observed that they rejected even the High Dutch. The school masters, therefore, who are accustomed to speak the published Dutch of Europe, are com- pelled to teach the easier Taal. And literature of an excellent character is at the present moment growing up in South Africa in the Taal, which was only a few years ago, the common medium of speech between simple but brave rustics. If we have lost faith in our vernaculars, it is a sign of want of faith in ourselves ; it is the surest sign of decay. And no scheme of self- government, however benevolently or generously it may be bestowed upon us, will ever make us a self; governing nation, if we have no respect for the lan- guages our mothers speak.
SOCIAL SERVICE
At the anniversary celebration of the Social Service Leagur, held in Madras on February 10, 1916, Mr Gandhi delivered an address on " Social Service. " Mrs. Whitehead presided. He said :
I have been asked this evening to speak to you bout social service. If this evening you find that I am not able to do sufficient justice to this great audience you will ascribe it to so many engagements that 1 has- tily and unthinkingly accepted. It was my desire that I should have at least a few moments to think out what I shall have to say to you but it was not to be, How- ever, as our Chair Lady has said, it was work we want and not speeches. I am aware that you will have lost very little, if anything at all, if you find at the end of this evening's talk that you have listened to very little.
Friends, for Social Service as for any other service
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