Mahatma Gandhi, his life, writings and speeches/Gandhi's Reply
Mr. Gandhi's in reply said:—
Mr. Gandhi, in returning thanks, referred to the great crisis which at the moment overshadowed the world. He hoped his young friends would "think Imperially" in the best sense of the word, and to their duty. With regard to affairs in South Africa, Mr. Gandhi paid a noble tribute to the devotion of his followers. It was to the rank and file that their victory was due. Those who had suffered and died in the struggle were the real heroes. He acknowledged the splendid help rendered by their fellow countrymen in India, especially that saintly politician Mr. Gokhale. Their noble Viceroy, Lord Hardinge had been a tower of strength to them. But their success would have been impossible had they not quickened the conscience of the people of South Africa by their passive resistance movement. The masses of the people had given them splendid help throughout their march into the Transvaal General Botha and his Government had also played the game, and General Smuts had been most anxious to do justice. Mr. Andrews had also played a noble part during his visit to South Africa last winter. Mr. Gandhi regarded the settlement as the Magna Charta of the South Africa British Indians not because of the substance but because of the spirit which brought it about. There had been a change in the attitude of the people of South Africa and the settlement had been sealed by sufferings of the Indian community. It had proved that if Indians were in earnest they were irresistible. There had been no compromise in principles. Some grievances remained unredressed but these were capable of adjustment by pressure from Downing Street, Simla and from South Africa itself. The future rested upon themselves. If they proved worthy of better conditions, they would get them.