20 APRIL 1878, Page 2

The news from the Cape is not satisfactory. It appears

to be certain that Secocoeni, the lieutenant or " dog " of Cetewayo, the Zulu King, is in insurrection, and probable that his master will also rise ; while there are reports that some of the Boers of the Transvaal refuse obedience to Sir T. Shepstone. Sir Michael Hicks-Beach stated on Tuesday that reinforcements would be sent to the Transvaal as soon as possible, and expressed a hope that the Zulus might be quieted by negotiation ; but the general aspect of affairs evidently disquiets him. The Indian force sent to Malta would be much more usefully employed at the Cape, where we fear we must now look for a considerable war. The settlers in Natal can guard themselves, but if the Boers are sullen—a statement not proved yet—we shall in the Transvaal have only the regular troops to rely on, and for regular the cotton industry, more especially at the commencement of a troops the distances are very great. They require an organised commissariat.