Page:The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, vol. 2.djvu/155

 ects. Realizing his responsibility and recognizing his duty, our Mayor has already started a fund in response to Calcutta cablegram from the Chief Justice of Bengal on behalf of Central Committee there. Indians in all parts of the world have been moving actively in the matter, and in Durban alone, by yesterday, they subscribed about £700, two firms contributing over £100 each and one £75 and there are good grounds for the hope that the collection might amount to about £1,500.

We have taken the liberty to approach you, Sir, because we are confident you will sympathize with our aims and objects; we, therefore, venture to request you to start a relief fund. There is no doubt, with your immense influence and energy, you are in position to help materially the public of India in their endeavours to relieve the suffering millions from the terrible consequences of the prevailing famine, and we feel sure that Johannesburg, with its immense riches, can do much more in this direction than all other parts of South Africa put together.

We may be permitted to state here that we have appealed to the Indians in different parts of South Africa to do all they can in this matter.

Hoping that this will receive your immediate attention and with apologies for encroaching upon your precious time,

We remain,

Sir,

Your obedient servants

From the office copy: S.N. 1996


 * 31The signatories to this letter were the members of the Committee named in the foregoing appeal.


 * 32The official residence of the Mayor of London. The fund in the end amounted to £550,000. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1965


 * 33Vide "Letter to Francis W. Maclean", 7-5-1897.

To the Clergymen of Durban (6-2-1897)
BEACH GROVE, DURBAN, February 6, 1897

TO. ..

I venture to write to you; about the Indian Famine Fund opened by the Mayor of Durban. I beg to draw your attention to the remark made by the Mayor in the Town Council yesterday to the effect that only one European had so far subscribed.

I need hardly describe the suffering of the millions in India who may have to die simply from want of sufficient nu