68 THE SOUTH AFRICAN INDIAN QUESTION Gokhalei to produce a striking demonstration. He was aware of the miseries caused to the women and babes in arms. On the whole, he felt he had not gone beyond the principles and honour of the profession of which he was a member. He felt that he had only done his duty in advising his countrymen, and it was his duty to advise them again, that, until the tax were removed, to leave work and snbsist upon rations obtained by charity. He was certain that without suffering it was not possible for them to get their grievance remedied. The Magistrate hnally in pronouncing sentence said :·-·- It was a painful duty to pass a sentence upon the conduct of a gentleman like M r.Gandhi, upon the deliberate contravention of the law, but he had a duty to perform, and Mr. Godfrey, his counseli had asked him fearlessly to perform that duty. The accused having pleaded guilty, he (the Magistrate) accepted that plea, and passed the following sentences :—-—Oount 1, £20, or three months' imprisonment, with hard labour: Oount 2, ,:£’20, or three months' imprisonment, with hard labouri to take efect up- on the eccpiratzon of the sentence in respect to count 1 ; Count 3, 5,20 or three months’ imprisonment, with hard labour, this to take eden upon the expiration of the sentence imposed in count 2. Mr. Gandhi, in a clear and calm voice, said .·——(° I elect to go to gaol." His counsel visited him later, and, through him, desired it to be stated that he was cheerful and con/ident. and sent as his message to the strikers the following :——— `° No cessation of the strike without the repeal of the £3 tax. The Government, having imprisoned me, can gracefully make a declaration regardinsz the repeal."
