Appendix VI.—Indigo Labour in Behar
proceed without further reference. I consider that there is a danger of disturbance to the public tranquillity, should he visit your district; and I have the honour to request you to direct him by an order under Sec. 144, Cr. P. C, to leave at once, if he should appear.
I have the honour to be, etc.,
(Sd.) L. F. MORSHEAD,
Commissioner of Tirhut
Division.
Mr. Gandhi's Reply
Mr. Gandhi's reply to the District Magistrate, Motihari:
Sir,—With reference to the order under Sec. 144, Cr. P. C., just served upon me, I beg to state that I am sorry that you have felt called upon to issue it; and I am sorry too that the Commissioner of the Division has totally misinterpreted my position. Out of a sense of public responsibility, I feel it to be my duty to say that I am unable to leave this district, but if it so pleases the authorities, I shall submit to the order by suffering the penalty of disobedience.
I most emphatically repudiate the Commissioner's suggestion that "my object is likely to be agitation." My desire is purely and simply for
265
