11 MARCH 1882, Page 2

There seems to be every chance of another Cape war.

The Colonial Government has determined either to reduce the Basutos to complete subjection and confiscate their lands for their recnsancy, or to abandon the territory to the Crown.. Lord Kimberley, informed of this decision, has practically given way, telling the colonists that he should not resist moderate and reasonable confiscation *as a punishment. The colonists, however, are not content with this, and insist that if they are to govern the territory, they must be allowed to settle affairs their own way. The Basutos are, doubtless, troublesome, but this system of confiscation can be, and has been, frightfully abused. We cannot but think that it would be wiser to take the colonists at their word, and govern the Basutos through a Resident, responsible to the Governor alone. Even as it is, if the Colony is defeated, the expense of the newest native war will fall upon the Imperial Government.