Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/115

 an independent friendly States being deprived of their status as British subjects guaranteed to them by the Sovereign and the British Parliament,

AD ex-Liberal member of the House of Commons flays :

You are infamously treated by the Colonial Government and you will be so treated by the Home Government if they do nob 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 privile- ges guaranteed to British subjects in India. Again ib is perfectly evident tnat 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 degrad- ing conditions. The excuses wbioh 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." Yet another Conservative member says: "Your activity is praiseworthy and demands justice. I am, therefore, willing to help you as far aa .lies in my power,"

Suob is the sympathy evoked in England. Here, too, I know we have the same sympathy, bub I bumbly think that) our cause may ooeupy your attention still more largely.

What is required inlnriia has been well pub 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 woll- being of our countrymen m 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 organise 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 oaanot b^ taken.,up one >4ay too soon.

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