GHANDI'S CHALLENGE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18512, 8 March 1930, Page 17 (Supplement)

GHANDI'S CHALLENGE

REVOLT AGAINST LAWS PROPOSED. (United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright ) DELHI, March 6. Mahatma Gandhi states that while he is ready to compromise with the Viceroy, unless a favourable reply to his ultimatum of civil disobedience will commence. He will personally lead the first batch of volunteers, consisting of male disciples from his settlement at Ahmedabad. who will march to the sea coast. He refuses to take women disciples, saying that it would be a cowardly action to place them in the forefront of the battle knowing that Englishmen would never harm them.

ATTACK ON BRITISH. ACCUSED OF CRUSHING INDIANS (United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received March 8, 1.30 a.m.) DELHI, March 7. Mahatma Gandhi's ultimatum to the Viceroy declares British rule a curse, because it has impoverised the dumb millions by a system of progressive exploitation. and ruinous civil and military administration. Ghandi acknowledges that the English are no worse than other people, but British Statesmen have no intention of adopting a policy which might adversely affect Britain’s commerce with India, but by heavy taxation the British system is crushing the life out of the agriculturist, the salt tax falling heaviest. He refers to the administration as the costliest in the world. Ghandi says: “The Viceroy’s salary is £52/10/- daily, against the Indian’s income of less than 2d daily. I know you don’t need this salary, and probably the whole goes for charity, but the system deserves to be scrapped, as it is characteristic of the whole administration. Nothing but unadulterated nonviolence can check the organised violence of the British Government. I knew, in embarking on the campaign, I'm taking a mad risk, but victories are never won without risks. If we want to sever the British connection, it is because of such evils, but if they are removed the path will be opened for friendly negotiation. Ghandi enumerates the Indian demands and says: “It is open to you to frustrate my design by arresting me, but I hope ten thousand will be ready to take up the work after me. This letter is not intended as a threat, but as a sacred duty.”