The Pilgrims' March/Mrs. Das
Mrs. DAS' APPEAL.
LAST WORD ON HARTAL.
An appeal of Mrs. C. R. Das, says Mahatma Gandhi has given this massage to Bengal about hartal: The honour of leaders requires the people of Calcutta to observe complete hartal. It will be proof of their confidence in their leaders and proof also of the exercise of their own free-will. Merchants of Calcutta have now a chance of showing their determination and independence by observing complete hartal in spite of withdrawal of leaders. It is more necessary than ever for people now to observe hartal on 24th. People of Calcutta cannot do better than simply keep themselves at home on 24th except volunteers whose duty it will be to protect from harm those who may choose to open their shops. I am hoping that people of Calcutta will not fail to do their obvious duty on 24th inst.
This Message also expresses our decision, our determination. It embodies also our last and and final word on the hartal in Bengal. Religiously observe hartal all over Bengal. Keep yourself at home on the 24th. Stir not out of your houses on any provocation whatever. Heed not what the Govt. of Bengal and other interested people say in the matter. Put no faith in rumours and misrepresentations which prejudice of power may invent. We leave the honour of Bengal in your hands, and we know it is safe, God help us:—Basanti Debi.