Chronology of Mahatma Gandhi's life/South Africa 1909

←South Africa 1908

The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi by Mohandas K. Gandhi South Africa 1909

South Africa 1910→

1909, January 1

Gandhi entertained at dinner by Dada Osman, NIG Joint Secretary; addressed meeting.

1909, January, before 2

Dawad Mahomed, Parsee Rustomjee and M. G. Anglia detained under Registration Act for refusing to give thumb impression.

1909, January 2

Gandhi, in Indian Opinion, exhorted countrymen, in New Year message, to adopt swadeshi.

1909

While narrating in Indian Opinion, his experiences during second jail term, asserted that gaol-going was "the most effective means of fighting political disabilities".

1909

Pickets arrested in Pretoria under section 3 of Law 6 of 1894, concerning unlawful assemblies.

1909, January 4

Pretoria pickets informed that they were being tried under section 7 of new Act and were liable to deportation.

1909, January 5

Gandhi, in interview to The Natal Mercury, stated that Indians were fighting with the "cleanest weapons possible".

1909

Harilal Gandhi and others remanded at Volksrust.

1909

Three Indians charged under section 7, at Roodepoort, for failing to produce registration certificates.

1909, January 6

Moulvi Ahmed Mukhtiar of Hamidia Mosque refused renewal of permit on ground that he had preached against Asiatic Registration Act; served with quit notice, left Transvaal for Cape. Dawad Mahomed and 31 others charged for failure to produce registration certificates.

1909, January 7

Gandhi accused by The Star, of "quoting the breaches already made and legalized in the Asiatic law as an argument for repealing it altogether."

1909

Boksburg Indian dealers refused trading licences except for Stand in Location.

1909, January, before 9

Several Indians, including some Colonial-born, who were deported to Natal from Transvaal were dealt with under Regulations of Act 36 and nominally convicted for entry into Natal.

1909, January 9

Gandhi attended meeting of Indian Chamber of Commerce at Durban, made suggestions for Rules and Regulations of Chamber.

1909

Ritch protested to Colonial Office against Natal Government Notice banning admission of Indian students about 14 to higher-grade schools.

1909, January 10

Dr. Nanji operated on Kasturba, seriously ill for 3 months, in Durban. Gandhi attended on her.

1909, January 12

Three Indians, charged with contravention of section 7 of Act 36 of 1908, ordered to register within 8 days.

1909, January 16

Gandhi, on way to Johannesburg, arrested at Volksrust for failing to produce registration certificate. Deported and escorted to border, returned immediately and was re-arrested. Released on his own recognizance, returned to Johannesburg.

1909

Supreme Court ruled deportation of registered citizens illegal.

1909, January 20

Gandhi wrote to the Press stating that Indians had entered third and final phase of struggle.

1909

Johannesburg town Council urged Government to deal firmly with Asiatic problem and enforce Registration Act.

1909, January 21

In interview to The Natal Mercury, Gandhi observed it was difficult to say categorically if Indian merchants would be prepared to undergo sacrifice implied in placing all their assets at creditors’ disposal.

1909

Johannesburg correspondent of Indian Opinion reported that 30 merchants were ready to follow Cachalia’s example.

1909

Rend Daily Mail, commenting on meeting of Cachalia’s creditors, observed that "the so-called passive resistance movement had degenerated into coercion", that "the Transvaal Government will not be bullied into making concessions by such methods", and added, "we do not think that many of the Asiatic will fall within Mr. Gandhi’s little plan, and ruin themselves completely to further the cause of passive resistance when it assumes such a new and startling form." Called for Government check on picketing.

1909

Telegram in The Natal Mercury reported Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce’s resentment against attempt of Indian merchants to force hands of Government. Extremist opinion supported move to confiscate merchants’ goods and to stop picketing of firms.

1909, January 22

Gandhi attended meeting of Cachalia’s European creditors and submitted accounts.

1909

Criticized Rand Daily Mail, for calling passive resistance on act of coercion.

1909

Naidoo’s appeal against conviction under Asiatic Registration Amendment Act dismissed by Supreme Court.

1909

The Soft Goods Section of Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce adopted resolution supporting Government in enforcement of Asiatic Registration Law.

1909

Bulawayo Town council refused Indians new trading licences.

1909, January 23

The Star welcomed Supreme Court judgment in Naidoo appeal and doubted if more than a few "deluded faddists will consent to sacrifice their business and damage their credit at the dictation of Messrs Gandhi and Cachalia".

1909

E. I. Aswat, other Indian merchants followed Cachalia’s example.

1909, January 25

Gandhi, in interview to Rand Daily Mail, stated he would not be satisfied until Asiatic traders got their rights in South Africa. Rand Daily Mail observed that "if the tactics of the passive resisters should spread to the Colored and Native population of South Africa, anarchy would reign."

1909, January 26

Gandhi addressed meeting of Tamilians, Wrote to Dr. Krause repudiating allegation regarding Cachalia’s move.

1909

Creditors notified Cachalia of their intention to sequestrate his estate. Several Indians, including 14-years-old residents, served orders of deportation to Dalagoa Bay.

1909, January 27

Gandhi forwarded to Lord Cruzon statement of Indian position, hoping latter’s intervention would result in happy termination of struggle.

1909

Cachalia and 31 others arrested under Section 9 and produced before Magistrate.

1909

Kholwad Conference of Indians resolved not to take out licences or renew registration certificates.

1909, January 28

Indian merchants at Johannesburg decided to do without licences and to court imprisonment.

1909, January 29

Gandhi informed of improvement in Kasturba’s condition. Left for Durban. 18 Asiatics, arrested at Komatipoort as prohibited immigrants, stood trial at Barberton.

1909, January 30

Cachalia, Naidoo and others sentenced to 3 months or £ 50 fine; Shelat to 2 months.

1909

Transvaal Government wrote to Secretary of State for Colonies denying that Gandhi performed hard labor in public streets, Indian prisoners were ill-treated or their religious susceptibilities hurt.

1909, February 1

E. I. Aswat unanimously elected Acting Chairman of BIA during Cachalia’s incarceration.

1909, February 2

Lord Curzon informed Gandhi of his discussion with Botha and Smuts and of their "anxiety to treat British Indians… in spirit of liberality as well as justice".

1909, February 3

Parsee Rustomjee and others arrested for defying deportation orders.

1909, February 4

Gandhi removed Kasturba, convalescing after operations, to Phoenix.

1909, February 5

Appeal of Randeria dismissed by Transvaal Supreme Court. Deportation of Harilal Gandhi, Dawad Mahomed and other leading Indians ordered.

1909, February 9

Draft Act of Union published in Government Gazette.

1909

Dawad Mahomed and Cachalia agreed in Court to sequestration of their estates.

1909, February 10

Harilal Gandhi and several others sentenced at Volksrust to term ranging between 3 to 6 months.

1909

Imperial Government withheld assent to Asiatic Act of Rhodesia.

1909, February 11

Parsee Rustomjee and others, arrested on reentering Transvaal after deportation, sentenced to 6 months.

1909, February, before 15

National Convention put up Draft South Africa Act.

1909, February 16

V. A. Chettiar sentenced to 3 months. General Botha in letter to Governor stated Government’s stand in regard to demand for repeal of Act 2 of 1907, denied any promise was made for its repeal, and observed that 97 per cent of Asiatic residents had actually registered and that passive resistance was breaking down.

1909, February 17

More passive resisters awarded sentences from 3 to 6 months; others remanded; arrests reported from Pretoria, Heidelberg, Germiston, etc.

1909, February 18

N. A. Cama sentenced to 3 months; several other prominent Indians deported or sentenced.

1909, February 19

Six Indians arrested at Standerton for failure to identify themselves or produce registration certificates.

1909, February 20

Leung Quinn arrested for failing to produce registration certificate and refusing identification.

1909, February 22

Gandhi left Phoenix for Johannesburg.

1909, February 25

Arrested at Volksrust along with Polak and Vyas.

1909

Sentenced to 3 months or £ 50 fine for failure to produce registration certificate.

1909

Issued message to Tamils exhorting them to keep up struggle.

1909, February 28

British Indian meeting at Hamidia Islamic Society Vrededorp, congratulated Gandhi, Cachalia, Parsee Rustomjee and others who had sought imprisonment; resolved to continue struggle.

1909, March 2

Gandhi’s transfer from Volksrust to Pretoria Goal ordered. Left by evening train.

1909, March 3

Reached Pretoria Central Gaol.

1909

Indian Opinion correspondent from Volksrust telegraphed "Mr.Gandhi has been taken to Pretoria for departmental reasons; I believe it is in order to completely isolate him. The rumor of an impending compromise is strongly discounted by the Executive of the BIA". Polak inaugurated meeting of imprisoned passive resisters’ wives and relatives E. I. Aswat and Leung Quinn sentenced to 3 months.

1909, March 4

Gandhi given work of polishing prison floor and doors. Secretary of Tamil Benefit Society and Chief Picket, K.K. Samy, sentenced to 3 months. Randeria released after serving 2 months’ sentence.

1909, March 5

Randeria re-arrested.

1909, March

Meeting of Cape Colored people discussed Draft Act of Union, demanded representation in Union Parliament and political rights. E. S. Coovadia appointed Acting Chairman, BIA, in view of imprisonment of Cachalia and Aswat.

1909, March 6

Whites started agitation to set up Locations at Barberton, Boksburg, Krugersdorp, etc.

1909, March 7

British Indian meeting in Hamidia Islamic Society addressed among others by Coovadia, Kallenbach and Polak.

1909, March 8

In statement of Gandhi’s imprisonment, Colonel Seely observed "Mr. Gandhi had been imprisoned because of his refusal to comply with the Transvaal Law,… that the Imperial Government was unable to prevent the Transvaal Government from enforcing the law relating to registration certificates."

1909, March 10

Gandhi taken in handcuffs to Court to appear as witness. Passive resisters congratulated Kasturba Gandhi on Gandhi’s third sentence of imprisonment for sake of self-respect and honor of Asiatic communities.

1909

Chinese passive resisters congratulated Gandhi and Leung Quinn on being sentenced, resolved to continue struggle for justice and self-respect.

1909

Deportation of passive resistance prisoners via Delagoa Bay to India commenced.

1909

BIA wrote to Transvaal Government, protesting against deportation arrangement between Transvaal and Portuguese Government.

1909, March 11

Indian women held meeting in Johannesburg. Letter from Kasturba reported saying: "Had she wings, she would fly to the meeting."

1909

Letter to Transvaal Press signed by Kasturba and four other released.

1909

Doke, in letter to Johannesburg press, referring to Gandhi’s being handcuffed, observed that "the great majority of our Colonists feel ashamed that a man of the character and position of Mr. Gandhi should be needlessly insulted in this way".

1909, March 12

Indian Opinion special correspondent in telegram stated "Mr. Gandhi looks thin and unhealthy."

1909

Meeting of Nyasaland Indians condemned treatment of Indians in Transvaal and Imperial Government’s weakness.

1909

Kimberley meeting of non-whites expressed concern at inadequate provision in proposed Constitution to protest their interests.

1909, March 13

Indian Opinion, commenting on official statement that removal of Gandhi from Volksrust to Pretoria Central Goal was "simply a matter of administrative convenience", observed that "it has no other purpose than to completely isolate Mr. Gandhi, so that no breath of encouragement should reach his people from him." BIA requested High Commissioner to receive deputation concerning deportation policy.

1909, March 14

Natal India Congress meeting at Durban, declares support to Transvaal passive resistance, condemned deportation arrangements between Transvaal and Delagoa Bay authorities.

1909

BIA meeting at Johannesburg resolved to continue passive resistance "with unabated energy" till Government conceded demands.

1909, March 15

Draft of South Africa Act laid before South African Parliament; question raised in Commons.

1909

High Commissioner refused to see BIA deputation on deportation.

1909, March 16

Meeting of Indians in Delagoa Bay, addressed by Abdulla Hajee Adam and Polak on Transvaal situation and deportation arrangement, decided to send deputation to Portuguese Governor General.

1909, March 17

Meeting of Kimberley Indians protested against unjust treatment of Indians in Transvaal.

1909

Transvaal Governor cabled Colonial Office that no Indians producing proof of registration were deported but only those Asiatics without domicile in South Africa, who were ordered to be deported by Magistrate.

1909

BIA, Port Elizabeth, cabled urging Viceroy’s intervention on behalf of Transvaal Indians.

1909, March 19

Transvaal Supreme Court ruled Indians were not disabled from securing trading licences in mining areas.

1909, March 22

Natal Municipal Association criticized Imperial Government for not sanctioning discriminatory provisions in Municipal Laws Consolidation Bill.

1909, March 24

Meeting of BIA, East London, condemned Transvaal Government’s deportation policy.

1909, March 25

Meeting of Indian women at Hamidia Society Hall, addressed by Mrs. Thambi Naidoo, Mrs. Polak and Miss Schlesin, formed Indian Women’s Association.

1909, March

Lord Crewe, replying to Lord Ampthill in Lords, defended Transvaal deportation policy on ground that Indians not being Mozambique Indians ex hypothesis could be deported under Portuguese Law.

1909, March 26

Moulvi Ahmed Khan of Surti Mosque examined in Court of Mr. Jordan.

1909, March

Registration at Pretoria reported at standstill.

1909, March

Schreiner, addressing meeting at Cape Town, considered color bar a blot on Draft Union Constitution.

1909, March

Government of India, in reply to cable of March 17 from BIA, Port Elizabeth, assured continued "endeavours to obtain sympathetic treatment for British Indians in the Transvaal" but regretted inability to interfere in cases of penalty for noncompliance with law.

1909, March 27

More arrests, convictions and deportations at Johannesburg, Vereeniging and Volksrust reported.

1909, March

65 prisoners reported removed from Volksrust to Heidelberg to work on quarries.

1909, March 28

BIA meeting protested against Lord Crewe’s misleading statement in parliament regarding Transvaal deportations via Delagoa bay.

1909, March

Dildar Khan elected Acting Chairman, BIA.

1909, March

HIS resolved to protest against Transvaal Government’s treatment of passive resisters.

1909, March 29

Thambi Naidoo and others released after 3 months’ imprisonment, felicitated by BIA. Over 150 Indians reported to be still in gaol.

1909, March

13 passive resisters including Shelat, set free at Barberton, detained pending deportation arrangement with Portuguese.

1909, March

Transvaal Governor informed Secretary of State for Colonies that in deporting Indians, Portuguese authorities acted under their general immigration regulations.

1909, March

BIA, writing to British High Commissioner, countered Transvaal Government’s claim that deportation policy did not apply to domiciled Indians, by citing deportation of a registered Indian’s son.

1909, March

Transvaal Governor communicated to BIA reply from Secretary of State of Colonies to their petition of September 9, 1908, that Transvaal Government was unwilling to repeal Registration Act and Imperial Government not in a position to press repeal; and that views of two sides on yearly admission of six educated Indians differed only as regards method and machinery.

1909, March 30

Bluebook on Transvaal Indian question, published in London, revealed that Botha had disagreed with Lord Crewe’s suggestion for repeal of Registration Act.

1909, April 1

Settlement of 20 shillings in £ liabilities effected at third meeting of Cachalia’s creditors.

1909, April 3

India women at Germiston set up Association.

1909, April

Indian Opinion, correspondent reported that passive resisters, domiciled in Natal and ordered to be deported, would only be put across border at Volksrust.

1909, April

India meeting at Barberton protested against deportation policy, paid tribute to Gandhi’s "courage in facing hardships and insults, such as handcuffing, being taken from one goal to another in a third-class compartment".

1909, April, before 5

BIA and HIS committee meetings congratulated Gandhi and others on "having gone to goal for the sake of religion and the welfare of their brethren" and resolved to continue struggle.

1909, April 6

BIA wrote to High Commissioner deploring latter’s refusal to cable to Colonial Office representation regarding Indians’ deportation.

1909, April

Four Transvaal Indians deported, 10 awaited deportation at Barberton.

1909, April 7

Polak addressed Johannesburg meeting at Hamidia Society Hall on condition of passive resisters in Diepkloof and Heidelberg goals; BIA wrote to Acting Director of Prisons complaining of prisoners’ ill-treatment.

1909, April

Natal Prime Minister in Parliament denied any agreement with Colonies for continuance of immigration of indentured Asiatic labor.

1909, April 11

India mass meeting at Johannesburg repudiated Botha’s statement to Lord Crewe that many Asiatics were content with prevailing state of affairs; urged Imperial Government’s intervention to terminate struggle.

1909, April 12

Question of Gandhi being marched in handcuffs raised in Commons; Under Secretary of State for Colonies insisted that no special disability or indignity was imposed on Gandhi as passive resister.

1909, April

29 Chinese passive resisters, charged with refusal to give thumb-impressions and signatures, acquitted.

1909, April 14

Dr. Aburrahman inaugurated at Cape Town seventh annual Conference of African Political Organization.

1909, April

16 Indians, old Johannesburg residents, deported to India viaDelagoa Bay.

1909, April 15

Ritch made representations about Transvaal deportation policy to Colonial Office.

1909, April 17

Indian Opinion correspondent reported that Gandhi "in the Pretoria Central Goal, is slowly starving himself as a protest against the treatment of Indians, under the Goal Regulations, as Kaffirs" and refusing personal allowance of ghee unless same was extended to all Transvaal Indian prisoners.

1909, April 22

Lord Crewe made lengthy statement in Lords on indentured labor and Indian immigration to Crown Colonies.

1909, April 24

Chinese passive resisters’ organization commended refusal of Chinese to give finger-impressions.

1909, April 26

Polak, writing to Rand Daily Mail, refuted its observation that agitation was confined to a "handful of irreconcilables" or "bitter-enders"; denied a single Indian had "accepted" Registration law.

1909, April 27

New Regulations under Section 9 of Act 5 of 1894, published in Government Gazette, banned admission of Native, Indian or Colored children to European schools.

1909, April 29

Cachalia and 18 other Indians released after serving 3 months sentence.

1909, April 29

Cachalia and 18 other Indians released after serving 3 months sentence.

1909, April 30

Supreme Court ruled, in Mohamed Makda’s Case, that no appeal lay against Asiatic Registrar for refusing registration.

1909, May 1

Indian Opinion explained that 97 per cent of Transvaal Asiatics who had already registered, according to Botha’s statement, had actually registered "under voluntary registration through the efforts of the leaders of the passive resistance movement…"

1909, May 4

Indian satyagrahis in Transvaal goals started receiving ghee as part of diet.

1909, May 8

P.K. Naidoo sentenced to 3 months for trading without license at Vereeniging.

1909, May 10

Johannesburg Court ordered deportation of 92 Asiatics refused registration by Registrar.

1909, May 15

NIC protested to Colonial Secretary, against Regulations under Section 9 of Act 5 of 1894, being discriminatory against Indian students.

1909, May 19

Transvaal Supreme Court held that Government had no power under Notice of 1908 to cancel reservation of Location.

1909, May 24

Gandhi released from Pretoria Central Goal at 7.30 a.m.; said at meeting in Mohammedan Mosque Hall that he felt no pleasure at being free.

1909, May

In interview to Pretoria News, deploring deportation of 16-years-old boy to India, asserted that such methods would not break spirit of Indians

1909, May

Given rousing reception on arrival at Park Station. Addressing meeting on Mosque ground, exhorted Indians to resist unjust law. Welcoming Gandhi’s release on Empire Day, Pretoria News observed that Transvaal Government should "find better use for a man like Gandhi than persistent imprisonment with hard labor", that "the man is suffering for conscience’ sake… his motives are of the highest and his methods beyond impeachment".

1909, May 26

Gandhi wrote to Johannesburg Press on jail experiences.

1909, May 29

Explained in Indian Opinion meaning and implications of satyagraha; commenced series of articles on jail experiences.

1909, May

Transvaal British India Conciliation Committee set up by non-passive resisters.

1909, May 31

Indians in Madras Presidency presented memorial to British Parliament urging repeal of Act 2 of 1907 and sanction of right of entry to six educated Indians.

1909, June 2

Gandhi spoke at reception at West End Hall, and later at tea party to Aswat and Leung Quinn on their release.

1909, June 3

Pretoria town Council withdrew ban on use of Municipal wash-houses by colored persons.

1909, June 6

Spoke at meeting of Transvaal British Indian Conciliation Committee, which decided to present memorial to Colonial Secretary.

1909, June 7

Addressed Germiston Literary and Debating Society on "Ethics of Passive Resistance".

1909, June 8

Colonial Secretary placed before House return showing Asiatic entry into Transvaal during 1909, in response to demand of G. C. Munnik, M.L.A.

1909

Polak left on propaganda tour of Cape Colony.

1909, June, after 8

Gandhi demanded, in letter to The Transvaal Leader, that Munnik withdraw his charge of illegal Asiatic entry.

1909, June 13

BIA Committee meeting decided personnel of deputations to England and India.

1909, June 14

Colonial Secretary turned down NIC request for withdrawal of ban on Indian education imposed by Government Notice No. 201 of 1909.

1909, June 15

Imam Abdul Kadir Bawazeer released. Thambi Naidoo, G. P. Vyas, N. A. Cama and U. M. Shelat arrested in Johannesburg. More Tamils arrested in Pretoria.

1909, June 16

Gandhi defended Thambi Naidoo and others.

1909, June

Addressed to Johannesburg Indian mass meeting convened to appoint deputations to England and India; meeting authorized A. M. Cachalia, Hajee Habib, V.A. Chettiar and Gandhi to proceed to England, and N.A. Cama, N.G. Naidoo, E. S. Coovadia and H. S. L. Polak to India.

1909, June

A. M. Cachalia, V. A. Chettiar, E. S. Coovadia arrested. Cachalia and Chettiar sentenced to 3 months or fine of £ 50.

1909, June

BIA Chairman telegraphed Colonial Secretary requesting suspension of sentences of delegates.

1909, June 17

Gopal Naidoo and other Tamils, delegates-elect to India, arrested.

1909, June

Habib Moslem Society, Cape Town, adopted resolution protesting against ill-treatment of British Indian Mahomedans in Transvaal.

1909, June 18

Colonial Secretary, rejecting BIA representation for suspension of sentences of delegates-elect, denied knowledge of their impending deputation abroad.

1909, June

Gandhi in letter to The Star repudiated Colonial Secretary’s claim. Madras Provincial Conference at Behrampore adopted resolution condemning unfair treatment of British Indians in South Africa.

1909, June 19

Gandhi in Indian Opinion justified sending of deputations abroad; suggested meetings all over South Africa to express support for purposes of explaining movement and shortening struggle.

1909, June

Deputation of Transvaal British Indian Conciliation Committee waited on Smuts.

1909, June, before 21

In appeal to all Transvaal Indians, Gandhi stressed gaol-going as the only "unfailing remedy".

1909, June

Justified, in letter to Habib Motion, appointment of Muslim to Viceroy’s council; stressed need blood-brother relationship between Hindus and Muslims.

1909, June 21

Gandhi and Habib left Johannesburg for Cape Town en route to England.

1909, June

Summy Nagappen, passive resister, sentenced to 10 days with hard labor.

1909, June 23

In interview to Cape Times and Cape Argus, Gandhi apprehended ruin of Asiatic under Union unless Imperial Government secured safeguards.

1909, June

Embarked for England.

1909, June

Smuts turned down petition of Transvaal British Indian Conciliation Committed.

1909, June

Coovadia, Sorabjee sentenced to 3 months.

1909, June 25

Transvaal British Indian Conciliation Committee, in letter to Smuts, regretted his departure from assurances given to deputation.

1909, June

Polak left for Natal en route to India.

1909, June 26

Indian Opinion, reported appointment of Kallenbach as Honorary Secretary in BIA Committee meeting.

1909, June

BIA, Port Elizabeth, represented to Government of India necessity for "repeal of measures which are an insult to the whole of India, a source of continued strife and bitterness within the Empire, and a menace to Indian residents elsewhere in South Africa."

1909, June 30

Nagappen discharged from Johannesburg Goal in "dying condition".

1909, July 2

Sir Curzon Wyllie assassinated by Madan Lal Dhingra in London. Dr. Lalkaka also killed.

1909, July 3

London meeting of Indian students, presided over by Surendranath Banerjea, condemned Wyllie’s murder.

1909, July

Indian Opinion reported circulation, for obtaining mass signatures, of three petitions addressed by Transvaal Indians to Queen, Dadabhai Naoroji and Bengal Chambers of Commerce, concerning repeal of Asiatic Act and removal of color bar and racial taint from legislation.

1909, July 4

Meeting of Indian women in Pretoria Location expressed indignation at arrest of some 70 Pretoria Indians.

1909, July 6

Nagappen died.

1909, July 7

Nagappen given public funeral by India community.

1909, July 8

Official statement regarding Nagappen’s death absolved Goal authorities of responsibility.

1909, July, before 9

Met members of Natal Cabinet and Colored people’s deputation on board the ship.

1909, July 9

Bengal Provincial Congress Committed proposed Gandhi’s name as one of three nominees for president ship of forthcoming session of Indian National Congress.

1909, July 10

Gandhi, along with Hajee Habib, arrived at Southampton; interviewed by Reuter, Reached London at 10.30 a.m.; interviewed by South Africa Associated Press Agency.

1909, July

Met Ritch and Abdul Caadir; called on Sir Muncherjee Bhownagree. Wrote to Lord Ampthill for interview.

1909, July

Six Indians deported from Transvaal.

1909, July

BIA demanded, in letter to Director of Prisons, restoration of ghee in diet of Indian prisoners.

1909, July

Natal Indians addressed petition to Secretary of State for Colonies regarding grievances relating to indenture, franchise, trade etc.; demanded amendment of Draft Union Act.

1909, July 11

Habibia Moslem Society mass meeting expressed sympathy with Transvaal and Natal deputations. British Indian League, Cape Town adopted resolution urging Imperial Government to give sympathetic consideration to Transvaal deputation.

1909, July

Mass meeting of Indians at Hamidia Mosque, Johannesburg, adopted resolutions urging Imperial Government to give sympathetic consideration to deputation’s submission; demanded through and open investigation into Nagappen’s death.

1909, July 12

Gandhi received BIA cable regarding Nagappen’s death and release of Dawad Mahomed due to illness.

1909, July

William Hosken and 15 other prominent European ministers of religion and professional men petitioned Attorney-General, Johannesburg, for public inquiry into deaths of Nagappen and Gibbon, a white convict.

1909, July, before 14

Gandhi saw Ameer Ali.

1909, July 14

Met H. E. A. Cotton, editor of India, Sir Richard Solomon and Lord Ampthill. Transvaal Indian women’s petition to Queen forwarded.

1909, July 16

Sir William Lee-Warner called on Gandhi.

1909, July

14 Indians deported to India from Transvaal.

1909, July 18

Mass meeting at Pretoria urged Imperial Government to give sympathetic consideration to deputation’s submissions.

1909, July 19

Public inquiry into circumstances of Nagappen’s death opened under Major Dixon.

1909, July 20

Gandhi wrote to Lord Crewe seeking private interview.

1909, July 21

Met Ameer Ali, Sir William Lee-Warner and Theodore Morison.

1909, July 22

Repudiated in letter to South Africa its allegation that Lord Ampthill and SABIC were associated with extremist movement in India.

1909, July 23

Gandhi wrote to Gokhale requesting help in Polak’s work in India.

1909, July 26

Gandhi and Hajee Habib had private interview with Lord Morley.

1909, July

Referred in letter to Lord Morley to prohibition of Indians from land-holding, riding on tramcars, as grievances apart from Act 2 of 1907 and restriction on immigration of educated Indians.

1909, July 27

House of Lords debated and passed second reading of Union Bill.

1909, July 28

Colonel Seely stated in Commons that definite representations had been made to General Botha regarding Transvaal Indians and that letter was "really anxious to find a solution of the question".

1909, July 29

Gandhi in letter of Lord Ampthill denied any connection between Transvaal passive resistance movement and "party of sedition" in India; suggested amendment of Immigration Law to give Immigration Officer power to admit only six Indians to Colony. Sent Lord Ampthill proofs of "Statement of Transvaal India case."

1909, July

Attended suffragette meeting at St. James’ Hall. Met Mrs. Pankhurst. Deputation led by Schreiner on behalf of colored people and natives waited on Liberal-Labour Party members in Commons, urged it to move amendments to union Bill.

1909, July 31

Natal delegation arrived in London, received by Gandhi, Polak reached Bombay.

1909, August 2

Pretoria women set up Indian women’s Association.

1909, August 3

In letter to The Englishman, Gandhi corrected misstatements about Registration Act, indenture system, etc. stated that British Indians had been agitating for 15 years for abolition of indentured labor.

1909, August 4

Repudiated categorically, in course of letter to Lord Ampthill, that Transvaal passive resistance movement was "fomented" or financed from India or had anything to do with "party of violence" there.

1909, August

Major Dixon issued report of inquiry on Nagappen’s death.

1909, August

William Hosken, Chairman of European Committee, initiated correspondence with Director of Prisons, supporting diet reform.

1909, August 6

Gandhi sent Lord Ampthill copies of "Statement" incorporating changes and additions suggested by him.

1909, August 9

Discussed with Lord Ampthill Smuts’ suggestions. Forwarded to him amendment to Immigrants’ Restriction Act authorizing Governor to limit number of immigrants of any nationality. Sent Lord Ampthill proofs of Doke’s biography.

1909, August

Natal Indian delegation submitted petition to Lord Crewe.

1909, August

Harilal Gandhi and others released at Heidelberg. Sorabjee Shapurji released from Diepkloof Prison.

1909, August 10

Gandhi and Hajee Habib called on Lord Crewe. Gandhi cabled BIA, Polak regarding his amendment to Immigration Act.

1909, August

Deputation on behalf of colored people and natives led by Scheiner attended Labor Party meeting in Commons, which assured support for amending Union Bill.

1909, August

Lord Ampthill had talks with Smuts and Gandhi; later forwarded to Smuts amendment to Immigration Act and urged him to agree to repeal of Act and admission of six Indians a year.

1909, August 11

Gandhi sought Lord Crewe’s intervention to stop impending deportation of 100 British Indians.

1909, August

Wrote to Lord Ampthill that proposed amendment of Immigration Act did not constitute "a sacrifice of any important principles."

1909, August

In letter to Lord Crewe, Lord Ampthill appealed to help settlement on basis of Gandhi’s formula conveyed to Smuts.

1909, August

Parsee Rustomjee sentenced to further term of 6 months. Indian mass meeting at Johannesburg welcomed Sorabjee Shapurjee, Harilal Gandhi and others; supported deputations; demanded Imperial Government’s intervention and expressed dissatisfaction over Commission’s findings about Nagappen’s death.

1909, August 12

Natal Indian delegation informed by Lord Crewe that existing laws could not be repealed and conditions would improve after Union came into being.

1909, August 13

Natal Indian delegation addressed letter to Viceroy of India forwarding statement of grievances.

1909, August 16

Gandhi forwarded to Lord Crewe Mahomed Khan’s complaint of ill-treatment in prison.

1909, August

In letter of Lord Ampthill, observed that inquiry substantially proved allegations about Nagappen’s death.

1909, August 17

Dhingra executed.

1909, August 18

NIC meeting at Durban supported deputation to England and criticized treatment of Transvaal Indians.

1909, August

Tolstoy’s secretary, N. N. Gooseff, arrested by Russian Government on charge of distributing revolutionary literature.

1909, August 19

Gandhi purchased books of Phoenix Library.

1909, August 20

In weekly dispatch to Indian Opinion, emphasized that Natal Indians would be free only through satyagraha.

1909, August

Lord Kitchener relinquished office of Commander-in-Chief of Indian Army.

1909, August 21

Gandhi met Schreiner.

1909, August

Witwatersrand Church Council adopted resolution urging some form of representation for Natives.

1909, August 22

Gandhi visited Whiteway countryside.

1909, August 25

Suggested to Polak piece fund in aid of passive resistance struggle.

1909, August 29

Smuts, in interview to Reuter, stated that "vast majority of Transvaal Indians are sick to death of the agitation carried on by some of their extreme representatives…".

1909, August 30

Gandhi wrote to Swami Shankeranand deprecating his criticism of Islam.

1909, August

Smuts wrote to Lord Ampthill on latter’s proposal to Lord Crewe for repeal of Act 2 of 1907 and issue of permanent residence certificates to limited number of educated Indian immigrants.

1909, August

Lord Ampthill invited Lord Crewe to make statement in Parliament on Transvaal problem; later, called on him and discussed question of "right" of entry.

1909, August 31

Lord Ampthill wrote to Gandhi hoping he would not feel bound to continue passive resistance and suggested that Gandhi clarify to Lord Crewe position in regard to "right".

1909, September 1

Gandhi informed Lord Ampthill that Smuts’ proposal only accentuated racial insult, and that he could not recede from position as to question of "right".

1909, September 2

Cabled Polak regarding Smuts’ proposal, urged Bombay public meeting be held independently to Sheriff.

1909, September

Sought clarification from Lord Crewe of Smuts’ interview to Reuter indicating settlement.

1909, September

In letter of Lord Ampthill, welcomed crusade implied in fresh arrest of Indians and Chinese in Transvaal.

1909, September

Lord Morley informed Natal delegation that their problem was concern of Colonial Office.

1909, September 6

In communication to Colonial Office, stressed that he had "avoided all public activity, in order not to prejudice negotiations." In letter to Ameer Ali, declared his life devoted to demonstrating that Hindu-Muslim cooperation was indispensable condition to Indian’s salvation.

1909, September 7

Wrote to Khushalchand Gandhi that all Phoenix activities were religious.

1909, September 9

BIA requested Director of Prisons, Johannesburg, to extend facilities to Muslim prisoners during Ramadan.

1909, September 10

In letter to Colonial Office, Gandhi repudiated Smuts’ statement to Reuter that majority of Indians had submitted to Registration Act; asserted that strength of Indian opposition still remained unabated.

1909, September

Deprecated suffragette’s resort to violence and declared that Indians should "never forsake the sword of satyagraha".

1909, September

BIA protested, in The Star, against Superintendent Vernon’s statement in Court that Asiatic should be hunted out of country.

1909, September

Natal delegation’s letter in The Times stressed threefold disabilities of Natal Indians and appealed to Imperial Government to stop supply of indentured labor from India failing redress of grievances.

1909, September 11

Reduction of grants for higher education of Indians by Natal Legislative Assembly reported by Times of Natal.

1909, September 13

Gandhi attended Pateti celebrations in London; proposed felicitations to prominent Parsi passive resisters.

1909, September 14

Public meeting in Bombay appealed to Imperial Government to prevent continued injustice to Indians in South Africa, demanded stoppage of indentured labor for Natal.

1909, September 15

Mass meeting at Johannesburg greeted Cachalia, Chettiar and Thambi Naidoo on release; Doke, Howard and other Europeans spoke.

1909, September

80 Chinese passive resisters arrested.

1909, September 16

Gandhi and Hajee Habib had interview with Lord Crewe, expressed readiness to give undertaking that, if theoretical right of entry conceded, there would be no further agitation.

1909, September

67 Chinese charged at Johannesburg for failure to produce registration certificates.

1909, September

BIA request for facilities to Muslim prisoners during Ramzan turned down by Director of Prisons.

1909, September

Public meeting at Surat addressed by Polak.

1909, September 17

In letter to Manilal Gandhi, Gandhi observed that "body should not be dearer than the soul", and he "would have preferred Kasturba’s passing away without the (beef) soup; but would not have allowed it to be given to her without her consent".

1909, September, before 18

Natal delegation met Ali Imam of All-India Muslim League.

1909, September 18

Gandhi represented to Lord Morley that denial of Ramadan facilities to Muslim prisoners would be an attack on their religion. Wrote to Lord Ampthill requesting him to enlist Sir George Farrar’s active sympathy to avoid unfavorable reply from Smuts; in latter case, felt public activity by deputation necessary.

1909, September 19

Polak addressed public meeting at Ahmedabad.

1909, September 22

Meeting of Chinese passive resisters in Johannesburg pledged continued support to passive resistance movement, and sympathized with efforts of deputations abroad.

1909, September

E. S. Coovadia, Omarji Sale released from Diepkloof prison.

1909, September 23

Gandhi inquired of Colonial Office if any reply had been received from Smuts to cable Lord Crewe was to have sent regarding Gandhi’s amendment.

1909, September

Proposed to Polak institution of prizes for best essay on passive resistance from India.

1909, September

Public meeting at Kathore addressed by Polak.

1909, September

Bombay public meeting, addressed by Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, G. K. Gokhale and others, appealed to Imperial Government to ill-treatment of Indians.

1909, September 24

Gandhi met Rev. F. B. Meyer at lunch.

1909, September 27

Polak and Gokhale spoke at public meeting in Poona.

1909, September 28

Gandhi addressed letter to The Advocate of India defending Polak.

1909, September 29

Smuts denied, in minute, deportation of any Asiatic domiciled in Orange River Colony from Transvaal to India; he asked that Gandhi might furnish evidence of any such case.

1909, September

Polak addressed ladies’ meeting in Poona presided over by Mrs. Ramabai Ranade.

1909, September 30

Transvaal Government repudiated, in minute, complaints about ill-treatment of Indian prisoners and responsibility for Nagappen’s death.

1909, October 1

Gandhi wrote to Leo Tolstoy regarding passive resistance movement in Transvaal and Tolstoy’s Letter to a Hindu.

1909, October

Spoke at dinner in honor of Ali Imam.

1909, October 4

Colonial Office informed Gandhi that initiative rested with Colonial Government whether to undertake fresh legislation on lines proposed by Smuts.

1909, October 5

Gandhi wrote to Lord Ampthill of his desire to undertake some public activity for educating influential quarters about Transvaal situation.

1909, October

Addressing meeting of Gujaratis in London, advised them to cultivate love for their own language.

1909, October 6

In letter to Polak, emphasized need for India to see Transvaal struggle as part of her own movement for freedom and to help it.

1909, October

Discussed future programme with Lord Ampthill. SABIC held reception to natal delegation.

1909, October 7

Gandhi attended suffragette meeting.

1909, October

Doke wrote to Rand Daily Mail giving details of Kaffir assault on Gandhi in prison.

1909, October

Tolstoy replied to Gandhi’s letter of October 1.

1909, October 8

Gandhi, in speech at Emerson Club, extolled way of suffering.

1909, October

Inquired of Colonial Office about exact position taken by Smuts; informed it of deputation’s intention to educate public about Transvaal situation and failure of negotiations. Ordered printing of 2,000 copies of "Statement of Transvaal Indian Case".

1909, October

In message to Gujarati Punch, stressed his complete preoccupation with "the life and death struggle" in Transvaal.

1909, October

67 Chinese, charged under Asiatic ordinance, discharged.

1909, October 9

Sanderson Committee on Indian immigration, reported to have completed inquiry, held that abolition of Indian labor would seriously affect whites.

1909, October 11

Public meeting in Madras, presided over by Turkish Consul, addressed by Polak.

1909, October 12

Writing to Manilal Gandhi, Gandhi declared "learning to live a good life is in itself education".

1909, October

Fund in aid of deported Indians started.

1909, October 13

Spoke on "East and West" at Hampstead Peace and Arbitration Society.

1909, October 14

In letter to Lord Ampthill, asserted that cessation of passive resistance was impossible "unless the theoretical right was granted".

1909, October

Wrote to Polak expressing his views on modern civilization, later elaborated in Hind Swaraj.

1909, October 15

Colonial Office informed Gandhi that proposals referred to as possible basis of legislation in Transvaal were those made by Smuts and not by Gandhi.

1909, October 17

Ali Imam, speaking at meeting of Indian Union Society, stressed need for Hindu-Muslim unity.

1909, October

Thambi Naidoo and others, arrested in Johannesburg, sentenced to 3 months.

1909, October 19

Gandhi wrote to Colonial office asking for exact position. More Indians arrested and sentenced to 3 months. Sorabji Shapurji and S.B. Medh deported.

1909, October 20

E. I. Aswat, Acting-Chairman, BIA, sentenced to 3 months.

1909, October

Sorabji Shapurji and S. B. Medh arrested at Volksrust border on return to Transvaal.

1909, October 24

Gandhi presided over and spoke at Vijaya Dashami celebrations in London.

1909, October 25

Indian Immigration Law Amendment Bill read for third time in Natal Legislative Assembly.

1909, October

Sorabji Shapurji and S. B. Medh sentenced to 6 months as prohibited immigrants.

1909, October 26

Polak reported successful meetings all over Madras presidence.

1909, October 29

Gandhiji informed Lord Ampthill of decision to leave for South Africa and to challenge arrest on Transvaal border.

1909, November 13

Transvaal Indian Deputation (Gandhi and Hajee Habib) left England for South Africa.

1909, November

Attempt on life of Lord Minto, Viceroy of India, at Ahmedabad.

1909, November 13 to 22

Gandhi wrote Hind Swaraj in Gujarati on board s.s. Kildonan Castle.

1909, November 15

Arrangement for Morley-Minto Reforms coming into force were published by Government of India.

1909, November 16

In Lords, Colonial Secretary told Lord Ampthill of strenuous efforts made by Colonial Office and South African Union delegates to find solution to problem of treatment of British Indians in Transvaal. He promised to publish a Bluebook containing record of recent negotiations.

1909, November 18

Gandhi wrote in Gujarati "Preface to Tolstoy’s Letter to a Hindoo".

1909, November 19

Wrote in English Preface to Tolstoy’s Letter to a Hindu.

1909, November 30

Arrived at Cape Town with Hajee Habib. Interview to Cape Argus.

1909

Cabled Gokhale thanking Ratan J. Tata for donation of Rs. 25,000.00 in aid of Transvaal struggle.

1909

Romesh Chunder Dutt, Prime Minister to the Gaekwar of Baroda, passed away.

1909, December 1

Col. Seely admitted in Commons that even more stringent legislation than Immigration Law of Transvaal, which constituted racial barrier against British Indians’ immigration, existed in Orange River Colony.

1909, December 2

Gandhi arrived at Johannesburg. In interview to Reuter at Park Station, thanked Government for allowing his and Hajee Habib’s reentry into Transvaal.

1909, December 3

Addressed meeting of Tamil ladies in Johannesburg.

1909

In reply to The Star pleaded that "the theory of equality may be restored in our legislation as to immigration, which may be deliberately departed from in administration."

1909, December 4

Polak spoke at Calcutta on "nonpolitical aspects of the South African struggle".