88 THE SOUTH AFRICAN INDIAN QUESTION “ I do not hold for one moment," Mr. Gandhi exclaim. ed; i' that East and West cannot combine. I think the day is coming when East must meet West; or West meet Enf; but I think the social evolution of the West to·day lies in one channel; and that of the Indian in another channel. The Indians have no wish to·3ay to encroaoh on the social institutions of the European in BOUDII Africa (Cheers) Mast Indians are natural traders· There are bound to he trade jealousies and those various things that cosne from competition. I have never been able to find a solution of this most diliicult problem, which will requre the broad-mindedness and spirit ofjustice of the Gwernmant of Sauth Africa to bold the btlance hetween conflicting interests " Refer- ring to his stay in Sauth Africa, Mr. Gandhi said that he should retain the most sacred memories of this land. He had heen fortunate in forming the happiest and most lasting friendships with both Europeans and Indians. He was new returning to India-—-a holy land sanctified by the austeritiea of the ages. In conclusion, Mr. Gandhi hoped that the same love and sympathy which had been given to him iu Sauth Africa might be extended to him, no matter in what part of the World he might he. He hoped that the settlement embodied in the Indians' Belief Bill would be carried out in a spirit of broad-mindedness and justice in the administra- tion of the laws lately passed in connection with the affairs of the Indian commun:c,r. " Then," added Mr, Gandhi, “ I think there will he no fear on the part of my countrymen in their social evolution. That is one of the lessons of the settlement."
Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/178
This page needs to be proofread.
