Gandhi Before Gandhi

Author(s): Bipin Doshi, Priti Shah
Publisher: Jain Academy Educational Research Center Promotion Trust Mumbai

Page 166

GANDHI BEFORE GANDHI
153, East 31st St., New York City, Nov. 14th 1894.
At the refreshments which followed
every one had so much to say.
My Dear Mrs. Howard,
Mr. Gandhi, very kindly, indeed, had gotten tickets for Miss Phillips an escort, and myself and Viva to attend. He met us so graciously, ever Simply, as if he were not aware he were a lion, and greeted us in a way which made us happy. I could not say over meaningless words on congratulating to him, over his splendid efort --- but I am sure he must know that we were full of pent-up enthusiasm to be allowed to see him and hear him at such a wonderful moment.
You know Viva is afraid of him --- he is the only mortal that she is afraid 06 --- I should use the words "In awe" of him, rather --- She thinks his mind is so great. Some one spoke admiringly of Swami Vivekananda, but Vivat said quickly, "There is no comparison; Vivekanand is an adept at vituperation, but Mr. Gandhi is sincere and true. I admire Mr. Gandhi more than any man I have ever heard 08."
Viva and I thought of you last evening at the 19th Century Club. when Mr. Gandhi sat on the platform in his white costume with purple turban and sash--- Looking just the same as in your parlor and as if it were a proud moment in his life. You can imagine how proud we were on him to think that when people asked, as they did behind us, "Will we have to have an interpreter?" "1 suppose so" and to know how taken by surprise they would be, at his first word. It was a splendid crowdbrilliant in jewels and broad it mind --- as crowds go in New York, there could be none more on the qui vive. The missionary was a nice gentleman who won for his side by his defeat--- he was really as a Christian should be. I know you would have liked him, too. When Mr. Gandhi came forward he seemed eager for the fray. I had no idea that he would care so much. He began very nicely indeed saying that his remarks should not be construed as applying to America or the gentlemen present. Then he simply sailed in, and gave the missionary system "Hail Columbia." I could see heads nodding in approval to his statements, and many rounds of applause were given. He waxed faster and faster, using the most superfine English it the most masterly way till our heads began to swim trying to take it all in and in any interpreter were needed, it was one for us, for our own language. I had never heard him "go far "any before-but it was his day, I can assure you: he must have relived his mind. The poor missionary made a few mild corrections, and behaved just as a true Christian should. The Scientist, Dr. Carns gave some scientific explanation from a judicial standpoint, most excellent. Then Mr. Gandhi came forward again and "went for missionaries for all he was worth. When he advised sending a fire engine to baptize twenty thousand Hindu Converts at once, people just screamed--- a few were shocked. But that brought down the house. You know, as a people, we are very fond of repartee.
Well, the beautiful evening is over, and I feel I must thank you for our enjoyment, as well as Mr. Gandhi for is your heart had not warmed to us those snowy nights of last winter --- we should have missed this with the rest.
1 hope you will send more of those cards, some to Miss Phillips to distribute. Perhaps with those who gave addresses at the lecture, the classes may be formed. How many are necessary to make it worth while! Mr. Gandhi is quite business like he has learned by your teaching to get around promptly. I think we did not impress him very favorably 30 early in the morning, But never mind: we were so glad to see once more.
16 you have any instruction to carry out, I shall be most happy to serve you.
Love from
Ella Sterling Cummings.
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