with the + question in the London Times : + 28th June 1895 Weekly Edition + 3rd August 1895 ” ” + 13th September 1895 ” ” + 6th September 1895 ” ” + 10th January 1896 ” ” + + 7th April 1896 The Times + 20th March 1896 Weekly Edition + 27th January 1896 The Times + + In the Portuguese territories of Delagoa Bay there are no + grievances. They serve as a favourable contrast (Enclosure III). + GANDHI + From a photostat of a printed copy: S.N. 1145 + + 103. SPEECH AT PUBLIC MEETING, BOMBAY' + + September 26, 1896 + + I stand before you, today, as representing the signatories to this + document’, who pose as representative of the 100,000 British Indians + at present residing in South Africa—a country which has sprung into + sudden prominence owing to the vast gold fields of Johannesburg and + the late Jameson Raid’. This is my sole qualification. I am a person of + few words. The cause, however, for which I am to plead before you + this evening is so great that I venture to think that you will overlook + the faults of the speaker or, rather, the reader of this paper. The + interests of 100,000 Indians are closely bound up with the interests of + the 300 millions of India. The question of the grievances of the + Indians in South Africa affects the future well-being and the future + + ' The meeting was held under the auspices of the Bombay Presidency + Association at the Framji Cowasji Institute. Sir Pherozeshah Mehta presided. The + printed text no longer being available, what follows has been collated from the + reports of the speech published in The Times of India and Bombay Gazette. + * The reference is to “The Credentials”. + * So called after Leander Starr Jameson who led it, it was actually inspired by + Rhodes, the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, and had the tacit support, in the + initial stages, of the British Government. Jameson led the raid into the Transvaal on + December 29, 1895, and four days later surrendered. The Jameson raid was among the + incidents that led to the Boer War. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 407 + + immigration of Indians of India. I, therefore, humbly venture to think + that this question should be, if it is not already, one of the questions of + the day in India. With these preliminary remarks, I shall now place + before you, as shortly as possible, the whole position of affairs in + South Africa as affecting the British Indians in that country. + South Africa, for our present purposes, is divided into the + following States: the British Colony of the Cape of Good Hope, the + British Colony of Natal, the British Colony of Zululand, the Transvaal + or the South African Republic, the Orange Free State, the Chartered + Territories or Rhodesia, and the Portuguese Territories of Delagoa + Bay and Beira. + In South Africa, apart from the Portuguese Territories, there are + nearly 100,000 Indians, of whom the greater part belong to the + labouring class, drawn from the labouring population of Madras and + Bengal, speaking the Tamil or Telugu and the Hindi languages + respectively. A small number belongs to the trading class, chiefly + drawn from the Bombay Presidency. A general feeling throughout + South Africa is that of hatred towards Indian, encouraged by the + newspapers and connived at, even countenanced by, the legislators. + Every Indian, without exception, is a coolie in the estimation of the + general body of the Europeans. Storekeepers are “coolie store- + keepers”. Indian clerks and schoolmasters are “coolie clerks” and + “coolie schoolmasters”. Naturally, neither the traders nor the + English-educated Indians are treated with any degree of respect. + Wealth and abilities in an Indian count for naught in that country + except to serve the interests of the European Colonists. We are the + “Asian dirt to be heartily cursed”. We are “squalid coolies with + truthless tongues”. We are “the real canker that is eating into the very + vitals of the community”. We are “parasites, semi-barbarous + Asiatics”. We “live upon rice and we are chock-full of vice”. Statute- + books describe the Indians as belonging to the “aboriginal or semi- + barbarous races of Asia”, while, as a matter of fact, there is hardly one + Indian in South Africa belonging to the aboriginal stock. The + Santhals of Assam will be as useless in South Africa as the natives of + that country. The Pretoria Chamber of Commerce thinks that our + religion teaches us to “consider all women as soulless and Christians a + natural prey”. According to the same authority, “the whole + community in South Africa is exposed to the dangers engendered by + the filthy habits and immoral practices of these people.” Yet, as a + + 408 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + matter of fact, there has happened not a single case of leprosy + amongst the Indians in South Africa. And Dr. Veale of Pretoria thinks + that “the lowest class Indians live better and in better habitations and + with more regard to sanitation than the lowest class Whites”, and he, + furthermore, puts on record that “while every nationality had one or + more of its members at some time in the lazaretto, there was not a + single Indian attacked.” + + In most parts of South Africa, we may not stir out of our houses + after 9 p.m.— unless we are armed with passes from our employer. + An exception, however, is made in favour of those Indians who wear + the memon costume. Hotels shut their doors against us. We cannot + make use of the tram-cars unmolested. The coaches are not for us. + Between Barberton and Pretoria in the Transvaal, and Johannesburg + and Charlestown, when the latter were not connected by railway, the + Indians, as a rule, are and were not allowed to sit inside the coaches, + but are and were compelled to take their seats by the side of the + driver. This, on a frosty morning in the Transvaal, where winter is very + severe, is a sore trial apart from the indignity which it involves. The + coach-travelling involves long journeys and, at stated intervals, + accommodation and food are provided for passengers. No Indian is + allowed accommodation or a seat at the dining table in these places. + At the most, he can purchase food from behind the kitchen-room and + manage the best way he can. Instances of untold miseries suffered by + the Indians can be quoted by hundreds. Public baths are not for the + Indians. The high schools are not open to the Indians. A fortnight + before I left Natal, an Indian student applied for admission to the + Durban High School and his application was rejected. Even the + primary schools are not quite open to the Indians. An Indian + Missionary schoolmaster was driven out of an English Church in + Verulam, a small village in Natal. The Government of Natal have been + pining to hold a “coolie conference”, as it has been officially called, + in order to secure uniformity in Indian legislation throughout South + Africa, and in order to present a united front against the + blandishments of the Home Government on behalf of the Indian. + Such is the general feeling against the Indian in South Africa, except + the Portuguese Territories, where he is respected and has no grievance + apart from the general population. You can easily imagine how + difficult it must be for a respectable Indian to exist in such a country. + I am sure, gentlemen, that if our President went to South Africa, he + would find it, to use a colloquial phrase, “mighty hard” to secure + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 409 + + accommodation in a hotel, and he would not feel very comfortable in + a first-class railway carriage in Natal, and, after reaching Volksrust, he + would be put out unceremoniously from his first-class compartment + and accommodated in a tin compartment where Kaffirs are packed + like sheep. I may, however, assure him that if he ever came to South + Africa, and we wish our great men did come to these uncomfortable + quarters, if only to see and realize the plight in which their fellow- + countrymen are, we shall more than make up for these + inconveniences, which we cannot help, by according him a right royal + welcome, so united, so enthusiastic we are, at any rate for the present. + Ours is one continual struggle against a degradation sought to be + inflicted upon us by the Europeans, who desire to degrade us to the + level of the raw Kaffir whose occupation is hunting, and whose sole + ambition is to collect a certain number of cattle to buy a wife with and, + then, pass his life in indolence and nakedness. The aim of the + Christian Governments, so we read, is to raise people whom they come + in contact with or whom they control. It is otherwise in South Africa. + There, the deliberately expressed object is not to allow the Indian to + rise higher in the scale of civilization but to lower him to the position + of the Kaffir; in the words of the Attorney-General of Natal, “to keep + him for ever a hewer of wood and drawer of water”, “not to let him + form part of the future South African nation that is going to be + built”; in the words of another legislator in Natal, “to make the + Indian’s life more comfortable in his native land than in the Colony + of Natal”. The struggle against such degradation is so severe that our + whole energy is spent in resistance. Consequently, we have very little + left in us to attempt to make any reforms from within. + I must now come to the particular States and show how the + Governments in the different States have combined with the masses to + persecute the Indians to make “the British Indian an impossibility”. + The Colony of Natal, which is a self-governing British Colony with a + Legislative Assembly consisting of 37 members elected by the voters, + and a Legislative Council consisting of twelve members nominated by + the Governor, who comes from England as the Queen’s representative, + has a European population of 50,000, a native or Zulu population of + 400,000, and an Indian population of 51,000. Assisted immigration of + Indians was decided upon in 1860, when, in the words of a member of + the Legislative Assembly of Natal, “the progress and almost the + existence of the Colony hung in the balance”, and when the Zulu was + found to be too indolent to work. Now the chief industries and + + 410 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + sanitation of the whole Colony of Natal are entirely dependent upon + the Indian labour. The Indians have made Natal “the garden of South + Africa”. In the words of another eminent Natalian, “Indian + immigration brought prosperity, prices rose, people were no longer + content to grow or sell produce for a song”. Of the 51,000 Indians, + 30,000 are those that have served out their indenture and are now + variously engaged as free labourers, gardeners, hawkers, fruiterers, or + petty traders. A few have, also, by their industry, educated themselves + into fitness for the posts of schoolmasters, interpreters and general + clerks in spite of adverse circumstances; 16,000 are at present serving + their indenture, and about 5,000 are traders and merchants or their + assistants who came first on their own means. These latter belong to + the Bombay Presidency and most of them are Memon Mahomedans. + A few are Parsees also, notable among whom is Mr. Rustomjee of + Durban, who in his generosity would do credit to Sir Dinshaw'. No + poor man goes to his doors without having his inner man satisfied. No + Parsee lands on the Durban shores but is sumptuously treated by Mr. + Rustomjee. And even he is not free from molestation. Even he is a + coolie. Two gentlemen are ship-owners and large landed proprietors. + But they are coolie ship-owners and their ships are called “coolie + ships”. + Apart from the common interest that every Indian feels in every + other Indian, the three chief Presidencies are specially interested in + this question. If the Bombay Presidency has not sent an equally large + number of her sons to South Africa, she makes up for that by the + greater influence and wealth of her sons who have really constituted + themselves the guardians of the interests of their less fortunate + brethren from the sister Presidencies. And it may be that in India also + Bombay will lead in endeavouring to help the Indians in South Africa + out of their hardships.’ + + The preamble of the Bill of 1894 stated that Asiatics were not + accustomed to representative institutions. The real object of the Bill, + however, was not to disfranchise Indian because they were not fit, but + because the European Colonists wanted to degrade the Indians and to + assert their right to enter into class legislation, to accord a treatment to + + ' The reference is to Sir Dinshaw M. Petit. + > The Bombay Presidency Association later forwarded a memorial to the + Secretary of State for India, calling for redress of the grievances of the South African + Indians. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 411 + + the Indians different from that accorded to the Europeans. This was + patent not only from the speeches made by the members on the + second reading of the Bill but also from the newspapers. They also + said it was expedient to disfranchise the Indian under the plea that the + Indian vote might swamp the European. But even this plea is and was + untenable. In 1891, there were only 251 Indian voters as against + nearly 10,000 European voters. The majority of Indians are too poor + to command property qualifications. And the Indians in Natal have + never meddled in politics and do not want political power. All these + facts are admitted by The Natal Mercury, which is the Government + organ in Natal. I must refer you to my little pamphlet’ published in + India for corroborative extracts. We memorialized the local Parliament + and showed that the Indians were not unacquainted with the + representative institutions. We were, however, unsuccessful. We then + memorialized Lord Ripon, the then Secretary of State of the Colonies. + After two years’ correspondence, the Bill of 1894 was withdrawn this + year and has been replaced by another which, while not so bad as the + once repealed, is bad enough. It provides that “the natives or + descendants, in the male line, of natives of countries which have not + hitherto possessed elective representative institutions founded on the + parliamentary franchise, shall not be placed on any Voters’ List unless + they shall first obtain an order from the Governor-in-Council + exempting them from the operation of the Act.” It also exempts from + its operation those persons that are rightly contained in any Voters’ + List. This Bill was submitted to Mr. Chamberlain for approval before + being introduced in the Legislative Assembly. In the papers published, + Mr. Chamberlain seems to be of opinion that India does not possess + elective representative institutions founded on the parliamentary + franchise. With the greatest deference to these views, we submitted to + Mr. Chamberlain in a memorial, for we did not succeed before the + Natal Parliament, that for the purposes of the Bill, that is, legally + speaking, India did and does possess elective representative institutions + founded on the parliamentary franchise. Such is the opinion + expressed by the London Times, such is the opinion of the newspapers + in Natal and such is also the opinion of the members who voted for + the Bill, as also of an able jurist in Natal. We are very anxious to know + the opinion of the legal luminaries here. The object in passing such a + Bill is to play a game of ‘Toss up’ to harass the Indian community. + + ' The Green Pamphlet + + 412 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Many members of the Natal Assembly, otherwise hostile to the Indian, + thought that the Bill would involve the Indian community in endless + litigation and cause a ferment among them. + + The Government organ says in effect: “We can have this Bill + and no other. If we succeed, that is, if India is declared a country not + possessing the institutions referred to in the Bill, well and good. If not, + then, too, we lose nothing. We shall try another, we shall raise the + property qualification and impose an educational test. If such a Bill is + objected to, even then we need not be afraid, for, where is the cause? + We know that the Indians can never swamp us.” If I had the time, I + could give you the exact words which are much stronger. Those who + take a special interest can look them up from the Green Pamphlet. + Thus, then, we are a proper subject for vivisection under their Natal + Pasteur’s deadly scalpel and knife. The only difference is that the + Paris Pasteur did it with a view to do good. Our Natal Pasteur does it + for the sake of amusement to be derived from the operation out of + sheer wantonness. This memorial is now under consideration by Mr. + Chamberlain. + I cannot lay too much stress on the fact that the position in + India is entirely different from the position in Natal. Eminent men in + India have asked me the question, “Why do you want the franchise in + Natal when you have only a visionary franchise in India, if, at all?” + Our humble reply is that in Natal it is not we who want the franchise, it + is the Europeans who want to deprive us of the right we have been + enjoying in Natal. That makes all the difference. The deprivation will + involve degradation. There is no such thing in India. The + representative institutions in India are slowly, but surely, being + liberalized. Such institutions are being gradually closed against us in + Natal. Again, as the London Times puts it, “The Indian in India has + precisely the same franchise as the Englishman enjoys.” Not so in + Natal. What is sauce for the European goose is not sauce for the + Indian gander there. Moreover, the disfranchising in Natal is not a + political move but a merely commercial policy—a policy adopted to + check the immigration of the respectable Indian. Being a British + subject, he should be able to claim the same privileges as the other + British subjects enjoy in a certain British State or Colony, just as an + Indian going to England would be able to avail himself of the + institutions of England to as full an extent as any Englishman. The + fact, however, is that there is no fear of the Indian vote swamping the + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 413 + + European; what they want is class legislation. The class legislation with + regard to franchise is only the thin end of the wedge. They + contemplate depriving the Indians of the Municipal franchise also. A + statement to that effect was made by the Attorney-General, in reply to + the suggestion made by a member that the Indians should be deprived + of the municipal franchise, too, at the time the first Franchise Bill was + introduced. Another member suggested that, while they were dealing + with the Indian question, Civil Service in the Colony should be closed + to the Indians. + In the Cape Colony also, which has a Government exactly + similar to Natal’s, the condition of the Indians is growing worse. + Lately, the Cape Parliament has passed a Bill which authorizes the East + London Municipality to frame bye-laws prohibiting Indians from + walking on the footpaths and compelling them to live in specific + locations which, as a rule, are unhealthy swamps unfit for human + habitation and certainly useless for purposes of trade. In Zululand, a + Crown Colony and, therefore, directly under the control of the Home + Government, regulations have been passed with regard to the + townships of Nondweni and Eshowe to the effect that the Indians + cannot own or acquire land in those townships, although, in that of + Melmoth in the same country, the Indians own property worth £2,000. + In the Transvaal, which is a Dutch Republic, the seat of the Jameson + Raid and the El Dorado of the gold-hunters of the Western World, + there are over 5,000 Indians, many of whom are merchants and + storekeepers. Others are hawkers, waiters and household servants. The + Convention’ between the Home Government and the Transvaal + Government secures the trading and property rights of “all persons + other than natives” and under it the Indians were trading freely up to + 1885. In that year, however, after some correspondence with the + Home Government, the Transvaal Volksraad passed a law which took + away from the Indians the right of trading, except in specified + locations, and owning landed property, and imposed a registration fee + of £3 on every Indian intending to settle in that country. I must again + beg to refer the curious to the Green Pamphlet for the whole history + of the protracted negotiations which culminated in the matter being + entrusted to an arbitrator. The decision of the arbitrator being + virtually against the Indians, a memorial was addressed to the Right + Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with the result that + + ' The London Convention of 1884 + + 414 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + the award of the arbitrator has been accepted, though the justice of the + complaint of the Indians has been fully admitted. The system of + passes prevails in the Transvaal in a very cruel form. While, in other + parts of South Africa, it is the railway officials who make the lot of the + lst and 2nd class passengers on the railway intolerable, the Transvaal + people have gone one better in that there the law prohibits the Indians + from travelling Ist or 2nd class. They are, irrespective of position, + huddled together in the same compartment with the natives of South + Africa. The Gold Mining laws make it criminal for the Indians to buy + native gold. And if the Transvaal Government are allowed to have + their own way, they would, while treating them as mere chattels, + compel the Indians to render military service. The thing is monstrous + on the face of it, for, as the London Times puts it, “we might now see + a levy of British Indian subjects driven at the point of the Transvaal + bayonets against the bayonets of British troops.” The Orange Free + State, the other Dutch Republic in South Africa, beats the record in + showing its hatred towards Indians. It has, to put it in the words of its + chief organ, simply made the “British Indian an impossibility by + classing him with the Kaffir’. It denies the Indian the right not only + to trade, farm or own landed property, but even to reside there, except + under special, insulting circumstances. + + Such, very shortly, is the position of the Indians in the various + States in South Africa. The same Indian, who is so much hated in the + various States above mentioned, is very much liked and respected only + 300 miles from Natal, i.e., in Delagoa Bay. The real cause of all this + prejudice may be expressed in the words of the leading organ in + South Africa, namely, the Cape Times, when it was under the + editorship of the prince of South African journalists, Mr. St. Leger: + It is the position of these merchants which is productive of no little + hostility to this day. And, it is in considering their position that their rivals + in trade have sough to inflict upon them, through the medium of the State, + what looks, on the face of it, something very like an injustice for the benefit + of self. + Continues the same organ : + The injustice to the Indians is so glaring that one is almost ashamed of + one’s countrymen in wishing to have these men treated as natives (i.e., of + South Africa), simply because of their success in trade. The very reason that + they have been so successful against the dominant race is sufficient to raise + them above that degrading level. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 415 + + If this was true in 1889, when the above was written, it is doubly + so now, because the Legislatures of South Africa have shown + phenomenal activity in passing measures restricting the liberty of the + Queen’s Indian subjects. + To stem the tide of this opposition against us, we have formed + an organization’ on an humble scale so that we may take the necessary + steps to have our grievances removed. We believe that much of the ill- + feeling is due to want of proper knowledge about the Indians in India. + We, therefore, endeavour, so far as the populace is concerned, to + educate public opinion by imparting the necessary information. With + regard to the legal disabilities, we have tried to influence the English + public opinion in England and the public opinion here by placing our + position before it. As you know, both the Conservatives and _ the + Liberals have supported us in England without distinction. The + London Times has given eight leading articles to our cause in a very + sympathetic spirit.> This alone has raised us a step higher in the + estimation of the Europeans in South Africa, and has considerably + affected for the better the tone of the newspapers there. + + I may state our position a little more clearly as to our demands. + We are aware that the insults and indignities, that we are subjected to at + the hands of the populace, cannot be directly removed by the + intervention of the Home Government. We do not appeal to it for any + such intervention. We bring them to the notice of the public, so that + the fair-minded of all communities and the Press may, by expressing + their disapproval, materially reduce their rigour and, possibly, + eradicate them ultimately. But we certainly do appeal, and we hope + not vainly, to the Home Government for protection against + reproduction of such ill-feeling in Colonial legislation. We certainly + beseech the Home Government to disallow all the Acts of the + Legislative bodies of the Colonies restricting our freedom in any + shape or form. + And this brings me to the last question, namely, how far can the + Home Government interfere with such action on the part of the + Colonies and the allied States. As for Zululand, there can be no + question, since it is a Crown Colony directly governed from Downing + Street through a Governor. It is not a self-governing or responsibly- + governed Colony as the Colonies of Natal and the Cape of Good + Hope are. With regard to the latter, Clause 7 of the Constitution Act of + Natal enacts that Her Majesty may disallow any Act of the local + + ' The Natal Indian Congress + * Vide “Application for Enrolment as Advocate”, 16-11-1891 + + 416 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Parliament within two years, even after it has become law having + received the Governor’s assent. That is one safeguard against + oppressive measures by the Colonies. The Royal instructions to the + Governor enumerate certain Bills which cannot be assented to by the + Governor without Her Majesty’s previous sanction. Among such are + Bills which have for their object class legislation. I shall venture to + give an instance in point. The Immigration Law Amendment Bill + referred to above has been assented to by the Governor, but it can + come into force only after her Majesty has sanctioned it. It has not yet + been sanctioned. Thus, then, it will be noticed that Her Majesty’s + intervention is direct and precise. While it is true that the Home + Government is slow to interfere with the Acts of the Colonial + Legislatures, there are instances where it has not hesitated to put its + foot down on occasions less urgent then the present one. As you are + aware, the repeal of the first Franchise Bill was due to such wholesome + intervention. What is more, Colonists are ever afraid of it. And as a + result of the sympathy expressed in England and the sympathetic + answer given by Mr. Chamberlain to the deputation that waited on + him some months ago, most of the papers in South Africa, at any rate + in Natal, have veered round or think that the Immigration and other + such Bills will not receive the Royal assent. As to the Transvaal there is + the Convention. As to the Orange Free State, I can only say that it is + an unfriendly act on the part of a friendly State to shut her doors + against any portion of Her Majesty’s subjects. And as such, I humbly + think it can be effectively checked. + + Gentlemen, the latest advice from South Africa show that the + Europeans there are actively canvassing the ruin of the Indians. They + are agitating against the introduction of Indian artisans and what not.' + All this should serve as a warning and an impetus. We are hemmed in + on all sides in South Africa. We are yet infants. We have a right to + appeal to you for protection. We place our position before you, and + now the responsibility will rest to a very great extent on your + shoulders, if the yoke of oppression is not removed from our necks. + Being under it we can only cry out in anguish. It is for you, our elder + and freer brethren, to remove it. I am sure we shall not have cried out + in vain. + + The Times of India, 27-9-1896, and Bombay Gazette, 27-9-1896 + + ' The Europeans held mass meetings in Durban and protested against the + Indian Immigration Trust Board’s decision to permit the importation of Indian + artisans to work on the Tongaat Sugar Estates in Natal. A ‘European Protection + Association’ and a ‘Colonial Patriotic Union’ were set up to resist what was described + as the ‘Asiatic Invasion’. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 417 + + 104. LETTER TO F. S. TALEYARKHAN + + C/O MESSRS REVASHANKER JAGJIVAN & CoO., + CHAMPAGALI, + BOMBAY, + October 10, 1896' + DEAR MR. TALEYARKHAN’, + I am sure you would be good enough to excuse me for my + inability to write to you earlier and send you the names of the chief + men of South Africa. The reason is that I have been very busy with + domestic business. I am writing this at midnight. + + I leave for Madras by tomorrow evening’s Mail (Sunday). I + expect to stay there not more than a fortnight. If I am successful there + I would thence proceed to Calcutta and return to Bombay within a + month from today. I would then take the first boat to Natal. + + The latest papers received from Natal show that there is still + much fight ahead. And that alone is sufficient to absorb the attention + of two men of your activity if full justice is to be done to the cause. I + sincerely hope that you will be able to see your way clear to join me + in Natal. I am sure it is a cause worth fighting for. + If you wish to write to me you may write to me at the above + address and your letters will be redirected to me at Madras. I do not + know at which hotel I shall put up there. The Natal hotels have made + me quite nervous. + I remain, + + Yours truly, + M. K. GANDHI + From the original. Courtesy : R.F.S. Taleyarkhan + + ' The source has 10-8-1896, obviously a slip, for Gandhiji mentions his plan + to leave for Madras "by tomorrow evening's mail (Sunday)". He left for Madras on + October 11, which was a Sunday. + > A Bombay pleader who had been called to the bar in the same year as + Gandhiji and had returned to India in the same steamer with him. + + 418 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 105. A LETTER + + BUCKINGHAM HOTEL, + MADRAS, + October 16, 1896 + DEAR SIR, + I beg to send per book-post the draft memorial with + appendices. I am sorry I could not get it ready last Saturday. I am + more sorry because it is not written in a nice hand. That I could not + very well help. + Of course it will depend upon the Hon’ble Mr. Mehta whether + the accompanying Memorial or rather letter or a simple covering + letter is sent. + In any case I beg to draw your attention to the fact that the first + Franchise memorial, the Immigration Law Amendment memorial and + the Transvaal Arbitration memorial have been disposed of. The + commandos, the Zululand and the 2nd Franchise memorials are still + engaging Mr. Chamberlain’s attention. The grievances in the Orange + Free State and the Cape Colony as well as the 9 o’clock rules and the + pass law in both the Transvaal and the colony of Natal and the railway + law and the foot-path bye-law have not been yet made the subject of a + memorial. And these are matters to which the attention of the Home + Government in my humble opinion ought to be drawn. + + I beg to thank you for the letters you sent me through the + Editor of the Madras Standard. + + I remain, + Yours faithfully, + + M. K. GANDHI + + From the original : Pherozeshah Mehta Papers. Courtesy : Nehru Memorial + Museum and Library + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 419 + + 106. LETTER TO “THE TIMES OF INDIA” + + MADRAS, + October 17, 1896 + + THE EDITOR + The Times of India + SIR, + I shall be obliged to you if you will be good enough to find + space for the following in your influential paper. + The Natal Agent-General has, it appears, told Reuter, with + reference to my pamphlet on the grievances of the British Indians in + South Africa, that it is not true to say that the railway and tramway + officials treat the Indians as beasts, that the fact that the indentured + Indians do not avail themselves of the return passage is the best answer + to my pamphlet, and that the Indians are not denied justice in the law- + courts. In the first place, the pamphlet deals with the grievances of the + Indians in the whole of South Africa. In the second place, I adhere to + the statement that the railway and tram-car official treat the Indians as + beasts in Natal. If there are exceptions, they prove the rule. I have + been witness myself to not a few such cases. What is it if it is not being + treated as a beast, to be removed three times during a single night + journey from one compartment to another, to suit European + passengers? To see Indians, apparently respectable, kicked, pushed, + and sworn at by the station-master is not an extraordinary sight on + the railway stations. The Western station in Durban is the dread of the + Indians, so over-polite is the station-master at that station, and this is + not the only station where the Indians are kicked about like footballs. + Here is an independent testimony from The Natal Mercury + (24-11-93) : + On our railway, we have noticed on more than one occasion that + coloured passengers are not by any means killed with civility; and, although + it would be unreasonable to expect that the White employees of the N.G.R. + should treat them with the same deference as is accorded to European + passengers, still, we think it would be in no way derogatory to their dignity if + the officials were a little more suaviter in modo when dealing with the + coloured travellers. + On the tram-cars the Indians fare no better. Spotlessly dressed + and well-behaved Indians have been pushed about from one place to + + 420 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + another to suit the fancy of European passengers. Indeed, as a rule, + the tram-car officials compel “Sammy” to go “upstairs”. Some + would not allow them to take front seats. Respect is out of the + question. An Indian official was compelled to stand on the tram-car + board, although there was ample room to accommodate him. Of + course, he was addressed as “Sammy” in the peculiarly offensive + tone prevalent in Natal. + My statement has been before the public in Natal for the last + two years, and the first contradiction comes now from the Agent- + General! Why so late? As to the unwillingness of the Indians to avail + themselves of the return passage, I beg to say, with due deference to + the Agent-General, that the statement has been repeated ad nauseam + in the Press, and the official dignity now given to it will not enable it + to prove more than it actually can. At the most it can prove that the lot + of the indentured Indian cannot be very unhappy; and that Natal is a + very good place for such Indians to earn their livelihood. I am + prepared to admit both. That does not, moreover, disprove the + existence of the Colonial legislation restricting the freedom of the + Indians in various ways. That does not disprove the existence of the + terrible ill-feeling towards the Indians in the Colony. If the Indians + remain in Natal, it is in spite of such treatment. It proves their + marvellous forbearance, which has been so eloquently praised by Mr. + Chamberlain in his despatch in connection with, to use a South + African phrase, “the coolie arbitration”. + The latest papers received from South Africa, unfortunately for + the Natal Government, lend additional weight to my statement that the + Indian is a cruelly persecuted being in South Africa. In August last, + there was a meeting of European artisans, held to protest against the + intended introduction of Indian artisans. The speeches made would + form interesting reading for the Agent-General of Natal. The Indians + were called “black vermin”. A voice in the meeting said, “We will go + to the Point' and stop them.” A picnic party of European children + used Indian and Kaffir boys as targets and shot bullets into their faces, + hurting several inoffensive children. So deep-seated is the hatred that + children have begun instinctively to look down upon Indians. + Moreover, it should be remembered that the return passage story has + nothing to do with the trading class, who go to Natal on their own + account, and who feel the hardships the most. The thing is, one fact is + stronger than a hundred statements of belief. And the pamphlet + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 421 + + contains very little of my own. It bristles with facts. Mainly taken from + European sources, to prove my assertion as against the naked + statement of Mr. Peace the Agent-General’s opinion. If Mr. Peace’s + statement is all that is to be said in reply to the pamphlet, then there + remains much to be done before Natal can become a tolerably + comfortable place for Indians. As to the Indians receiving justice in + the law-courts, I do not wish to say much. I have never stated that the + Indians do not get justice in the law-courts, nor am I prepared to + admit that they get it at all times and in all courts. + Sir, I am not given to exaggerate matters. You have asked for an + official inquiry; we have done the same. And if the Natal Government + are not afraid of unpleasant revelations, let there be such an inquiry as + soon as possible. And I think I am safe in promising that much more + will be proved than is mentioned in the pamphlet. I have given therein + only those instances which can be proved most easily. Sir, our position + is very precarious, and we will need your active support, which has + been so liberally given to us till now, yet for a long time to come. The + Immigration Law Amendment Bill, which you and_ your + contemporaries condemned last year in such forcible language, has + received the Royal assent, as appears from the papers received this + week. To remind your readers, the Bill raises the period of indenture + from the original period of five years to an indefinite period and, in + default of re-indenture after the completion of the first five years, + makes it compulsory for the Indian to return to India, of course, at the + employer’s expense, and, in case of non-compliance with that term of + his contract, renders the defaulter liable to an annual poll-tax of £3, + nearly half a year’s earnings on the indenture scale. This Bill was, at + the time it was passed, unanimously pronounced to be an iniquitous + measure. Even the Natal papers were doubtful whether the Bill would + receive the Royal sanction. Yet the Bill has been promulgated and it + came into force on the 8th August. + Publicity is our best and perhaps the only weapon of defence. + “Our grievances,” says one of our sympathizers, “are so serious that + they have only to be known in order to be removed.” I have now to + beseech you and your contemporaries to express your opinion with + regard to this action on the part of the Colonial Secretary. The + Colonial Office, we thought, was our safe resting-place. We may yet + have to be undeceived. We have prayed for suspension of State-aided + + 422 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + immigration to Natal if the Bill could not be vetoed.’ That prayer has + been supported by the public. May we now rely upon the public to + renew their support in our fresh efforts to have that prayer granted? + + Yours, etc., + + M. K. GANDHI + The Times of India, 20-10-1896 + + 107. LETTER TO G. K. GOKHALE + + BUCKINGHAM HOTEL, + MADRAS, + October 18, 1896 + PROFESSOR GOKHALE + POONA + SIR, + I promised to leave with Mr. Sohoni some further papers in + connection with the Indian question in South Africa. Iam sorry I + forgot all about it. I beg now to send them per book post and hope + they will be of some use. + We very badly need a committee of active, prominent workers + in India for our cause. The question affects not only South African + Indians but Indians in all parts of the world outside India. I have no + doubt you have read the telegram about the Australian Colonies + legislating to restrict the influx of Indian immigrants to that part of + the world. It is quite possible that legislation might receive the Royal + sanction. I submit that our great men should without delay take up + this question. Otherwise within a very short time there will be an end + to Indian enterprise outside India. In my humble opinion that + telegram might be made the subject of a question in the Imperial + Council’ at Calcutta as well as in the House of Commons. In fact, some + enquiry as to the intention of the Indian Government should be made + immediately. + Seeing that you took very warm interest in my conversation I + thought I would venture to write the above. + I remain, + Sir, + Yours obediently, + + M. K. GANDHI + From a photostat of the original: S.N. 3716 + + 'Vide “Petition to Natal Legislative Council”,26-6-1895 + * The Viceroy’s Legislative Council, of which Gokhale was a member + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 423 + + 108. LETTER TO F. S. TALEYARKHAN + + BUCKINGHAM HOTEL, + MADRAS, + October 18, 1896 + DEAR MR. TALEYARKHAN, + I have your important letter for which I thank you. + Your inquiry is certainly very pertinent. And you may depend + upon it that I shall answer it most frankly. + I start with the assumption that we work in partnership. Starting + on your own account at once will be out of the question. + + There are cheques lying in my safe at Durban for about £300, + the retainer' for 1897, ending 31st July. These I propose to withdraw + from the partnership to pay liabilities incurred here and if possible to + pay the expenses that are now being incurred in connection with my + office. I say if possible, because the balance may not cover the + expenses at Durban. + If past experience is any guide for the purpose, then I think I + am safe in saying that the joint earnings for the first six months will be + at the rate of £70 per month. As against that I place the joint expenses + at £50 per month, i.e., if we share the same house. That would leave a + clear profit of £120 to be divided equally between us after six months. + This is the lowest estimate. And I should expect to earn that amount + single-handed doing the Indian work side by side. It would not + surprise me however if we earned £150 per month. + This much I can promise. You should pay your own passage to + Natal. Your expenses of admission will be paid out of the office. The + expenses of your board and lodging also will be defrayed out of the + office earnings. That is to say, if there is any loss during the six + months’ trial it shall be borne by me. On the other hand if there are + any profits you share them. + Thus at the end of six months if you do not gain in money you + will have gained considerably in experience of a different kind from + that available in India. You will have realized the position of our + countrymen in that part of the world and you will have seen a new + + ' The reference is to the professional fees Gandhiji received from Indian + merchants in respect of their personal legal work. + + 424 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + country. I have no doubt that your connection in Bombay is such that + a six months’ absence from Bombay would not mar your future + career there if you are disappointed in Natal. The six months’ loss in + Bombay will be requited by what I have stated above. + In any case, I cannot be too plain in saying that no one in our + position should go to South Africa with a view to pile money. You + should go there with a spirit of self-sacrifice. You should keep riches + at an arm’s length. They may then woo you. If you bestow your + glances on them, they are such a coquette that you are sure to be + slighted. That is my experience in South Africa. + As for work, apart from pecuniary considerations, I promise + that there will be more than sufficient to feed your activity—that too + legal work. + Boarding together might present a slight difficulty. If you + could manage with vegetarian food, I could place on the table most + palatable dishes cooked both in the English as well as the Indian style. + If, however, that be not possible, we shall have to engage another + cook. At any rate that cannot be an insurmountable difficulty. I trust I + have stated the position clearly. If there are any points requiring + elucidation you have only to mention them. I do hope you will not + allow pecuniary considerations to come in your way. I am sure you + will be able to do much in South Africa—more indeed than I may + have been instrumental in doing. + I have been seeing here the great men. The Madras Times has + given its full support and it came out with a rattling good leading + article on Friday last. The Mail has promised it. The meeting’ + probably comes off on Friday. After the meeting I go to Calcutta and + thence probably to Poona. Professor Bhandarkar has promised his full + support and I think he can do some good. I halted for a day at Poona + on my way here. + I think I wrote to you that the Immigration Bill has received the + Royal assent. (Events follow in such quick succession that I forget + them soon.) This is an unexpected and terrible blow. I am now + renewing the prayer for suspension of State-aided immigration. The + Natal Agent-General’s diplomatic contradiction, about which you + + ' The meeting that Gandhiji addressed on October 29; vide “Letter to F. S. + Taleyarkhan”, 10-10-1896 + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 425 + + must have read in the papers, shows the necessity of the agitation in + London also. There I am positive you can do much more than I can. + It will be a very good thing if you could accompany me to + Natal. I may mention that if the s.s. Courland is available by that time + I might secure you a free passage. + I remain, + + yours truly, + + M. K. GANDHI + [PS.] + I received your letter only today. + + From the original. Courtesy: R. F. S. Taleyarkhan + + 109. REMARKS IN VISITORS’ BOOK + + October 26, 1896 + + I had the honour to visit this excellent institution.' I was highly + delighted with it. Being a Gujarati Hindu myself, I feel proud to know + that this institution was started by Gujarati gentlemen. I wish the + institution a brilliant future which I am sure it deserves. I only wish + that such institutions will crop up all over India and be the means of + preserving the Aryan religion in its purity. + The Hindu, 28-10-1896 + + 110. SPEECH AT MEETING, MADRAS’ + + October 26, 1896 + MR. PRESIDENT AND GENTLEMEN, + I am to plead before you this evening for the 100,000 British + Indians in South Africa, the land of gold and the seat of the late + Jameson Raid. This document’ will show you that I have been deputed + to do so by the signatories to it, who profess to represent the 100,000 + Indians. A large majority of this number are people from Madras and + Bengal. Apart, therefore, from the interest that you would take in them + as Indians, you are specially interested in the matter. + + ' The Hindu Theological High School + > The meeting, held in Pachaiyappa’s Hall, was organized by the Mahajana + Sabha. + *Vide “The Credentials”, Voll. “The Credentials” + + 426 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + South Africa may, for our purposes, be divided into the two + self-governing British Colonies of Natal and the Cape of Good Hope, + the Crown Colony of Zululand, the Transvaal or the South African + Republic, the Orange Free State, the Chartered Territories and the + Portuguese Territories comprising Delagoa Bay and Beira. + South Africa is indebted to the colony of Natal for the presence + of the Indian population there. In the year 1860, when, in the words + of a member of the Natal Parliament, “the existence of the Colony + hung in the balance”, the Colony of Natal introduced indentured + Indians into the Colony. Such immigration is regulated by law, is + permissible only to few favoured States, e.g., Mauritius, Fiji, Jamaica, + Straits Settlements, Damarara and other States, and is allowed only + from Madras and Calcutta. As a result of the immigration, in the + words of another eminent Natalian, Mr. Saunders: + Indian Immigration brought prosperity, prices rose, people were no + longer content to grow or sell produce for a song, they could do better. + The sugar and tea industries, as well as sanitation and the + vegetable and fish supply of the Colony, are absolutely dependent on + the indentured Indians from Madras and Calcutta. The presence of the + indentured Indians, about sixteen years ago, drew the free Indians in + the shape of traders, who first went there with a view to supply the + wants of their own kith and kin; but afterwards found a very valuable + customer in the native of South Africa, called Zulu or Kaffir. These + traders are chiefly drawn from the Bombay Memon Mahomedans + and, owing to their less unfortunate position, have formed themselves + into custodians of the interests of the whole Indian population there. + Thus, adversity and identity of interests have united in compact body + the Indians from the three Presidencies, and they take pride in calling + themselves Indians rather than Madrasees or Bengalees or Gujaratees, + except when it is necessary to do so. That, however, by the way. + + These Indians have now spread all over South Africa. Natal, + which is governed by a Legislative Assembly consisting of 37 + members elected by the voters, a Legislative Council represents the 11 + members, nominated by the governor who represents the Queen, and a + movable Ministry consisting of 5 members, contains a European + population of 50,000, a native population of 400,000 and an Indian + population of 51,000. Of the 51,000 Indians, about 16,000 are at + present serving their indenture, 30,000 are those that have completed + their indenture and are now variously engaged as domestic servants, + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 427 + + gardeners, hawkers and petty traders, and about 5,000 are those who + emigrated to the Colony of their own account and are either traders, + shopkeepers, assistants or hawkers. A few are, also, schoolmasters, + interpreters and clerks. + The self-governing Colony of the Cape of Good Hope has, I + believe, an Indians population of about 10,000, consisting of traders, + hawkers and labourers. Its total population is nearly 1,800,000, of + whom not more than 400,000 are Europeans. The rest are natives of + the country and Malaya. + The South African Republic of the Transvaal, which is governed + by two elective Chambers called the Volksraad and an Executive with + the President at its head, has an Indian population of 5,000, of whom + about 200 are traders with liquidated assets amounting to nearly + £100,000. The rest are hawkers and waiters or household servants, the + latter being men from this Presidency. Its White population is + estimated at roughly 120,000 and the Kaffir population at roughly + 650,000. This Republic is subject to the Queen’s suzerainty. And + there is a Convention' between Great Britain and the Republic which + secures the property, trading and farming rights of all persons other + than natives of South Africa, in common with the citizens of the + Republic. + The other States have no Indian population to speak of, because + of the grievances and disabilities, except the Portuguese territories + which contain a very large Indian population and which do not give + any trouble to the Indians. + The grievances of the Indians in South Africa are twofold, i.e., + those that are due to popular ill-feeling against the Indians and, + secondly, the legal disabilities placed upon them. To deal with the + first, the Indian is the most hated being in South Africa. Every Indian + without distinction is contemptuously called a“coolie”. He is also + called“Sammy”,“ Ramasammy”, anything but“Indian”. Indian + schoolmasters are called“coolie schoolmasters”. Indian storekeepers + are“coolie storekeepers”. Two Indian gentlemen from Bombay, + Messrs Dada Abdulla and Moosa Hajee Cassim, own steamers. Their + steamers are “coolie ships”. + + There is a very respectable firm of Madras traders by name, A. + Colandaveloo Pillay & Co. They have built a large block of buildings + + ' The reference is to the London Convention of 1884. + + 428 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + in Durban; these building are called “coolie stores”, and the owners + are “coolie owners”. And I can assure you, gentlemen, that there is as + much difference between the partners of that firm and a “coolie” as + there is between anyone in this hall and a coolie. The railway and tram + officials, in spite of the contradiction that has appeared in official + quarters which I am going to deal with presently, I repeat, treat us as + beasts. We cannot safely walk on the foot-paths. A Madrasi gentleman, + spotlessly dressed, always avoids the foot-paths of prominent streets in + Durban for fear he should be insulted or pushed off. + + We are the“Asian dirt’to be“heartily cursed”, we are “chock- + full of vice’ and we “live upon rice”, we are “stinking coolie” living + on“the smell of an oiled rag”, we are “ the black vermin”, we are + described in the Statute books as“ semi-barbarous Asiatics, or persons + belonging to the uncivilized races of Asia”. We “breed like rabbits” + and a gentleman at a meeting lately held in Durban said he was sorry + we could not be shot like them. There are coaches running between + certain places in the Transvaal. We may not sit inside them. It is a sore + trial, apart from the indignity it involves and contemplates, to have to + sit outside them, either in deadly winter morning, for the winter is + severe in the Transvaal, or under a burning sun, though we are + Indians. The hotels refuse us admission. Indeed, there are cases in + which respectable Indians have found it difficult even to procure + refreshments at European places. It was only a short time ago, that a + gang of Europeans set fire to an Indian store in a village called + Dundee in Natal, doing some damage, and another gang threw + burning crackers into the Indian stores in a business street in Durban. + This feeling of intense hatred has been reproduced into + legislation in the various States of South Africa restricting the freedom + of Indians in many ways. To begin with, Natal, which is the most + important from an Indian point of view, has, of late, shown the greatest + activity in passing Indian legislation. Till 1894, the Indians had been + enjoying the franchise equally with the Europeans under the general + franchise law of the Colony, which entitles any adult male, being a + British subject, to be placed on the Voters’ List, who possesses + immovable property worth £50 or pays an annual rent of £10. There + is a separate franchise qualification for the Zulu. In 1894, the Natal + Legislature passed a Bill disfranchising Asiatics by name. We resisted + it in the local Parliament, but without any avail. We them + memorialized the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and, as a result, + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 429 + + that Bill was, this year, withdrawn and replaced by another which, + though not quite so bad as the first one, is bad enough. It says that no + natives of countries (not being of European origin) which have not + hitherto possessed elective representative institutions, founded on the + parliamentary franchise, shall be placed on the Voters’ Roll unless + they shall first obtain an exemption from the Governor-in-Council. + This Bill excepts from its operation those whose names are already + rightly contained in any Voters’ List. Before being introduced, it was + submitted to Mr. Chamberlain, who has approved of it. We have + opposed it on the ground that we have such institutions in India, and + that, therefore, the Bill will fail in its objects if it is to disfranchise the + Asiatics and that, therefore, also it is a harassing piece of legislation + and is calculated to involve us in endless litigation and expense. This + is admitted on all hands. The very members who voted for it thought + likewise. The Natal Government organ’ says in effect: + We know India has such institutions and therefore the Bill will not + apply to the Indian. But we can have that Bill or none. If it disfranchises + Indians, nothing can be better. If it does not, then too we have nothing to + fear! For the Indian can never gain political supremacy and, if necessary, we + can soon impose an educational test or raise the property qualifications + which, while disfranchising Indians wholesale, will not debar a single + European from voting. + Thus, the Natal legislature is playing a game of “Toss up” at + the Indians’ expense. We are a fit subject for vivisection under the + Natal Pasteur’s deadly scalpel and knife, with this difference between + the Paris Pasteur and the Natal Pasteur that, while the former indulged + in vivisection with the object of benefiting humanity, the latter has + been indulging in it for the sake of amusement out of sheer + wantonness. The object of this measure is not political. It is purely and + simply to degrade the Indians; in the words of a member of the Natal + Parliament: “To make the Indian’s life more comfortable in his + native land than in Natal”; in the words of another eminent Natalian: + “To keep him for ever a hewer of wood and drawer of water”. The + very fact that at present there are only 251 Indian, as against nearly + 10,000 European, voters shows that there is no fear of the Indian vote + swamping the European. For a fuller history of the question, I must + refer you to the Green Pamphlet. The London Times, which has + uniformly supported us in our troubles, dealing with the franchise + + ' The reference is to The Natal Mercury. + + 430 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + question in Natal, thus puts it, in its issue of the 27th day of June of + this year: + The question now put before Mr. Chamberlain is not an academic one. + It is not a question of argument but of race feeling. We cannot afford a war of + races among our own subjects. It would be as wrong for the Government of + India to suddenly arrest the development of Natal by shutting all supply of + immigrants, as it would be for Natal to deny the right of citizenship to British + Indian subjects who, by years of thrift and good work in the Colony, have + raised themselves to the actual status of citizens. + If there is any real danger of the Asiatic vote swamping the + European, we should have no objection to an educational test being + imposed or the property qualifications being raised. What we object to + is class legislation and the degradation which it necessarily involves. + We are fighting for no new privilege in opposing the Bill. We are + resisting the deprivation of the one we have been enjoying. + In strict accordance with the policy of degrading the Indian to + the level of a raw Kaffir and, in the words of the Attorney-General of + Natal, “that of preventing him from forming part of the future South + African nation that is going to be built”, the Natal Government, last + year, introduced their Bill to amend the Indian Immigration Act which + I regret to inform you, has received the Royal sanction in spite of our + hopes to the contrary. This news was received after the Bombay + meeting’, and it will, therefore, be necessary for me to deal with this + question at some length, also because this question more immediately + affects this Presidency and can be best studied here. + Up to the 18th day of August, 1894, the indentured immigrants + went under a contract of service for five years in consideration for a + free passage to Natal, free board and lodging for themselves and their + families, and wages at the rate of ten shillings per month for the first + year, to be increased by one shilling every following year. They were + also entitled to a free passage back to India if they remained in the + Colony another five years as free labourers. This is now changed and, + in future, the immigrants will have either to remain in the Colony for + ever under indenture, their wages increasing to 20 shillings at the end + of the 9th year of indentured service, or to return to India or to pay an + annual poll-tax of £ 3 sterling, equivalent to nearly half a years’ + earnings on the indentured scale. A Commission consisting of two + + ' Held on September 26; vide “Speech At Public Meeting, Bombay”, + 26-9-1896 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 431 + + members was sent to India in 1893 by the Natal Government to + induce the Indian Government to agree to the above alterations with + the exception of the imposition of the poll-tax. The present Viceroy, + while expressing his reluctance, agreed to alteration subject to the + sanction of the Home Government, refusing to allow the Natal + Government to make the breach of the clause about compulsory + return a criminal offence. The Natal Government have got over the + difficulty by the poll-tax clause. + + The Attorney-General, in discussing that clause, said that, while + an Indian could not be sent to gaol for refusing to return to India or + to pay the tax, so long as there was anything worth having in his hut it + will be liable to seizure. We strongly opposed that Bill in the local + Parliament and failing there, sent a memorial to Mr. Chamberlain, + praying either that the Bill should be disallowed or emigration to + Natal should be suspended. + + The above proposal was mooted 10 years ago and it was + vehemently opposed by the most eminent Colonists in Natal. A + Commission was then appointed to inquire into various matters + concerning Indians in Natal. One of the Commissioners, Mr. + Saunders, says in his additional report: + + Though the Commission has made no recommendation on the subject + of passing a law to force Indians back to India at the expiration of their term + of service unless they renew their indentures, I wish to express my strong + condemnation of any such idea, and I feel convinced that many who now + advocate the plan, when they realize what it means, will reject it as + energetically as I do. Stop Indian emigration and face results, but don’t try to + do what I can show is a great wrong. + + What is it but taking the best of our servants (the good as well as the + bad) and then refusing them the enjoyment of the reward, forcing them back + (if we could, but we cannot) when their best days have been spent for our + benefit? Where to? Why, back to face prospect of starvation from which they + sought to escape when they were young. Shylock-like, taking the pound of + flesh, and Shylock-like we may rely on meeting Shylock’s reward. + The Colony can stop Indian immigration, and that, perhaps, far more + easily and permanently than some ‘popularity seekers’ would desire. But force + men off at the end of their service, this the Colony cannot do. And I urge on it + not to discredit a fair name by trying. + The Attorney-General of Natal, who introduced the Bill under + discussion, expressed the following views while giving his evidence + before the Commission: + + 432 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + With reference to time-expired Indians, I do not think that it ought to + be compulsory on any man to go to any part of the world save for a crime for + which he is transported. I hear a great deal of this question; I have been asked + again and again to take a different view, but I have not been able to do it. A + man is brought here, in theory with his own consent, in practice very often + without his consent, he gives the best five years of his life, he forms new + ties, forgets the old ones, perhaps establishes a home here, and he cannot, + according to my view of right and wrong, be sent back. Better by far to stop + the further introduction of Indians altogether than to take what work you can + out of them and order them away. The Colony, or part of the Colony, seems to + want Indians but also wishes to avoid the consequences of Indian + immigration. The Indian people do no harm as far as I know: in certain + respects they do a great deal of good. I have never heard a reason to justify the + extradition of a man who has behaved well for five years. + And Mr. Binns, who came to India as one of the Natal + Commissioners to induce the Indian Government to agree to the + above-mentioned alterations, gave the following evidence before the + Commission ten years ago: + I think the idea which has been mooted, that all Indians should be + compelled to return to India at the end of their term of indenture, is most unfair + to the Indian population and would never be sanctioned by the Indian + Government. In my opinion, the free Indian population is a most useful + section of the community. + But, then, great men may change their views as often and as + quickly as they may change their clothes, with impunity and even to + advantage. In them, they say, such changes are a result of sincere + conviction. It is a thousand pities, however, that, unfortunately for the + poor indentured Indian, his fear or, rather, the expectation, that the + Indian Government will never sanction the change was not realized. + + The London Star thus gave vent to its feelings on reading the + Bill: + These particulars are enough to throw light upon the hateful + persecution to which British Indian subjects are being subjected. The new + Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill, which virtually proposes to reduce + Indians to a state of slavery, is another example. The thing is a monstrous + wrong, an insult to British subjects, a disgrace to its authors, and a slight + upon ourselves. Every Englishman is concerned to see that the commercial + greed of the South African trader is not permitted to wreak such bitter injustice + upon men who, alike by proclamation and by statute, are placed upon an + equality with ourselves before the Law. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 433 + + The London Times, also, in supporting our prayer, has + compared the state of perpetual indenture to a “state perilously near + to slavery”. It also says: + The Government of India has one simple remedy. It can suspend + indentured immigration to South Africa as it has suspended such immigration + to foreign possessions until it obtains the necessary guarantees for the + present well-being and the future status of the immigrants. . . . It is eminently + a case for sensible and conciliatory action on both sides. .. . But the Indian + Government may be forced to adopt measures in connection with the wider + claim now being urged by every section of the Indian community and which + has been explicitly acknowledged by Her Majesty’s Government at home, + namely, the claim of the Indian races to trade and to labour with the full status + of British subjects throughout the British Empire and in allied States. + The letters from Natal, informing me of the Royal sanction to + this Bill, ask me to request the Indian public to help us to get + emigration suspended. I am well aware that the idea of suspending + emigration requires careful consideration. I humbly think that there is + no other conclusion possible in the interests of the Indians at large. + Emigration is supposed to relieve the congested districts and to benefit + those who emigrate. If the Indian, instead of paying the poll-tax, + return to India, the congestion cannot be affected at all. And the + returned Indians will rather be a source of difficulty than anything + else, as they must necessarily find it difficult to get work and cannot + be expected to bring sufficient to live upon the interest of their + capital. It certainly will not benefit the emigrants as they will never, if + the Government can possibly help it, be allowed to rise higher than the + status of labourers. The fact is that they are being helped on to + degradation. Under such circumstances, I humbly ask you to support + our prayer to suspend emigration to Natal unless the new law can be + altered or repealed. + + You will naturally be anxious to know the treatment of the + Indians while under indenture. Of course, that life cannot be bright + under any circumstances; but I do not think their lot is worse than the + lot of the Indians similarly placed in other parts of the world. At the + same time, they, too, certainly come in for a share of the tremendous + colour prejudice. I can only briefly allude to the matter here and refer + the curious to the Green Pamphlet, wherein it has been more fully + discussed. There is a sad mortality from suicides on certain estates in + Natal. It is very difficult for an indentured Indian to have his services + transferred on the ground of ill-treatment. An indentured Indian, after + + 434 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + he becomes free, is given a free pass. This he has to show whenever + asked to do so. It is meant to detect desertion by the indentured + Indians. The working of this system is a source of much irritation to + poor free Indians and often puts respectable Indians in a very + unpleasant position. This law really would not give any trouble but for + the unreasonable prejudice. A sympathetic Protector of Immigrants, + preferably an Indian gentleman of high standing and knowing the + Tamil, Telugu and Hindustani languages, would certainly mitigate the + usual hardships of the indentured life. An Indian immigrant who loses + his free pass is, as a rule, called upon to pay £3 sterling for a duplicate + copy. This is nothing but a system of blackmail. + The 9 o’clock rule in Natal, which makes it necessary for every + Indian to carry a pass, if he wants to be out after 9 p.m., at the pain of + being locked up in a dungeon, causes much heart-burning, especially + among the gentlemen from this Presidency. You will be pleased to + hear that children of many indentured Indians receive a pretty good + education and they wear, as a rule, the European dress. They are a + most sensitive class and yet, unfortunately, most liable to arrest under + the 9 o’clock rule. The European dress for an Indian is no + recommendation in Natal. It is rather the reverse, for the flowing robe + of a Memon free the wearer from such molestation. A happy + incident, described in the Green Pamphlet, led the police in Durban, + some years ago, to free Indians thus dressed from liability to arrest + after 9 p.m. A Tamil schoolmistress, a Tamil schoolmaster and a + Tamil Sunday school-teacher were, only a few months ago, arrested + and locked up under this law. They all got justice in the law-courts, + but that was a poor consolation. The result, however, was that the + Corporations in Natal are clamouring for an alteration in the law so + that it might be impossible for such Indians to get off scot-free in the + law-courts. + There is a bye-law in Durban which requires registration of + coloured servants. This rule may be, and perhaps is, necessary for the + Kaffirs who would not work, but absolutely useless with regard to the + Indians. But the policy is to class the Indian with the Kaffir whenever + possible. + This does not complete the list of grievances in Natal. I must + beg to refer the curious to the Green Pamphlet for further + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 435 + + information. ' + But, gentlemen, you have been told lately by the Natal Agent- + General that the Indians are nowhere better treated than in Natal; that + the fact that a majority of the indentured labourers do not avail + themselves of the return passage is the best answer to my pamphlet, + and that the railway and tram-car officials do not treat the Indians as + beasts nor do the law-courts deny them justice. + + With the greatest deference to the Agent-General, all I can say + as to the first statement is that he must have very queer notions of + good treatment, if to be locked up for being out after 9 p.m. without a + pass, to be denied the most elementary right of citizenship in a free + country, to be denied a higher status than that of bondman and, at + best, a free labourer, and to be subjected to other restrictions referred + to above, are instances of good treatment. And if such treatment is the + best the Indians receive throughout the world, then the lot of the + Indians in other parts of the world and here must be very miserable + indeed, according to the commonsense view. The thing is that Mr. + Walter Peace, the Agent-General, is made to look through the official + spectacles and to him everything official is bound to appear rosy. The + legal disabilities are condemnatory of the action of the Natal + Government, and how can the Agent-General be expected to condemn + himself? If he, or the Government which he represents, only admitted + that the legal disabilities mentioned above were against the + fundamental principles of the British Constitution, I should not stand + before you this evening. I respectfully submit that statements of + opinions made by the Agent-General cannot be allowed to have + greater weight than those of an accused person about his own guilt. + The fact that the indentured Indians, as a rule, do not avail + themselves of the return passage we do not dispute, but we certainly + dispute that it is the best answer to our complaints. How can that fact + disprove the existence of the legal disabilities? It may prove that the + Indians, who do not take advantage of the return passage, either do + not mind the disabilities, or remain in the Colony in spite of such + disabilities. If the former be the case, it is the duty of those who know + better to make the Indians realize their situation and to enable them to + see that submission to them means degradation. If the latter be the + + ' About 6 pages of text that follow (to end of para “Quoting statistics .. . in + spite of the persecution”, p. 85) later formed part of the second edition of the Green + Pamphlet. Vide also footnote on p. 26. + + 436 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + case, it is one more instance of the patience and the forbearing spirit + of the Indian Nation which was acknowledged by Mr. Chamberlain in + his Despatch in connection with the Transvaal arbitration. Because + they bear them is no reason why the disabilities should not be + removed or why they should be interpreted into meaning the best + treatment possible. + + Moreover, who are these people who, instead of returning to + India, settle in the Colony? They are the Indians drawn from the + poorest classes and from the most thickly populated districts, possibly + living in a state of semi-starvation in India. They migrated to Natal + with their families, if any, with the intention of settling there, if + possible. Is it any wonder, if these people, after the expiry of their + indenture, instead of returning “to face semistarvation”, as Mr. + Saunders has put it, settle in a country where the climate is + magnificent and where they may earn a decent living? A starving man, + generally, would stand any amount of rough treatment to get a crumb + of bread. + + Do not the Uitlanders make out a terribly long list of grievances + in the Transvaal? And yet, do they not flock to the Transvaal in + thousands in spite of the ill-treatment they receive there, because they + can earn their bread in the Transvaal more easily than in the old + country? + This, too, should be borne in mind that, in making his statement, + Mr. Peace has not taken into account the free Indian trader who goes + to the Colony on his own account and who feels most the indignities + and disabilities. If it does not do to tell the Uitlander that he may not + go to the Transvaal if he cannot bear the ill-treatment, much less will it + do to say so to the enterprising Indian. We belong to the Imperial + family and are children, adopted it may be, of the same august + mother, having the same rights and privileges guaranteed to us as to + the European children. It was in that belief that we went to the Colony + of Natal, and we trust that our belief was well founded. + + The Agent-General has contradicted the statement made in the + pamphlet that the railway and tram-car official treat the Indians as + beasts. Even if the statements I have made were incorrect, that would + not disprove the legal disabilities which, and which alone, have been + made the subject of memorials and to remove which we invoke the + direct intervention of the Home and the Indian Governments. But I + venture to say that the Agent-General has been misinformed, and beg + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 437 + + to repeat that the Indians are treated as beasts by the railway and the + tram-car officials. That statement was made now nearly two years ago + in quarters where it would have been contradicted at once. I had the + honour to address an ‘Open Letter’! to the members of the local + Parliament in Natal. It was widely circulated in the Colony and noticed + by almost every leading newspaper in South Africa. No one + contradicted it then. It was even admitted by some newspapers. Under + such circumstances, I ventured to quote it in my pamphlet published + here. I am not given to exaggerate matters, and it is very unpleasant to + me to have to cite testimony in my own favour, but since an attempt + has been made to discredit my statements and, thereby, the cause I am + advocating, I feel it to be my duty, for the sake of the cause, to tell + you what the papers in South Africa thought about the ‘Open Letter’, + in which the statement was made. + The Star, the leading newspaper in Johannesburg, says: + Mr. Gandhi writes forcibly, moderately and well. He has himself + suffered some slight measure of injustice since he came into the Colony, but + that fact does not seem to have coloured his sentiment, and it must be + confessed that to the tone of the open letter no objection can reasonably be + taken. Mr. Gandhi discusses the questions he has raised with conspicuous + moderation. + The Natal Mercury, the Government organ in Natal, says: + Mr. Gandhi writes with calmness and moderation. He is as impartial as + anyone could expect him to be and probably a little more so than might have + been expected, considering that he did not receive very just treatment at the + hands of the Law Society when he first came to the Colony. + Had I made unfounded statements, the newspapers would not + have given such a certificate to the ‘Open Letter’. + + An Indian, about two years ago, took out a second-class ticket + on the Natal railway, In a single night journey he was thrice disturbed + and was twice made to change compartments to please European + passengers. The case came before the Court and the Indian got £10 + damages. The following is the plaintiffs evidence in the case: + Deponent got into a second-class carriage in the train, leaving + Charlestown at 1.30 p.m. Three other Indians were in the same compartment, + but they got out at Newcastle. A white man opened the door of the + compartment and beckoned to witness, saying: “Come out, Sammy.” Plaintiff + asked: “Why”, and the white man replied: “Never mind, come out, I want to + + 'Vide “Open Letter”, 19-12-1894 + + 438 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + place someone here.” Witness said: “Why should I come out from here when I + have paid my fare?” ... The white man then left and brought an Indian who, + witness believed, was in the employ of the railway. The Indian was told to tell + plaintiff to get out of the carriage. Thereupon the Indian said: “The white man + orders you to come out and you must come out.” The Indian then left. Witness + said to the white man: “What do you want to shift me about for? I have paid + my fare and have a right to remain here.” The white man became angry at this + and said: “Well, if you don’t come out, I will knock hell out of you.” The + white man got into the carriage and laid hold of witness by the arm and tried to + pull him out. Plaintiff said: “Let me alone and I will come out.” The witness + left the carriage and the white man pointed out another second-class + compartment and told him to go there. Plaintiff did as he was directed. The + compartment he was shown into was empty. He believed some people who + were playing a band were put into the carriage from which he was expelled. + This white man was the District Superintendent of Railways at Newcastle. To + proceed, witness travelled undisturbed to Maritzburg. He fell asleep, and when + he awoke at Maritzburg he found a white man, a white woman and a child in + the compartment with him. A white man came up to the carriage and said: “Is + that your boy?” speaking to the white man in the compartment. Witness’s + fellow-traveller replied: “Yes”, pointing to his little boy. The other white + man then said: “No, I don’t mean him. I mean the damned coolie in the + corner.” This gentleman with the choice language was a railway official, + being a shunter. The white man in the compartment replied: “Oh, never mind + him, leave him alone.” Then the white man outside (the official) said : “I am + not going to allow a coolie to be in the same compartment with white + people.” This man addressed plaintiff, saying: “Sammy, come out.” Plaintiff + said: “Why, I was removed at Newcastle to this compartment.” The white man + said: “Well, you must come out” and was about to enter the carriage. Witness, + thinking he would be handled as at Newcastle, said he would go out and left the + compartment. The white man pointed out another second-class compartment + which witness entered. This was empty for a time but, before leaving, a white + man entered. Another white man (the official) afterwards came up and said: “If + you don’t like to travel with that stinking coolie, I will find you another + carriage” (The Natal Advertiser, 22nd November, 1893, Wednesday). + You will have noticed that the official at Maritzburg maltreated + the Indian passenger although his white fellow-passenger did not + mind him. If this is not bestial treatment, I should very much like to + know what it is, and such occurrences take place often enough to be + irritating. + It was found during the case that one of the witnesses for the + defendant was coached. In answer to a question from the Bench + whether the Indian passengers were treated with consideration, the + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 439 + + witness, who was one of the officials referred to, replied in the + affirmative. Thereupon, the presiding magistrate who tried the case is + reported to have said to the witness: “Then you have a different + opinion to what I have and it is a curious thing that people who are + not connected with railway observe more than you.” + + The Natal Advertiser, a European daily in Durban, made the + following remarks on the case: + + It was indisputable from the evidence that the Arab had been badly + treated and seeing that second-class tickets are issued to Indians of this + description, the plaintiff ought not to have been subjected to unnecessary + annoyance and indignity .... Some definite measures should be taken to + minimize the danger of trouble arising between European and coloured + passengers, without rendering the carrying out of such measures annoying to + any person, whether black or white. + + In the course of its remarks on the same case, The Natal + Mercury observed: + + There is, throughout South Africa, a tendency to treat all Indians as + coolies pure and simple, no matter whether they be educated and cleanly in + their habits or not. On our railways we have noticed, on more than one + occasion, that coloured passengers are not by any means treated with civility, + and although it would be unreasonable to expect that the white employees of + the N.G.R. should treat them with the same deference as is accorded to + European passengers, still we think it would not be in any way derogatory to + their dignity if the officials were a little more suaviter in modo when dealing + with coloured travellers. (24-11-1893) + + The Cape Times, a leading newspaper in South Africa, says: + + Natal presents the curious spectacle of a country entertaining a supreme + contempt for the very class of people she can least do without. Imagination + can only picture the commercial paralysis which would inevitably attend the + withdrawal of the Indian population from that Colony. And yet the Indians is + the most despised of creatures; he may not ride in the tram-cars, nor sit in the + same compartments of a railway carriage with the Europeans, hotel-keepers + refuse him food or shelter and he is denied the privilege of the public bath! (5- + 7-1891) + Here is the opinion of an Anglo-Indian, Mr. Drummond, who is + intimately connected with the Indians in Natal. He says, writing to The + Natal Mercury: + The majority of the people here seem to forget that they are British + subjects, that their Maharani is our Queen and, for that reason alone, one + would think that they might be spared the opprobrious term of ‘coolie’ as it is + here applied. In India, it is only the lower class of white men who calls native + + 440 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + a ‘nigger’ and treats him as if he were unworthy of any consideration or + respect. In their eyes, as in the eyes of many in this Colony, he is treated + either as a heavy burden or a mechanical machine .. . . It is a common thing, + and a lamentable thing, to hear the ignorant and the unenlightened speak of + the Indians generally as the scum of the earth, etc. It is depreciation from the + white man and not appreciation that they get. + I think I have adduced sufficient outside testimony to + substantiate my statement that the railway officials treat the Indians as + beasts. On the tram-cars, the Indians are often not allowed to sit inside + but are sent ‘upstairs’, as the phrase goes. They are often made to + remove from one seat to another or prevented from occupying front + benches. I know an Indian officer, a Tamil gentleman, dressed in the + latest European style who was made to stand on the tram-car board, + although there was accommodation available for him. + + As to the statement that the Indians get justice in the lawcourts, I + beg to say that I have never said they do not, nor am I prepared to + admit that they get it at all times and in all courts. + Quoting statistics to prove the prosperity of the Indian + community is quite unnecessary. It is not denied that the Indians who + go to Natal do earn a living and that in spite of the persecution. + + In the Transvaal we cannot own landed property, we may not + trade or reside except in specified locations which are described by + the British Agent “as places to deposit the refuse of the town, without + any water except the polluted soakage in the gully between the + location and the town”. We may not, as of right, walk on the foot- + paths in Johannesburg and Pretoria, we may not be out after 9 p.m. + We may not travel without passes. The law prevents us from travelling + first or second class on the railways. We are required to pay a special + registration fee of £3 to enable us to settle in the Transvaal, and + though we are treated as mere “chattels” and have no privileges + whatever, we may be called upon to render compulsory military + service, if Mr. Chamberlain disregards the memorial which we have + addressed to him on the subject. The history of the whole case, as it + affects the Indians in the Transvaal, is very interesting, and I am only + sorry that for want of time I cannot deal with it now. I must, however, + beg you to study it from the Green Pamphlet. I must not omit to + mention that it is criminal for an Indian to buy native gold. + The Orange Free State has made “the British Indian an + impossibility by simply classifying him with the Kaffir’, as its chief + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 441 + + organ puts it. It has passed a special law whereby we are prevented + from trading, farming or owning property under any circumstances. + If we submit to these degrading conditions, we may be allowed to + reside after passing through certain humiliating ceremonies. We were + driven out from the State and our stores were closed, causing to us a + loss of £9,000. And this grievance remains absolutely without redress. + The Cape Parliament has passed a Bill granting the East London + Municipality in that Colony the power to frame bye-laws prohibiting + Indians from walking on the foot-paths and making them live in + locations. It has issued instructions to the authorities of East + Griqualand not to issue any trading licences to the Indians. The Cape + Government are in communication with the Home Government with a + view to induce them to sanction legislation restricting the influx of the + Asiatics. + The people in the Chartered Territories are endeavouring to + close the country against the Asiatic trader. + + In Zululand, Crown Colony, we cannot own or acquire landed + property in the townships of Eshowe and Nondweni. This question is + now before Mr. Chamberlain for consideration. As in the Transvaal, + there also it is criminal for an Indian to buy native gold. + Thus, we are hemmed in on all sides by restrictions. And, if + nothing further were to be done here and in England on our behalf, it + is merely a question of time when the respectable Indian in South + Africa will be absolutely extinct. + Nor is this merely a local question. It is, as the London Times + puts it, “that of the status of the British Indian outside India”. “If”, + says the Thunderer, “they fail to secure that position (that is of equal + status) in South Africa, it will be difficult for them to attain it + elsewhere.” I have no doubt you have read in the papers that + Australian Colonies have passed legislation to prevent Indians from + settling in that part of the world. It will be interesting to know how the + Home Government deal with that question. + The real cause of all this prejudice may be expressed in the + words of the leading organ in South Africa, namely, the Cape Times, + when it was under the editorship of the prince of South African + journalists, Mr. St. Leger: + It is the position of these merchants which is productive of no little + hostility to this day. And it is in considering their position that their rivals + in trade have sought to inflict upon them through the medium of the State + + 442 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + what looks on the face of it something very like an injustice for the benefit of + self. + Continues the same organ : + The injustice to the Indians is so glaring that one is almost ashamed of + one’s countrymen in wishing to have these men treated as natives (i.e., of + South Africa), simply because of their success in trade. The very reason that + they have been so successful against the dominant race is sufficient to raise + them above that degrading level. + If this was true in 1889, when the above was written, it is doubly + so now, because the legislatures of South Africa have shown + phenomenal activity in passing measures restricting the liberty of the + Queen’s Indian subjects. + + Other objections also have been raised to our presence there, + but they will not bear scrutiny, and I have dealt with them in the Green + Pamphlet. I venture, however, to quote from The Natal Advertiser, + which states one of them and prescribes a statesman-like remedy also. + And so far as the objection may be valid, we are in perfect accord with + the Advertiser’s suggestion. This paper, which is under European + management, was at one time violently against us. Dealing with the + whole question from an Imperial standpoint, it concludes: + It will, therefore, probably yet be found that the removal of the + drawbacks at present incidental to the immigration of Indians into British + Colonies is not to be effected so much by the adoption of the obsolete policy + of exclusion as by an enlightened and progressive application of + ameliorating laws to those Indians who settle in them. One of the chief + objection to Indians is that they do not live in accordance with European + rules. The remedy for this is to gradually raise their mode of life by + compelling them to live in better dwellings and by creating among them new + wants. It will probably be found easier, because more in accord with the great + onward movements of mankind, to demand of such settlers that they shall rise + to their new conditions than to endeavour to maintain the status quo ante by + their entire exclusion. + We believe, also, that much of the ill feeling is due to the want + of proper knowledge in South Africa about the Indians in India. We + are, therefore, endeavouring to educate public opinion in South Africa + by imparting the necessary information. With regard to the legal + disabilities we have tried to influence in our favour the public opinion + both in England and here. As you know, both the Conservatives and + Liberals have supported us in England without distinction. The + London Times has given eight leading articles to our cause in a very + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 443 + + sympathetic spirit. This alone has raised us a step higher in the + estimation of Europeans in South Africa and has considerably + affected for the better the tone of newspapers there. The British + Committee of the Congress has been working for us for a very long + time. Ever since he entered Parliament, Mr. Bhownaggree has been + pleading our cause in season and out of season. Says one of our best + sympathizers in London: + + The wrong is so serious that it has only to be known in order, I hope, + to be remedied. I feel it my duty on all occasions and in all suitable ways to + insist that the Indian subjects of the Crown should enjoy the full status of + British subjects throughout the whole British Empire and in allied States. + This is the position which you and our Indian friends in South Africa should + firmly take up. In such a question compromise is impossible. For any + compromise would relinquish the fundamental right of the Indian races to the + complete status of British subjects—a right which they have earned by their + loyalty in peace and by their services in war, a right which was solemnly + guaranteed to them by the Queen’s Proclamation in 1858 and which has now + been explicitly recognized by Her Majesty’s Government. + + Says the same gentleman in another letter: + + I have great hopes that justice will in the end be done. You have a good + cause... . You have only to take up your position strongly in order to be + successful. That position is that the British Indian subjects in South Africa + are, alike in our own colonies and in independent friendly States, being + deprived of their status as British subjects guaranteed to them by the + Sovereign and the British Parliament. + + An ex-Liberal member of the House of Commons says: + + You are infamously treated by the Colonial Government and you will be + so treated by the Home Government if they do not compel the Colonies to + alter their policy: + + A Conservative member says: + + I am quite aware that the situation is surrounded with many difficulties, + but some points stand out clear and, as far as I can make out, it is true to say + that breaches of what in India is a civil contract are punishable in South Africa + as though they were criminal offences. This is beyond doubt contrary to the + principles of the Indian Code and seems to me an infringement of the + privileges guaranteed to British subjects in India. Again, it is perfectly + evident that in the Boer Republic and possibly in Natal, it is the direct + obvious intention of the Government to “hunt” natives of India and to compel + them to carry on their business under degrading conditions. The excuses + which are put forward to defend the infringements of the liberties of British + subjects in the Transvaal are too flimsy to be worth a moment’s attention. + +444 + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Yet another Conservative member says: + Your activity is praiseworthy and demands just. I am, therefore, willing + to help you as far as lies in my power. + Such is the sympathy evoked in England. Here, too, I know we + have the same sympathy, but I humbly think that our cause may + occupy our attention still more largely. + + What is required in India has been well put by the Moslem + Chronicle in a forcibly-written leader: + What with a strong and intelligent public opinion here and a well + meaning Government, the difficulties we have to contend with are not at all + commensurate with those that retard the well-being of our countrymen in that + country. It is, therefore, quite time that all public bodies should at once turn + their attention to this important subject to create an intelligent public + opinion with a view to organize an agitation for the removal of the + grievances under which our brethren are labouring. Indeed, these grievances + have become and are day by day becoming so unbearable and offensive that + the requisite agitation cannot be taken up one day too soon. + + I may state our position a little more clearly. We are aware that + the insults and indignities that we are subjected to at the hands of the + populace cannot be directly removed by the intervention of the Home + Government. We do not appeal to it for any such intervention. We + bring them to the notice of the public so that the fair-minded of all + communities and the Press may, by expressing their disapproval, + materially reduce their rigour and, possibly, eradicate them ultimately. + But we certainly do appeal, and we hope not vainly, to the Home + Government for protection against reproduction of such ill feeling in + legislation. We certainly beseech the Home Government to disallow all + the Acts of the Legislative bodies of the Colonies restricting our + freedom in any shape or form. And this brings me to the last question, + namely, how far can the Home Government interfere with such action + on the part of the Colonies and the allied States. As for Zululand, + there can be no question, since it is a Crown Colony directly governed + from Downing Street through a Governor. It is not a self-governing or + a responsibly-governed Colony, as the Colonies of Natal and the Cape + of Good Hope are. With regard to the last two, their Constitution Act + provides that Her Majesty may disallow any act of the local Parliament + within two years, even after it has become law having received the + Governor’s assent. That is one safeguard against oppressive measures + by the Colonies. The Royal instructions to the Government, as also the + Constitution Act, enumerate certain Bills which cannot be assented to + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 445 + + by the Governor without Her Majesty’s previous sanction. Among + such are Bills which have, for their object, class legislation, such as the + Franchise Bill or Immigration Bill. Her Majesty’s intervention is, thus, + direct and precise. While it is true that the Home Government is slow + to interfere with the Acts of the Colonial legislatures, there are + instances where it has not hesitated to put its foot down on occasions + less urgent than the present one. As you are aware, the repeal of the + first Franchise Bills was due to such wholesome intervention. What is + more, the Colonists are ever afraid of it. And as a result of the + sympathy expressed in England and the sympathetic answer given by + Mr. Chamberlain to the Deputation that waited on him some months + ago, most of the papers in South Africa, at any rate in Natal, have + veered round considerably. As to the Transvaal, there is the + Convention. As to the Orange Free State, I can only say that it is an + unfriendly act on the part of a friendly State to shut her doors against + any portion of Her Majesty’s subjects. And as such, I humbly think it + can be effectively checked. + + It may not be amiss to quote a few passages from the London + Times articles, bearing on the question of intervention as well as the + whole question generally: + + The whole question resolves itself into this. Are Her Majesty’s Indian + subjects to be treated as a degraded and an outcaste race by a friendly + Government or are they to have the same rights and status as other British + subjects enjoy? Are leading Mohammedan merchants, who might sit in the + Legislative Council at Bombay, to be liable to indignities and outrages in the + South African Republic? We are continually telling our Indian subjects that + the economic future of their country depends on their ability to spread + themselves out and to develop their foreign trade. What answer can our Indian + Government give them if it fails to secure to them the same protection abroad + which is secured to the subjects of every other dependency of the Crown? + + It is a mockery to urge our Indian fellow-subjects to embark on external + commerce if the moment they leave India they lose their rights as British + subjects and can be treated by foreign governments as a degraded and an + outcaste race. + In another article it says: + The matter is eminently one for good offices and for influence for that + “friendly negotiation” which Mr. Chamberlain promises, though he warns the + deputation that it may be tedious and will certainly not be easy. As to the + Cape Colony and Natal, the question is to a certain extent simplified since, of + course, the Colonial office can speak to them with greater authority. + + 446 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + The incident is one of those which suggest wider questions than any + that directly offer themselves for official replies. We are at the centre of a + world-wide Empire at a period when locomotion is easy and is everyday + becoming easier, both in time and cost. Some portions of the Empire are + crowded, others are comparatively empty, and the flow from the congested to + the under-peopled districts is continuous. What is to happen when subjects + differing in colour, religion and habits from ourselves or from the natives of a + particular spot emigrate to that spot for their living ? How are race prejudices + and antipathies, the jealousies of trade, the fear of competition to be + controlled? The answer, of course, must be by intelligent policy at the + Colonial Office. + + Small as are the requirements of the Indians, the steady growth of the + population of India is such that certain outward movement is inevitable, and it + is a movement that will increase. It is very desirable that our white fellow- + subjects in Africa should understand that there will, in all probability, be this + current flowing from India, that it is perfectly within the rights of the British + Indian to seek his subsistence at the Cape, and that he ought, in the common + interest of the Empire, to be well treated when he comes there. It is indeed to + be feared that the ordinary Colonist, wherever settled, thinks much more of + his immediate interests than of those of the great empire which protects him, + and he has some difficulty in recognizing a fellow-subject in the Hindu or the + Parsee. The duty of the Colonial office is to enlighten him and to see that fair + treatment is extended to British subjects of whatever colour. + Again: + In India, the British, the Hindu and the Mussalman communities find + themselves face to face with the question as to whether at the outset of the new + industrial movements which have been so long and anxiously awaited, Indian + traders and workers are or are not to have the same status before the law as all + other British subjects enjoy. May they or may they not go freely from one + British possession to another and claim the rights of British subjects in allied + states? Or are they to be treated as outcaste races subjected to a system of + permits and passes when travelling on their ordinary business avocations and + relegated, as the Transvaal Government would relegate them, to a ghetto at the + permanent centres of their trade? These are questions which apply to all + Indians who seek to better their fortunes outside the limits of the Indian + Empire. Mr. Chamberlain’s words and the determined attitude taken up by + every section of the Indian Press show that to such questions there can be but + one answer. + + I shall take the liberty to give one more quotation from the + same journal: + + The question with which Mr. Chamberlain was called upon to deal + cannot be so easily reduced to concrete terms. On the one hand, he clearly laid + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 447 + + down the principle of the “equal rights” and equal privileges of all British + subjects in regard to redress from foreign States. It would, indeed, have been + impossible to deny that principle. Our Indian subjects have been fighting the + battles of Great Britain over half the old world with a loyalty and courage + which have won the admiration of all British men. The fighting reserve which + Great Britain has in the Indian races adds greatly to her political influence and + prestige, and it would be violation of the British sense of justice to use the + blood and the valour of these races in war and yet to deny them the protection + of the British name in the enterprise of peace. The Indian workers and traders + are slowly spreading across the earth from Central Asia to the Australian + Colonies and from the Straits Settlements to the Canary Islands. Wherever the + Indian goes he is the same useful, well-doing man, law-abiding under whatever + form of Government he may find himself, frugal in his wants and industrious + in his habits. But these very virtues make him a formidable competitor in the + labour markets to which he resorts. Although numbering in the aggregate + some hundreds of thousands, the immigrant Indian labourers and small dealers + have only recently appeared in the foreign countries or British Colonies in + numbers sufficient to arouse jealousy and to expose them to political + injustice. But the facts which we brought to notice in June, and which we + urged on Mr. Chamberlain by a deputation of Indians last week, show that the + necessity has now arisen for protecting the Indian labourer from such jealousy + and for securing to him the same rights as other British subjects enjoy. + + Gentlemen, Bombay has spoken in no uncertain terms. We are + + yet young and inexperienced, we have a right to appeal to you, our + elder and freer brethren, for protection. Being under the yoke of + Oppression, we can merely cry out in anguish. You have heard our + cry. The blame will now lie on your shoulders if the yoke is not + removed from our necks. ' + + From a printed copy of the speech circulated at the meeting + + ' The meeting later adopted a resolution protesting against the ill-treatment of + + South African Indians and calling for relief. + +448 + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 111. LETTER TO “THE HINDU” + + MADRAS, + October 27, 1896 + THE EDITOR, THE HINDU + MADRAS + SIR, + It would be ungrateful on my part if I did not thank the Madras + public for rallying round the cause of the British Indians in South + Africa as they did so admirably last evening. Indeed, all seemed to + have vied with one another in making the meeting a huge success + which it evidently was. I beg to thank you for your cordial support to + the movement. It, perhaps, shows the absolute righteousness of the + cause and the reality of our grievances. My special thanks are due to + the courteous Secretaries of the Madras Mahajana Sabha, who worked + with unremitting zeal in organizing the meeting and made the cause + their own. Ionly hope that the sympathy and support, thus far + extended, will be continued and we shall not be long in securing + justice. I beg to assure you and the public that the news of the last + night’s meeting, when it reaches South Africa, will fill the hearts of the + Indians with gladness and joy and thankfulness. Such meetings will + form a silver lining to the cloud of distress that is hanging over our + heads. As it was very late last evening I was unable to give expression + to the above sentiments. Hence this letter. + The scramble for the copies of the pamphlet was a scene I will + not easily forget. I am issuing a second edition of the pamphlet, and + as soon as the copies are ready, they can be had from the obliging + Secretaries of the Sabha. + M. K. GANDHI + The Hindu, 28-10-1896 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 449 + + 112. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION OF + THE GREEN PAMPHLET + + The rush for copies of this pamphlet at the Madras meeting’ in + Pachaiyappa’s Hall has necessitated the issue of the second edition. It + was a scene never to be forgotten. + The demand proved two things—the importance of the question + of the grievances of the British Indians in South Africa, and the + interest shown by the Indian public in the welfare of their countrymen + beyond the waters. + It is to be hoped that the second edition will be disposed of as + soon as the first, showing the continuance of the interest. Publicity is + perhaps the chief remedy for the grievances and the pamphlet is one + of the means to that end. + The appendix is an addition to the Ist edition and is a part of + the address read before the Madras meeting, being a reply to the Natal + Agent-General’s statement to Reuter. + + The Natal Immigration Law Amendment Act referred to in the + pamphlet has, unfortunately for the poor Indians in South Africa, + received the Royal assent. It is respectfully submitted that the question + requires the closest study by our public men and there should be no + rest till the Act is repealed or State-aided emigration to Natal + suspended. The Madras meeting has passed a resolution requesting + suspension of such emigration if the repeal of the Act cannot be + brought about. + + M. K. GANDHI + Calcutta, 1-11-1896 + + The Grievances of the British Indians in South Africa: An Appeal to the Indian + Public + + ' Vide the preceding item + + 450 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 113. LETTER TO F. S. TALEYARKHAN + + GREAT EASTERN HOTEL, CALCUTTA, + November 5, 1896 + + DEAR MR. TALEYARKHAN, + Your last letter was redirected to me here. I wrote' to you from + Madras informing you of my address in Calcutta and wrote’ to you + after my arrival here. I hope you received both the letters. + It is quite true that you will be making a pecuniary sacrifice in + going to Natal. But I am sure the cause is worth the sacrifice. + I shall endeavour to catch the Courland which is expected to + leave before the 20th instant. I wish you could be ready by that time. + Will you consider the new Franchise Law of Natal and get the + opinion of the eminent lawyers in Bombay if they would do so gratis? + You will find the text of the Bill in the Franchise memorial and one + legal opinion on it in the pamphlet. Any opinion obtained here will be + very useful to us in Natal. + I believe the meeting here will come off Friday week. The + matter will be finally decided tomorrow. + Iam, + Yours sincerely, + + M. K. GANDHI + + From the original. Courtesy: R. F. S. Taleyarkhan + + 114. INTERVIEW TO “THE STATESMAN” + + CALCUTTA, + November 10, 1896 + [REPORTER:] Will you please tell me, Mr. Gandhi, in a few words, something + of the grievances of the Indians in South Africa? + [GANDHII:] There are Indians in many parts of South Africa— + in the Colonies of Natal, the Cape of Good Hope, the South African + Republic, the Orange Free State, and elsewhere, in all of which, more + + ' Vide VoL.I, “ Letter to F. S. Taleyarkhan”, 18-10-1896 + > The letter is not traceable. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 451 + + or less, they are denied the ordinary rights of citizenship. But I more + particularly represent the Indians in Natal, who number about fifty + thousand. The first Indians were, of course, the coolies who were taken + over under indentures from Madras and Bengal for the purpose of + labouring in the various plantations. They were mostly Hindus, but a + few of them were Mohammedans. They served their contract time, and + on obtaining their freedom they elected to stay in the country, + because they found that, as market gardeners or hawkers of + vegetables, they could earn from three to four pounds sterling per + month. In this way, there are, at present, about thirty thousand free + Indians settled in the Colony, while some sixteen thousand others are + serving their indentures. There is, however, another class of Indians, + numbering about five thousand, Mohammedans from the Bombay + side who have been attracted to the country by the prospects of trade. + Some of the latter are doing well. Many are landowners in a large way, + while two own ships. The Indians have been settled in the country for + twenty years and more, and, being prosperous, were contented and + happy. + [R.] What then, was the cause of all the present trouble, Mr. Gandhi? + [G.] Simply trade jealousy. The Colony was desirous of + securing all possible benefit from the Indians as labourers, because the + natives of the country do not work in the fields, and the Europeans + cannot. But the moment the Indians entered into competition with the + European as a trader, he found himself thwarted, obstructed, and + insulted by a system of organized persecution. And gradually, this + feeling of hatred and oppression has been imported into the laws of + the Colony. The Indians had been quietly enjoying the franchise for + years, subject to certain property qualifications, and, in 1894, there + were 251 Indian voters on the register against 9,309 European voters. + But the Government suddenly thought, or pretended to think, that + there was danger of the Asiatic vote swamping the European, and they + introduced into the Legislative Assembly a Bill disfranchising all + Asiatics save those who were then rightly contained in any Voters’ + List. Against this Bill, the Indians memorialized both the Legislative + Assembly and the Legislative Council; but to no purpose, and the Bill + was passed into law. The Indians then memorialized Lord Ripon, who + was in those days at the Colonial Office. As a result, that Act has now + been repealed and replaced by an Act which says: ‘The natives, or + descendants in the male line of natives, of countries which have not + + 452 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + hitherto possessed elective representative institutions founded on the + parliamentary franchise shall not be placed on any Voters’ List unless + they shall first obtain an order from the Governor-in-Council + exempting them from the operation of the Act.’ It also exempts from + its operation those persons who are rightly contained in any Voters’ + List. This Bill was first submitted to Mr. Chamberlain who has + practically approved of it. We have yet thought it advisable to oppose + it, and with a view to secure its rejection, we have sent a memorial to + Mr. Chamberlain, and hope to secure the same measure of support + that has been extended to us hitherto. + + [R.] Then are we to understand that the Indians in Natal—the great bulk of + whom are coolies, who would never have aspired to free institutions in their own + country—are desirous of wielding political power in Natal? + [G.] By no means. We are most careful to put out, in all our + representations to the Government and the public, that the object of + our agitation is merely the removal of vexatious disabilities devised, as + we believe, to degrade us as compared to the European population. + With the object of still further discouraging Indian colonization, the + Natal Legislature has passed a Bill to keep indentured Indians under + contract for the whole term of their stay in the Colony; and if they + object to renew their contract at the end of their first term of five + years, to send them back to India, or, if they decline to return, to + compel them to pay an annual tax of £3 per head. Unfortunately for + us, the Indian Government, on the ex parte representation of a + Commission that visited India from Natal in 1893, have accepted the + principle of compulsory indenture; but we are memorializing both the + Home and the Indian Governments against it. + [R.] We have heard much, Mr. Gandhi, of daily annoyances to which Indians + in Natal are said to be subjected at the hands of the white Colonists. + [G.] Oh, yes! And the law supports the Europeans in this system + of persecution, either openly or covertly. The law says that an Indian + must not walk on the foot-paths but pass along the middle of the road; + that he must not travel either first or second class on the railways; that + he must not be out of his house without a pass after 9 o’clock at + night; that he must take out a pass if he wishes to drive cattle; and so + on. Imagine the tyranny of these special laws! For the infraction of + them, Indians—men of the highest respectability who might sit in + your Legislative Councils—are daily insulted, assaulted, and taken up + by the police. And in addition to these legal disabilities, there are + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 453 + + social disqualifications. No Indian is permitted in the tramcars, in the + public hotels, in public baths. + + [R.] Well, but, Mr. Gandhi, suppose you succeed in having the legal + disabilities removed, what about the social disqualifications? Will they not pinch and + gall and fret you a hundred times oftener than the thought that you cannot return a + member to the Legislative Assembly? + [G.] We hope that when the legal disabilities are removed, the + social persecution will gradually disappear. + + The Statesman, 12-11-1896 + + 115. LETTER TO “THE ENGLISHMAN” + + CALCUTTA, + November 13, 1596 + THE EDITOR, The Englishman + CALCUTTA + + SIR, + + “Send Mohandas’ (my Christian name) road enforcing Indians + to locations.” These are the words of a telegram received yesterday + from Natal by the agents, at Bombay, of Messrs Dada Abdulla and + Co., a leading Indian firm in South Africa. The Agents very kindly + telegraphed the message to me. This renders it absolutely necessary + for me to leave Calcutta abruptly. + “Road” is an error. I believe it means “Rhodes”,’ meaning the + Cape Government. The message means, therefore, that the Cape + Government are enforcing Indians to locations. And it is not unlikely, + as the Cape Parliament has empowered the East London Municipality + to remove the Indians to locations. Yet, seeing that the whole Indian + question is now pending before Mr. Chamberlain, such active + operations might have been suspended for a time. + The message shows the tremendous importance of the question + as well as the feeling of the Indian community in South Africa about + the matter. Had they not felt the indignity keenly they would not have + + ' This appeared under the title “The Indians in South Africa.” + * The source has “Mohanlal”, evidently a misprint. + * Later, Gandhiji discovered that the word used in the original telegram was + ‘Raad', the Dutch equivalent for the Legislative Assembly; vide "Letter to The + Englishman" 30-11-1896 + + 454 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + sent an expensive message. The removal may even mean ruin to the + Indian traders affected. But who cares for the welfare of the Indian in + South Africa? + + The London Times says as follows: + + In India the British, the Hindu and the Mussalman communities find + themselves face to face with the question as to whether, at the outset of the + new industrial movements which have been so long and anxiously awaited, + Indian traders and workers are or are not to have the same status before the law + as all other British subjects enjoy. May they or may they not go freely from + one British possession to another and claim the rights of British subjects in + allied States? Or are they to be treated as outcaste races, subjected to a system + of permits and passes when travelling on their ordinary business avocations, + and relegated, as the Transvaal Government would relegate them, to a ghetto + at the permanent centres of their trade? These are questions which apply to all + Indians who seek to better their fortunes outside the limits of the Indian + Empire. Mr. Chamberlain’s words and the determined attitude taken up by + every section of the Indian Press show that to such questions there can be but + one answer. + It is clear therefore, that the question affects not only the + Indians at present residing in South Africa but all who may wish to + seek fortunes outside India, and that there can be but one answer to + the question. I hope there will be only one answer. + + If all the Associations, Anglo-Indian and Indian, were to protest + against the disabilities that are being heaped upon the Indians in that + country, and if every important town in India were to hold meetings to + express disapproval of the ill-treatment, I venture to think that it will + not be doing too much. + + It is necessary that the public here should know what activity the + various Governments in South Africa are showing and what pressure is + being placed upon the Colonial Office at home to bring the matter to + a successful issue from their standpoint. Public meetings are being + held all over the country asking the Governments to put a stop to the + ‘coole’ immigration. Mayors of the different towns have been + meeting in congress and passing resolutions desiring the restriction of + the Asiatic influx. Sir Gordon Sprigg, the Cape Premier, is in active + communication with the Colonial Office about the matter and is + hopeful of a satisfactory result. Mr. Maydon, a prominent politician in + Natal, has been telling his audiences that the friends of the Colony in + England are doing every thing to vigorously put forward the Colonial + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 455 + + view before Mr. Chamberlain. Sir John Robinson, the Natal Premier, + has gone to England to recoup his health and to discuss important + State matters with Mr. Chamberlain. Almost all the newspapers in + South Africa have been discussing the matter from the Colonial point + of view. These are only some of the forces that are at work against us. + As an ex-member of Parliament says in a letter of sympathy: “The + whole struggle is unequal,” but, “justice is on our side.” Were not the + cause absolutely just and righteous it would have received its death- + blow long ago. + One thing more. The matter demands immediate attention. The + question is now pending. It cannot long remain undecided. And if it is + decided unfavourably to the Indians it will be difficult to have it + reopened. Now, therefore, is the time for the Anglo-Indian and the + Indian public to work on our behalf. Or it will be never. “The + wrong,” says a distinguished Conservative’, “is so serious that it has + only to be known, I hope, to be remedied.” + Yes, Sir, I implore the Anglo-Indian public also to help us + actively. We have not restricted our advances to one body or only one + section of the community. We have ventured to approach all and so + far we have received sympathy from all. The London Times and The + Times of India have been advocating our cause for a long time. All the + newspapers in Madras have fully supported us. You have given us + your ungrudging support and laid us under deep obligation. The + British Committee of the Congress has rendered us invaluable help. + Ever since he entered Parliament, Mr. Bhownaggree has been on the + alert on our behalf. He has been ventilating our grievance in season + and out of season. Many other Conservative members of the House of + Commons have extended their support to us. It is not therefore simply + a matter of form that we appeal to the Anglo-Indian public. I venture + to ask all your contemporaries to copy this letter. Had I been able, I + would have sent copies to all the papers. + + M. K. GANDHI + The Englishman, 14-11-1896 + + ' Sir Mancherjee Bhownaggree + + 456 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 116. INTERVIEW TO “THE ENGLISHMAN” + + [On or before November 13, 1596]' + There has always been a dislike of the Indian from the first days + of their migration to Africa, but it was only when our people began to + trade that the antipathy became marked and took shape in the + imposition of disabilities.’ + [Q.] Then all these grievances you speak of are the outcome of commercial + jealousy and prompted by self-interest? + [a.] Precisely. That is just the root of the whole matter. The + Colonists want us cleared out because they do not like our traders + competing with them. + + [Q.] Is the competition a legitimate one? I mean, is it entered into and + conducted on a fair and open basis? + [a.] The competition is an open one and conducted by the + Indians in a perfectly fair and legitimate manner. Perhaps a word or + two as to the general system of trading may make matters clear. The + bulk of Indians engaged in trafficking are those who get their goods + from the large European wholesal houses, and then go about the + country hawking them. Why, I may say that the Colony of Natal, of + which I speak particularly from knowledge and experience, is + practically dependent for its supplies on these travelling traders. As + you know, shops are scarce in those parts, at least away from the + towns, and the Indian gets an honest livelihood by supplying the + deficiency. It is said that the petty European trader has been + displaced. This is true to a certain extent; but then it has been the fault + of the European trader. He has been content to stop in his shop, and + customers have been compelled to come to him. It is not to be + wondered at, therefore, that when the Indian, at no small trouble, takes + the goods to the customers, he readily finds a sale. Moreover, the + European trader, no matter in however small a way, will not hawk his + goods about. Perhaps the strongest proof of the trading capabilities of + the Indian and, generally speaking, of his integrity, is to be found in + the fact that the great houses will give him credit, and, in fact, many of + them do the bulk of their trade through his agency. It is no secret that + + ' Gandhiji left Calcutta for Bombay on this date. + * The question was when the antipathy of the South African whites to Indians + first began to manifest itself + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 457 + + the opposition to the Indian in Natal is but partial, and by no means + represents the real feelings of a good portion of the European + community. + [Q.] What, briefly, are the legal and other disabilities placed upon the Indian + residents in Natal? + [a.] Well, first there is the ‘curfew’ law which prohibits all + ‘coloured’ persons being out after 9 o’clock at night without a permit + from their master, if indentured servants, or unless they can give a + good account of themselves. The great cause of complaint on this + score is that this law may be used by the police as an engine of + oppression. Respectable, well-dressed, educated Indians are sometimes + subjected to the humiliation of arrest by a policeman, being marched + to the lock-up, incarcerated for the night, brought before the + magistrate next morning and dismissed without a word of apology + when their bona fides have been established. Such occurrences are by + no means rare. Then there is the deprivation of the franchise, which + was brought out in the article you published. The fact is the Colonists + do not want the Indian to form part of the South African nation— + hence the taking away from him of franchise rights. As a menial he + can be tolerated, as a citizen never. + [Q.] What has been the attitude of the Indians on this question of the exercise + of political rights in an alien country? + [a.] Simply that of the person who claims to enjoy the same + rights and privileges in a country as those who are not native to the + country freely enjoy. Politically speaking, the Indian does not want + the vote; it is only because he resents the indignity of being dispos + sessed of it that he is agitating for its restitution. Moreover, the + classifying of all Indians in one category and the non-recognition of + the just place of the better class is felt to be a great injustice. We have + even proposed the raising of the property qualifications and the + introduction of the education test, which would surely give the hall- + mark of fitness to every Indian voter, but this has been + contemptuously rejected, proving that the sole object is that of + discrediting the Indian and depriving him of all political power, so + that he will be forever helpless. Then there is the crippling imposition + of the £3 poll tax per annum on all who remain in the country after + fulfilling their indenture. Again, the Indian has no social status; in + fact, he is regarded as a social leper—a pariah. Indignities of all kinds + are heaped upon him. No matter what his station may be, an Indian + + 458 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + throughout South Africa is a coolie, and as such he is treated. On the + railway he is restricted to a certain class, and, although in Natal he is + permitted to walk on the foot-path, this is refused to him in other + States. + + [Q.] Will you tell me something about the treatment of Indians in these + States? + [a.] In Zululand no Indians can buy landed property in the + townships of Nondweni and Eshowe. + + [Q.] Why was the prohibition imposed? + [a.] Well, in the township of Melmoth, which was the first + established in Zululand, there were no regulations and the Natal + Indians availed themselves of the right to buy landed property, which + they did to the extent of over £2,000 worth. Then the prohibition was + passed and made to apply to townships subsequently founded. It was + purely trade jealousy, the fear being that the Indians would enter + Zululand for trade purposes as they had done in Natal. + In the Orange River Free State, the purchase of any property by + an Indian has been made impossible by simply classifying him with + the Kaffir. It is not permitted him to hold immovable property, and + every Indian settler in the State has to pay an annual tax of ten + shillings. The injustice of these arbitrary laws may be gauged from the + fact that when they were promulgated the Indians, mostly traders, were + compelled to leave the State without the slightest compensation, + causing losses to the extent of £9,000. Matters in the Transvaal are + hardly any better. Laws have been passed which prohibit the Indian + from engaging in trade or residing otherwise than in_ specific + localities. On the latter point, however, proceedings are pending in the + law-courts. A special registration fee of £7 has to be paid, the 9 + o’clock rule is operative, walking on the foot-path is forbidden (at + least this is so in Johannesburg), and travelling first and second class + on the railways is not permitted. So you will see that the Indian’s life + in the Transvaal is not altogether a pleasant one. And yet, in spite of + all these disabilities, nay, unwarrantable indignities and insults, the + Indian, unless Mr. Chamberlain interferes, will be liable to compulsory + military service. According to the Commandeering Treaty, all British + subjects were exempted from this service, but, when the Transvaal + Volksraad was considering the point, they added a resolution to the + effect that the British subjects means “whites” only. The Indians, + however, memorialized the Home Government on this question. Cape + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 459 + + Colony, following on the same lines, has recently empowered the East + London Municipality to prohibit trading by Indians, walking on the + foot-paths and limiting them to residence in certain locations. So you + see almost everywhere in South Africa there is a dead set against the + Indians. Yet we ask no special privileges, we only claim our just rights. + Political power is not our ambition, but to be let alone to carry on our + trading, for which we are eminently suited as a nation, is all we ask. + This is, we think, a reasonable demand. + [Q.] So much for these grievances, which seem to be general through out + South Africa. Now tell me, Mr. Gandhi, how do Indian advocates fare in the law- + courts? + [A.] Oh! there is no distinction between advocates and attorneys + of whatever race; in the courts, it is only a question of ability. There + are many lawyers in the Colony, but, on the whole, forensic talent + cannot be said to be of a very high order. A good many European + pleaders are to be found, and it goes without saying that those with + English training and degrees monopolize the practice of the courts. + But I suppose it is the English degree, for those of us who have taken + it, which places us more on a level footing. Those with an Indian + degree only would be out of place. There is scope, I believe, for + Indian lawyers in South Africa, if at all sympathetically disposed to + their fellow-countrymen. + As to the political aspect of affairs in South Africa, Mr. Gandhi preferred not + to commit himself. + + The Englishman, 14-11-1896 + + 117. SPEECH AT PUBLIC MEETING, POONA' + November 16, 1896 + + The lecture consisted chiefly of extracts read from a pamphlet’ on the subject, + with here and there running comments thereon. This pamphlet contains an account of + + ' The meeting, organized by the Sarvajanik Sabha, was held at Joshi Hall. R. + G. Bhandarkar presided. After Gandhiji had spoken, the meeting passed a resolution + moved by Lokamanya B. G. Tilak, sympathizing with the Indians in South Africa and + authorizing a committee, composed of Dr. Bhandarkar, Lokamanya Tilak, Professor + G. K. Gokhale and six others to submit a memorial to the Government of India on the + disabilities imposed on the Indians. The full text of the speech in not available. + * The Green Pamphlet + + 460 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + the various ways in which natives of India are treated in South Africa, and winds up + with the names of people, said to represent the Indian community in South Africa, + who have appointed Mr. Gandhi to represent their grievances to the authorities and + the general public. + The lecturer asked his audience to do all they could to bring about an + amelioration of the lot of the South African Indians by representations and + + applications to Government. + + Bombay Police Abstracts, 1896, p. 405 + + 118. STATEMENT OF EXPENSES’ + + Dr. to M. K. Gandhi + The Natal Indian Congress + + Out-of-pocket expenses in connection with the movement in + India with regard to the grievances of the British Indians in South + Africa. + + [RS. A.P.] + Sth July (1896) + Carriage from morning to afternoon + and previous evening at Allahabad + — visiting editors , etc. 6-0-0 + Hotel bill 5-8-0 + Papers 2-12-6 + Gratuity 0-80 + [?... August] + Luggage containing pamphlets, etc. 4-8-0 + Half-fare return ticket—Bombay + to Rajkot 20-1-6 + Ist to 7th August + Stamps for pamphlets 41-8-0 + 7th August + Thacker’s Directory 25-0-0 + + ' Gandhiji had been given a draft for £75 to cover the travelling, printing and + other expenses incurred by him in connection with his South African work in India. + He submitted this statement of expenses to the Natal Indian Congress on his return to + South Africa. The last entry being dated November 29, the item is placed under that + date. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 461 + + 17th August + + Telegram Bombay 1-4-0 + Thakersi: gratuity re. pamphlet work 13-0-0 + Parcel and packing 500 books 3-10-0 + Note paper 2-12-0 + Pickwick pens 0-6-0 + Pencils 0-3-0 + One ream paper for pamphlet posting 2-0-0 + Water at Wadhwan 0-2-0 + Porter 0-4-0 + Poor man 0-1-0 + Telegraph boy 0-1-0 + Station peon 0-4-0 + 19th August + Carriage to G[rant] Road 0-5-0 + G. Road to Bandra and back 0-12-0 + G. Road to Pydhuni 0-4-0 + 20th August + Carriage—house to Fort 0-5-0 + Fort to G.B.K. Road 0-10-0 + House to Apollo Bunder 0-12-0 + Apollo Bunder to market 0-1-0 + Market to house 0-2-0 + 21st August + Carriage 0-5-0 + Stamps 1-0-0 + 22nd August + Carriage 1-7-0 + Fruit 2-0-0 + 24th August + Carriage 0-4-0 + 25th August + Carriage 0-4-0 + 27th August + Carriage 0-1-0 + Lalu—gratuity 1-0-0 + 31st August + Blacking Ink 0-1-0 + Ist September + Tram fare 0-4-0 + + 462 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 3rd September + Ink + Washerman + Paper + 4th September + Stamps + 11th September + Cards + Carriage + Boy + Carriage to station + Congress report + Ticket to Rajkot and back + Passes + Gratuity to cook & servant + Pencil + Papers + Telegram + Fruit + Carriage + 23rd September + Porterage at Wadhwan + 24th September + Driver—gratuity + Stamps + Paper + Luggage + Porters + Water and peon + Stamps for pamphlets + Water + Telegram + 25th September + Carriage from station to house + Carriage and tram + 26th September + Carriage + 27th September + Carriage + + 0-4-0 + 0-8-0 + 0-2-0 + + 1-0-0 + + 1-4-0 + 0-12-0 + 0-2-0 + 0-6-0 + 1-0-0 + 48-3-3 + 0-2-0 + 2-0-0 + 0-3-0 + 1-0-0 + 1-0-0 + 0-10-6 + 0-4-0 + + 1-0-0 + + 0-8-0 + 1-0-0 + 0-14-0 + 13-8-0 + 0-12-0 + 0-6-0 + 30-0-0 + 0-0-6 + 1-0-0 + + 1-4-0 + 0-9-0 + + 0-4-0 + + 0-8-0 + +463 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 + + 28th September + + Papers 1-4-0 + Platform pass 0-0-6 + Carriage 0-5-0 + 30th September + Carriage 0-10-0 + 9th October + Carriage 0-4-0 + Carriage and papers 0-8-6 + Champion 0-4-0 + Photograph 0-15-0 + 10th October + Times 0-8-0 + Tram 0-2-0 + Soap 0-1-0 + 11th October + Fare to Madras 49-11-0 + Guide 0-1-0 + Telegram to Mr. Sohoni' 2-0-0 + Luggage 5-8-0 + Soap 0-4-0 + Carriage 0-4-0 + Porter 0-4-0 + Pass 0-2-0 + 12th October + Carriage at Poona 1-0-0 + Porter 0-4-0 + Charity 0-8-0 + Carriage (whole day) 4-8-0 + Porters 1-0-0 + Mr. Sohoni’s son 1-0-0 + Coffee 0-6-0 + Paper 0-2-0 + Boy 0-2-0 + 13th October + Breakfast 0-14-0 + Luncheon 1-14-0 + + 'A colleague of Gokhale; vide "Letter to G. K. Gokhale", 18-10-1896 + + 464 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Dinner 2-2-0 + + Fruit 0-2-0 + Water 0-1-0 + 14th October + Railway station, Madras 0-4-0 + Guide 0-4-0 + Porter 0-2-0 + Carriage (whole day) 4-2-3 + Trickman 0-0-6 + Papers and envelopes 2-10-0 + Carriage for station 1-8-0 + 15th October + Carriage 4-6-0 + Letter carrier 0-10-0 + Paper 0-4-0 + Tram 0-1-0 + 16th October + Stamps 1-0-0 + Carriage 2-3-0 + Paper 0-8-0 + Dhobi 1-0-0 + 17th October + Papers 0-14-0 + Carriage (whole day) 4-3-0 + 18th October + Carriage (half day) 2-3-0 + Andrews donation 7-0-0 + Sulphur ointment 0-2-0 + 19th October + Tram fare 0-9-0 + Telegram to Wacha' 1-6-0 + Papers 1-0-0 + 20th October + Dhobi 0-4-0 + Papers 0-12-0 + Punkah coolie 0-2-0 + + ' Dinshaw Wacha, (1884-1936), A prominent Indian leader. He presided over + the Indian National Congress session in 1901. The telegram is not traceable. + + VOL.1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 465 + + 21st October + + Note paper 0-14-0 + Ink and pins 0-3-0 + Tape 0-1-0 + Magician 0-8-0 + Papers 0-10-0 + Lace 0-1-0 + 22nd October + Carriage 2-4-0 + Sweets 0-5-3 + Photograph 0-6-0 + Papers 0-12-0 + Tram 0-13-0 + 23rd October + Carriage 5-0-0 + Tram 0-10-0 + Stamps 0-8-0 + 24th October + Boys at school 0-13-0 + Carriage 2-10-0 + Andrews 0-8-0 + Tram 0-1-0 + Letter carrier 0-4-0 + Papers 0-10-0 + Dhobi 0-12-0 + East Indian Assam coolies 1-0-0 + L. Councils 0-6-0 + Local Govt. returns 5-0-0 + Councils Act 0-6-0 + Foreign reports 2-0-0 + S.A.R.' papers [re:] grievances 0-8-0 + + Statement moral & [material] + + progress’ 1-12-0 + Madras District [Municipal Act.] 1-0-0 + Madras Local Boards [Act] 0-10-0 + Tamil books 4-12-6 + Andrews for books 1-9-0 + + ' South African Republic, the Transvaal + * Statement Exhibiting the Moral and Material Progress and Condition of + India during the Year, issued annually for presentation to Parliament by the then + Government of India + + 466 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 26th October + Tamil books assortment 7-0-7 + Carriage 0-8-0 + Tram fare 0-4-0 + Papers 0-8-0 + Carriage 2-4-0 + 27th October + Carriage 3-4-0 + Inland telegrams 18-12-0 + Madras Standard a/c. telegrams + & address 30-0- + Butler’s gratuity 9 + Waiter 1 + Bhangi 0 + Cook 1 + Gardener 0- + Keeper 0 + Luggage to Calcutta 3 + Andrews 5 + Hotel bill 4 + Papers - + Dhobi - + Punkah coolies (14 days) 3 + Fare to Calcutta 122 + Guide 0- + 0 + 1 + +oon + + Stamps + Dinner at Arkonam + 28th October + + Breakfast 1-6-0 + Luncheon 1-13-0 + Papers 0-10-0 + Water 0-0-6 + Guard 0-8-0 + Dinner 2-8-6 + Porter 0-2-0 + 29th October + Breakfast 1-10-0 + Coffee 0-4-0 + Porter at Manmad 0-3-0 + Porter at Bhusaval 0-3-0 + Pioneer 0-4-0 + Luncheon 0-11-0 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 467 + + Dinner 2-6-0 + + Porter at Nagpur 0-4-0 + 30th October + Carriage at Nagpur 1-8-0 + Hotel 3-4-0 + Porter, waiter, etc. 1-15-0 + Tiffin 0-6-0 + Dinner 1-11-0 + Paper 0-4-0 + 31st October + Tea and bread on way to Calcutta 0-9-0 + Breakfast 1-15-0 + Tiffin 0-7-0 + Paper 0-2-0 + Porter at station 0-6-0 + Porter at Asansol 0-2-0 + Porter at hotel 0-4-0 + Carriage to hotel 1-0-0 + Carriage & theatre 4-12-0 + Ist November + Dhobi 0-10-6 + Blacking ink, brown leather + paste, brushes 1-9-6 + Carriage 3-0-0 + Stamps, regd. letter 0-5-0 + Standard telegram 0-8-0 + 2nd November + Carriage 3-0-0 + Stamps 0-4-0 + Parcel—books for Bombay 4-12-0 + Letter carrier 0-4-0 + 3rd November + Carriage 3-8-0 + Hair cutting & shaving 0-10-0 + Stamps 0-8-0 + Parcel men 0-2-0 + Charity 0-0-6 + + 468 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + 4th November + Dhobi + Grinding razor + Telegram Standard + Carriage + Sth November + Carriage + Dhobi + Butler + 6th November + Carriage + 7th November + Theatre + Carriage + Sth November + Dhobi + 9th November + Hindi & Urdu books + Urdu & Bengali books + Blue books + Carriage + Stamps + Telegram [to] P.N. Mukerjee + Dhobi + 10th November + Blue books Bengal Sectt. + Carriage + + 0-8-0 + 0-8-0 + 0-8-0 + 1-10-0 + + 2-0-0 + 0-4-0 + 4-0-0 + + 5-4-0 + + 4-0-0 + 1-4-6 + + 0-4-0 + + 0-12-6 + 4-8-0 + 2-8-0 + 1-2-0 + 0-8-0 + 2-6-0 + 0-4-0 + + 11-12-0 + 1-13-6 + 4-14-0 + 0-3-0 + 0-4-0 + 0-1-0 + 1-0-0 + + Telegram Standard, Abdulla Coy. + + Dhobi + Letter carrier + Paper + Carriage + 11th November + Papers + Letter carrier + Municipal Laws + Porter + Carriage + + 0-5-0 + 0-4-0 + 0-12-0 + 0-1-0 + 1-0-0 + +469 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 + + 13th November + + Ticket to Bombay + Telegram to Tilak' + Bengali + Carriage + Porters + Water pot, water + Butler + Cook—gratuity + Door-keepers + Sweeper + Bathman + Stamps + Abba Mian for parcel + Hotel bill + + 91-11-0 + 2-0-0 + 11-10-0 + 2-2-0 + 0-10-0 + 0-4-0 + 6-0-0 + 1-0-0 + 1-4-0 + 0-4-0 + 0-12-0 + 0-12-0 + 3-0-0 + 100-14-0 + + 14th November + + Breakfast and gratuity + Luncheon + Coffee + Dinner + Thread + Apples + Coachman Moosa Hussein + Dhobi + Telegram—Tilak’ + + 1-10-0 + 2-0-0 + 0-5-0 + 2-2-0 + 0-4-0 + 0-2-0 + 1-0-0 + 0-8-0 + 1-2-0 + + 15th November + + Breakfast + Luncheon + Telegram—Abba Mian’ + Telegraph boy + Dinner + + 1-10-0 + 1-2-0 + 0-8-0 + 0-0-9 + 2-6-0 + + ' These telegrams are not traceable. + * These telegrams are not traceable. + * ibid + +470 + + THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Stamps 0-2-0 + 16th November + Bombay to Poona fare 14-14-0 + Porter 0-4-0 + Carriage 1-8-0 + Carriage at Poona 1-10-0 + Lemonade 0-6-0 + + Telegram to Poona 1-0-0 + 17th November + Porter + Carriage + 18th November + Stamps 1-0-0 + 19th November + Carriage 0-10-0 + Barber 0-4-0 + 20th November + Tram 0-1-0 + 21st November + Carriage 0-9-0 + 27th November + Stamps 0-2- + Papers 1-8 + 28th November + Carriage 0-1 + Champion subs. 6-0 + Bombay Gazette 1-0 + Bombay Dist. Boards Act 2-0- + 0-8 + 5-0 + +oo + + ooooon + + Cart + Cook—gratuity + 30th November + Ghati gratuity 2 + Servant Lalu 10 + Stamps—posting & regd. 20 letters 2 + Envelopes 0- + 0 + 4 + + oooooo + + Pens + Paper for pamphlet as per bill 8 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 471 + + 23rd September + + Zululand Petition' 15-7-0 + Immigration petition’ 42-4-0 + Notes on the grievances* 20-0-0 + Sth September + Bombay address (120 copies) 50-0-0 + Regd. for Rs. 300 to Madras 0-3-9 + Package for sending books to Calcutta 0-4-0 + Registration--Calcutta Rs. 200 0-3-3 + 17th September + Printing 6000 copies pamphlet 110-0-0 + September + Times of India Directory 10-15-0 + October + Sending Rs. 100 by money order 2-1-0 + Telegrams—Madras 2-0-0 + November + Note Paper 0-3-3 + 30th November + Telegram to Secy. of Viceroy’ 5-4-0 + 27th September + Telegram to Durban’ 99-6-0 + 21st September + Telegram to Sir W. W. Hunter*® 113-2-0 + Bhimbhai for copying, assisting, etc., etc. 20-0-0 + Fruit 2-6-0 + Pens 0-4-0 + Stamps 0-8-0 + + ' Vide “Memorial to Natal Governor’,26-2-1896 and “Memorial to J. + Chamberlain”, 1 1-3-1896 + > Vide ’Memorial to J. Chamberlain”, 1 1-8-1895 + *Vide “ Notes on the Grievances of the British Indians in South Africa”, + 22-9-1896 + * This item is not traceable. + > These are not traceable. + ° ibid + + 472 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Porter for taking books to Institute 0-1-3 + 28th November + + Congress stamp 1-8-0 + 17th August + Rajkot to Wadhwan 4-13-0 + Telegram—Bombay 1-4-0 + Total: Rs. 1,666-6-1 + 29th November + Paid Madras Standard on A/c + Pamphlet 100-0-0 + 1,766-6-1' + Paid customs for pamphlets 0-6-6 + + From a handwritten office copy: S.N. 1310 + + 119. TELEGRAM TO THE VICEROY’ + + November 30, 1896 + + I RECEIVED WIRE FROM INDIANS IN SOUTH AFRICA + SAYING THAT TRANSVAAL GOVERNMENT IS ENFORCING + INDIANS TO LOCATIONS. THIS IS APPARENTLY DESPITE + MR. CHAMBERLAIN’ S REQUEST TO STAY ACTION UNTIL + TEST CASE — TRIED. I VENTURE TO THINK THAT THIS + ACTION BY TRANSVAAL IS BREACH OF INTERNATIONAL + COURTESY IF NOTHING MORE AND _ PRAY ~— THAT IM- + MEDIATE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN TO STAY REMOVAL + TO LOCATIONS. THE EXISTENCE OF HUNDREDS OF BRI- + TISH INDIANS _ IS AT STAKE. + + The Bengalee, 1-12-1896 + + ' Totals carried forward from page to page in the source have been omitted. + + > This was also published in The Times of India, 30-11-1896, with minor cha- + nges and without the last sentence. + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 473 + + 120. LETTER TO “THE ENGLISHMAN” + + BOMBAY, + November 30, 1896 + + THE Epitor, The Englishman + CALCUTTA + + SIR, + + With reference to my letter in connection with the grievances of + the Indians in South Africa, dated the 13th instant,’ I happened to read + the original telegram received from South Africa. It reads “raad” and + not “road” as in the message received by me in Calcutta. The + meaning is now quite clear. It is that the Transvaal Government are + enforcing Indians to locations. This makes the matter still more + serious, if possible. + + The High commissioner for South Africa, in accepting the + award of the arbitrator in connection with the Indian question in that + Republic, writes as follows in a telegram, dated the 24th June, 1895, + A.D. : + + The Secretary of State has received a telegram from the Indians stating + that they have received notice to remove and praying that action may be + stayed. I therefore urge Your Honour’s Government to stay action until the + resolution and circular of 1893 have been cancelled and the law brought in + harmony with the award when a test case can be tried in the courts of the South + + African Republic. + + The resolution and the circular referred to have been cancelled, + but so far as I know, and I have been receiving here the South African + papers regularly, a test case has not been tried. Evidently, therefore, + the action of the Transvaal Government is premature, and, I venture to + think, constitutes a breach of international courtesy, if nothing more. I + venture to remind you that the assets of the Indians in the Transvaal + amount to over £100,000, and that removal to locations would + practically mean ruin to the Indian traders. The question, therefore, in + its immediate aspect involves the very existence of hundreds of Her + + ' This appeared under the title "The Indians in South Africa". + * Vide “ Letter to “The Englishman”, 13-11-1896. + + 474 THE COLLECTED WORKS OF MAHATMA GANDHI + + Majesty’s subjects whose only fault is that they are “sober, thrifty and + industrious”. + I submit that the matter demands the most urgent and + immediate attention of the whole public in India. + M. K. GANDHI + The Englishman, 8-12-1896 + + VOL. 1: 1884 - 30 NOVEMBER, 1896 475