Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/278

 THE GAINS OP THE PASSIVE RESISTANCE STRUGGLE

The following is an English rendering from Guja- rati t originally published in the '* Indian Review 1 ' for Nov. Dec,, 1912:

Very often we oome across Indiana who question bbe utility of passive resistance as carried on in bhis country (South Africa). They say that what our people have gob a* a result) of fane terrible suffering* in the jails and oubaide H some proposed modifioabion in bhe Immig- ration Law, which bhey oannob understand, and which ia hardly likely to he of any praotioal value to them. The maximum gaiu from the struggle, according to their view, is that thereby a few very highly-educated Indioa who are least likely to be of any use to them will find it possible to enter the country. For the edification of those who hold the above view, we propose to give a abort summary of the gaina thereof.

That thereby the Indian community could preserve its national self-respect: according to our proverb, one who can preserve his self-respect can preserve everything else,

That thereby the Ragistrabioo Act of 1907 has got to be swept off the statute book.

That thereby the whole of India became acquainted with our disabilities in this country.

That through it other nationa became acquainted with our grievances aud began to appreciate ua better.

That by it was brought about the prohibition of Indian indentured labour to Natal by the Indian Govern- ment,

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