Mahatma Gandhi, his life, writings and speeches/Lady Mehta
By LADY MEHTA
In moving this Resolution I do not propose to refer to the serious developments that have arisen or to discuss the merits of the assertions and denials which have been made on either side, though it would not be difficult to point out that many of the denials contain in themselves admissions which it is difficult for us to contemplate without intense pain and anguish, I may be permitted however to say that it is impossible not to regret that there are people who in their wisdom have been lavish in advising the leaders of the Indian struggle in South Africa and their sorrowing and indignant sympathisers, in this country to exercise the virtue of moderation. Alas! It is a pity that these critics do not themselves practise the virtue which they unctuously preach, for if they to do so they would realize that the constant words for years and years of the great noble and self sacrificing leader of the Indian struggle, Mr. Gandhi and his associates, have been unswerving loyalty on the one hand, and patience, resignation and above all moderation on the other. Moderation has been the guiding principle of Mr. Gandhi's gospel under the most trying circumstances. The loyal, mild, patient and peace-abiding Indian subjects of our gracious Sovereign in South Africa have suffered humiliation and hardships for years hoping against hope believing in the justice and righteousness of their cause and confident in the ultimate protection of the Crown to which South Africans as well as ourselves owe submission and allegiance. They as well as we, could have claimed equal rights of entry and residence in any part of the dominions of our common Sovereign as guaranteed to us by solemn, charters. They as well, as we could have knocked at open doors in South Africa as well as Europeans have claimed to knock at open doors in all parts of Asia, indeed everywhere in the world. But so moderate have been Mr. Gandhi and his associates, that they bowed to the unrelenting fates and submitted practically and substantially to abandon all claims to free immigration. All that they asked for was that Indians already settled in South Africa should not be denied the bare rights which the simplest dignity of humanity required for free men and free citizens.