Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life/South Africa 1908

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←South Africa 1907

The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi by Mohandas K. Gandhi South Africa 1908

South Africa 1909→

1908, January 1

Transvaal Immigrants’ Restriction Act (Henceforth referred to as TIRA) (No.15 of 1907) came into force. Mass meeting held at Surti Mosque, Fordsburg, to protest against TIRA and Transvaal Asiatic Registration Act2 (TARA henceforth) (Law 2 of 1907).

1908, January 3

Gandhi appeared in Johannesburg Court to defend Nawab Khan and Sumandar Khan prosecuted under TARA.

1908, January 4

British Indian Association (BIA henceforth) informed Receiver of Revenues that, if Indian traders not registered under TARA were refused licences, they would trade without them.

1908, January

Gandhi pointed out in a letter to The Star that TARA rested on an unproved charge against Asiatics.

1908, January

Smuts in speech at Mayville said that Indians had been misled by their leaders and declared that no Parliament in the country could repeal TARA.

1908, January, after 4

Gandhi attempted unsuccessfully to see General Smuts regarding his speech at Mayville.

1908, January 6

In interviews to The Star and The Transvaal Leader Gandhi summed up Indian position against TARA.

1908, January 8

Told Reuter that, if TARA was suspended, all Indians would be registered within a month.

1908, January, before 10

Writing in Indian Opinion , reiterated Indians’ determination to face imprisonment and deportation.

1908, January

Gandhi adopted the term "satyagraha" as Gujarati equivalent for passive resistance.

1908, January 10

His last message to Transvaal Indians exhorting them to remain steadfast.

1908, January

Assured The Star that Indians would register voluntarily if element of compulsion in TARA was withdrawn.

1908, January

Addressed a meeting before his trial.

1908, January

Tried and sentenced to jail for two months.

1908, January

Declared, in final interview to Rand Daily Mail, that he had undertaken the struggle prayerfully and in all humility.

1908, January 21

Cartwright met Gandhi in jail and they agreed upon voluntary registration by Indians in return for repeal of TARA.

1908, January

Addressed petition to Director of Prisons regarding Asiatic prisoners’ diet-scale.

1908, January 27

Public meetings held in Ahmednagar and elsewhere in India, protesting to Imperial Government against TARA.

1908, January 28

Blue book on Transvaal Asiatic legislation published in London.

1908, January

At meeting in New Reform Club, London, Sir. W. Wedderburn declared that, since Imperial Government spent £ 3 million annually on defense of Transvaal, it had a right to demand that Transvaal Indians be treated in keeping with Imperial traditions. Sir M. M. Bhownagree warned of an "Imperial danger" and M. A. Jinnah (M. A. Jinnah had been appointed by Anjuman Islam, Bombay, "to proceed to England and there to place the position of the Transvaal Indians before the people of England and to do all in his power to create public opinion in favor of a settlement of the Asiatic difficulty in the Colonies", Indian Opinion 11.1.1908) said all Indians were united in their protest against humiliating treatment of Transvaal Indians.

1908, January

Cartwright brought compromise letter drafted either by himself or General Smuts to Gandhi in jail. After amending it, Gandhi signed it along with Quinn and Naidoo at 12-30 p.m.

1908, January

At 2-30 p.m. Cartwright left for Pretoria to meet General Smuts.

1908, January

At 5 p.m. Cartwright rang up to say General Smuts had accepted the terms of compromise letter.

1908, January 29

Public meeting held at Bombay under chairmanship of His Highness The Aga Khan protested against TARA and appealed to Imperial Government to intervene and, failing that, to allow a retaliatory policy in India against South Africans.

1908, January 30

Acting Assistant Colonial Secretary wrote accepting compromise letter.

1908

Gandhi escorted to Pretoria to meet General Smuts; settlement reached regarding voluntary registration and its validation.

1908

Learnt from Chamney that legalization of voluntary registration by Asiatics being proposed under TARA.

1908

Unsuccessfully sought another interview with General Smuts.

1908

In interview to Rand Daily Mail and The Transvaal Leader discussed the "compromise" and his treatment in prison.

1908

Addressed midnight meeting, a thousand strong, in precincts of Hamidia Mosque.

1908

Formally released from prison.

1908

Spoke at BIA meeting explaining settlement.

1908

In interview to Reuter suggested that Asiatic with domiciliary rights be assimilated in future South African nation; agreed with General Smuts that indenture system in Natal should be stopped.

1908, January 31

All satyagrahis released.

1908

In Press interview General Smuts said that Asiatics could trade without license pending legalization of compromise. Said that demand for repeal of TARA was preposterous and Indians had not persisted in it.

1908, February ?

In Cape general elections South African Party led by John X. Merriman returned to power.

1908, February 1

Gandhi wrote to General Smuts against Government’s intention to legalize voluntary registration under TARA and proposed that this be done by amendment of TIRA instead.

1908

In interview to Press, refuted charge of organized surreptitious entry of British Indians, on which TARA was based.

1908, February 2

Declared at BIA meeting in Johannesburg that, if violence was to be used against those giving fingerprints, he should be first victim.

1908, February 3

Met General Smuts who in Chamney’s presence repeated promise to repeal TARA if Transvaal Asiatics registered voluntarily. G. K. Gokhale asked at meeting of Viceroy’s Council if India Government were aware of "the depth and intensity of public feeling" at the "injustice and indignities" of Transvaal Indians. Replying for Government Findlay said that they sympathized with their Transvaal subject and had reason to hope "current negotiations" would remove their "just grievances".

1908, February 4

Lord Ampthill’s call-attention motion in House of Lords, Lord Curzon also spoke.

1908, February 5

The Times, London, blamed Colonial Office for "lack of imagination" in not having urged Imperial interests on Transvaal Government and brought about a settlement earlier. It called for an agreed Imperial attitude in self-governing Colonies in matters of race.

1908, February 5 - 6 (?)

In course of public speeches and Press interviews, Smuts promised freedom from arrest for violation of TARA and unlicensed trade. The law would not be repealed meanwhile. A measure to validate such registration would, however, be introduced in Parliament when it met next. Announced that aim of compromise was to reduce Colony’s Asiatic population.

1908, February 8

Explaining procedure for voluntary registration in Indian Opinion, Gandhi advised educated Indians not to exercise option in favor of affixing their signatures rather than finger-impressions on voluntary registration applications.

1908, February 10

Voluntary registration began.

1908

Gandhi assaulted by Mir Alam Khan and others; appealed from his sickbed at Doke’s house that assailants be forgiven, and asked Asiatics to give their fingerprints voluntarily.

1908, February 11

Dr. G. U. Pope died at Oxford.

1908, February 15

"A Dialogue on the Compromise" published in Indian Opinion. (In his book Satyagraha in South Africa, Gandhi, however, says that he wrote this during his stay at Phoenix where he arrived sometime after March 6.)

1908, February 22

Gandhi wrote in Indian Opinion of February 22 and 29 explaining conditions under which he accepted compromise and clarifying Indian community’s obligations; emphasized solidarity of Transvaal Hindus and Muslims.

1908

Wrote to General Smuts, enclosing Draft Bill to amend TIRA; suggested therein repeal of Peace Preservation Ordinance and TARA.

1908, February 29

Number of voluntary registration applications at Johannesburg rose to 3,400.

1908, March 5

Gandhi left for Durban to dispel widespread misunderstanding of compromise among Pathans and others.

1908

Addressed public meeting under auspices of Natal Indian Congress at Durban. Another attempted assault on Gandhi, evidently by Pathans.

1908, March 6

Met Durban pathans who insisted that he had betrayed community; reported that this conciliatory meeting was a failure.

1908

Left for Phoenix along with a "merry party" to "meet my family" after convalescence.

1908, March 10

Sir Lepel Griffin died in London.

1908, March 14

At dinner, said to be the first of its kind in South Africa, BIA gave gifts to whites who had helped in satyagraha campaign.

1908, March 17

In Calcutta, Lord Minto declared that failure of crops in United Provinces had affected 50 million people. Famine conditions had developed in U.P. in September 1907.

1908, March 18

Number of voluntary registrants in Johannesburg increased to 5,090.

1908, March 21

T. J. Bennett, Proprietor-Editor of The Times of India, wrote to Lord Ampthill confirming representative character of Bombay meeting. Men of all races including European merchants and officials exercised over question.

1908, March 24

In Canada, Supreme Court nullified Government’s deportation order on 146 Indians who had arrived by S.S. Monteagle; they were consequently released.

1908, March 26

Lord Selborne speaking at Klerksdorp declared that "East is East, West is West" and that, because "white man’s civilization is expensive", he could not compete with Indian trader. Suggested reservation of unoccupied portions of Empire for Asiatic settlement. British and Boer were equal partners in British Empire.

1908, March, before 30

Dr. C. O’Grady Gubbins, Colonial Secretary, announced Natal Government’s intention to enact legislation to discontinue immigration of indentured labor and to stop issue of licences to "Arab" traders after ten years.

1908, March 30

Bill to amend Transvaal Gold Law published in Government Gazette extraordinary.

1908, April 6

H. S. L. Polak enrolled as attorney of Transvaal Supreme Court.

1908, April 10

Transvaal Municipal Association passed resolution saying that natives and colored persons should be denied municipal franchise and right to own freehold land and made to live in Locations and trade in Bazaars.

1908, April, before 12

Meeting of Het Volk Congress urged that all Asiatics be moved into Bazaars. General Smuts hoped that Municipal (Consolidation) Bill would solve problem of "colored people living among whites".

1908, April 19

Natal Agricultural Union protested against proposed stoppage of Indian immigration; declared Indian labor necessary for Natal’s industries.

1908, April 21

Strike in India Telegraph Service.

1908, April 22

Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman died.

1908, April, before 24

Lord Ampthill asked that Oriental immigration to colonies be discussed at an Imperial Conference.

1908, April, before 25

BIA wrote to General Smuts protesting against draft amendment to Transvaal Gold Law.

1908, April, before 26

At congress of Progressive Party, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick said he had no faith in "coercive legislation" and "race differentiation". He called upon the white man "to justify himself" and to "outwork the Native".

1908, April, before 27

Gandhi returned to Johannesburg from Phoenix Settlement.

1908, April 30

Bomb incident at Muzaffarpur in India.

1908, April 30

Last day for satyagrahi traders who had been carrying on unlicensed trade to take out licences. There were issued up to December 31 to voluntary registrants and up to June 30 for traders who had not so registered.

1908, May 2

According to cablegram report, an Afghan lashkar about 20,000 strong crossed over into India; "unofficial war" began.

1908, May 3

A bomb "factory" discovered in offices of Navasakti. Aurobindo Ghosh, formerly of Yugantar, and 50 other arrested.

1908, May, before 8

Natal Bills published in Government Gazette.

1908, May, before 9

Inter-Colonial Conference, persecutor of National Convention, met at Pretoria to discuss interstate railway and customs matters, but only passed six resolutions, moved by General Smuts and prescribing procedure for attaining immediate union. Sessions lasted less than a week.

1908, May 9

Last date for voluntary registration by Asiatics; 8,700 applications received and 6,000 accepted.

1908, May 12

In telegram Chamney announced that all Asiatics entering Colony after May 9 should register under TARA. Gandhi wrote to General Smuts asking that this misunderstanding of compromise be clarified.

1908, May 13

Transvaal Municipal (Consolidation) Bill gazetted. Bill envisaged empowering Municipalities to deal with traders and denying hawkers right of appeal to law Courts regarding administrative decisions on licences.

1908, May 14

Gandhi wrote to Cartwight saying his services as mediator might again be required.

1908, May

Wrote to Lane saying that period of three months in compromise letter was never intended to apply to Asiatics returning to Colony or otherwise possessing right of reentry; urged General Smuts to accept voluntary registration of new arrivals and repeal Act.

1908, May, before 15

Deputy Labor Minister Mackenzie King, who returned to Canada on April 26 after consultations about Indian immigration with Imperial Government announced in Dominion Parliament that there was no "necessity of enacting any legislation either in India or Canada" to solve problem.

1908, May 15

Lane wrote to Gandhi saying Colonial Secretary could not depart from earlier decision.

1908, May, before 16

Gandhi met Cartwright; decision to interview General Smuts taken.

1908

Natal Mercury, Times of Natal, The Star, and the Leader deprecated Natal Bills.

1908, May 16

In interview to The Star Gandhi welcomed Natal Bill to stop indentured immigration; condemned other two Bills.

1908

Following General Smuts’ emphatic refusal to extend voluntary registration facilities to Asiatics with domiciliary rights but entering after three-month compromise period, accused General Smuts, in weekly newsletter, of "foul play" but still hoped latter would repeal TARA.

1908, May 17

Essop Mia, Chairman, BIA, assaulted by a Pathan.

1908, May 18

Speaking at Y.M.C.A., Johannesburg, Gandhi claimed that colored races were at integral part of the Empire and declared his faith in mission of British to raise subject races to equality with themselves.

1908, May 20

Writing in Indian Opinion, appealed to Pathan community to express disapproval of acts of violence by isolated Pathans.

1908

Writing in his newsletter on assault on Essop Mia, declared that, if one lacked the requisite courage for Satyagraha, one might use arms in self-defence.

1908

In House of Lords, Lord Ampthill complained about "the inactivity of the Imperial Government [in the matter of Natal Bills] which have encouraged the Transvaal to imitate Natal thus attempting to restore a tyranny worse than under the Kruger regime."

1908, May 21

Gandhi wrote to General Smuts asking for public announcement of repeal of TARA.

1908, May 22

The Transvaal Leader reported that the Government was preparing a Bill legalizing voluntary registration and excepting such registrants from TARA.

1908

Lane replied stating General Smuts’ inability to comply with above request.

1908

Registrar of Asiatics wrote to BIA pointing out that introduction of minors into Colony by Asiatics punishable under TARA.

1908, May 23

Chairman, BIA, replied that, since Indians had registered voluntarily in compliance with compromise, they considered TARA a dead letter and its enforcement, breach of compromise.

1908

Gandhi shown draft of Transvaal Asiatics’ Registration Validation Bill by Cartwright.

1908, May 26

BIA wrote Colonial Secretary informing him of British Indians’ decision to withdraw voluntary registration applications as the letter had gone back on his "compromise assurance."

1908

Gandhi, Bawazeer, Naidoo and Quinn wrote to Chamney asking for return of their voluntary registration applications.

1908, May 27

Gandhi explained situation at meeting of BIA Committee, which endorsed resumption of Satyagraha.

1908, May 29

Telegraphed Chamney asking for return of application forms.

1908, May, before 30

Circular sent to BIA Town Committees instructing Indians to withdraw voluntary registration applications and informing them of resumption of satyagraha. Gandhi repeated offer to defend satyagrahis free of charge.

1908, May 30

In letter to Indian Opinion, announced that satyagraha would be resumed.

1908, May

Telegram from Chamney, in reply to Gandhi’s of 29th, to say that letter’s draft Bill for amending TIRA had been misplaced and asking for another copy. This was sent.

1908, May

Gandhi wrote to Lane asking for permission to publish correspondence with General Smuts between February 1 and 22.

1908, June, before 1

Draft "Ordinance" to restrict Asiatic immigration into Southern Rhodesia gazetted.

1908, June 1

Gandhi informed over phone that General Smuts had called Cabinet meeting to consider Indian issue; his reply would be sent on June 2.

1908, June, before 2

Met Chamney at Winchester House.

1908, June 2

Eminent white sympathizers met and reaffirmed support to Indian cause.

1908

Question in Imperial Parliament whether His Majesty’s Government intended to intervene in view of threatened breach of compromise and revival of Indian agitation.

1908, June 4

Gandhi invited to meet General Smuts on June 6 to discuss new draft of validation Bill.

1908

In another letter Lane refused permission to publish correspondence with General Smuts.

1908, June 6

Gandhi met General Smuts; discussed mode of validating voluntary registration, his draft amendment of TIRA and right of future Asiatic immigrants to voluntary registration. Smuts assented TARA was wholly bad and served no useful purpose. Emergence of disagreement about categories of Asiatics whose right of domicile was to be recognized under proposed legislation. Gandhi asked for assurance of repeal of TARA, else he would move Supreme Court for return of applications.

1908

Wrote to Cartwright asking him to persuade Progressives not to obstruct repeal of TARA.

1908, June 12

Sent General Smuts a telegram announcing decision to move Supreme Court for return of applications on advice of eminent counsel Smuts asked him to an interview the next day.

1908, June, before 13

Gandhi wrote in Indian Opinion against Rhodesia Bill for compulsory registration of Indians.

1908, June 13

Met General Smuts who promised decision within a week; move to approach Supreme Court put off by a week at meeting of BIA Committee.

1908

In a letter, the same day, covering discussions, Gandhi pleaded that any amendment of TIRA should protect rights of (1) prewar refugees, (2) holders of £3 registration certificates and PPO permits; and (3) rights of would-be educated immigrants should not be jeopardized by compromise.

1908, June 16

Repeal of TARA at instance of Imperial Government rumored in Johannesburg Press.

1908, June 19

Telegram asking Gandhi to interview with General Smuts next day.

1908, June 20

Gandhi met General Smuts who asked to see him again on June 22 "to consider one or two minor points that remain".

1908, June 22

Leader editorial, saying TARA would be repealed.

1908

At meeting with General Smuts, Gandhi was shown draft amendment to TIRA — an "excellent Bill" for voluntary registrants, past and future — which, however, executed the three categories of persons and declared them prohibited immigrants. Gandhi’s proposal for referring educated Indian’s issue to Supreme Court was turned down. General Smuts also refused right of judicial review of voluntary registrants’ claim rejected by Registrar of Asiatics. On Gandhi’s refusal to agree to these conditions, General Smuts announced decision to retrain TARA and amend it to validate voluntary registration.

1908

In interviews and letters to press, Gandhi announced breach of compromises and his intention to move Supreme Court for return of applications for voluntary registration.

1908

BIA Committee endorsed proposed test case in Supreme Court. In Press statement explaining breakdown of negotiations, General Smuts argued that compromise letter of January 29 did not mention repeal of TARA; he was, however, willing to repeal the Act provided Indians agreed to exclusion of the three categories of persons in amending bill. Since Gandhi did not agree, voluntary registration would be validated by separate measure.

1908, June, before 23

Aswat wrote to Chamney asking for return of application.

1908, June 23

His petition for return of application filed in Supreme Count. Gandhi and Essop Mia filed affidavits stating that General Smuts had promised to repeal TARA.

1908, June 24

Mass meeting in Johannesburg announced community’s resolve to withdraw applications and reaffirmed resolution of September 11, 1906 not to submit to TARA.

1908

Sorabji Shapurji entered Transvaal to test right of educated Indians.

1908

In India, Tilak arrested on charge of sedition for his articles in Kesari, entitled "The Country’s Misfortune" of May 12 and "These Remedies Are Not Lasting" of June 12.

1908, June 25

Chamney filed counter-affidavit.

1908, June 26

General Smuts filed affidavit saying he had never promised to repeal Act.

1908

Chamney filed another affidavit to same effect.

1908, June 29

Gandhi and Aswat filed replying affidavits reaffirming earlier declaration about General Smuts’ promise.

1908, July, before 2

In weekly newsletter, Gandhi declared that Satyagraha was no longer struggle for self-interest but for rights of others — the three categories of "prohibited immigrants".

1908, July

Burning of registration certificates — if "voluntary" applications were not returned — mentioned for first time as means of continuing Satyagraha.

1908, July 2

Aswat’s petition rejected by Supreme Court.

1908

Gandhi wrote to Transvaal Press, releasing his correspondence with General Smuts for publication.

1908, July 4

In letter to The Transvaal Leader, Rev. Doke argued that Indians’ campaign against TARA was fully justified.

1908, July, before 5

Reported offer by General Smuts, sent through while mediators, to concede right of entry to holders of £ 3 registration certificates and to provide for appeal to Courts against Chamney’s decisions rejecting claims of voluntary registrants. In return, Indians were to agree to exclusion of educated Asiatics. Indians turned down offer.

1908, July 5

Meeting in Hamidia Mosque considered situation arising from Supreme Court’s ruling and decided to burn registration certificates following Sunday.

1908, July 6

Chairman, BIA, wrote to Colonial Secretary urging legal rights of three categories of would-be Indian Immigrants and explaining (1) that Association could not barter away rights of those it did not represent and (2) that Indians could not forgo services of educated follow-countrymen in future. Also stand community’s resolve to burn certificates on July 12.

1908, July 7

Register of Asiatics instructed municipalities to demand thumb-impressions under TARA from Asiatic traders applying for licences. Gandhi interpreted this to mean that Government wanted to bring voluntary registrants also under TARA.

1908, July 8

Gandhi appeared in Court to defend Sorabji Shapurji.

1908, July 9

Chairman, BIA, wrote to Colonial Secretary (1) complaining that demand of thumb-impression from Indian applicants for trading license constituted breach of compromise and (2) saying that education test under TIRA could be made very severe. Meanwhile Indians would put off mass meeting of July 12 for burning certificates.

1908, July 10

Johannesburg Court ordered Shapurji to leave Colony within seven days.

1908, July 11

Gandhi sought elucidation of General Smuts’ offer from Cartwright.

1908, July 14

Cartwright confirmed General Smuts’ offer over telephone.

1908

In letter to Cartwright, Gandhi estimated number of holders of £ 3 Dutch registration certificates at 100. Repeated willingness to refer educated Indians’ issue to Supreme Court and to accept a severe education test but not one along racial lines, and announced his determination to carry on satyagraha. Denied General Smuts’ charge that he had accepted £ 2 from each Muslim voluntary registrant.

1908, July 15

Report in The Star that settlement of Asiatic question was probable.

1908, July 16

Chairman, BIA, write to The Star announcing decision of eminent Indians to take to unlicensed hawking as "protest and penance".

1908

Hawking without licences began.

1908

Lord Milner, speaking on "Closer Union" at Royal Colonial Institute, London, suggested promotion of interdependence within Empire to increase understanding and reduce anti-racial prejudice in colonies.

1908, July 20

Ebrahim Ismail and Suliman Bagas tried and sent to jail as unlicensed "hawkers".

1908, July

Gandhi appeared in Court to defend Sorabji Shapurji; Shapurji sentenced to a month’s hard labor under PPO, not TIRA.

1908, July

Indians wishing to enter Court assaulted by police.

1908, July

Addressing meeting outside Court, Gandhi asked traders to court arrest by trading without license as protest against proposed deprivation of educated Indians’ rights.

1908, July

Affidavits filed by Polak and other complaining of Police misbehavior.

1908, July

Speaking at mass meeting, Gandhi exhorted Indian traders not to affix thumb-impressions on their license applications under TARA.

1908, July

Wrote that "burning of register is postponed for time being but their collection need not be".

1908, July 21

Bawazeer, Chairman, Hamidia Islamic Society, arrested for hawking without licences.

1908, July 22

Gandhi appeared in Court to defend Bawazeer and others. Ratanji Laloo’s appeal dismissed in Supreme Court. In judgment, Justice Solomon said Asiatics might be admitted under TIRA education test.

1908, July

Four hundred out of 800 Indian hawkers reported to have taken out licences under TARA.

1908, July

Imperial Government announced they had instructed Lord Selborne not to assent to Rhodesian Asiatic legislation pending consideration by Secretary of State for Colonies.

1908, July

In India, Tilak sentenced to six years’ transportation and fine of Rs.1,000.

1908, July 23

Indian traders all over South Africa observed hartal as a mark of respect for Bawazeer.

1908

In Cape Town and Durban, meetings passed resolutions protesting against sentences on Transvaal satyagrahis.

1908

In Turkey, Sultan Abdul Hamid accepted restoration of parliamentary Government.

1908, July 26

Gandhi spoke at mass meeting, held to felicitate Imam Bawazeer and other satyagrahis on their release.

1908

More "voluntary" certificates and hawkers’ licences handed over to BIA for burning.

1908, July 27

Harilal Gandhi arrested for hawking without licences.

1908

Gandhi shown a copy, by Hosken, of Asiatic Voluntary Registration Bill — "a fraudulent bill" which equated voluntary registrants with those who had submitted to TARA and did not provide for the three categories of persons.

1908, July 28

Gandhi appeared in Court to defend Harilal Gandhi and others.

1908

Harold Cox asked in House of Commons whether H. M. Government understood, in Shapurji’s case, test of desirability to be "one of race or of education."

1908, July 31

In Imperial Parliament, Colonel Charles Seely said self-governing colonies might exclude whomsoever they liked but must give those admitted full rights.

1908

Deputation, introduced by Sir Charles Bruce and including Sir Muncherjee, Harold Cox, G. K. Gokhale and Ritch, placed before Lord Crewe the grievances of Indians in Transvaal, Natal and Rhodesia.

1908, August, before 1

Gandhi wrote, in Indian Opinion that, "after great deliberation, Tilak’s views on British rule" should be rejected. It would be "harmful, even useless" to use violence to "uproot British rule".

1908

Chinese Association decided to adopt Indian satyagrahis’ methods. Chairman Quinn and other Chinese began hawking in Johannesburg.

1908, August, before 8

In letter to Indian Opinion, Gandhi explained that "it was part of Harilal’s education to go to goal for the sake of the country".

1908

Speaking at Verceniging, Lord Selborne declared that Imperial Government were bound to protect rights only of prewar Transvaal Indians.

1908, August, before 10

At meeting of Progressives at Witbank, Stend, Editor Pretoria News, referred to TARA as "unfair legislation" which Government could not enforce. Said Smuts would again be beaten in controversy by Gandhi.

1908, August 10

Gandhi defended Harilal Gandhi in Court.

1908

Addressing meeting after trial, declared that selling of satyagrahi traders’ goods instead of sending them to jail was "legalized robbery" and that General Smuts was responsible for "suicide of the China man and death of young Mr. Naidoo".

1908

Learnt that Progressive Party would oppose repeal of TARA.

1908, August 11

Transvaal Leader editorial described "the harrying of the Asiatics" as "part of a deep state men-like plan"; "we have sought earnestly for the statesmanship; and we are a little tired."

1908

Bill to validate voluntary registration of Asiatics published in Government Gazette.

1908, August 12

In interview to The Transvaal Leader, Gandhi explained that proposed bill to validate voluntary registration violated terms of compromise. It did not repeal TARA, nor did it specifically exempt voluntary registrants from scope of Act. In required minors and fresh entrants to register under TARA.

1908

A Daily Telegraph correspondent wrote, as quoted by Ritch, that "there was no doubt that the Government intended to repeal Registration Act… In fact, the Registrar of Asiatics read him some of the more important provisions of the Act…{as} approved of by Mr. Smuts".

1908, August 12-13 (?)

Dawad Mahomed, Parsee Rustomjee, Anglia, Randeria and other Durban leader entrained for Johannesburg to test their domiciliary rights in Transvaal.

1908, August 13

Petition to Transvaal Legislative Assembly reiterating that proposed Bill violated compromise.

1908, August 14

Gandhi wrote to General Smuts appealing to him once more to respect compromise, accept his amendment of TIRA or to meet Indian leaders with a view to a settlement; failing that, certificates would be burnt following Sunday.

1908

Wrote to George Farrar, Leader of Opposition, detailing his objections to validation Bill.

1908, August 16

Addressed mass meeting in Johannesburg which resolved to oppose TARA; registration certificates burnt.

1908, August 18

Went to Pretoria at General Smuts’ invitation to meeting attended by Botha and Smuts and members of Progressive Party-Government offered to alter validation Bill saying specifically that TARA would not apply to voluntary registrants and minors.

1908, August 19

Gandhi visited Sorabji Shapurji in prison.

1908, August 20

Meeting held to consider modified version, proposed by Government, of validation Bill.

1908

Gandhi wrote to Lane incorporating following demands of meeting (1) repeal of TARA; (2) entry of educated Indians under severe education test; (3) release of prisoners and reinstatement of Shapurji. The "letter of ultimatum" so called.

1908, August 21

In Transvaal Legislative Assembly, Asiatics’ Voluntary Registration Validation Bill withdrawn on Select Committee’s recommendation. A new bill, Asiatics’ Registration Amendment Bill (ARAB), "which contains [practically] everything we wanted" was read.

1908

Second reading of ARAB in Legislative Council and third reading in Legislative Assembly.

1908

Gandhi said in interviews to The Transvaal Leader and The Star that new Bill fell short of the terms proposed by Asiatics, and that passive resistance, "a state of suffering", would be resumed.

1908, August 22

Third reading of ARAB in Legislative Council.

1908, August 23

Mass meeting in Johannesburg in which more registration certificates were burnt, Mir Alam, Gandhi’s assailant, and other Pathans admitted their error and resolved "to fight to the end". In his speech, Gandhi deprecated Sir Percy Fitzpatrick’s hint that there might be racial conflict in Colony.

1908, August 24

Chairman, BIA, wrote to Colonial Secretary asking Government once more, "on the eve of a fierce struggle", to give the relief sought by Asiatics.

1908, August 27

Dawad, Mahomed and other Natal Indians leaders arrested in Anjuman Islam Hall, Pretoria.

1908, August 28

Natal Indian leaders deported from Pretoria; Gandhi along with others saw them off at railway station.

1908, August 30

Addressed meeting of British Indians at Hamidia Mosque.

1908, September 2

Asiatics Registration Amendment Act published in Government Gazetter.

1908, September 5

Gandhi commended in Indian Opinion Col. Seely’s statement in Parliament of July 31, that "those who have a right to be in the Colonies should be accorded equal rights with the whites and must be accepted as full-fledged citizens.

1908

Thambi Naidoo, Nadirsha Cama and others deposed in affidavits that Transvaal authorities had definitely promised repeal of Asiatic Registration Act before Indian leaders decided to accept voluntary registration.

1908, September 7

At BIA (British Indian Association) meeting, Gandhi asked for financial provision, in view of his suspension of legal practice, for defraying Association’s office rent, Polak’s expenses and Indian Opinion deficit. Left for Pretoria for collection of funds.

1908, September 9

Cabled SABIC (South Africa British Indian Committee) reporting 175 Indians imprisoned to date and hoping Lord Ampthill and others would endeavor to obtain relief.

1908

H. S. L. Polak and A. M. Andrews made affidavits affirming that authorities had promised repeal of Registration Act.

1908

BIA took over Gandhi’s financial responsibilities, his own needs being looked after by Dr. Hermann Kallenbach.

1908, September 10

Gandhi spoke at Johannesburg mass meeting Cachalia assumed BIA chairmanship.

1908, September, before 12

Gandhi defended Randaree in Johannesburg Court.

1908, September 13

Presided over meeting to compose differences between Konkanis and Kanamias.

1908, September 14

Drew up petition to Secretary of State for Colonies on behalf of Transvaal Pathans and Punjabis, demanding repeal of Asiatic Act.

1908, September

Drew up petition to Secretary of State for Colonies on behalf of Transvaal Pathans and Punjabis, demanding repeal of Asiatic Act.

1908, September 15

Gandhi in Pretoria Court defended Vally Bagas and others charged with trading without grocers’ licences.

1908, September 16

Interviewed by Reuter, reiterated Indian demand for legal equality.

1908, September

Director of Prison informed BIA that Medical Officer considered prisoners’ diet perfectly healthy and could be changed only on medical grounds.

1908, September 17

Gandhi wrote to The Star clarifying position regarding education test and charging General Smuts with breach of promise to repeal Registration Act.

1908, September

Harilal Gandhi deported from Transvaal.

1908, September

BIA informed Director of Prison that failure to effect diet reform would be interpreted as intention to starve Indian Community into submission to Act.

1908, September 18

Sanction of Royal assent to new Asiatic Act reported; also decision of SABIC authorizing Lord Ampthill to represent grievances of Transvaal Indians to imperial Government.

1908, September

BIA protested against inclusion of animal fat in Indian prisoners’ diet and demanded restoration of ghee.

1908, September 19

Gandhi, along with Indians and Chinese leaders, met Hosken and communicated terms for settlement.

1908, September

Writing in Indians Opinion, exhorted Natal Indians to oppose Natal Government’s Bill to restrict municipal authority for granting certain kinds of licences.

1908, September

BIA drew attention of Director of Prisons to ill-treatment of Syed Ali in Boksburg Gaol and demanded investigation. Lord Ampthill wrote to The Times stating that Validation Act undid compromise and subjected Indians again to indignities of Registration Act.

1908, September

BIA, Calcutta, cabled Secretary of State for Colonies pleading for Imperial Government’s protection to Transvaal Indians.

1908, September 21

BIA demanded from Colonial Secretary relief in Syed Ali’s case; asked for prisoners’ diet reform.

1908, September

Harilal Gandhi and others released from Volksrust Goal, cases against them being withdrawn.

1908, September

New Asiatic Act came into force.

1908, September 22

Natal Supreme Court ruled immigrants’ children subject to penalties under Immigrants’ Restriction Act, 1907.

1908, September

Harilal Gandhi arrived in Johannesburg. Regulations under new Act published.

1908, September 23

Smuts rejected Indian terms for settlement. Director of Prisons denied ill-treatment of Syed Ali.

1908, September 24

BIA forwarded Syed Ali’s affidavit to Director of Prisons. Colonial Secretary expressed inability to interfere with diet regulations in Transvaal gaols.

1908, September 25

BIA wrote to Director of Prison demanding uniform diet scale for Indian prisoners and substitution of ghee for fat.

1908, September 26

Gandhi arrived in Durban, advised Natal leaders to dissuade Indians entering Natal from giving thumb-impressions; commended Natal’s part in Transvaal campaign.

1908, September 28

BIA demanded from Colonial Secretary information about diet scale for Indian prisoners.

1908, September

Polak repudiated Pretoria News charge that British Indians had not fulfilled their part of compromise.

1908, September 30

Gandhi, in interview to The Natal Mercury at Durban, stressed that Indians did not want unrestricted immigration of trade, but objected to legislative discrimination.

1908

BIA cabled SABIC regarding Indian arrests and sentences under old Act and demanded its repeal.

1908, October 2

Gandhi repaired draft memorandum for Johannesburg clergymen about ill-treatment of Indians.

1908

NIC (?) wired Colonial Secretary about Immigration officer’s refusal to let Indian passengers disembark at Durban; cabled SABIC about Komatipoort arrest of Indians.

1908, October 3

Gandhi urged Natal Indians to agitate for ending indenture system.

1908, October 5

Cabled SABIC about herding of 80 Indians in small filthy room at Komatipoort.

1908, October 6

Left Durban for Transvaal.

1908, October 7

Arrested at Volksrust, along with fifteen other Indians, for entering Transvaal without registration certificates.

1908, October 8

Produced before Magistrate, refused to avail of bail, remanded for a week.

1908, October 9

BIA wrote to Colonial Secretary, Pretoria, demanding public inquiry into alleged ill-treatment of Indians returning from Delagoa Bay.

1908, October 11

Drew up, in Volksrut Goal, petition to Resident Magistrate about deficient diet-scale.

1908, October 12

Batch of Indians including minors deported from Barberton to Portuguese territory.

1908

National Convention met at Durban.

1908, October 13

Gandhi, in detention, sent message exhorting Indians to face gaol-going for sake of motherland.

1908, October 14

Defended Dawjee Amod and others before De Villiers, Assistant Resident Magistrate.

1908

Sent Message to Indian youth before trial.

1908

Sentenced to two months’ imprisonment with hard labor.

1908

On way to prison, sent message to Indians to keep "absolutely firm to the end".

1908

NIC meeting in Durban resolved to ask Government to withdraw educational order.

1908, October 15

Gandhi reported at road-making work on Market Square. Reuter’s Volkrust correspondent wrote, "Mr. Gandhi expressed himself as being the happiest man in the Transvaal."

1908, October 16

BIA, NIC in cable to Ritch resented Gandhi being made to work on road-making.

1908

London meeting, presided over by Sir Mancherjee Bhownagree and addressed, among others, by Lajpat Rai and Bipin Chandra Pal, protested against Gandhi’s imprisonment.

1908

Kasturba thanked sympathizers who congratulated her on Gandhi’s incarceration.

1908, October, before 17

Sir Pherozeshah Mehta cabled Lord Ampthill: "Public feeling in India was keenly hurt over maltreatment of Indians in South Africa" and invoked the British Government’s intervention to save Indians suffering from such out range and tyranny.

1908, October 17

Ritch forwarded to Colonial Office copies of BIA, NIC cables.

1908, October 18

Mass meeting held at Hamidia Mosque, Fordsburg.

1908, October 21

In reply to question in House of Lords by Ampthill, Earl of Crewe stated he had wired Transvaal for facts about Gandhi’s arrest and added that Gandhi had been participating in "passive resistance campaign, and paid the penalty".

1908, October 22

Viceroy of India conveyed to Indian Office India resentment of treatment of passive resisters in Transvaal, recommended considerateness and urged concession of India demand for entry of six educated India annually.

1908, October 25

Gandhi removed from Volksrust Goal to Johannesburg in convict’s garb to testify in Daya Lala’s case; refused offer of cab, and marched on foot from Park Station to Fort, carrying prison knapsack.

1908, October 27

Escorted from Johannesburg Goal to High Court.

1908, November 28

Muslims telegraphed protest against General Botha’s statement that many Mahomedans had declined to join passive resistance movement.

1908

BIA wrote to Attorney-General, Pretoria, complaining of harsh treatment meted to Indian prisoners in Johannesburg Gaol.

1908, November 29

Gandhi message from Volksrust Gaol, asking Indians to remain steadfast in their pledge, read out at Johannesburg mass meeting.

1908

BIA meeting asked Government to grant Indian demand, failing which struggle would continue.

1908, November 30

Gokhale, in address to New Reform Club, London, referred to Indians’ sufferings in South Africa as one of the causes for loss of faith in British rule.

1908

Colonel Seely stated in Commons that, according to his information, Gandhi had never performed hard labor on public streets.

1908, December 1

BIA cabled SABIC. "Colonel Seely is absolutely misinformed as to Gandhi’s treatment. Forwarding affidavits."

1908

Volksrust Magistrate discharged Indian accused of refusing identification, accepting Polak’s defense that section 9 of Registration Act and regulations relating thereto came into operation only then and could not apply to registered Indians arrested earlier.

1908

Annie Besant sent Gandhi and colleagues, "a message of hope, of consolation, of friendship".

1908, December 10

Lord Selborne conveyed to General Botha Imperial Government’s view that Transvaal Government should extend considerate treatment to Indians with prewar rights, admit limited number of educated Indians and repeat Act 2 of 1907 and Act 36 of 1908, and at a later date enact strict legislation of immigration.

1908, December 12

Gandhi released from Volksrust Goal. Interviewed at Volksrust, on way to Johannesburg, about ill-treatment in prison Spoke at Johannesburg reception.

1908, December 13

HIS (Hamidia Islamic Society) held meeting to honor Gandhi and Imam Abdool Kadir Bawazeer.

1908, December 14

Gandhi addressed meeting of Tamil community at Johannesburg; later, entertained at dinner by Tamil Benefit Society.

1908, December 15

General Botha communicated to Lord Selborne Government’s inability to revise policy.

1908

Transvaal Colonial Secretary, in reply to Transvaal Governor, denied promise of repeal of Act 2 of 1907.

1908, December 18

Gandhi defended Naidoo and other Indian pickets at Johannesburg.

1908, December

Spoke at meeting of representative European of Transvaal.

1908, December 21

Ritch forwarded to Colonial Office copies of affidavits regarding Gandhi’s hard labor in prison.

1908, December 23

Gandhi presented Nelson, Volksrust Prison Officer, Leo Tolstoy’s The Kingdom of God Is Within You.

1908, December 24

Appeal in Transvaal Asiatic Test Case dismissed in Pretoria Court for lack of jurisdiction.

1908, December 26

Gandhi reached Durban; given rousing reception; left for Phoenix to meet Kasturba who was ill.

1908, December 28

In letter to Maganlal Gandhi, stressed need to strive for spiritual growth, which would ensure advance of religion and country.

1908, December 30

Harilal Gandhi and Randeria arrested at Johannesburg as prohibited immigrants and remanded till January 5.

1908, December

Pretoria News pleaded for conceding Indian demands, admitting the "persistency and unfailing good temper with which Mr. Gandhi and his compatriots are pursuing their campaign for what they consider to be their rights".

1908, December

Eight Madrasis, entitled to settle in Transvaal but refused registration, deported for entering Transvaal.

1908, December

Thambai Naidoo and others sentenced to fine of £ 50 or jail with hard labor for three months. Polak, who defended, filed appeal. Natal Government reissued earlier notice banning higher education for Indian children about 14 years. Question raised in Commons.

1908, December, before 31

Five more men arrested and dealt with under Act 36 of 1908. Amod Mia and his brother fined £ 25, for trading without licences, in Rustenburg.

1908

Indian National Congress, in resolution on South Africa, considered harsh, humiliating and cruel treatment of British Indians as injurious to British Empire.