26 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
The whole Conference converted itself into Subjects Commitee when Dr. Ambedkar reviewed the whole situation and advised the delegates to embark on Satyagraha against the Civil Court’s injunction provided the delegates were prepared for the consequences of their action and to undergo imprisonment and other sufferings in a cheerful and voluntary manner.
The sense of the Conference was strongly in favour of the advice to embark on Satyagraha immediately and the President had difficulty in getting a hearing for any speaker who was for postponement of Satyagraha.
More Than 3,000 Volunteers Sign Pledge
Dr. Ambedkar then suggested that to gauge correctly the intensity of feeling, those delegates who were in favour of Satyagraha should be asked to give their consent in writing for practicising Satyagraha. Accordingly, the registration of delegates willing to practice Satyagraha was commenced and within one hour, 3,884 delegates had registered their names as ready to offer Satyagraha.
The Collector was informed that the Conference was in favour of Satyagraha on hearing which the Collector expressed a desire to address the Conference personally.
Collector Addresses Conference
The Satyagraha Conference assembled at 5-30 p.m. when Mr. Hood, the Collector, accompanied by the Superintendent of Police attended the Conference. The Collector addressed the meeting in Marathi. Mr. Hood said : “I know why you have all gathered in this Conference. I know also that if I advised you to defer Satyagraha you would all very much regret it as you have been preparing for this for the last three months. You all, however, know that the Bombay Legislative Council has passed a resolution to the effect that the “Depressed” Classes be admitted to the public tanks and schools and that the Bombay Government have instructed accordingly and have also advised the Local Board to do the same. The Government are quite willing, Mr. Hood said to admit them to the tank but 10 days ago there has taken place a new development. The touchables have filed a suit against the “Untouchables” contending that the tank was a private one and a temporary injunction has been granted in their favour.