The Government of the Transvaal is again in a position
of difficulty. Magato, the paramount chief of their north-east territory, has dismissed the Dutch Commissioner, and virtually declared war. He can dispose, it is believed, of twelve thousand good soldiers, who are well organised, and armed with the best rifles, obtained from the Portuguese. General Joubert has accordingly called out a levy of the Boers, and is offering to engage white volunteers. It is probable that he will secure the force he wants without applying the conscription to British settlers; but a great native war against the Dutch is always formidable to South Africa. They do not win so completely as we do, probably because their native enemies hate them more, and if they were as they were by Cetewayo, there would be serious complications. The white men, of whatever race, will never consent to a native victory. The Republic, however, is rich, and in spite of the difficulties of the Zoutspansberg range, will probably secure force enough to coerce any native tribe. If all the native tribes could combine, they might still drive the white man into the sea, but they have too many hatreds and jealousies of one another. Magato's grievance is not men- tioned in the telegrams, nor is the character of his defences.
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