Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/287

 THE SITUATION IN EAIBA 19T

the matter of Kaira District was being discussed, when ib was decided that the Gujarat) 8abha ought to take part in the matter. I -think that), as regards this notice, a mountain has heen made out of a mole-hill, Everyone knew what the notioa was when it was being framed, Nohody then ven dreamt that Government would misinterpret it>. The Sahha had with it sufficient data about the plight of the people. They oame to know that Government! officials were collecting Saxes and the people were even selling their oattile GO pay the taxes. Trie matter had oome to such a pass, and, knowing this, the Sahha thought it better to issue a notice to console the people who braved theae hardships. And the notice was the result of that information, and I have every hope thab in the deputation that it* going to wait on the Governor, the result of the deliberations will end in the success of the people.

COMMISSIONER'S WRATH

If the Commissioner had not been angry with us, and had talked polibeiy with the deputation that waited cm him, and had not misinstruoted the Bombay Gov- ernment, such a grave crisis would not have eventuated, and we would not have had the trouble of meeting here this evening, The Sabha's request was to suspend the collection of dues till the negotiations were over. Bub Government did not take this proper course and issued an angry Press Note. It was my firm belief and even now I firmly believe than the representatives of the people and Government could have joined together and taken the proper steps. I regret to have to say that Gov- ernment has made a mistake, Perhaps subordinate officers of Government would say to Government thab

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