Page:MKGandhi patriot.djvu/106

 CHAPTER XIV

THE HEART OF THE TROUBLE

When Mr. Gandhi returned from a brief visit to India after the War, he realised, perhaps, for the first time, the greatness of the work to which he had put his hand. He reached Pretoria on the 1st January, 1903. All was changed. The new, and unapproachable. An Asiatic Department had been created, and those in charge of it had, apparently, little sympathy with the Indians. He attempted to get into touch with Mr. Davidson, who was then Colonial Secretary, but failed. The local Indians had failed before him. Only after repeated efforts was he able to see this gentleman, and then he was courteously referred to the Assistant. The Assistant Colonial Secretary was not even courteous. He sent for the resident Indians, and censured them for inviting their leader to the Transvaal, saying that he (the Assistant Colonial Secretary) was there to look after their interests, and that he did not wish to see them in Mr. Gandhi's company. Then he sent for Mr. Gandhi, and rated him soundly for coming to the Colony, and said that he had no business