Page:MKGandhi patriot.djvu/100

Rh when the Bishop interviewed Colonel Johnstone, and pointed out the necessity of increasing, or supplementing the provision already made, while the pressure of need on the banks of the Tugela became every day more intense, Mr. Gandhi's offer was at last favourably entertained, and sanction given for the formation of an Indian Ambulance Corps.

So soon as the principle was conceded, it became clear to the European officers that a very corps would be desirable, and an approach was made to the employers of indentured Indians to permit their men to volunteer for this service. The result was gratifying. When the call came, as it did very quickly, the Indians, free and indentured, who responded amounted to a thousand. The rank and file received the ordinary "bearer's" pay; the leaders gave their services. The Indian merchants supplied the stores and uniforms, and Dr. Booth himself joined the Corps in the capacity of Medical Superintendent.

As for Mr. Gandhi, I have never known him preach what he was unwilling to practice, and he naturally, in this enterprise, took such an active part, that General Buller described him as "Assistant Superintendent," and when the technical mistake