Page:Speeches And Writings MKGandhi.djvu/172

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82 THE SOUTH AFRICAN INDIAN QUESTION ordinary gaols or the mine compounds, which might have been declared as such. Finally, it might not be out of place here to recapi- tulate the points on which relief has been sought. They are as fellows :- (1) Repeal of the £3 tax in such a manner that the Indians relieved will occupy virtually the same status as the indentured Indians discharged under the Natal Law, 25 of 1891 (2) The marriage question. (These two are the points, asl have verbally submitted, which require fresh legislation.) (3)The Cape entry question. ('Ihis requires only adminis- trative reliet subject tc the clear safeguards explained tothe Minister ) (4) The Orange Free State question. (This requires merely‘a verbal alteration in the assurance already given.) (5) An assurance that the existing laws especially affecting Indians will be administered justly, with due regard to vested rights. I venture to suggest that Noe. 3, 4 and 5 present no special difliculty, and that the needful relief may be now given on these points as an earnest of the good intentions of the Government regarding the resident Indian population. lf the Minister, as I trust anu hope, views my submission with favour, I shall be prepared to advise my countrymen an accordance with the tenour of this letter.