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 however, in favour of another Bill shortly afterwards introduced, which reached the same goal by a different route. The Indians of Natal were dis-franchised.

Mr. Gandhi meanwhile proposed the formation of a permanent organisation to watch the interests of the Indians, and prevent a surprise in future. His friends replied that the idea was excellent, but impracticable unless he consented to remain. He said it was impossible, as he would not accept pecuniary assistance for such work, and if he settled in South Africa, he could see no way of supporting himself and maintaining fitly his position as a barrister. The Indians then offered to guarantee him a practice. It seemed to them, now that they were awakened to the seriousness of their condition, that it was essential that they should have someone to act for them, who was qualified to interpret the thoughts of the two nations, and give an acceptable form to their own desires. So they pressed their claim. Feeling the force of their arguments, Mr. Gandhi, although he would gladly have closed his eyes to them and returned to India, at last consented to remain. So South Africa became the land of his adoption, and under his hand the Natal Indian Congress