Jain Shwetambar Conference Herald 1909 Book 05

SR No.: 536505
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Mohanlal Dalichand Desai
Publisher: Jain Shwetambar Conference
Publication Year: 1909
Total Pages: 438
Language: Gujarati
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Shwetambar Conference Herald, & India
File Size: 11 MB

Page 319

TROL ]
APPEALS TO INDIA.
[ 282
covenant not to submit to the Registration Law abovenaped and another passed in the year 1908, whilst the struggle was yet going on, until the Registration Act of 1907 fs repealed so as to remove the racial taint.
By reason of the covenant, over 2,500 Indians, representing all races, classes, and religions, have imdergone imprisonment. Many Indians domiciled in the Transvaal or in some other South African Colony have been by arrangement with the Portuguese Administration at the Province of Mozambique deported direct to India, at a moment's notice, in some cases leaving families and businesses behind uncared for and unattended. Many homes have been ruined. Many merchants have been reduced to poverty. Many families are being supported out of charitable funds collected by the Indian community.
We do not desire unrestricted Indian immigration into the Colony. We accept the principle of white predominance in this sub-continent. All we claim is that the Transvaal cannot, unlike the other Colonies, impose a test and thus, in the words of Mr. Chamberlain, wound the susceptibilities of India's millions.
We have appealed to all parties--all British subjects. And we have received support from all of them. Even in the Trang. vaal, a small European Committee, composed of prominent members of the community, under the Chairmanship of Mt. Wm. Hosken, M.LA, has been supporting us.
The honour of India, we doubt not, is as dear to Anglo. Indians as it must be to Indians. Through you therefore, we ask the whole of Anglo-India to help us in any manner you may consider best, to end the unfortunate situation. .
Owing to the almost unbearable severity of the struggle, many have succumbed. But the heroic band still continues to court imprisonment again and again. They are determined to fight unto death. The Transvaal gaols contain, at the time of addressing this appeal nearly 200 Indian conscientious objectors. The Government have, for the purpose evidently of gagging us, arrested five such objectors, who were chosen as delegates to proceed to India and England. We pray for relief.