Mahatma Gandhi, his life, writings and speeches/Indian Committee and Mr. Gandhi
APPENDIX II
[Mr. M. K. Gandhi in submitting an account of the Indian Committee of the income and expenditure up to the 31st January 1915 in connection with the Passive resistance in South Africa made the following observations]:—
This struggle had defined principles and removed disabilities which were in the shape of a national insult. The larger question of the treatment of British Indians who come from outside can be dealt with here. For the question of the local disabilities still unredressed, the Indian Committee will have to exercise a ceaseless watch and assist, as heretofore, the efforts of our countrymen in South Africa. I feel that I ought to place on record my strong conviction based upon the close personal observation extending over a period of twenty years that the system of indentured emigration is an evil which cannot be mended, but can only be ended. No matter how humane employers may be, it does not lend itself to the moral well-being of the men affected by it. I, therefore feel that your committee should lose no time in approaching the Government of India with a view to securing the entire abolition of the system for every part of the Empire. I am bound to mention that the struggle would not have ended so soon or even as satisfactorily as it did, but for the generous support rendered by the Motherland under the leadership of the great and saintly patriot, the late Mr. Gokhale, and but for the very sympathetic and firm attitude taken by the nobleman who at present occupies the Viceregal chair.